Lelit Anita Review: A Built-In Grinder and a Built-In Attitude!

I’m hyped up today, and not just from my morning double shot! I finally get to do a deep dive Lelit Anita review, unpacking one of the best prosumer espresso machines from one of my favorite brands.

The Lelit Anita has been on my bucket list since 2018. While I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet, I thought I’d give you all a sneak peek first.

So get comfy, and let’s talk about this little powerhouse. This Italian espresso machine promises some neat little tricks, so you’ll want to stick around to hear all about it.

Lelit Anita Espresso Machine Review Overview

The Anita comes from the espresso experts at Lelit, a family-owned company since 1985. Since 2022, this brand has been part of Breville’s portfolio. But unlike other big coffee manufacturers, Lelit still eats, sleeps and breathes espresso.

Although simple, the compact Lelit Anita is a stunner (in a Milan cafe sort of way). But don’t let the compact size fool you — this machine is rock solid! It boasts professional-grade materials, a sturdy, heavy-duty build and superior functionality.

The interface is also refreshingly straightforward. It features manual brew and steam switches, a mechanical steam valve, push-to-grind dosing and a brew pressure gauge. Interestingly, the Lelit57 group head features a 57-millimeter rather than a 58-millimeter portafilter.

Like the Lelit Mara X, the Anita has a single brass boiler. But it isn’t just for show. On the contrary, it provides superior thermal stability. Ditto the removable water tank, which is of a decent size for everyday use.

Two of Anita’s standout features are its PID temperature control and professional steam wand. For this price point, these features add real value.

At around $900, the Lelit Anita is quite accessible. It may not be affordable for everyone, but if you’re serious about home espresso, it’s definitely worth it.

Lelit Anita PL042EM Features

Now let’s continue this Lelit Anita review by getting up close and personal! Does this espresso machine have good bones? Here are my initial impressions.

Materials and Design

I’m low-key obsessed with this machine’s simple yet sophisticated silhouette. At 14.5 inches (36 centimeters) tall, the Anita should fit on even the most limited kitchen counter space.

Its non-corrosive brushed stainless steel body screams of durability, while giving off an unmistakable Italian vibe. In the same vein, the sturdy portafilter, pressure gauge, steam dial and steam wand create total eye candy!

In short, Lelit has squeezed top-tier functionality into a neat little package. Believe me, few coffee manufacturers can pull that off!

User Interface

The Anita’s interface is refreshingly analog in what sometimes feels like a sterile digital world. Is it simple? Yes. Is it basic? Far from it! It may not have fancy controls, but it definitely gives you brewing control.

The star of the show is a front-and-center pressure gauge, your visual guide to espresso perfection. The other controls are also straightforward — one switch for power, one for brewing and another for steam pressure. Simplicity personified! There’s also a digital screen for monitoring temperature, but I’ll discuss that a little later.

Built-In Grinder

Let’s talk about another standout feature in this Lelit Anita review — the 38-millimeter conical burr grinder. It isn’t some afterthought tacked on for convenience. Instead, it’s a coffee-crushing powerhouse that saves on counter space.

For starters, its hardened steel burrs guarantee durability. This conical burr grinder also boasts micrometric precision courtesy of the stepless adjustment wheel. To add to this, a 4.6-ounce (130-gram) bean hopper with an airtight lid guarantees bean freshness.

Tamper

Unlike similar espresso machines, Lelit integrated a stainless steel tamper just in front of this machine’s grinder chute.

This Lelit Anita tamper size perfectly matches the 57-millimeter portafilter basket and Lelit57 group head, ensuring an even tamp across all coffee grounds. Moreover, the balanced weight does all the work for you, yielding a satisfying resistance as you press.

Sure, some coffee snobs (me included) might still upgrade to a separate weighted espresso tamper eventually. But until then, you can use this tamper to produce consistent and delicious espresso shots.

Water Tank

The Anita’s 92-ounce (2.7-liter) water tank is a master study in convenience. It has a flip-and-pour lid, clear water level indicators and space for a water filter to keep your machine happy.

This tank’s design and capacity are generous enough for a compact machine like the Anita, offering easy refills and cleaning. This translates to more time doing what matters most: brewing the perfect coffee.

