Confused between Gaggia Anima vs Saeco Incanto? Check out my review to make the final decision. I have tested both machines for a better understanding of how the devices work. And after considering all the similarities and differences, Saeco Incanto has all my attention.
Saeco Incanto can brew espresso that is very delicious and well-balanced with its 15-bar pump pressure and 5 variable espresso strength settings. However, its milk carafe is what impresses me the most. It froths microfoam as if it’s the easiest thing to do, and I don’t have to chime in to adjust anything. The device wins thanks to its more diverse one-touch recipes as well.
The runner-up Gaggia Anima is a simple machine that solely produces espresso-based shots. A traditional manual steam wand provides a simple at-home barista experience. This one is a nice entry-level alternative for novices, although it doesn’t have as many practical features as Anima Prestige.
Gaggia Anima vs Saeco Incanto: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Anima vs Saeco Incanto: Differences
Saeco Incanto wins 2-0 and ties twice against Gaggia Anima. However, its milk carafe does a better job of delivering microfoam efficiently. Its one-touch beverages are worth considering as well.
Espresso extraction
Tie
I can create extremely enticing espresso shots with nice crema owing to the 15-bar pump with Gaggia Anima and Saeco Incanto. This improves the mouthfeel of the beverages by making them heavier and velvetier.
The pair allows you to customize your drinks if you like. It provides a variety of coffee strength and aroma options. Additionally, users may modify each recipe’s volume. With the 5 strength levels that the machines offer, you can customize a bold cup to your liking. The intuitive system will memorize the adjustments and dispense the exact amount the next time you select the same recipe.
Milk system
Winner: Saeco Incanto
This is one major difference between Saeco Incanto and Gaggia Anima. While the Incanto model I’m reviewing is equipped with a milk carafe, which affects the one-touch panel hugely, the Gaggia Anima only comes with a classic Panarello wand. One is entirely automatic. The other is more manual.
There are benefits and disadvantages to both of them. But with the milk foam texture, I’m on team Saeco Incanto. However, I’m more convinced by its frother’s performance. Microfoam isn’t difficult with this device! On the contrary, Gaggia Anima is more gifted at creamy steamed milk, which is slightly too moist for latte macchiato or authentic cappuccino.
One-touch beverages
Winner: Saeco Incanto
Since Saeco Incanto has one-touch latte macchiato and cappuccino while the Gaggia one doesn’t go further than classic espresso and espresso-based drinks, the former will compliment users’ daily brewing experience much more. You can expect to brew these recipes with one touch only with these devices:
- Saeco Incanto: espresso, espresso lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, milk portion, and hot water
- Gaggia Anima: Espresso, espresso lungo, and hot water
Operational stability
Tie
Both have flaws, like any other espresso machine. What’s important is how serious the flaw is. Make your own judgment based on my experience with the pair.
With Saeco Incanto, from brewing to frothing milk, there isn’t any major issue that sways me from enjoying the device’s functionality. But it does leak water when it’s turned off. I notice water in the dreg drawer and the drip tray. Thus it’s necessary to refill the tank more often and clear the compartments more frequently than Gaggia Anima.
As for Gaggia Anima, its empty-water-tank indicator isn’t very precise. Sometimes, it will notify me even when the tank is full. My solution is to lift the tank and place it again in its slot to trigger the alert to turn off.
Gaggia Anima vs Saeco Incanto: Similarities
Gaggia Anima and Saeco Incanto share many similarities, and I will reveal 2 that will concern your future experience with them.
Single boiler heating element
In my opinion, this pair employs a single boiler as their main heating system, which is a tad too basic. But, they do their job well in delivering hot espresso consistently with good preparation. I usually leave the devices on for 2 or 3 minutes so that they have enough time to heat water properly without rushing.
Had these machines been equipped with a Thermoblock or dual boiler, the after-price surely would skyrocket, which isn’t what we are looking for in an affordable espresso machine. There is a trade-off here!
Auto-purge
With the auto-purge feature, these machines keep the system clean before and after each brewing session, ensuring that there is no nasty odor or gunk left that may form mold or bacteria, affecting users’ health. With the milk system, the devices will ask you if you want to rinse it right after finishing frothing. You will have a limited time to select yes, and it’s advisable to do it quickly.
Quick Rundown Of Saeco Incanto
- Elegant design, best materials, and high quality workmanship
- Creamy cappuccino and latte macchiato at the touch of a button thanks to detachable, hygienic milk carafe
- Professional disc grinder made of 100% ceramic for consistent performance and natural taste
- Easy maintenance and cleaning thanks to removable brewing unit and automatic cleansing and descaling procedures
- Large capacities in compact design: 8.8 ounce bean container, 15x waste container; 60.9 ounce
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Anima
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- MANUAL FROTHING FOR MILK-BASED DRINKS: Pannarello steam wand for frothing milk
- PROGRAMMABLE: Programmable brewing options for espresso and espresso lungo
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: 3 different temperature settings. Min/177.5 °F, Med/182.9 °F, Max/184.5 °F
- EASY ACCESS TO WATER RESERVOIR AND BEAN HOPPER: Features a removable 60 oz water reservoir that can be accessed on the top left of the machine, and an 8.8 ounce capacity bean hopper with access from the top right of the machine
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Video
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References:
- Saeco Incanto: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/HD8917_48/incanto-super-automatic-espresso-machine
- Gaggia Anima: https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/anima/
I am Ralph Mason and I am a passionate coffee drinker. I worked as a barista for a few years and since 2012 I have been trying to convince as many people as possible of good coffee.
I started writing on the barista blog on RepublikCoffeeBar in 2018. It was a pure hobby site and I tested coffee products like coffee machines, beans, mug, and other accessories. After the first year, my blog is becoming a well-known coffee site with about 100 thousand visits per month.
In 2019 I decided to focus on RepublikCoffeeBar only. I became a full-time coffee blogger and was declared crazy by many.