7 Best Lelit Espresso Machines: A Complete Guide for Coffee Enthusiasts

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home coffee bar setup, this guide to the best Lelit espresso machines is for you. While Lelit is somewhat overshadowed by more well-known manufacturers like La Marzocco and Rocket Espresso, this Italian company is revered by those in the know.

As it happens, Lelit produces a range of exceptional prosumer machines, and you don’t necessarily have to spend thousands of dollars to own one.

In this guide, I’ll give you the lowdown on my favorite Lelit espresso machines. I’ll also provide an in-depth analysis of what sets Lelit machines apart, as well as practical advice to help you choose the best Lelit espresso machine for your needs. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Best Lelit Espresso Machines at a Glance

Here’s a sneak peek at the best Lelit espresso machines I’ll be reviewing for you today:

Are Lelit Espresso Machines Good? The Pro Barista’s Verdict

Put simply, Lelit produces some of the best home espresso machines money can buy. Based in Brescia, Italy, Lelit has quickly become one of the most well-respected espresso machine brands since it started manufacturing espresso machines in 2001.

It’s easy to see why; Lelit is fully committed to producing machines using only high-quality materials and professional-grade components. And the end result is a line of home espresso machines that strike the perfect balance between sleek design and exceptional functionality.

What’s more, these are some of the best Italian espresso machines in terms of value for money. When pitted against machines from brands like Rocket Espresso and Breville, Lelit espresso machines are certainly hard to beat, given their stainless steel construction, user experience and advanced features. And as we’ll see in this guide, there’s a Lelit espresso machine to satisfy every budget and skill level.

Lelit Espresso Machine Pros & Cons

Best Lelit Espresso Machine for Home: A Detailed Comparison

Now that you have a better idea of what Lelit espresso machines are all about, let’s take a closer look at my best Lelit espresso machines picks.

I’m confident you’ll find a Lelit machine that’ll be ideal for your needs on my list; there’s everything here from advanced machines with pressure profiling capabilities and programmable features to straightforward models that can produce exceptional espresso without any fuss.

Still, one thing is for certain: each of the Lelit espresso machines on my list is a true champion that’ll only serve to elevate your home espresso setup.

Before we get into the review, here’s a comparison table to give you a quick overview of what’s on offer:

Lelit Bianca V3: The Flow-Profiling Master

Without a doubt, the Lelit Bianca V3 is the company’s crown jewel, reflected by its $2,999.95 asking price. Still, when you consider what this baby can do, it represents incredible value for money.

Aside from its striking good looks, the Lelit Bianca is one of the best prosumer espresso machines on the market. Featuring dual stainless steel boilers, an E61 group head, dual manometers and a 58mm portafilter, the Bianca V3 is a total powerhouse. And the really exciting thing about this machine is its pressure profiling capabilities.

Thanks to its manual flow control paddle, you can adjust your brewing pressure in real time, allowing you to tweak your espresso shot to your heart’s content. Even better, the Bianca features the manufacturer’s LCC (Lelit Control Center), which allows you to program recipes, adjust preinfusion times and much more.

Ultimately, the Lelit Bianca V3 is intended for advanced users who want to experiment with espresso using different coffee roast profiles. Plus, its ability to make coffee and steam milk simultaneously is a huge bonus.

See Also: Lelit Bianca Review

Lelit Mara X: The Compact Heat Exchanger King

Featuring a durable stainless steel chassis and a gorgeous retro-futuristic design, the compact Lelit Mara X packs a lot into a small package. Designed as a more approachable alternative to the Bianca V3, the Lelit Mara X is a heat exchanger machine with a classic E61 group head and a 58mm portafilter.

What sets the Mara X apart from other HX machines is Lelit’s innovative dual sensor system. In combination with a PID controller, this setup ensures that brewing temperatures will always be consistent without the need for cooling flushes. Oh, and you can choose from three brewing temperatures, which adds another layer of versatility. What’s more, the machine features a manometer to monitor pressure in both the steam boiler and the group head.

During my testing I was particularly impressed by the two brewing modes – Xmode Steam and Xmode Coffee. These allow you to optimize the machine depending on how you’re using it. With that said, you can brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously with the Mara X, which is a great feature to have. At $1,699.95, I feel like the Lelit Mara X represents exceptional value for money, and will satisfy even the most demanding home barista.

See Also: Lelit Mara X Review

Lelit Victoria: The Feature-Packed Single Boiler

If you’re looking for a powerful and well-conceived single boiler espresso machine, the Lelit Victoria will most certainly fit the bill.

