Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Accademia might be the first espresso machines battle that I genuinely don’t mind purchasing both the winner and loser. These are super-potent mid-range models that are built for home use. And if you want a definite answer to “which is the winner?”, I will have to go with Anima Prestige.
Anima Prestige is a well-rounded model with a perfect design that I find absolutely flawless. The espresso flavor impresses me with its bold notes, and the milk system has constantly delivered microfoam for my latte macchiato and cappuccino.
What seals the deal for me is the price and value relation of the machine as well. This is one of the most potent mid-range models I have ever tested, and I even prefer some of its details more than my trusty favorite Philips 3200 LatteGo.
As for Accademia, this model has a dual milk system for owners who enjoy switching between automatic and manual milk frothing. Its espresso is wickedly delicious and full-bodied as well. But the model’s price makes it slightly less ideal choice compared to Anima Prestige.
Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Accademia: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Accademia: Diffences
Gaggia Anima Prestige wins 3-1 against Accademia, and they tie in terms of espresso flavor. However, it’s important to highlight that I also compare their features based on their price point and overall value as well. You have the details below.
Espresso flavor
Tie!
I have brewed many espressos with Gaggia Anima Prestige and Accademia. And, tbh, I don’t find the flavor distinctive. Both can extract delicious cups of espresso with all the flavor notes and texture quality that is required in all recipes.
Do the machines ever show signs of instability or lousy espresso? Never. The truth is Gaggia Anima Prestige, and Accademia is the less problematic duo I have ever compared. Most espresso machines will display certain types of error, if not in grinders, then in exterior designs. There are always some small details that ick me on most devices. But not in these ones.
So, if you want to constantly brew barista-quality espressos, cappuccinos, or any other convenient one-touch recipe the pair offers, I highly recommend both machines!
Grinder type
Winner: Gaggia Anima Prestige
Not everyone will agree with me on this, but I think the grinder that Gaggia Anima Prestige uses is the best one that homeowners and baristas should expect in the espresso machine market right now.
While Accademia is equipped with a flat grinder, Anima Prestige boasts a conical one. And both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I prefer the conical burr grinder because the design naturally helps prevent leftover beans in the grinding teeth. But it’s also worth mentioning that a flat grinder will do a noticeably better job grinding evenly.
I have checked the pucks of coffee inside the used coffee drawer, and despite there isn’t a big difference in the puck texture, I can tell that Accademia delivers finer and more even ground. But, in the long run, I suggest the conical grinder on Anima Prestige for better longevity.
Milk frother
Winner: Gaggia Accademia
Gaggia Accademia definitely wins this round. Not only can it froth microform to perfection, but it also is equipped with 2 milk systems: a carafe circuit and a steam wand. I have tested the systems, and the milk carafe delivers drier and airier microform, while the steam wand is better at making creamy milk.
So, it’s more about your preference and coffee style at the moment. You can opt for a manual steaming session if you want a hands-on barista experience whenever you want.
Gaggia Anima Prestige comes with a milk carafe automatic frothing system. I have also tested the performance many times, and I find it exactly the same as what Gaggia Accademia offers. They both are very well-crafted for making microfoam.
Energy saving
Winner: Gaggia Anima Prestige
Many environmentally aware shoppers place a high focus on energy conservation. When on standby, your complete machine enters a low-power mode, using less energy than your coffee makers. Since the machine is not entirely off, some power is still being used by it. Standby modes, however, may reduce energy efficiency by 2–5%.
The Gaggia Anima Prestige is a wise choice because of its energy-efficient design. The boiler stops heating, the system automatically goes into standby mode after 60 minutes, and all the equipment shuts down. As a result, the system uses minimum energy, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and environmental issues.
Exterior Design and Ergonomic Aspects
Winner: Gaggia Anima Prestige
The Anima Prestige fits under tall cabinets or on a dedicated brew bar with room for the reservoir and hopper lids because it is just 8.3″ wide, 13.4″ high, and weighs only 19 pounds. Overall, this model is compact and shouldn’t have any problem fitting small spaces.
In contrast, the Gaggia Accademia is substantially heavier than the Anima Prestige and measures 16″ x 14.6″ in width and height. This implies that this coffee maker will occupy a sizable amount of room in your kitchen.
Additionally, although Gaggia Accademia is larger than Anima Prestige, it only has a 54 oz reservoir capacity. As a result, you may be able to use less water in your machine so that it may transmit less water into the coffee.
There is a catch here, though. Both machines are equipped with a vertical-pull water reservoir. So it’s fundamental to organize a spot with upper space so you can pull them out of the frame for cleaning. As for refilling the tanks, it’s not necessary to take them out. Instead, you can remove the lid and pour water in without any problem.
Gaggia Anima Prestige vs Accademia: Similarities
The one-touch cappuccino and programmable aroma features are 2 interesting similarities between Gaggia Anima Prestige and Accademia. How do they perform for me? You have the answer below!
One-touch latte macchiato
Gaggia Anima Prestige and Accademia have a good set of one-touch beverages, and the latte macchiato is the milk-based one with which I’m most impressed. I have test-brewed all the milk-based recipes the pair has in their one-touch system, and the latte macchiato is the one that they brew best. The layers of milk foam, espresso, and steamed milk are perfectly divided.
The milk foam layers these devices make for their latte macchiato are single-handedly the most perfect creation I have ever witnessed in mid-range espresso machines. The drink looks and tastes amazing.
Programmable aroma intensity
It’s possible to adjust the aroma strength when you brew any beverage with these machines. This will affect the dosing of coffee beans and directly impact the intensity of the espresso flavor. So if you love strong coffee, don’t hesitate to set the aroma at the highest level.
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Anima Prestige
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Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Accademia
- Adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser with a maximum height of a little over 6-1/2-inch to accommodate a wide variety of cup sizes
- Milk carafe capacity 0,6 L.Ceramic burr grinder with integrated bean hopper and double lid aroma saver
- Integrated coffee grounds container, removable from the front
- Programmable coffee quantity - from 7 to 10-cup
- Pre-brewing system for maximum flavor extraction.Materials and finishing:metal painted/stainless steel
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/anima-prestige/
- https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/accademia/
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.