Introduction
Welcome to my gaggia magenta plus Review. Gaggia offers us a super automatic machine with a commercial steam wand. Also you have full customization of your drinks. On offer is the ability to brew 2 drinks simultaneously. A burr ceramic grinder is in-built into the machine. You get a full color display interface. Included is a one-touch drink delivery function. Espresso quality is always top end quality with Gaggia’s reputed Lamp device.
But does the magenta plus match its asking price? What makes it a worthwhile option? Is it for you? Read on to find out what you should know to make an informed decision.
Specifications
| Brand | Gaggia |
| Color | Black |
| Product dimensions D/W/H | 17.1 x 8.8 x 14″ |
| Special feature | Programmable |
| Coffee maker type | Espresso machine |
| Item weight | 17 pounds |
| Capacity | 3.8 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel/Plastic |
| Wattage | 1400 Watts |
| Adjustable grinder setting | 5 selections |
| Total beverage variety | Espresso, espresso lungo, coffee, americano, hot water |
| Interface type | Full colour TFT display + capacitive buttons |
| Best Place to Buy | Check on Amazon (US) |
Build Quality – gaggia magenta plus
This unit is compact. It fits easily under a kitchen unit. The sleek lines and all black body has stylish bits of stainless steel. The steam wand has a pro level build. Interface and buttons are well designed and positioned. The main body is built from ABS Plastic. The unit weight is 7.6kg. The unit is built in Italy. The parts are high quality and these go through strict quality control.
Performance and Features – gaggia magenta plus
Commercial Steam wand
Unlike many super automatics, the magenta plus, boasts a pro level steam wand. You have all the manual control you need. This means you have the opportunity to create the finest micro-foam. Coupled with public feedback to espresso quality, you can create the best Lattes or Cappuccinos.
You can also use various types of milk jugs as result of the wand’s shape. The wand also dispenses hot water for your teas.
Drinks quality
Espressos according to user feedback possess excellent flavors, aromas and Crema. The Crema is what Gaggia is famous for. Also many users rate the Espresso Macchiato, as good as made by a high end Barista. Other users are impressed by Latte and Flat White brews. Others rated the hot chocolate made with the froth system. I would recommend you use the higher strength settings. Some users have complained using lower strength is too weak. This may sound obvious, but all of the public’s voice must be taken into account.
5 drinks
You have the option of 5 drinks that the Magenta Plus can make you. Just one button to press. The drinks are Espresso, Espresso Lungo, Coffee, Amerciano and hot water.
Pre-brewing
There’s a pause that last for several seconds between the first pour of hot water and start of brewing process. This means the flavors are enhanced, to produce better tasting espresso.
Programming
You can tune how hot you wish your drink or how much grind you want.
Interface
The interface is clear and well designed however backlit buttons would help for low-light operation as machine is black! The display also offers an easy to use guide to run you through the cleaning process.
Rapid boiler
The boiler is constructed in light aluminum and stainless steel. This helps rapidly heat water to the ideal temperature. The brew temperatures are generally high enough. It maybe a good idea to pre-heat your cup too.
Variable cup sizes
You can fit large mugs up to 6″ tall. This possible due to the adjustable cup riser. You can leave a thermos or tall tumbler on the drip tray. This is impossible to do on most super automatic machines.
Burr Grinder
Produces precise grind sizes. Adaptable to your own preference. There is also a bypass where you can pour in pre-ground coffee. According to many users, the grind is perfect. The grinder is on the louder side, so those asleep may abruptly wake!
2 brews at once
It’s very handy to make 2 brews at once; especially when temperature is convenience is key.
Cleaning
The magenta plus has a deep clean function. This activated from the interface display. A monthly deep clean is recommended. Clean milk froth wand regularly. Steam out wand to de-clog. The brew unit is detachable and easily cleans in your sink.
Pros and Cons – gaggia magenta plus
Pros
- Good customization options
- Decent variety of drinks offered
- Excellent Espresso flavors
- Amazing Crema qualities
- Top milk-foam quality
- Consistent hot temperature for each drink type
- 5 different strengths for each coffee type
- Better drip tray design
- Minimal waste of beans
- Compact size
Cons
- Some users report weak coffee(choosing a higher coffee strength seems to solve this)
- No Intenza Filter included(order as separate option)
- A minority of users report of sometimes having to push beans down hopper to the grinder.
- In post clean of froth system, some hot water may pour into the milk carafe.
- A lot of plastic on unit
Who is the gaggia magenta plus best for?
Those who demand Barista quality milk foam will be happy. You wish to manually operate the milk wand; the commercial wand is a joy to use. If you wish superb Crema and full flavors from your Espresso, this machine delivers. If you want strong, hot and tasty coffee every time, this machine ticks all.
Final Verdict – Is the gaggia magenta plus worth it?
The Magenta Plus offers a pro-level froth making system. You get several delicious types of speciality coffees. A lot of users of this machine state temperature is hotter than on the Jura machines. Jura machines do not offer in this price range, the function to grind and pull two separate shots for double shots. The machine can make 2 drinks at same time with 5 levels of strength for each coffee type. You can even save these settings. Users rate the Magenta Plus better than pod or drip coffee machines.
If you’re concerned about duration, I would recommend purchasing the extended warranty. Generally users are happy with this machine’s reliability. As reports go, users have made hundreds if not, thousands of cups, with little issues.
The main issue for most users seems to point to the loud grinder. Also the other issue seems to be brew strength issues. Believe it or not, there are users, who do not read essential instructions thoroughly. Some wonder why their brews aren’t strong enough. It’s difficult to get the best from this machine, if there’s not enough user input made. Another common reason for disappointment is a lack of knowledge about the machine’s operation.
Magenta Plus with Carafe
Please be careful if you consider the Magenta Plus with carafe. There are a significant amount of the users who report the same issue. The carafe’s sensor. This sensor seems to be over sensitive/faulty. It fools the machine into thinking there’s no carafe installed, even when the carafe is firmly in-place! This means your machine will not make any milk-based drinks. I would get the Magenta Plus with manual steam wand. You’ll be pleased with its tried and trusted performance and largely positive feedback. So no major issues.
Overall the Magenta Plus delivers tasty speciality milk-based drinks. It’s easy to use the interface and the programmable drink options. You get a machine worthy of consideration. The star of the Magenta Plus, is the commercial grade milk-wand. It’s fun and satisfying to learn from. If you put the proper time in, the pay off will be much greater.
Final words – gaggia magenta plus
I believe the Magenta Plus is worth its price tag considering all the above. But in order to use its full potential, you need to digest all instructions. Experiment a lot, with the custom functions, the manual milk wand, the types of beans and the grind settings. Experiment with milks too. Deep clean once every 2 weeks for 2 person use or 4 weeks for 4. There’s lot of variables, with any super automatic. I think overall, the Magenta Plus has enough features and performance to satisfy even the most fussy coffee lover. I would however for peace of mind, extend the warranty.
Thanks for reading my Gaggia Magenta Plus Review. I hope it helped.
(All images courtesy of Gaggia)
Specifications
| Brand | Gaggia |
| Color | Black |
| Product dimensions D/W/H | 17.1 x 8.8 x 14″ |
| Special feature | Programmable |
| Coffee maker type | Espresso machine |
| Item weight | 17 pounds |
| Capacity | 3.8 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel/Plastic |
| Wattage | 1400 Watts |
| Adjustable grinder setting | 5 selections |
| Total beverage variety | Espresso, espresso lungo, coffee, americano, hot water |
| Interface type | Full colour TFT display + capacitive buttons |
| Best Place to Buy | Check on Amazon (US) |