Best Gaggia Espresso Machine in 2024

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Looking for a quick answer? We have chosen the Anima Prestige as the best Gaggia espresso machine.

Gaggia is one of the most popular espresso machine brands in the market. If you have been looking at Gaggia machines, you may have noticed that they have a huge selection. With more than 30 different models available, choosing the right espresso machine can be overwhelming.

We are here to help you choose the best Gaggia espresso machine for you. We have put together this list of the 7 best Gaggia espresso machines. We have owned a couple of the machines but we also conducted user review research and got access to some machines through friends to put this list together.

About Gaggia Espresso Machines

Gaggia is mostly known for their super-automatic machines. Although they also produce a few semi-automatic models. Most machines in this list are going to be super-automatic models. 

These super automatic machines are more suitable for someone who is looking to replace their trip to the coffee shop or to entertain people. They can also be a great choice for an office. 

Super-automatic machines are extremely convenient and easy to use. However, the espresso taste that you can achieve with a semi-automatic or automatic machine will be superior. If you are getting seriously into espresso making, you might be better off getting an automatic or semi-automatic machine.

Because of this, our criteria to choose the top Gaggia machines is based more on convenience and features than espresso taste which should be pretty similar across the different models. We will get into more detail and explain why we recommend each of the machines. But if you are in a hurry, these are our top 3 picks

Our top 3 picks

Best overall: Anima Prestige

Budget pick: Gaggia Brera

Upgrade pick: Gaggia Babila

The 7 Best Gaggia Espresso Machines in 2022

IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILS
most affordable
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Semi-automatic
Grinder: None
Milk frothing: Manual
Heating system: Single boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: None
Price: $$
best budget super-automatic
Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, 40 fluid ounces, Silver
Super-automatic
Grinder: 5 settings
Milk frothing: Manual
Heating system: Single boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: 2
Coffee strength options: 3
Price: $$
best overall
Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine, Includes Steam Wand for Manual Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos with Programmable Options,Black
Super-automatic
Grinder: 5 settings
Milk frothing: Carafe
Heating system: Single boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: 6
Coffee strength options: 5
Price: $$$
BEST for espresso enthusiasts
Gaggia Velasca Prestige Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, 54 ounces
Super-automatic
Grinder: 10 settings
Milk frothing: Carafe
Heating system: Single boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: 4
Coffee strength options: 5
Price: $$$
mid-range super-automatic
Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso Machine,0.5 Liters, Silver
Super-automatic
Grinder: 8 settings
Milk frothing: Carafe and manual steam wand
Heating system: Dual boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: 7
Coffee strength options: 3
Price: $$$
best for entertaining
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Medium, 60.8 fl.oz. Anthracite
Super-automatic
Grinder: 10 settings
Milk frothing: Carafe
Heating system: Single boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: 14
Coffee strength options: 5
Price: $$$
upgrade pick
Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, Medium
Super-automatic
Grinder: 15 settings
Milk frothing: Carafe and manual steam wand
Heating system: Dual boiler
Pre-programmed drinks: 8
Coffee strength options: 5
Price: $$$$

1. Gaggia Classic Pro – Most affordable

Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel

Feautures:

  • Semi-automatic
  • Grinder: None
  • Milk frothing: Manual steam wand
  • Heating system: Single boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: None
  • Coffee strength options: None

The Gaggia Classic Pro is the only semi automatic machine on this list. This means you will need to be more involved in the brewing process. You will have to grind the desired amount of coffee, then you need to press a button to manually start and stop the brewing process. Finally, if you want to make a milk base drink such as cappuccino, you will need to manually froth the milk using the machine’s steam wand. 

Even if the process is semi manual, this machine is pretty easy to use. It has only three buttons: one to turn the machine on/off, one for brewing and one for steaming. 

The Classic Pro comes with a full sized 58mm portafilter which is the kind of portafilter that professional baristas use. Most home semi automatic espresso machines use smaller portafilters. A 58mm portafilter lets you produce a shot of espresso with more clarity and complex flavors if you are using a good burr grinder. So make sure to invest in one if you don’t already own one. The Gaggia Classic Pro, unlike the other machines on this list, does not feature a built-in grinder. 

The Classic Pro uses a single boiler so you will have to wait about five minutes for it to heat up before you start brewing. Also, you will have to wait a few seconds for the temperature to increase when switching from brewing to steaming and vice versa. Luckily, there is a light indicator that will tell you when the machine is ready for brewing or steaming so you don’t have to guess.

Classic Pro’s steam wand has a two-hole tip that can create good microfoam for latte art. However, the steaming process is fully manual so you will have to practice your skills to achieve the right milk texture for the drink you are making. 

