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Gaggia is one of the top manufacturers in the home-based espresso machine industry, and they have established a good reputation for crafting quality and durable machines.
Gaggia has a wide variety of different models at different price points, ensuring that they have a machine suitable for nearly every espresso enthusiast. Choosing the best Gaggia machine for you comes down to weighing the most important factors, and taking a close look at the differences between each model.
We have hand-selected five of the top Gaggia espresso machines on the market today and highlighted the pros and cons of each individual machine.
at a glance: Our Top 5 Gaggia Espresso Machines
Choosing the Right Gaggia Espresso Machine
Gaggia is an Italian espresso company that has cemented itself as one of the top brands in the industry. From the simple and straightforward Gaggia Classic Pro to the upscale and high-tech Gaggia Accademia, there is enough versatility within their portfolio to accommodate nearly every espresso enthusiast.
Price and Budget
Gaggia produces a wide variety of different espresso machine models, and there is enough variance in price between their different models to ensure that a wide variety of different customers with different budgets can enjoy high-quality Italian-style espresso at home.
At the most affordable end of the spectrum, Gaggia produces a handful of simple and straightforward models that deliver high-quality espresso drinks without breaking the bank, even for those with more moderate budgets.
These simple and reliable entry-level Gaggia machines include the Gaggia Classic Pro, which is designed to accomplish a handful of basic tasks efficiently. This is one of the best espresso machines on the market at the $500 and under price point and is one of the most popular models among college students.
The next step up from these basic Gaggia machines are semi-automatic espresso machines that feature similar features to the base models, but with slightly updated technology and led screens that are used to select pre-programmed espresso drinks.
These semi-automatic espresso machines include the Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic, which includes an integrated top-end grinder for freshly ground espresso beans every morning. There is also an area for adding pre-ground espresso, which gives the machine maximum versatility.
The next step up in terms of quality levels for Gaggia at-home espresso machines brings customers into the “$1,00 and Under” price range, where machines are fully automated for the most part in terms of beverage creation outside of the milk frothing element.
The Gaggia Anima is one of the most popular Italian-made espresso machines at this price point, and it is fully customizable from espresso brew strength and temperature to the amount and ratio of hot water and milk in latte-style drinks, Americanos, and cappuccinos.
For customers willing to spend slightly over $1000 on their next at-home espresso machine, premium features like automatic milk frothing and a deep library full of pre-loaded drinks are available, with the machine doing the majority of the work.
These high-end and upscale machines include the Gaggia Accademia, which is considered by many to be an equally impressive “supercomputer” as it is a high-quality espresso machine. Owning a Gaggia Accademia is essentially like having a coffee-making robot in your home that is programmed with all of your favorite drinks.
At the very top end of the price spectrum, there are professional-level, commercial-grade machines that have been optimized for home use as opposed to being used in professional coffee shops. These machines are very durable and can handle a commercial-level volume.
The Gaggia Babila offers all of the best features in the Gaggia portfolio using high-end parts that are comparable to professional-level machines. For just under $2000, this machine essentially brings the full Italian coffee shop experience directly into your home for use every morning.
Features and Design
It is important to determine which features are most important to you when shopping for a new espresso machine, as different options will showcase different features for creating a wide variety of different espresso-based drinks.
It is a good idea to take a good look at which styles of espresso-based drinks you most often enjoy. People who typically enjoy simple shots of espresso without any steamed milk or hot water additions will benefit from the simplicity and ease of use of Gaggia’s entry-level machines.
The most simple and straightforward machines offered by Gaggia are also by far the easiest to clean and maintain. Fewer features mean fewer “moving parts,” and the most simple machines are also the easiest to maintain for maximum longevity.
People who drink simple core espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos will benefit from the added features present on some of Gaggia’s more “mid-level” machines. These machines have enough features to handle simple drinks without high-tech additions that drive up the price.
For people that find themselves working their way around the complete menu at their local coffee shops, high-end automated Gaggia machines are the best option.
These machines are capable of fully assembling a wide variety of different drinks, and they allow customers to enjoy the convenience of having a personal barista at home.
Size and Weight
One of the most overlooked factors that many people find to be extremely important in the espresso machine shopping process is the size and shape of the espresso machine itself. Some machines are much more compact than others, and they come in a variety of shapes.
People who have smaller kitchens in their homes will benefit from the compact design associated with some of Gaggia’s more basic machines. These straightforward espresso machines are also very light, making them easy to stow away or travel with.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some people who find themselves with excess space in their kitchens that need to be filled. These are great situations for some of the larger and more “flashy” Gaggia machines, as they make an excellent show and conversation pieces.
It is always a good idea to take a ruler or tape measure to find the length, depth, and height of the area where you are planning on placing your new espresso machine. This ensures that there will not be any issues or unpleasant surprises once the machine is brought into your home.
Style and Aesthetic
While each at-home espresso machine is unique in terms of design, there are a handful of common styles or themes that manufacturers tend to stick with when it comes to machine design. It is important to take a close look around your kitchen to establish the interior design theme.
