Best Lelit Espresso Machines – Our 7 Top Choices (Reviews)

If you’re serious about coffee, there’s no better way to make sure you get the perfect cup of espresso every time than with a Lelit espresso machine.

From modern designs with adjustable brewing temperatures to patented double boiler systems that keep water at two different temperature levels—the best Lelit espresso machines pack serious features into one convenient package.

In this blog post, I’ll be exploring 7 top picks in the range from entry-level models to more advanced options so that whatever your budget and needs, you can find one perfectly suited to your requirements.

The 7 Best Lelit Espresso Machines

Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design, Lelit has become one of the most trusted brands in the world of espresso machines.

However, with a wide range of Lelit machines available in the market, it can be difficult to identify the perfect one that suits your needs and budget.

The good news is that I’ve done the research for you! Below is the review of each of the 7 best Lelit espresso machines on my list along with a buying guide at the end of the post.

Lelit Mara X – Best Overall

Lelit Mara X is an upgraded version of Mara and it’s designed to offer an unparalleled espresso experience for a mid-range price.

At the core of the Lelit Mara X is its temperature-control functionality. The PID temperature controller ensures that the water temperature remains stable throughout the brewing process, which is crucial for a consistent and high-quality espresso.

A huge 1.8L heat-exchange boiler is another key feature of the Lelit Mara X. This type of setup ensures that the machine is optimized for espresso quality above all other functionalities.

With regards to brewing customization, the Lelit Mara X offers an adjustable water temperature feature. You can tailor your brewing experience to your preferences, giving you the flexibility to experiment with various blends.

The pre-infusion functionality is a standout feature of the Lelit Mara X. The pre-infusion system ensures that the coffee grounds are pre-wetted, resulting in an even and consistent outcome.

The machine’s compact footprint makes it perfect for small kitchens or cafes. However, the machine’s smaller water tank means that it may require more frequent refilling than some other espresso machines.

Lelit Elizabeth – Runner Up

The Lelit Elizabeth is another espresso machine that is ideal for those who need a machine that delivers high performance in a compact footprint and medium price range.

One of the most impressive features of the Lelit Elizabeth is its two small boilers that ensure optimal extraction and steam production. Thanks to this feature, this machine doesn’t take long to warm up and is ready to craft a drink in under ten minutes.

However, what truly sets the Lelit Elizabeth apart is its compact and silent vibratory pump. Unlike traditional rotary pumps that tend to take up more space, this pump is incredibly efficient and provides you with high-quality performance.

The steam boiler is also worthy of mention as it might be small, but it packs a punch. With a 0.6L capacity, it still runs up to 2 bars of pressure, making it more than capable of delivering outstanding results.

When it comes to control and customization, the Lelit Elizabeth shines as well. Its Lelit Control Center is both user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to take complete control of your brewing parameters.

Whether you want to customize your brew temperature, set manual or timed shot dosing, or adjust the pre-infusion length, the Lelit Control Center has got you covered.

Lelit Ana – Best On-Budget

The Lelit Ana espresso machine is a single-boiler model that offers some impressive features for a very low price.

While it may not have the largest boiler available (0.25L), the machine heats up incredibly fast – thanks to its small size and high-wattage heating element.

Therefore, you won’t need to spend a lot of time waiting around before enjoying your favourite espresso.

However, keep in mind that you will need to wait between pulling a shot and frothing milk due to the nature of a single boiler setup.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Lelit Ana uses a 57mm portafilter. While this doesn’t impact the quality of your espresso, it’s worth noting that your choice of accessories may be somewhat limited compared to standard 58mm portafilters.

The steam wand and hot water dispenser are both easy to operate, and the machine’s temperature can be adjusted to between 185 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lelit Bianca – Best Upgrade

The Lelit Bianca espresso machine, with its unique combination of old-school design and modern innovation, is a true game-changer in the world of home espresso brewing.

Its core features of dual boilers and a thermosiphon brew group lend unparalleled stability and temperature precision.

But what sets the Bianca apart is its flow control needle valve, which allows to take extraction to the next level. I personally got very excited by this level of control.

And with the addition of the Lelit Control Center (LCC), you can program every step of the way. Enabling low-pressure pre-infusions, setting dwell times, and controlling late extraction pressure reductions are just a few of the impressive features that the Lelit Bianca offers.

Although it’s got large boilers (0.8 L brew boiler and 1.5 L steam boiler), Bianca can be connected to a water line thanks to its rotary pump. This means endless espressos without a need to refill the tank!

And if you enjoy milk-based drinks, the dedicated steam boiler on the Bianca provides the perfect amount of power to create finely textured milk with ease.

In all, the Lelit Bianca is a truly remarkable espresso machine that delivers uncompromising performance, precision, and customization.

