Owning the Gaggia Anima Deluxe
The second tier in the Gaggia Anima line, the Deluxe is a super-automatic espresso machine that can brew espresso and froth milk automatically for a delicious and luxurious drink. See what we did there? An integrated cappuccinatore replaces the manual pannarello steam wand present on the standard Anima model, which draws milk from a pitcher up through the hose and dispenses it steamy hot from the spout into your cup. No need to master any frothing techniques with this machine, which we love, but, as the name implies, the cappuccinatore produces a frothy cappuccino milk and isn’t adjustable. So, if you prefer a finer latte milk, you may want to take a look at the Anima Prestige, which has an integrated milk carafe and can produce both styles no sweat. Like the rest of the Anima line, the Deluxe’s espresso spouts are high enough to brew into a travel mug; it’s highly programmable, with the option to personalize grind and coffee strength across five settings, and coffee temp across three; and the innovative Gaggia Adapting System, or as we like to call it “the brains behind the brewing operation,” which learns how fast to spin those ceramic burrs and how hard to tamp for the first fifteen or so brews for revolutionary results in the cup.
The Anima Deluxe is as easy to maintain as it is to use, with its intuitive maintenance alerts, automated descaling cycle, and, of course, Gaggia’s removable brew group, which can be easily rinsed by hand. Additionally, you can install a Mavea Intenza water filter in the Anima’s 1.7 L water reservoir to preserve your coffee’s taste and the machine’s longevity. In all, the Anima Deluxe has us delirious with luxury. Oops, we did it again. If the cappuccinatore isn’t a fit and you want more control, take a look at the standard Anima for the manual pannarello wand; if you want even more convenience, the Prestige model has an integrated milk carafe for one-touch brewing; and if you’re looking for a high-capacity machine for entertaining or an office space, the XL is the way to go.