Lelit Anna 2 Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: 2 Straightforward Espresso Machines For Beginners. Which Brews Better Coffees?

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In the debate of Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro, 2 almost exactly the same espresso machines, I have found the ultimate winner: Gaggia Classic Pro.

Gaggia Classic Pro is a well-known choice among beginners who don’t have much experience with espresso machines. This model is affordable, easy to manage, brews delicious espresso, and has a pleasant steam wand. Overall, I think this one is a total package in the low price range.

As for Lelit Anna 2, I’m also impressed by this simple yet effective espresso machine. It shares the same features as Classic Pro, such as consistent espresso extraction and a decent steam wand for milk foam. However, this baby is significantly more expensive than the model above, and it doesn’t have as many color options as Gaggia Classic Pro. Thus, I don’t consider this one to be a better deal.  

Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
LELIT Anita PL042EM Espresso Machine with Grinder 110V US - Made in Italy
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro
Lelit Anna 2
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches
10.4 x 9.1 x 13.4 inches
Weight
20 pounds
15.9 Pounds
Color/ Material
Silver / Stainless Steel
Silver / Stainless Steel
Water Reservoir Capacity
71 oz
91.3 oz
Level of Automation
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic
Power / Voltage
1425W / 110V-120V
1050W / 220 - 230V
Affordable
Intergrated grinder
Quiet Operation
Variable Temperature Control
Warming Tray
Fast Heat Up
Interface
Buttons
Lever switches
Bar Pump System
15 bars
15 bars
Heating System
Single boiler
Single boiler
What I Like
Price
$456.58
Price not available
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 inches
Weight
20 pounds
Color/ Material
Silver / Stainless Steel
Water Reservoir Capacity
71 oz
Level of Automation
Semi-automatic
Power / Voltage
1425W / 110V-120V
Affordable
Intergrated grinder
Quiet Operation
Variable Temperature Control
Warming Tray
Fast Heat Up
Interface
Buttons
Bar Pump System
15 bars
Heating System
Single boiler
What I Like
Price
$456.58
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
LELIT Anita PL042EM Espresso Machine with Grinder 110V US - Made in Italy
Model
Lelit Anna 2
Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.4 x 9.1 x 13.4 inches
Weight
15.9 Pounds
Color/ Material
Silver / Stainless Steel
Water Reservoir Capacity
91.3 oz
Level of Automation
Semi-automatic
Power / Voltage
1050W / 220 - 230V
Affordable
Intergrated grinder
Quiet Operation
Variable Temperature Control
Warming Tray
Fast Heat Up
Interface
Lever switches
Bar Pump System
15 bars
Heating System
Single boiler
What I Like
Price
Price not available

Last update on 2024-12-23 / 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. The truth is that this pair shares tons of similar functions. But, Classic Pro is more worth buying since it is much more affordable. Also, other aspects of brewing and design make this one my more favorable product. 

Coffee Flavor: Gaggia Classic Pro

+Dosing + tamping

Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 have no integrated grinder and are semi-automatic. Therefore, every step requires manual involvement from grinding the beans to dosing the amount of coffee that I drink and then tamping the puck. 

These machines come with removable portafilters, an essential tool for extracting espresso. What I like is that instead of limiting the portafilter’s baskets to freshly ground beans only, Gaggia Classic Pro has a pressurized basket that works magically with ESE pods. 

ESE pods generally hold less coffee ground, and most of the time, it’s hard to achieve the best flavor since they aren’t freshly roasted beans. But, thanks to the extra accessories that come with Gaggia Classic Pro, aka the pressurized basket, I can extract better drinks with ESE pods and get thicker crema with them.

In conclusion, these espresso makers boast of a classic design and manual functionality. The good thing is that it’s not complicated learning how to manipulate them to make us rich espressos. That’s why I recommend the pair to even first-timers.  

+Heating system

Gaggia Classic Pro uses a single boiler
Gaggia Classic Pro uses a single boiler

The pair uses a single boiler as a heating system. This means that we will brew espresso and froth milk consecutively, not simultaneously. And how do the single boilers work with each machine?

