The debate of Lelit Anna 2 Vs Gaggia Classic Pro gave me tons of trouble because these machines are so alike. At the end of the day, after considering some key factors, I believe the latter is better.
I believe most drinkers will be pleased with the rich and bold espresso created by the Gaggia Classic Pro once you have gotten the hang of this machine. It is equipped with a commercial steam wand, allowing you to get the most out of your milk. Also, cleaning and maintaining it is a piece of cake.
The Lelit Anna 2 is a simple yet effective coffee machine. It can consistently extract espresso and has a great steam wand for milk foam. But it is dramatically more expensive than the winner, not to mention its larger water tank is non-removable, which is quite convenient.
Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lelit Anna 2 Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
Gaggia Classic Pro wins 3-2 against Lelit Anna 2. It is highly durable, easy to clean and maintain, and offers excellent espresso quality and milk texture. On top of that, this model is sold at an affordable price. Keep reading for more details.
ESPRESSO FLAVOR
The Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
Heating System
Both devices are single-boiler espresso machines, allowing you to froth milk and brew espresso separately instead of simultaneously as double-boiler ones do.
I am delighted with the temperature performance of both. In fact, you can have hot and steaming espresso in your hands within five minutes. I enjoyed the drink as soon as it came out, and my tongue felt burnt and tingling but not too burnt.
I found these machines to impart a rich and bold taste that likely comes from the stable and consistent pressure and temperature they can produce and maintain.
Remember that you can’t adjust the pressure (15 bars) or temperature profile since they are set at the factory. On the plus side, this makes the brewing process simpler. But if you like to toy with the brewing process, these units may not be for you.
Dosing and Tamping
These semi-automatic machines have no built-in grinder. So, you have to do every step manually, including grinding the coffee beans, dosing the amount of coffee, and tamping the puck. It sounds like you will get bogged down in a lot of technical work, but doing them is not as arduous as you think.
These machines are equipped with removable portafilters, a critical tool for extracting coffee. The Classic Pro has pressurized filter baskets that work well with ESE (Easy Serve Espresso) pods rather than limiting the portafilter’s baskets to freshly pre-ground beans only.
ESE pods hold less coffee ground and don’t achieve the best flavor in most cases because they aren’t freshly roasted beans. Yet, thanks to the pressurized basket that comes with the Classic Pro, I could extract better drinks with ESE pods and gained thicker crema with them. That’s also why this machine achieved its first win here.
MILK SYSTEM
The Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro
After testing their steam wands, I found the performance slightly different from the promotion. Rather than producing microfoam, these gadgets froth smooth and creamy milk foam for flat whites and lattes. So if you are keen on a drier milk foam texture, I recommend looking for more high-end models.
Back to the main concern: who wins?
I believe Gaggia Classic Pro deserves to win this round thanks to its commercial steam wand, which sets it apart from its predecessor. The Gaggia Classic has a Paranello steam wand, which isn’t ideal for producing a lot of microfoam for latte art. Meanwhile, the new steam wand of the Classic Pro is much better, allowing the machine to froth pretty good milk.
WATER RESERVOIR CAPACITY
The Winner: Draw.
The water tank capacity of Lelit Anna 2 and Gaggia Classic Pro is 91.3 oz and 71 oz, respectively. The larger tank capacity allows the former machine to serve more espresso before it runs out of water, reducing the frequency of refills. So if you are looking for something for a big family, coffee bar, or office, the Lelit Anna 2 is the one to get.
However, its water tank wasn’t removable, which disappointed me a bit. No one wants to lug this robust espresso machine, which weighs about 20 pounds, to the sink every time they need to refill its water reservoir.
Fortunately, the 72-ounce water reservoir of the Classic Pro is easy to remove. This machine has no separate water level indicator, but its transparent water reservoir lets you refill it fairly accurately.
The water tank of the Lelit Anna 2 is larger but non-removable, and vice versa for the Classic Pro. So we have a tie here.
Lelit Anna 2 Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities
DESIGN AND MATERIAL
These machines are almost identical in design and material since they are mainly made from stainless steel. If there is one thing that always rings true, it is you can’t go wrong with a stainless steel machine. They are highly durable, rust-free, and ready to serve you for years.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING
It is a breeze to clean Lelit Anna 2 and Gaggia Classic Pro, provided you follow the guide in the owner’s manual. I discovered that the brew groups and drip trays are dishwasher-safe, even though the brand doesn’t officially state this. So it is possible to throw them in your dishwasher for a quick trip.
In matters of descaling their boiler, you have to mix a descale solution/powder with water and pour the mixture into their water tank. Then, the entire system will be descaled by running the brewing process until the reservoir runs out of water.
If you brew espresso many times per day, descaling every month is wise. If the usage frequency is less often, descaling once every 2 to 3 months is more than enough.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro
- Solid Steel Housing, Made in Italy
- 9 Bar Espresso Extractions
- Stainless Steel 58mm Commercial Portafilter
- Commercial Three Way Solenoid Valve
- Commercial Steam Wand
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Lelit Anna 2
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References:
- Gaggia Classic Pro: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-classic-pro
- Lelit Anna 2: https://lelit.com/product/anna-pl41tem/
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.