As you might expect, the Victoria features robust stainless steel construction and won’t take up much space in your kitchen. But that’s not all, thanks to its large brass boiler, this is a powerful machine to rival popular models like the Rancilio Silvia and Gaggia Classic Pro.

Best of all, the Lelit Victoria will be ready to roll in around 10 minutes. Featuring a saturated brew group and professional 58mm portafilter, the Lelit Victoria feels premium to the max.

That’s not all, though; this awesome machine is equipped with Lelit’s LCC system, meaning you can tinker with preinfusion time, brew temperature and steam wand temperature. Heck, the Victoria even boasts an adjustable OPV which only adds to its appeal.

Costing $999.00, I’d say the Lelit Victoria is ideal for those who want consistently excellent shot quality but don’t necessarily need a dual boiler machine.

See Also: Lelit Victoria Review

Lelit Elizabeth: The Accessible Dual Boiler

Featuring a boxy, utilitarian design, the Lelit Elizabeth might not be the most attractive of the Italian manufacturer’s prosumer machines. However, this powerful and durable espresso model is definitely worth considering if you want a fully functional dual boiler machine.

Costing $1,799.00 at Seattle Coffee Gear, the Lelit Elizabeth is packed with advanced features while still being easy to use.

Thanks to the inclusion of an LCC system, you have access to a ton of programmable settings. For example, you can adjust the preinfusion time and save your favorite recipes for repeatable shots. What’s more, the adjustable PID controller lets you tweak brew temperatures, which is vital if you like to experiment with different roast profiles.

Of course, seeing as this is a legit dual boiler machine, you’re able to prepare back-to-back milk-based drinks without any wait time, making the Elizabeth ideal for coffee-loving families. Ultimately, the Lelit Elizabeth’s superb temperature stability and versatility position it as a real contender for the best dual boiler home espresso machine on the market.

See Also: Lelit Elizabeth Review

Lelit Anna: The Beginner-Friendly Prosumer

If you’ve read my Gaggia Classic Pro review, you’ll know that it’s long been the entry-level machine of choice for those looking to start getting serious about espresso. Still, I feel like the Lelit Anna could be a better option, as long as you’re willing to spend a little more.

Costing $699.95, the Lelit Anna is the manufacturer’s most affordable machine, but don’t think for a second that means the Italians have skimped on quality. Rather, you’re getting a machine made of polished stainless steel with a brass boiler and a powerful professional steam wand.

Most importantly, the Lelit Anna is equipped with a sophisticated PID controller. To help maintain thermal stability there’s a digital display on the front of the machine, and from here you can adjust the brewing temperature, which is something you’ll seldom find on machines at this price point.

The only downside to owning the Lelit Anna is the manufacturer’s decision to equip the thing with a 57mm portafilter. And while this won’t affect the quality of your espresso, it will make it more difficult to find the best espresso accessories to pair with your machine.

See Also: Lelit Anna Review

Lelit Kate: The Advanced All-in-One

You might feel good about spending a lot of money on something like the Lelit Mara X, but if you don’t pair it with a high-quality espresso grinder, you’ll be fighting a losing battle. Enter the Lelit Kate, which solves that problem with an integrated grinder. Not only that, the Lelit Kate’s stainless steel conical burr grinder employs a stepless micrometric adjustment system, allowing you to dial in your grind size to perfection.

As for the machine itself, Lelit has equipped the Kate with its LCC system, so you’re able to adjust brew temperature and preinfusion times. Plus, the digital screen doubles as a shot timer, which is a valuable tool for espresso aficionados.

What’s really cool about the Lelit Kate is its advanced PID controller, which automatically compensates for potential temperature fluctuations. That means you’ll never have to worry about sour-tasting espresso shots. Seriously, how cool is that!

Retailing for around $1,299.00, the Lelit Kate costs less than many less capable espresso machines with grinders. Add in the fact that this baby is rocking a professional 58mm portafilter and a steam wand with a variable pressure dial and you know you’re onto a winner.

See Also: Lelit Kate Review

Lelit Anita: The Budget-Friendly All-in-One

Costing an entirely reasonable $899.95, the Lelit Anita is another of the manufacturer’s all-in-one machines. Sporting the same integrated grinder as the Kate, the Lelit Anita is a more approachable option for espresso newbies. Still, that doesn’t mean this machine can’t deliver the goods.

Thanks to its compact and powerful brass boiler, the Anita will be ready to go in under 10 minutes, which is pretty impressive for a single boiler machine. Plus, the Anita maintains thermal stability thanks to its adjustable PID controller.

