Should You Buy the Gaggia Magenta Plus Super-Automatic Espresso Machine? A Detailed Review

Description

Brewing Performance

Using the Gaggia Magenta Plus Super-Automatic Espresso Machine (model number RI8700/46) has been an interesting journey. As someone who enjoys experimenting with coffee, I was thrilled to dive into its brewing capabilities. The machine’s ability to dose between 6.5 to 11.5 grams of freshly ground coffee for each drink is impressive. I’ve tested it across various espresso blends, and the consistency was spot-on. Whether I was pulling a single espresso shot or going for a double, the crema was rich, with a velvety texture that made my mornings delightful. However, I did notice that dialing in the grind size and strength settings took a few tries to perfect, especially for lighter roasts.

The one-touch americano feature works like a charm. My colleague, who is more of an americano fan, couldn’t stop raving about how smooth and balanced it tasted. It’s fantastic that the machine allows on-the-fly programming; this lets me tweak the brewing parameters mid-process and save those preferences for later. That’s a game-changer for those of us who like our coffee super customized.

Features

This super-automatic espresso machine is packed with features that cater to coffee enthusiasts at home. The full-color display is not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Navigating through the menu to select drink options, adjust settings, or perform routine maintenance is intuitive. The mix of icons, plain text, and colors makes it user-friendly even for someone who’s not tech-savvy—like my mom, who managed to brew her first latte without calling me for help.

The commercial steam wand is another highlight. Unlike some machines that offer mediocre milk frothing, this wand delivers a professional-grade froth. My attempts at crafting latte art have improved substantially, though I still need some practice getting the milk texture just right for intricate designs. The machine’s compact design is another big plus, easily fitting into my tiny kitchen setup without feeling bulky.

Water Tank & Capacity

The removable 60-ounce water tank is a lifesaver for anyone who doesn’t want to refill frequently. I’ve gone days without having to top it off, even with my coffee-loving household constantly brewing. Removing and reinserting the tank is straightforward, though I did have a minor hiccup when an air bubble in the system caused the machine to display a maintenance error. Lifting the tank and reinserting it resolved the issue promptly.

One small gripe is that the water level can be a bit tricky to judge without physically removing the tank, especially when you’re in a rush. It would’ve been nice to have a clearer indicator for this.

Design & Build Quality

The sleek black metallic finish of this machine gives it a modern, high-end aesthetic. It’s compact yet sturdy, with a well-thought-out layout. The updated drip tray and cup riser are ingenious additions, accommodating mugs up to 6 inches tall while preventing messy splashes. I appreciate that the machine feels robust and well-built; it doesn’t have that flimsy plastic vibe that some other super-automatic models suffer from.

That said, the lack of backlighting for the buttons is slightly annoying. Early morning coffee runs often had me fumbling around trying to find the right spot to press. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one that could’ve been easily addressed.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

Milk frothing with the Gaggia Magenta Plus is an absolute joy. The commercial-grade steam wand ensures creamy, microfoam milk that’s perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and even flat whites. My cousin, who’s a cappuccino devotee, was wowed by the texture and temperature consistency. The steam wand heats up quickly and is easy to maneuver, though mastering the right angle for frothing required a bit of practice.

I also tried using alternative milk options like oat and almond milk, and the results were surprisingly good. The machine handled them well without any weird textures or splitting issues.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning this espresso machine is relatively simple, especially for a super-automatic model. The brew group is removable, which makes it easy to rinse and clean. I’ve set a reminder to deep-clean it monthly, which involves some additional steps but is still manageable. The drip tray does tend to fill up quickly, so keeping an eye on it is essential. I found it mildly annoying that the tray design across Gaggia machines could use some improvement, but it’s functional enough.

Descaling the machine is straightforward, thanks to the guided process on the display. It’s a must for anyone using hard water, as it helps maintain the machine’s longevity and keeps the coffee tasting great.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

This machine strikes a decent balance between power and noise. It’s not whisper-quiet, but it’s not obnoxiously loud either. The grinding noise is noticeable but short-lived, and the brewing process is relatively quiet. My toddler hasn’t woken up once during my early morning coffee rituals, so that’s a win in my book.

From an energy efficiency standpoint, the machine automatically powers down after a period of inactivity, which is a thoughtful touch. It feels good knowing I’m not wasting energy when I forget to turn it off in my morning rush.

Warranty & Support

Gaggia offers a one-year warranty for the Magenta Plus, which is reassuring. However, my experience with their customer support wasn’t stellar. A minor issue with the water tank led me to contact them, and the response time was slow, with back-and-forth emails stretching over several days. If you’re someone who expects prompt resolutions, this might be a drawback.

Positives

• Excellent brewing consistency and rich crema.
• High-quality steam wand for professional-grade milk frothing.
• Compact design fits seamlessly in small spaces.
• Customizable settings with on-the-fly programming.

Weaknesses

• Button layout could benefit from backlighting.
• Customer support is slow to respond.
• Drip tray design could be improved for easier handling.

Alternative Offerings

When comparing the Magenta Plus to competitors like the De’Longhi Dinamica and the Jura ENA 8, it holds its ground well. The Dinamica shines with its iced coffee feature, but the Magenta Plus wins on milk frothing capabilities. Meanwhile, Jura models often come with a significantly higher price tag, making the Magenta Plus a more budget-friendly option for similar performance.

The closest rival in terms of features might be the Philips 3200 LatteGo. While the LatteGo system offers easier cleaning for its milk frothing component, it doesn’t quite match the Magenta Plus in terms of steam wand versatility and overall brewing quality.

Quality for Price

Considering its robust list of features and high-quality performance, this machine offers excellent quality for the price. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the Gaggia Magenta Plus justifies its cost with consistent results, thoughtful design, and premium touches like the commercial steam wand. If you’re serious about coffee and don’t mind a few quirks, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Additional information