Gaggia Anima Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Black

How can I prepare my favourite espresso?

The machine has default settings, but you can easily make your personal and customized espresso just by following these simple suggestions

1. Always select high quality blends. Blends with Arabica are characterized by a higher acidity and a more aromatic flavor, while blends with more Robusta have a stronger taste.

2. Be sure to turn the machine on a few minutes before using it, so it can properly warm up. This guaranteees a perfect extraction of all coffee aromas.

3. Use the Optiaroma function to set the quantity of ground coffee used. It is possible to select among 5 different settings: from light to strong. Press the button; the new setting will be saved with the first espresso brewing.

4. Set the length of your espresso via the MEMO function. For a traditional Italian espresso, set it to 30ml.

5. Activate the pre-brewing for an even more intense flavor. A first hot water shower moistens the ground coffee before the actual brewing, so to extract all coffee aromas.

6. Adjust the grind size among the 5 available selections by pushing and turning the knob inside the beans container with the key, only when the grinders are working. For a stronger taste or for light roasted beans, choose a finer grind, while for a lighter taste or dark roasted beans, select a coarser grind.

How can I change the grinder settings?

It is possible to adjust the grinder settings by pushing and rotating the knob inside the coffee beans container with the grinder adjustment key (end of the measuring spoon), one notch at at time, and only when the machine is grinding. You can choose among 5 different settings, from 1 – the boldest (for light roasted coffees) to 5 – the lightest (for dark roasted beans). You will taste the difference after 2-3 brewings. For the 120V models, this adjustment must be done by following the same procedure but only when the grinders are NOT working.

Do grinding, Optiaroma and pre-brewing affect the taste of coffee?

A correct grinding is fundamental to make the authentic Italian espresso: not too coarse or you’ll get a watery coffee and not too fine or coffee won’t come out. Moreover, different beans react best with different grind sizes. Optiaroma allows to regulate the amount of ground coffee used per cup, for a light or strong taste according to one’s preferences. Adding more coffee makes it harder for the water to go through, slowing down the extraction time and resulting in a stronger coffee. Pre-brewing affects the intensity, and could be set to have a stronger coffee. With this process, ground coffee are moistened with hot water for some seconds before the actual brewing, releasing a wider range of aromas.

Which kind of milk can I use to get an impeccable froth?

We suggest to use whole cold milk (at circa 5° C / 41° F), with a protein content of at least 3% and a fat content of at least 3.5%. Proteins will incorporate air in the cream, while fats will make it dense and steady. Also semi-skimmed cow milk, some lactose-free milk and soy drink are proven to deliver a good result.

How can I memorize the quantity of coffee and milk?

It is possible to customize and memorize the length of coffee and milk simply by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds until “MEMO” is displayed. The machine starts brewing. When the desired quantity has been reached, press the “OK” button. The length is memorized for next uses.

Can I use mineral water?

Yes, you can use mineral still water or tap water. Avoid sparkling water as it can negatively affect the brewing process.

Why does my espresso machine automatically start a rinsing cycle?

This automatic rinsing cycle – that happens when the machine is switched on or goes in stand-by mode – is necessary to keep the circuits always clean and to heat the coffee circuit to guarantee an extraordinary result from the first use.

When do I have to descale my machine?

Scale is a normal consequence of using the machine, and it depends also on the quality of the water you use. It is necessary to descale the machine when the display alerts you to proceed. We suggest to follow the step-by-step procedure illustrated in the instruction booklet and to use only the GAGGIA descaler that is especially thought especially for our espresso machines.

What descaler can I use?

To descale your Gaggia coffee machine use only the Gaggia decalcifier, a unique solution made to ensure excellent performances of the machine throughout time. Vinegar and any other descaling agents must be avoided. Never use descaling agents based on mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and sulfamic acid. These descaling agents may damage your coffee machine’s pipe and tube system.

Which water filter can I use?

The Gaggia Anima range is compatible with Brita/Mavea Intenza+ water filter, especially designed to protect the machine against scale.

Which components are removable and washable?

Drip tray, drip tray plate, coffee pucks container, water tank, pannarello, cappuccinatore, CappinCup and milk carafe are removable and should be washed under tap water, with a bit of dish soap, but no abrasive substances nor solvents. The removable brew group must be washed with no soaps. The drip tray plate can be washed also in the dishwasher.