With all that said, the Lelit Anita’s beginner-friendly vibe means it won’t necessarily appeal to more advanced users. For example, there’s an integrated tamper thingie on the grinder chute, which isn’t the best option for puck preparation. Moreover, this is another machine that employs the Lelit57 group head. So, finding a better tamper or leveler could be challenging.

Ultimately, this entry-level espresso machine can definitely challenge some of the best Breville espresso machines, and it won’t break the bank.

See Also: Lelit Anita Review

Lelit Espresso Machines Comparison: Key Features at a Glance

Feature	Lelit Bianca V3	Lelit Mara X	Lelit Victoria	Lelit Elizabeth	Lelit Anna	Lelit Anita	Lelit Kate
Boiler	Dual boilers	Heat exchanger	Single brass boiler	Dual boilers	Single brass boiler	Single brass boiler	Single brass boiler
Group Head	E61	E61	Saturated	Saturated	Saturated	Saturated	Saturated
Pump	Rotary	Custom vibratory	Vibratory	Vibratory	Vibratory	Vibratory	Vibratory
Flow Control	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
PID	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lelit Control Center	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Manometer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Grinder	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Target Audience	Advanced users	Experienced users	Beginners / experienced users	Experienced / advanced users	Experienced users	Beginners	Beginners

Which Lelit Is Right for You? A User-Focused Guide

Now that you’ve learned all about my picks for the best Lelit espresso machines, you may still be on the fence about which model is best for you. Well have no fear! I’ve decided to break it down for you. Below you’ll find my recommendations for the best Lelit espresso machines based on specific user needs.

For the Ultimate Hobbyist & Experimenter

The Lelit Bianca V3 is an obvious choice for those looking for a super versatile and powerful home espresso machine. Thanks to its pressure profiling capabilities and pro-level performance, the Bianca will never fail to keep espresso nerds engaged.

For the Espresso Purist & Americano Drinker

Some folks seldom need milk-steaming capabilities, and though the Lelit Victoria does deliver on that front, it’s more geared toward espresso preparation. The Victoria’s LCC means you can really experiment with your espresso recipes, and its brass boiler helps maintain exceptional thermal stability.

For the Milk Drink Enthusiast

If you want the ability to pump out milk-based specialties at a rate of knots, the Lelit Elizabeth is an obvious choice. Thanks to its dual boilers, each with a dedicated PID, the Elizabeth will produce consistently excellent espresso as well as silky microfoam for your lattes and cappuccinos.

For the Space-Conscious Barista

Rising to just 14 inches (35 centimeters) and with a width of 8.9 inches (22.5 centimeters), the Lelit Mara X is the ideal machine for small spaces. With that said, the Mara X is a superb machine that’s perfect for seasoned home baristas.

For the Barista on a Budget

In my opinion, you’ll have a hard time finding a machine as good as the Lelit Anna for $700. Especially when you consider its build quality, sleek design and performance.

For those Without a Grinder

Both the Lelit Anita and the Lelit Kate make it easy on you by including a built-in conical burr grinder. Not only that, the Lelit grinders feature stepless adjustment systems, meaning you can make the requisite micro-adjustments for dialing in the perfect espresso.

How Lelit Compares to Other Brands

As I mentioned at the start of this guide to the best Lelit espresso machines, the brand isn’t as well known as giants like Rocket Espresso. However, Lelit machines are quickly gaining traction in the prosumer segment thanks to their superb build quality, innovative features and outstanding performance.

In my opinion, Lelit espresso machines are true champions, and the Italian manufacturer’s attention to detail and dedication to its craft is unrivaled. Not only that, there are a wide range of models to choose from, meaning there are Lelit machines for beginners as well as for more demanding and experienced users.

A particularly valuable comparison would be the Lelit Mara X vs Rocket Appartamento. Now, if you’ve checked out my Rocket Appartamento review you’ll know I absolutely love this popular machine. From its retro-futuristic stylings to its efficient heat exchanger boiler, the Appartamento delivers on all fronts.

With all that said, the Lelit Mara X offers a more sophisticated experience while still maintaining that “hands-on” approach to making espresso. Thanks to its innovative dual sensor system, the Mara X provides way more thermal stability than the Appartamento, meaning it’s easier to pull consistent shots back to back.