Lelit Kate – Best With Grinder

The Lelit Kate espresso machine is an advanced unit that offers brewing enthusiasts a high level of control over the brewing parameters.

The LCC is also a standout feature of Kate that gives you maximal control, which means that you can have the most customization over your espresso shot every time.

Lelit Kate is a single-boiler, which means quite a fast heat-up time but on the other hand, waiting time between brewing and steaming. The capacity is small, only 0.3L, which means that you will have to refill it constantly if you brew a lot of espressos at once.

It has a vibratory pump that works with a power of 15 bar, ensuring high-quality pressure. While this is not the most powerful pump available on the market, it allows for steady and gentle extraction.

The Kate boasts a built-in grinder, which is a rarity among Lelit espresso machines. The 38mm conical burr grinder is located on top of the machine and has an adjustable grind volume that can be set according to your preferences.

In addition to the above features, the Lelit Kate comes equipped with a flexible multi-directional steam wand. The steam wand’s one-hole design grants maximum steam power, which enables quicker milk frothing.

Lelit Victoria – Best Compact

The Victoria is another one of Lelit machines that comes for a mid-range price and yet offers all the advanced features for the best espresso experience.

The Lelit Victoria boasts an incredibly fast heating time, thanks to its single boiler system (0.3L). While it may not allow for simultaneous milk steaming and shot pulling, the speed and consistency make for an optimal brewing experience.

What sets the Lelit Victoria apart from other single boiler models, however, are its premium features. The machine comes equipped with programmable pre-infusion, PID temperature control, a saturated group head, and a commercial-style 58 mm portafilter.

These features are usually reserved for more expensive, higher-end models, making the Lelit Victoria a standout in its class.

Lelit Victoria’s programmable pre-infusion feature provides excellent control over the extraction process, resulting in a more consistent flavour profile.

The PID temperature control ensures that the temperature remains stable throughout the brewing process, ensuring that the espresso shot extracts evenly and doesn’t become overly bitter.

Lelit Diana – Best Value

The Lelit Diana espresso machine is an impressive addition to this list. It boasts a range of features that make it another great pick if you value espresso quality above all.

The Diana is also a dual boiler system. Just like Bianca and Elizabeth, this system allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously.

Additionally, the boilers are made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring quick heat-up times and optimal temperature stability.

Another commendable feature of the Lelit Diana is its programmable profiles. You can alter the brew temperature, shot volume, and pre-infusion time to produce a truly personalized cup of espresso.

The machine also has a built-in PID controller. Additionally, it has a commercial-grade rotary pump, which provides the powerful extraction pressure required for making high-quality espresso.

In terms of design, the Lelit Diana boasts a sleek and modern look with its stainless steel body and polished chrome features.

About the Lelit Espresso Machine Company

Lelit is a renowned Italian espresso machine manufacturer that was founded in 1997 and has since grown to be one of the leading companies in the espresso machine market.

With a reputation for producing high-quality machines designed to make coffee in the traditional Italian way, Lelit is one of the top choices among pure espresso lovers.

One of the key features of Lelit’s machines is their precision engineering. Each machine is built with the finest materials, such as stainless steel and brass, and is designed to last for years.

The company’s focus on precision and durability is evident in the way they make their machines, with an emphasis on attention to detail at every stage of the manufacturing process.

From the design of the machine to the calibration of the espresso shot, every aspect of a Lelit machine is carefully thought out to ensure a superior coffee experience for the user.

With features like programmable shot times and temperature controls, you can adjust the machine to deliver the perfect cup of espresso every time.

If you’re looking for a machine that will deliver excellent espresso and stand the test of time, Lelit should definitely be on your radar.

How to Pick the Best Lelit Espresso Machine For You

Boiler Size and Design

Espresso machines utilize boilers to heat water to the perfect temperature for extracting espresso. It’s important to pick the ideal boiler setup for your needs.

Size

The size of the boiler plays a critical role in determining the consistency and quality of the espresso shot.

Lelit offers different boiler sizes ranging from 0.25L to 1.5L.

The size of the boiler you select will depend on several factors, including how many shots you plan to make in a row and the space available in your kitchen.

If you are an occasional coffee drinker, a smaller boiler size of 0.25L could be sufficient for your needs. Lelit Victoria and Ana are great contenders in this size category.

However, suppose you have a larger household or have guests over frequently. In that case, a larger boiler size of 1L to 1.5L would be more appropriate. A great pick in this category is Mara X.

Additionally, larger boilers allow for more stable temperatures and more consistent shots, making them ideal for those who prioritize quality over convenience.

Design

The boiler design also plays a significant role in how efficiently your espresso machine can heat water.

Lelit offers three types of boiler designs – single boiler, dual boiler and heat exchange.