For me, I find the temperature performance very satisfying with the two of them. The drinks come out hot and steaming. If I drink right away, my tongue will feel tingling and burnt, but not too burnt. In other words, I love that I can enjoy coffee with ease thanks to this pair. 

Thanks to the decent temperature performance, I get very balanced drinks. The flavor can be described as nutty, smooth, and nuanced. It’s not too bitter, and there is a slight sour tinge to it. Overall, the quality of flavor is good for me. 

Milk System:  Tie

After testing the steam wands, I find the actual performance slightly different from the promotion. Instead of making microfoam, Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 froth creamy and smooth milk foam for latte and mocha or flat white. If you are looking for a drier milk foam texture, it’s best to invest in more high-end models.  

Utilities: Lelit Anna 2

Lelit Anna 2 is equipped with a PID temperature control system and a manometer that tells the bar pump pressure at real-time operation. From my perspective, the manometer is the most useful feature out of the bunch. It helps me the most when detecting abnormalities in the brewing processes. One will know when the drinks come out too weak for too bitter. Knowing the pump pressure will help.

As for the PID technology, I’m not very impressed by the system, given that Gaggia Classic Pro has the same temperature performance without including this technology in this product.

Lelit Anna 2 is equipped with a PID temperature control system
Lelit Anna 2 is equipped with a PID temperature control system

Cleaning & Maintain: Tie

Cleaning Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 won’t be too difficult, as long as you follow the indications in the manual. As far as I know, the drip trays and the brew groups are dishwasher-safe. So you can throw them in there for a quick trip.

As for descaling the boiler, we have to mix a descale powder or solution with water and pour the mixture into the water reservoir. Then, we successfully descale the entire system by running the brewing process and working with the 15 bars pump pressure until the water tank runs out. 

Make sure to descale every month if the water is hard, and you frequently brew many times per day. And if the usage frequency is less hectic, descaling once every 2-3 months should be more than enough.  

Design & Material: Gaggia Classic Pro

Firstly, I want to emphasize that the visual aspect of Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 is almost identical. And the primary material that the brands use to build these products is stainless steel. Thus, this pair is almost like twins in terms of design and material.

However, with the collection of machine colors that Gaggia Classic Pro offer, I think it will be fairer that this product line wins the round, given that you can opt for a color that fits your household the most. The colors are: silver, black, red, white, and deep blue. As for Lelit Anna 2, it comes in silver only. 

Also, judging from the similar design and the price tag of both devices, Gaggia Classic Pro is a better deal.  

Lelit Anna 2 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities

If you wonder about the most important and relevant similarities between Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2, I have the answer here: semi-automatic functionality and simplicity in design. 

Semi-automatic characteristics

Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2 is a pair of semi-automatic espresso machines. This means that many steps of the brewing process require users intervention, and in exchange, the price of the devices isn’t too high for beginners’ budget. From grinding beans to dosing and tamping, these step requires our attention to carry out smoothly, especially the dispensing step.

In this case, I believe Gaggia Classic Pro is the ultimate choice, given that the pair has 95% exact same feature, but Lelit Anna 2 is listed twice as expensive.

Good picks for beginners 

From my experience with this pair, they aren’t hard to manage, and I believe even first-timers won’t struggle with how to carry out the brewing process. The cleaning part indeed requires some effort since the machines are semi-automatic and don’t have additional features that aid this process. 

But, I don’t find the task difficult at all. Within a few days of brewing and cleaning, I believe any user can get used to Gaggia Classic Pro and Lelit Anna 2.

Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro

Sale
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • 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 2024-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • The secure mounting reduces noises during the brewing process significantly
  • Giant water tank which is suitable for office or big families
  • Consistent espresso extraction
  • The cup warming tray can heat up to 120°F and helps maintain the coffee temperature longer
Cons
  • Milk texture is not dry enough for cappuccinos

Quick Rundown of Lelit Anna 2

Pros
  • Very simple design and control method
  • Giant 91.3 oz, ideal for commercial purposes or offices
  • Sturdy stainless steel body
  • Manometer for real-time pressure performance
  • PID temperature control with adjustable heat
Cons
  • More expensive than Gaggia Classic Pro despite having similar features
  • Milk texture is not dry enough for cappuccinos

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5/5 - (1 vote)