When comparing the best Lelit espresso machines with their direct competitors, you’ll notice that you’ll often spend a lot less money. For example, the Mara X retails for $1,699.95, while the Rocket Appartamento is gonna set you back around $2,000. And let’s not forget the Lelit Victoria, which costs around the same as the Rancilio Silvia. And while Miss Silvia is a wonderful machine, it doesn’t come close to the Victoria in terms of advanced features.

How Do Lelit Machine Boilers Work? Single vs Heat Exchanger vs Dual Boiler

As we’ve seen, Lelit espresso machines are available with different boiler systems. These work in three main ways: A single boiler machine like the Victoria heats water for both brewing espresso and steaming milk, although you can’t do both at the same time. On the other hand, a dual boiler machine like the Elizabeth is equipped with a separate boiler for each task.

Finally, heat exchangers are single boiler machines with a twist. Featuring an exposed group head, the machine siphons off water from the boiler and circulates it through the brew group, cooling it to brewing temperature. What’s more, you’re able to make coffee and steam milk simultaneously with a heat exchanger like the Lelit Mara X.

Now, you may be wondering why the dual boiler Lelit Elizabeth is so much more expensive than the Mara X, given the fact that they can both make espresso and steam milk at the same time. However, it’s important to remember that a true dual boiler machine offers a lot more power and practically no recovery time if you’re preparing multiple milk-based drinks. On the other hand, the Mara X will begin to lose steam power if you push it too hard for an extended period.

Why Do Brew Temperature and Steam Pressure Matter?

In a nutshell, stable brew temperature is vital if you want to produce consistent espresso. Fluctuations can cause sour-tasting shots and a whole lot of frustration. With many espresso machines you’ll need to perform cooling flushes between shots, and while this can be effective, it’s far from ideal.

Thanks to the fact that Lelit equips its espresso machines with PID controllers, you’re almost guaranteed stable brewing temperatures. What’s more, the machines with Lelit’s LCC allow you to adjust the temperature according to your coffee beans’ roast profile. This can be especially important if you like to pull shots with light roast espresso beans.

As for steam pressure, you can forget about creating cafe-quality microfoam without sufficient power. Fortunately, Lelit has equipped its machines with professional steam wands and variable pressure dials. Sure, a single boiler machine might not be the best bet if milk steaming is a priority for you, but it’ll still get the job done. On the other hand, a machine like the Lelit Elizabeth has a dedicated boiler for steaming, so you’ll be able to whip up silky microfoam with ease.

How to Use the Lelit Steam Wand for Perfect Milk Drinks

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, learning how to make latte art takes time and patience. And the same goes for learning how to create beautifully textured milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Still, for the purposes of this guide, I’ll give you a quick tutorial on how to use a Lelit steam wand. Incidentally, many Lelit steam wands are “cool touch,” but check the user manual first to make sure. Trust me, burning your fingers on a steam wand really hurts!

Here’s the skinny on using a Lelit steam wand to create silky microfoam. And if you don’t get it right the first time, don’t give up!

How to Clean Lelit Espresso Machines for Longevity

As I’m sure you already know, regular cleaning and maintenance is key to the longevity and continued performance of your Lelit espresso machine. And if you can maintain a solid regular cleaning schedule, your machine will last for years.

Your Lelit Cleaning Schedule

Here’s a basic overview of everything you’ll need to take care of to keep your Lelit machine in tip-top condition.

Daily Tasks

Before and after pulling a shot:

Before and after frothing milk:

At the end of the day:

Weekly Tasks

Monthly Tasks

What Are the Best Lelit Upgrades for the Coffee Geek?

If you want to take your Lelit espresso machine to the next level, the best upgrades you can buy are a bottomless portafilter, a precision filter basket and a high-quality espresso tamper.

Trust me when I tell you that a bottomless portafilter will change everything. Being able to see exactly how your espresso behaves during an extraction can really help you diagnose inconsistencies in puck preparation, thereby helping you minimize channeling. And if you end up equipping your portafilter with a precision VST or IMS basket, you’ll see a definite improvement in your espresso shot quality.

These days, pro-level baristas use all kinds of tools, but the most important one to consider is a decent espresso tamper. Personally, I love using spring-loaded tampers seeing as they’re so darn consistent. So, check out my Normcore tamper review to learn more.

As I’ve already mentioned, you’ll need a decent espresso grinder to get good results from a Lelit espresso machine, unless you opt for a model with a built-in grinder. But whichever model you choose, do yourself a favor and invest in a good coffee scale. That way, you’ll be able to precisely measure both your dose and yield, allowing you to dial in your recipes to perfection.

See Also: Best Espresso Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lelit Espresso Machines