Single boiler machines are more affordable and suitable for those who primarily make espresso shots. However, the downside to the single boiler is that there is a delay between brewing the espresso and frothing the milk.

If you don’t care about lattes, and a single boiler setup sounds great, once again Lelit Mara X (heat exchange), Victoria, and Kate are all great choices.

On the other hand, dual boiler machines eliminate this delay since each function has its own dedicated boiler, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming capabilities.

Dual boiler machines are generally more expensive, but they provide a higher level of convenience and speed compared to a single boiler.

These machines are ideal for those who frequently make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. Additionally, dual boilers allow for greater temperature stability, which contributes to the consistency of the espresso shot.

Great dual boiler picks are Lelit Bianca, Elizabeth and Diana espresso machines.

Heat exchanger models are an excellent compromise between single and dual-boiler models. They are less expensive than duals and allow you to brew and steam your espresso simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

Lelit’s heat exchange models like Mara X come with large boilers that ensure consistent temperature and stable steam levels. This means that you can continuously prepare your espresso without worrying about any fluctuations in temperature levels.

Features and Specifications

When it comes to choosing the best Lelit espresso machine, features and performance aspects should be another top priority.

Temperature Control

This technology allows for precise temperature stability during the brewing process, which is critical for achieving a consistent and delicious espresso shot.

Luckily, almost all Lelit espresso machines are equipped with either PID or thermosiphon technology.

Programmable Brewing Settings

Programmable brewing settings are another essential feature to look for in a Lelit espresso machine. This allows for customization of the brewing process to fit your preferences, ensuring a perfect cup of espresso every time.

Programmable settings can include shot volume, shot duration, and pre-infusion options, among others. Once again, all models on this list fit the profile.

Built-in Grinder

A grinder ensures that you can not only brew a high-quality shot of espresso but also grind your own beans for maximum freshness and flavour.

If you don’t want to buy a separate grinder, you can opt for a model with a built-in.

Some Lelit espresso machines like Kate come with built-in grinders, which can save space on your countertop and simplify your brewing process.

Steam Wand for Milk Frothing

Milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes require milk frothing, which is where steam wands come in.

All Lelit espresso machines come with a high-quality steam wand that will allow you to achieve perfectly frothed milk for your coffee drinks.

However, if you are a frequent latte drinker, entertain a lot of guests, or even plan to open a small coffee shop, go with a dual-boiler setup such as Bianca or Elizabeth.

Water Reservoir Capacity

Finally, consider the water reservoir capacities of the Lelit espresso machine you are considering.

The larger the water reservoir, the more cups of espresso you can brew before needing to refill the machine. This is also important if you plan to use the machine frequently.

Your Spending Budget

The good news is that there is a perfect Lelit Espresso machine for everyone, regardless of your budget.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can still get an excellent machine without breaking the bank. The Lelit Anna is an excellent option, offering a plethora of features and high quality for just under $1000.

If you have a little more to spend, head for the mid-range Lelit espresso machines that have more advanced features.

In this price range, I highly recommend the Lelit Mara X which costs just under $2000. This machine is a beauty with its elegant design and superior performance.

The Lelit Kate Espresso Machine is another option for getting great espresso in the mid-range. It is quite similar to Mara X and it even features a built-in grinder.

Espresso lovers with a generous budget tend to go for high-end models that offer intricate features, powerful machines, and elegant designs.

The Lelit Bianca is an excellent option that costs just over $3000. It’s got everything a serious espresso nerd can wish for in an espresso machine.

Our #1 Recommendation

The Mara X certainly fits the bill perfectly as one of the best Lelit espresso machines for anyone looking to make rich and delicious espressos.

Not only does this model come with plenty of features, from its powerful heat-exchange boiler to its PID temperature controller, but it is also affordable, making it an excellent buy.

Whether you are a seasoned barista or just learning the basics, this machine will surely live up to your expectations. Plus, with its stylish design and many customizable components, incorporating the Lelit Mara X into any kitchen style will be easy.

We have also curated the list of the best prosumer espresso machines if you care to expand your horizons beyond Lelit.

FAQs

Are Lelit espresso machines worth the price tag?

Yes, Lelit machines are generally considered worth the price tag due to their reputation for high quality, performance, and Italian craftsmanship. They offer a range of features, options, and durability that make them a solid investment.

Where is the Lelit espresso machine company located?

Lelit is an Italian company based in Milan, Italy. They design and manufacture their espresso machines in Italy.

Are Lelit espresso machines suitable for home use or commercial use?

Lelit produces machines that cater to both home and commercial use. They offer a range of models suitable for different settings and requirements.

What is the warranty on Lelit espresso machines?

The warranty on Lelit machines may vary depending on the model and region. It’s best to refer to the specific warranty information provided by the manufacturer or authorized dealers.