De'Longhi Magnifica S vs Gaggia Anima
Quick take: The Gaggia Anima costs $1 less.
| Spec | De'Longhi Magnifica S | Gaggia Anima |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Milk Frother, Programmable, One-Touch, Adjustable Strength | Ceramic Burr Grinder, Pannarello Steam Wand, Programmable Drink Buttons, Pre-Ground Bypass Doser, Tall 6-Inch Spouts |
| Approx. price | ~$700 | ~$699 |
| Type | Super-Automatic | Super-Automatic |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Single Boiler |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | Yes |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar |
| Water capacity | 60 oz | 60 oz |
| Warm-up time | 45 seconds | 45 seconds |
| Steam wand | Panarello | Pannarello |
| Basket type | — | — |
| Best for | Beginners | Beginners |
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 17.1 x 13.8 in | 8.9 x 17.3 x 13.4 in |
| Weight | 20.4 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Pros & cons
De'Longhi Magnifica S
- ✓Easy one-touch operation
- ✓Built-in grinder
- ✓Compact for a super-auto
- ✓Good value
- ✗Basic milk frother
- ✗Not true barista-quality espresso
- ✗Plastic build
- ✗Limited customization
Gaggia Anima
- ✓60-oz reservoir and 15-puck dregs drawer mean far less daily upkeep than the Brera
- ✓Five strength steps plus programmable volumes for real cup customization
- ✓Nearly 6-inch clearance under the spouts fits travel mugs without an adapter
- ✓Removable brew group and ceramic burrs keep maintenance simple
- ✗Pannarello wand limits milk texture versus the Prestige's one-touch carafe
- ✗Plastic body feels less premium than the price suggests
- ✗Only 5 grinder settings restrict espresso fine-tuning
- ✗Rear-loading water tank is awkward under low cabinets
What owners say
De'Longhi Magnifica S
The Magnifica S is the machine that introduced an enormous number of people to bean-to-cup coffee, and its reputation rests almost entirely on durability. Owners describe it in the language you use about appliances rather than hobbies: bombproof, reliable, and still going years later. One owner ran an older Magnifica S for a full decade before the display eventually stuck in descale mode — and even then the machine continued making drinks perfectly well; they replaced it because they were tired of looking at the message rather than because it had failed. Another describes three years of trouble-free service before selling it on. The honest assessment from those same owners is measured: not great coffee, but very good and comfortably beyond acceptable, which is a fair description of what this class of machine is for. Full owner insights →
De'Longhi Magnifica S vs Gaggia Anima: common questions
Which is cheaper, the De'Longhi Magnifica S or the Gaggia Anima?
The Gaggia Anima is the cheaper of the two at roughly $699, about $1 less than the De'Longhi Magnifica S at ~$700. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
What is the difference in boiler design between the De'Longhi Magnifica S and the Gaggia Anima?
The De'Longhi Magnifica S uses a thermoblock and the Gaggia Anima uses a single boiler. Boiler design drives temperature stability and whether you can brew and steam at the same time, which is the main reason two otherwise similar machines behave differently once you start making milk drinks back to back.