Besides the lack of a built-in grinder, another drawback of the Classic Pro is that it comes with a plastic tamper. We would recommend getting a metal tamper for better espresso quality. 

Who is this for?

If you are interested in improving your barista skills and would rather have more control over every step of the espresso process, then this machine is for you. The price is affordable compared to other similar semi automatic machines in the market. Keep in mind that you will need to get a burr grinder, if you don’t already own one, to get better quality espresso. If you prefer the convenience of a super automatic machine, then skip this one and keep reading more for options. 

What we like

  • Includes professional size 58mm portafilters
  • 2 hole manual steam wand that can make microfoam

What we don’t like:

  • Price is bit high for an entry level machine

2. Gaggia Brera – Best budget super-automatic

Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Small, 40 fluid ounces, Silver

Feautures:

  • Super-automatic
  • Grinder: 5 settings
  • Milk frothing: Manual steam wand
  • Heating system: Single boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: 2
  • Coffee strength options: 3

The Gaggia Brera is an entry-level super automatic machine. Many people think they need to spend at least a thousand dollars to get a super automatic machine. Well, Gaggia has this great option at a much more affordable price. 

With this machine, the grinding and brewing processes will be fully automated. But, the milk steaming process is still manual. So there will be a learning curve if you don’t already know how to froth milk for espresso drinks. Moreover, the machine has a pannarello steam wand which means that it will be hard to achieve the microfoam texture required for latte art.

The Gaggia Brera is also pretty easy to use with its friendly user interface. You can indicate how much coffee ground you want to use for your espresso, choose the coffee strength and the cup size.  

This espresso machine is pretty compact so the water tank is on the smaller side and you will need to refill it pretty often. On the brightside, it won’t take a lot of countertop space in your kitchen. 

Who is this for?

We recommend the Brera espresso machine if you want the convenience of a super automatic machine but are on a budget. It is a great entry-level machine so you can later upgrade to a more advanced model. The Brera is also a good option if you don’t have a lot of countertop space.

What we like

  • Affordable entry-level super automatic machine
  • Compact and easy to use

What we don’t like:

  • Panarello steam wand is not the best at making microfoam

3. Gaggia Anima Prestige – Best overall and best value

Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine, Includes Steam Wand for Manual Frothing for Lattes and Cappuccinos with Programmable Options,Black

Feautures:

  • Super-automatic
  • Grinder: 5 settings
  • Milk frothing: Carafe
  • Heating system: Single boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: 6
  • Coffee strength options: 5

The Anima Prestige is a super automatic machine that lets you brew four different types of drinks: espresso, lungo, cappuccino and latte macchiato. What is more, you can adjust each drink to fit your preferences. This espresso machine lets you select between five strength levels and three temperature levels. 

The Anima Prestige lets you make cappuccinos and lattes from start to finish just by pressing a button. You just need to put the milk in the included carafe, attach it to the machine and select the drink that you want. To make the process even simpler, this machine has an option to clean the milk circuit after you finish making a milk base drink. This way you can keep your machine clean without any additional effort. 

Considering all the functionality, this espresso machine is still very compact so it can be a good option if you are short on countertop space. There is also a hot water option that can be great to have if you just want to make some tea. Like many other Gaggia machines, the Anima comes with an adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser. It should give you enough clearance even for travel mugs. 

Who is this for?

We have chosen the Anima Prestige as the best Gaggia espresso machine due to the great value, convenience and flexibility it provides. If you are looking for a machine that can automatically make espresso, latte and cappuccino without breaking the bank, this machine is ideal for you. 

What we like

  • Best value. It offers a good range of customization and convinience for a reasonable price
  • Still compact compared to other super-automatic machines

What we don’t like:

  • No option to manually steam milk

4. Gaggia Velasca Prestige – Best for espresso enthusiasts

Gaggia Velasca Prestige Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, 54 ounces

Feautures:

  • Super-automatic
  • Grinder: 10 settings
  • Milk frothing: Carafe
  • Heating system: Single boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: 4
  • Coffee strength options: 5

The Velasca Prestige is similar to the Anima Prestige in that it lets you make both espresso and milk based drinks just by pressing one button. This espresso machine also includes the milk carafe that makes the process fully automated for drinks that require milk frothing. But compared to the Anima Prestige, you will be getting more customization options.

