Gaggia Magenta Plus espresso machine

This model offers a steam wand for frothing milk and five pre-set drinks from its touch-select interface. Plus when you’ve run out of beans, it’s possible to use ground coffee instead.

Setting up the Gaggia Magenta Plus bean-to-cup espresso machine

It’s a simple machine to unpack, accompanied by operating instructions, safety information and a warranty certificate. A plastic pouch contains grease for the removable brew group, a scoop and a water hardness test strip – handily provided.

We found the machine’s guidance on its touchscreen interface far more simple than its 14-step diagram instruction manual. It’s quick and easy to set up, although note that access to the water tank is from the back and needs to be brought out fully from beneath low kitchen cupboards for removal.

How did the Gaggia Magenta Plus perform?

Its quick-heat boiler means you barely have to wait for it to heat before selecting your chosen coffee. You’re not able to brew and steam at the same time with this machine. The espresso was richly dark and flavourful, topped with a good crema. When the two-cup option was selected, the espresso was split a tad unevenly, so we’d recommend it for one-cup coffees.

The steam wand offers a 45-degree range of movement outwards from above the steam tray, which is useful for slotting a steam jug under. However it gets very hot after use and we found the small silicome cap at the top wasn't enough to protect our fingers when trying to replace it. Additional hot water comes through the steam wand, rather than the coffee outlet, and is released at a surprisingly high pressure.

We ran the cleaning cycle without the recommended cleaning tablets (not included with the machine) and this produced a notable amount of grinds, so it is well worth doing often.

Should you buy the Gaggia Magenta Plus?

Each coffee is customisable – a pro for user-friendliness. The addition of grease for the brew group is also a nice touch, as it lifts out entirely for rinsing under a tap. Steaming your milk with the Gaggia adds a nice hands-on feel to making coffee, whilst the rest is done for you. For a stylish addition to your countertop, this is a great bean-to-cup machine.

Available from: Gaggia (£589) and Gaggia UK Direct (£589)

Gaggia Magenta Plus specifications
Serial number: SKU R18702
Wattage: 1900W
Functions: steam frother, duo-drip tray
Coffee options: espresso, espresso lungo, americano and hot water
Bean hopper capacity: 250g
In the box: machine, 500g bag Gaggia espresso arabica coffee
Water tank capacity: 1.8L
Warranty: two years
Dimensions: 22.4cm x 35.7cm x 43.5cm

Coffee recipes and tips

How to make cold brew coffee
How to make iced coffee
Coffee types explained

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This product was tested in July 2021. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.