Boiler

Another key feature in this Lelit Anita review is the durable brass single boiler. This beauty is the real deal unlike aluminum versions in cheaper machines. Why? It all has to do with temperature stability and durability.

Brass holds heat like nobody’s business. As such, this boiler reaches brew temperature quickly (10-15 minutes). In addition, the water temperature stays constant during extraction. And the quick recovery time? It means you’ll have less of a wait when switching to steam mode for milk drinks.

With an 8.5-ounce ( 250-milliliter) capacity, this boiler is perfect for home use. After pulling multiple espresso shots, it still has enough steam power to froth milk with silky microfoam.

All these features may not sound like much. But they do say a lot about the quality of Lelit machines!

Portafilter

While many manufacturers go with the standard 58-millimeter portafilter, Lelit zigged, while others zagged, including a double-spout 57-millimeter version. And honestly? I’m all for it! This portafilter’s ergonomic chrome-plated brass construction fis perfect for extended use. It also retains heat like crazy, meaning you won’t suffer temperature drops mid-shot.

What I also love is the accessories. This portafilter comes with single and double baskets right out of the box. Lelit also includes a blind basket (for easy cleaning) and an ESE-compatible basket for pods. The latter, I must admit, are not my favorite – you probably already know my views on non-recyclable coffee capsules.

PID Temperature Control

One of Anita’s quality features is its PID temperature control. If you’re new to espresso, a PID is basically a smart thermostat. It keeps brew temperature stable to within 1 degree Fahrenheit. This translates to remarkable coffee consistency.

Another advantage of PID temperature control is that it allows for easier water temperature adjustment, depending on which espresso beans youre brewing with. Got a fruity Ethiopian light roast? Nudge the temperature up a few degrees. For a darker-roast chocolaty Brazilian, lower the temperature for optimal extraction.

This digital display allows you to dial in brewing and steaming temperatures, eliminating the need for manual profiling and temperature surfing.

Steam Wand

The Lelit Anita’s pro steam wand is a powerful, commercial-grade wand, capable of creating the silkiest microfoam. It may take getting used to, but once you have the hang of it, you’ll be creating latte art to die for.

Unlike steam wands with single-hole tips, the Anita’s two-hole wand looks prettier and handles better. This design also prevents milk from creeping back inside, which can compromise hygiene. Coupled with the 360-degree rotation and cool-touch technology, this wand makes the Anita worth every penny!

The Lelit Anita Home Espresso Machine In Use

Once you’ve scored one of these Italian espresso machines, how should you use it? After unboxing and cleaning, connect your machine to a grounded power outlet.

Fill the reservoir with brew water, power the machine on and give it about 15 minutes to heat up. The temperature gauge should tell you when it’s brew-ready.

In the meantime, fill the bean hopper with premium espresso beans. Then, dial in your grind and dose an 18-gram double-shot. You may need to repeat this process a couple of times and use a digital coffee scale to get things just right.

Tamp the puck and lock it into the group head with a firm twist. Next, hit that brew button. Aim for 36-40 grams of liquid in 25-30 seconds.

Unlike the Lelit Elizabeth, the Anita doesn’t have programmed pre-infusion. However, you can manually pre-infuse by activating the rotary pump switch briefly. This should bloom the coffee grounds for 1-2 seconds before full-pressure extraction.

For milk drinks, purge the steam wand before submerging it into your pitcher. Always use fridge-cold milk for the best results. Create a moderate whirlpool for silky latte microfoam or increase the pressure slightly for a stiffer cappuccino foam.

Lelit Anita Espresso Machine Troubleshooting

Every machine can experience problems, and the Lelit Anita is no different.

A common problem is shots running too fast or too slow. If you experience the former, try grinding finer and tamping firmer. For the latter, grind coarser and ease up on the tamping pressure.

You may also notice that the pressure gauge is not reaching the required 9-10 bars. First, check that your beans are fresh; stale beans won’t create the resistance you need. Failing that, consult the Lelit user manual for detailed instructions on adjusting boiler pressure.

If you experience water around the portafilter when brewing, correct this by firmly locking it in. Also, check that the group gasket isn’t worn or dirty.

You may also occasionally experience insufficient pressure from the steam wand. This could be due to the single boiler needing time to recover between user modes. Wait a minute or two before steaming your milk.