The Velasca Prestige is ideal for espresso enthusiasts as it provides more customization options. You can choose between three brewing temperatures and five levels of coffee strength. The Velasca Prestige also includes a burr grinder with ten different settings to choose from. This means that you will be able to better fine tune your espresso to get the flavor profile that you prefer. More good news for espresso lovers, the Velasca lets you adjust pre infusion. You have the option to turn it off or make it longer for a richer extraction. 

Another nice feature in the Velasca is the front loading water tank which makes it easier to refill. The Velasca Prestige also includes a water filter that promises to make 5000 cups before you need to descale the machine. We really value this feature as descaling can be a pretty tedious process. 

Who is this for?

The Velasca Prestige is ideal for espresso enthusiasts who want to have the option to customize the different variables in the espresso brewing process. But at the same time have the option to be hands-off when making any drink.

What we like

  • Offers the most customization compared to other Gaggia machines
  • Adjustable pre-infusion

What we don’t like:

  • No option to manually steam milk

5. Gaggia Accademia – Mid-range super-automatic

Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso Machine,0.5 Liters, Silver

Feautures:

  • Super-automatic
  • Grinder: 8 settings
  • Milk frothing: Carafe and manual steam wand
  • Heating system: Dual boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: 7
  • Coffee strength options: 3

Here we are getting into the higher end of Gaggia’s machines. The first upgrade in the Accademia is the dual boiler. This means the machine can brew and steam at the same time so you will get your drink faster. 

The Accademia has seven specialty drink options including cappuccino and latte. The machine gives you the option to adjust volume, strength,  temperature and froth texture. Having so many adjustable settings can feel a bit overwhelming but the Gaggia Accademia has a very user friendly LCD display.

Another great feature is the flow control dial at the front. You can use this dial to switch between a higher flow for a more balanced drip coffee and a lower flow for espresso for richer crema.

The Accademia also includes a manual steam wand in case you want to skip the automated process and try your own skills. With some practice you will be frothing milk that you can use for latte art.

Similar to other Gaggia machines, the Accademia features an adjustable spout that should have enough clearance for travel mugs.

Who is this for?

Gaggia Accademia is a great choice if you are looking for a high end super automatic machine that gives you convenience but also multiple customizable options. If you find value in having the option to use the steam wand manually this can be another reason to consider this machine

What we like

  • Dual boiler allows for simultaneous brewing and frothing, so you will get your drink faster.
  • Option for both automatic and manual milk frothing

What we don’t like:

  • Pricey

6. Gaggia Cardona Prestige – Best for entertaining

Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Medium, 60.8 fl.oz. Anthracite

Feautures:

  • Super-automatic
  • Grinder: 10 settings
  • Milk frothing: Carafe
  • Heating system: Single boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: 14
  • Coffee strength options: 5

The Gaggia Cardona Prestige is the superautomatic espresso machine that gives you a coffee shop experience with an impressive number of specialty drinks available. This machine lets you select from 14 different drinks which is the most number of drinks in any of the Gaggia machines. Moreover, you can adjust the strength, volume and temperature for each drink and save the preferences under one of the 4 user profiles. If there are multiple coffee drinkers in your household this can be a very useful feature to have. 

We need to mention that the Cardona is missing some of the features available in other high end Gaggia machines. First, it operates with a single boiler which means it won’t be possible to brew and steam at the same time. Also, it does not include a steam wand for manual steaming or the flow control dial for espresso flavor tuning. But, if you are not looking to be too involved in the brewing process and just want to get your drink by pressing a button, you will not even miss these features.

Who is this for?

The Cardona Prestige is ideal for someone looking for a great machine for entertaining with the most number of drinks available. If you want to easily get a drink and do not care about having the option to steam milk manually or to adjust the brewing flow you will love this machine. It can also be great for a household with many coffee drinkers as each person can have their own profile with their drinks preferences saved. 

What we like

  • Highest number of drink options with 14 pre-programmed drinks
  • Option to create 4 user profiles to save drink preferences

What we don’t like:

  • No option to manually steam milk

7. Gaggia Babila – Best overall if budget is not an issue

Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, Medium

Feautures:

  • Super-automatic
  • Grinder: 15 settings
  • Milk frothing: Carafe and manual steam wand
  • Heating system: Dual boiler
  • Pre-programmed drinks: 8
  • Coffee strength options: 5

The Babila is Gaggia’s top of the line super automatic espresso machine. It is a beautiful machine with a stainless steel build that is great for entertaining.The Gaggia Babila can make 8 different drinks with the option to customize them by choosing from 5 strength levels and 3 temperature levels. Also, one customization option that you will only get in the Babila is the taste adjustment. You can choose between delicate, balanced or full-body. Based on your choice, the machine will automatically adjust the pre-infusion time. No pre-infusion gives your espresso a more delicate taste and on the other extreme, a longer pre-infusion time will produce a full-body shot.