The majority of Gaggia espresso machines feature a sleek metallic finish, which fits in great with the interior design themes of modern and minimalistic kitchens. Many high-end kitchen appliances come stock in a similar stainless steel finish, making these machines a great fit in many different kitchens.
People who prefer a more simple design that is less eye-catching should keep an eye out for espresso machines with matte finishes such as models available in black and gray. There are more and more colorful options being released to the market each year as well.
High-tech machines with led screens and touchscreen controls tend to feature more “boxy” and minimalistic designs. These fit in well with just about any kitchen, and it is not immediately apparent that they are espresso machines at all from across the room.
There are also many Gaggia home espresso machines that are designed as an homage to the traditional full-scale Italian espresso machines found in coffee shops all across the country. These usually feature visible grinder hoppers, as well as intricate and shiny milk frothers.
Retailer and Delivery
When purchasing a new Gaggia at-home espresso machine, it is always recommended to choose a trusted and established licensed retailer. This ensures that you will receive a genuine product, as well as simplifies the process if there is a need to return the item.
Nearly every machine in the Gaggia lineup is available for purchase through Amazon, which is one of the largest and most trusted online retailers in the world. Prime members often qualify for free two-day shipping, and Amazon’s return process is well regarded as one of the industry’s best.
Some of the largest retailers in the United States will also often price match with their top competitors, which is a great way to find savings regardless of your local store. These top retailers can also help with custom orders, as well as replacement parts.
There are certain situations such as last-minute gifts and “coffee emergencies” where it is not possible to order a machine online and wait for shipping. This is where brick-and-mortar retailers are the best option, as your new machine can be in your home and enjoyed within hours of purchase.
Top 5 Gaggia Espresso Machines
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Gaggia Espresso Machines
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Pro |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Gaggia Anima |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Gaggia 1003380 Accademia |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
Gaggia has a full lineup showcasing a wide variety of different espresso machine styles, and there are over a dozen different options to choose from. To simplify the shopping process, we have chosen five of the best and most popular Gaggia models on the market today.
1. Gaggia Classic Pro
Pros
- Simple machine that is straightforward to both operate and clean out daily
- Features “old school” analog controls with iconic flip switch design
- High-quality Italian espresso machine for under $500
- One of the most compact, lightest, and sleekest machines on the market
- High-quality steam wand rotates for full milk frothing ability
- One of the most durable Italian espresso machines on the market
Cons
- Simple machine that does not feature more in-depth features
- No pre-loaded drink options to high-tech features
- No integrated grinder, requires the ownership or purchase of one
2. Gaggia Brera Super-Automatic
Pros
- Attractive “boxy” design that blends in well with many kitchens
- Shiny metallic finish adds to the overall modern look and feel
- Integrated top-loading coffee grinder is well hidden within the frame
- Can use full beans or pre-ground espresso for full versatility
- Light-up display makes operation simple and straightforward
- One of the most rapid heating machines on the market today
Cons
- Some people assume that the simple light-up display is an LED screen
- Price tag of just under $500 is a bit high considering the limited features
- Many moving parts make for more potential areas to wear down over time
3. Gaggia Anima
Pros
- High tech machine with a full library of pre-loaded drinks
- 8-ounce espresso bean hopper is one of the larger on the market
- Everything from shot size to aroma strength can be fully customized
- Machine alerts you when water or espresso bean levels are low
- High-end milk frother makes operation very simple
- One of the most popular and highly rated Gaggia models
Cons
- Price tag of just under $900 is too high for some customers
- High tech machine with LED screen operation is too complicated for some
- Total machine weight is just under four pounds without beans or water
4. Gaggia Accademia
Pros
- Features high-end bells and whistles like an automatic milk frother
- Can brew espresso drinks as well as traditionally brewed style coffee
- Features an LED screen as well as large traditional buttons
- Deep library of drinks is one of the best in the industry
- Full-sized machine that operates as a full coffee bar
- Personalization and automation make this machine very simple to use
Cons
- Not all people like the “hands-off” approach to automation
- One of the larger machines on the market that takes up extra space
- One of the more difficult machines to repair and maintain over time
5. Gaggia Babila
Pros
- Features some of the highest quality overall parts on a home espresso machine
- Designed for maximum durability and volume over time
- Has all features present in the Accademia model but with upgraded hardware
- One of the best premium coffee and espresso machines on the market today
- Fully automated machine that works as a home barista for you
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on the market at just under $2000
- Large machine that is fairly heavy and takes up significant counter space
- Can be fairly difficult to maintain and repair if there are issues over time
Best Gaggia Espresso Machines – Final Thoughts
Gaggia is one of the most popular and highly reviewed brands on the market when it comes to producing high-quality at home authentic Italian espresso machines.
There are many different styles and models available from this trusted company, and choosing the best one for your home comes down to deciding which option fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle best. While all Gaggia machines are considered to be of very high quality, the Gaggia Anima is the best option for the widest crowd of people, as it offers a fantastic balance of features, value, and durability.
Click here to take a look at the Gaggia Anima for yourself, and see if it is a good fit for your kitchen and at-home espresso needs.
