Check out my review of the debate of Gaggia Anima vs Velasca, 2 standard mid-range machines from the famous brand Gaggia. After comparing their original features and how they perform in real life, Gaggia Anima is the ultimate winner!
The Gaggia Anima is practical and effective. It has an excellent stainless steel steam wand, adjustable temperature settings, a low-energy mode, and a low-pressure pre-infusion brewing technology for a rich cup of espresso daily. Also, I prefer its tall design much more than Velasca’s bulky frame.
The Gaggia Velasca, which came in second place, is still a fantastic and performance-driven choice because it shares several same qualities with the Gaggia Anima. It is ideal for someone with little space and needs something straightforward to make good espresso from fresh beans.
Gaggia Anima vs Velasca: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Anima vs Velasca: Differences
Gaggia Anima wins 3-1 against Gaggia Velasca. It boasts innovative low-pressure pre-infusion brewing technology and a stainless steel milk wand, which is something Velasca fails to offer.
Espresso extraction
Winner: Gaggia Anima
Gaggia Anima and Velasca are both equipped with a 15-bar pump. With such a potent pressure level, it’s easy for this pair to extract bold espresso with velvety crema. But is this all?
Gaggia Anima excels with its low-pressure pre-infusion technology that slowly soaks the coffee ground entirely to ensure that hot water can sip through every part of the puck. Thanks to the pre-infusion, every flavor note is very balanced, and the performance is very consistent. I never get watered-down or too-bitter espresso.
As for Velasca, the machine extracts good espresso quite consistently as well. But, sometimes, the flavor gets slightly stronger than I expect. So I suggest you choose a coarser grind level with this model.
Water tank
Tie
Gaggia Anima is equipped with a 61 oz water tank, while Gaggia Velasca only has a 50.7 oz reservoir. So, the tank capacity is larger with Anima. Thus, it will last longer and requires less frequent refilling.
On the other hand, the water tank on Velasca is front-loaded, so it’s very easy to remove it. The machine also won’t take up extra space on the back, top, or side. So bare this detail in mind. As for Anima, its water reservoir is top-loaded. So users will have to pull it out vertically. This information also indicates that you shouldn’t put the machine under the kitchen cabinet. Instead, the model requires an open top space.
Grinder
Winner: Gaggia Velasca
Despite sharing the same ceramic burr grinder design that doesn’t heat up coffee grounds and has a good lifespan, the performance of the two has been distinctive. Gaggia Velasca has a much more consistent grinder that doesn’t jam, nor does a lousy job at delivering even beans grounds.
As for Anima, its grinder is a bit faulty for me. The grounds also gather more quickly with this one. As a consequence, I have experienced jams sometimes with this model. As a way to overcome this error, I have to clean it frequently to avoid the ground getting stuck on the grinding plate.
Milk wand
Winner: Gaggia Anima
+ Wand’s material
A Pannarello wand is present in both the Anima and the Velasca. However, the one on Anima is built entirely of stainless steel, which heats up faster than food-grade plastic and should be more durable.
I generally don’t appreciate plastic steam wands because of their material. Plastic should not be used when it constantly enters into contact with high temperatures because it can warp and release bad odors. A plastic wand, which becomes clumsy and cheap with time, looks worse on an espresso machine from an aesthetic standpoint.
+ Foam texture
Gaggia Anima and Velasca do an equally good job in terms of milk foam texture. They can froth microfoam to a certain level. In fact, if I leave the milk pitcher with them for too long, the texture can even get cake-like and too dry, which showcases that these models’ steam potency is robust.
Of course, since milk wands offer users more control over the final foam texture, it’s very easy to adjust it according to the beverage that we are making. This pair can handle the milk part like a champ, from mocha and flat white to latte macchiato and cappuccino.
Low Energy Mode
Winner: Gaggia Anima
With Gaggia Anima, after 60 minutes of inactivity, a low-energy feature that conserves energy gets into action. The device recognizes when it has been left idle for more than 60 minutes and switches automatically into a low-energy mode that only costs 1W to maintain, but it doesn’t shut off completely. In any case, if you want to prolong the lifespan of your espresso machine while saving electricity, it’s always recommended to get a standby model.
Gaggia Anima vs Velasca: Similarities
Check out these 2 similarities between Anima and Velasca that I think are highly positive for your home-barista experience.
3 classic drinks at the touch of the button
These models have a very classic set of one-touch beverages. Users can brew espresso, espresso lungo, and hot water for tea at the touch of a button. I understand that the set is humble, but with the steam wands that can froth a good variety of milk textures, I think you will like these models, even if you are a beginner in the world of espresso machines.
Clean/ descale indicator
Anima and Velasca are designed with a clean and descale indicator. The notification will occupy the entire display and tell users it’s time to clean/ descale. That way, you won’t need to keep up with the schedule too strictly. Keep in mind that the device won’t brew if it’s in clean/ descale alert.
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 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Velasca
- Manual frothing for milk-based drinks: Pannarello steam wand for frothing milk
- Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and Espresso Lungo with 3 different temperature settings
- Ceramic burr grinder and brew unit: ceramic burr grinder with 10 fineness settings, 5 brew strength settings, and bean hopper with 10.5oz capacity
- Front loaded water reservoir: features a 54oz capacity and pulls out from the front of the machine, ideal for low hanging cabinets
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
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.