The Gaggia Babila includes the best burr grinder in the Gaggia family with 15 grind size options. Having these many options will allow you to better dial in the espresso for different kinds of beans. 

The Babila also includes the self-cleaning detachable carafe for easy milk drinks. It also has the option for manual steaming in case you want to practice your barista skills.

Of course, being a high end machine, the Babila uses a dual boiler which will allow you to brew and steam at the same time.  

Who is this for?

If budget is not an issue and you are looking for the super automatic machine that does it all, then the Babila is a great choice. You will be getting the convenience of a bean to cup to machine but at the same time have the option to adjust your espresso brewing preferences. 

What we like

  • Dual boiler allows for simultaneous brewing and frothing, so you will get your drink faster
  • Option for both automatic and manual milk frothing

What we don’t like:

  • Very expensive

Buying Guide – How to choose the best Gaggia espresso machine for you?

As you see, there is a Gaggia espresso machine for every budget. Of course, the feautures you get with each machine go up with price. But, how do you choose the best Gaggia espresso machine for you? We will walk you through the factors you should evaluate before purchasing a Gaggia espresso machine.

Semi Automatic Vs. Super Automatic

Gaggia produces mainly super automatic machines and only a couple of semi automatic models. Indeed, the only semi automatic machine in our list above is the Classic Pro. All the other ones will give you all the convenience that a super automatic machine provides. But what is the difference between a semi automatic and super automatic machine? Why should you choose one over the other?

With a semi-automatic espresso machine you are more engaged in the brewing process. You have to do the grinding, dosing and tamping. The machine will pull the shot for you but you still get to decide when to start and stop the brewing process. On the other hand, a super-automatic machine basically does all the work for you. It grinds, doses, and tamps the coffee grounds. Then, it starts and stops the brewing process at the correct time. These machines will also include automatic milk frothing.

So how do you choose the right level of automation for you? For this, you need to answer two questions. The first question you need to answer is how involved do you want to be in the espresso brewing process. If you want a machine that will make you a drink just by pressing a button and that does not require barista skills then go for the super automatic machines. If you want to have more control over the dosage or brewing time or are trying to work on your brewing skills, then you may prefer a semi automatic machine.

The second question to ask yourself is if you are willing to sacrifice taste for convenience. Super-automatic machines are easy to use, but you will achieve a better tasting espresso with a semi-automatic machine. There are many variables in espresso brewing and semi-automatic machines give you more flexibility to tweak these variables and achieve the best result.

Built-in grinder

Almost all Gaggia machines come with a built-in burr grinder. But, if you are looking at the Classic Pro note that this machine does not include a grinder. If you don’t already have a burr grinder, you should consider investing in one to go with your espresso machine. 

A blade grinder is never recommended for espresso brewing or any kind of brewing really. It is true that you can find some burr grinder for less than $100 but we have seen that you usually get inconsistent results when grinding fine. A good burr grind that can achieve the correct espresso grind is probably going to be an additional $200-$300 investment. 

Milk Frothing

Again, most Gaggia models on our list can froth milk automatically, except for the Classic Pro and the Brera. If you do not know how to steam milk and are not interested in learning, you should choose one of the machines that include automatic milk steaming. If you want to work on your barista skill and steam the milk manually for more control, then the Classic Pro could be the best machine for you. 

Footprint

One factor many people do not think about is that espresso machines can take a lot of rooms in your kitchen. If you have limited space in your kitchen countertop, you may want to consider more compact models such as the Brera or Velasca. 

Drink Options

As we said before, most of the Gaggia machines are super automatic. They will all provide the hands off experience of getting the drink that you want just by pressing a button. That being said, not all the Gaggia models will be able to make the same number of different drinks. The Cadorna Prestige can make 14 drinks while on the cheaper end we have the Anima that can only make 6. If you mostly drink espresso and americanos, this may not be an issue and you could just get one of the more affordable machines.

The Verdict

Gaggia offers many different espresso machine models but our favorite is the Anima Prestige. It provides the best value for the money and it includes a good number of drink customization options. 

Of course, there are many other models that could be better for your needs. Are you looking for a machine to entertain your guests? Then, the Cardona Prestige is a great option. Do you want to go for the high-end option? Then, take a look at the Babila.

If you are looking for a semi-automatic machine, we definitely recommend the Classic Pro. If you want to look into other semi-automatic machines, check our article with our favorite picks.

Do you want to explore other brands? We also have listed our Breville favorites and our DeLonghi favorites.