If your machine feels weak, you could have a limescale problem. Always use the best water for coffee when brewing and clean the portafilter and wand after every brew session. Regular backflushing and descaling should also keep things flowing smoothly.

How to Clean the Lelit Anita Machine

A well-maintained machine rewards you with delicious espresso and a longer lifespan. In this Lelit Anita review, I’ll recommend a few simple actions that will preserve the functionality of your machine.

After each brew, rinse the portafilter with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a dedicated cloth. Also, wipe the shower screen and group head to remove residue and coffee oils.

Always purge and clean the steam wand immediately after milk frothing — no exceptions. Oh, and don’t forget to empty the drip tray regularly. Nobody likes a coffee flood!

Weekly, soak your portafilter and its baskets in a quality espresso cleaner to dissolve coffee oils that hot water alone can’t dislodge. Don’t forget to brush out the grinder and run a backflush cycle using the blind basket to keep your machine’s internal pathways pristine.

For longer-term care, descale your machine using a quality descaler, such as Urnex Dezcal. You should also disassemble and deep-clean the burrs and grind chamber at least once monthly (especially if using oily dark roasted beans).

Lelit Anita Specifications

Lelit Anita Espresso Machine vs Other Espresso Machines

How does the Lelit Anita espresso machine compare to others in its category? Let’s take a gander to see what’s what.

Lelit Anita vs Lelit Kate

The Lelit Kate and Lelit Anita are like twin sisters with very different personalities. While both machines have simple user interfaces and built-in grinders, the Anita also boasts a built-in tamper and a slightly larger reservoir.

As for temperature control, both use single boilers with PID temperature control and multi-directional steam wands for milk texturing. However, the Kate deviates with the convenient Lelit Control Center (to manage all settings and brewing parameters), a coffee slide to maximize extraction and a 58-millimeter portafilter.

Ultimately, your choice will come down to how simple you want your morning routine to be. That, and your budget. Expect to shell out around $300 more for the Kate for the enhanced customization it offers. 

See Also: Lelit Kate Review

Lelit Anita vs Breville Barista Express

How does the Lelit Anita compare to the Breville Barista Express? Besides being Breville machines, they have subtle differences.

The compact Lelit Anita screams professional Italian craftsmanship and durability. The Breville is bulkier but still stylish. It sports a mix of stainless steel and durable plastic, which, curiously enough, gives it a more consumer-friendly look.

As for grinding capabilities, both have built-in conical burr grinders. However, the Barista Express has limited grind adjustment settings.

While both machines are of the single-boiler variety with PID temperature control, Lelit has opted for a heat exchanger. The Breville sports a thermocoil heater. Naturally, it’s not as refined. This difference repeats with the steam wands, with the Anita’s offering more steam power.

All these components explain the differences in pricing: expect to pay just $549.95, for the Barista Express. Consequently, if budget is your priority, Breville is the better option.

See Also: Breville Barista Express Review

Lelit Anita vs Lelit Anna

Now let’s take a closer look at another Lelit showdown: the Anita versus the Anna.

The Anita is the more premium sibling with a professional-grade build. While more compact, the Anna still boasts classic Italian Lelit craftsmanship. But it does so without the built-in grinder and tamper.

Both the Anita and the Anna operate with single boiler heat exchangers with PID temperature control and commercial-grade steam wands. Both machines also offer user-friendly, simple controls. 

However, while the Anna has unique features like a cup warmer and lever switches, the Anita offers better precision and more customization.

Given these differences, what’s the wallet check like? The Anna is roughly $200 cheaper, coming in at around $700. I would opt for the Anita if professional-grade performance is a must, and the Anna if budget is more of a priority.

Verdict: Lelit Anita PL042TEM Review

Here’s my honest take on this Lelit Anita review: It’s perfect if you want to upgrade, aren’t scared of a learning curve and don’t need all the bells and whistles of an expensive home espresso machine setup.

However, if you brew more frequently and are more partial to milk-based drinks than straight espresso, you might want to look at dual-boiler options like the Lelit Bianca. 

Still, for home espresso enthusiasts starting their journey, the Anita delivers exceptional value. It’s a serious coffee machine but not so serious that it’s lost its sense of joy. After all, isn’t that what great coffee is all about?

Anita Espresso Machine FAQ