5 Best Lelit Espresso Machines in 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)

Last updated on June 12th, 2025 at 04:35 pm

Ever wonder if a Lelit espresso machine is actually worth the hype?
Recently, I’ve been testing out a bunch of Lelit machines and let me tell you, a few of them seriously impressed me.

I wasn’t expecting to find this much pro-level control and build quality at such reasonable price points. Whether it was the smart little Anna with its adjustable PID or the all-in-one convenience of the Kate, I found myself rethinking what “entry-level” and “prosumer” really mean.

If you’re on the hunt for a home espresso setup that actually fits your lifestyle and your budget this guide is for you.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the five best Lelit espresso machines in 2025, what makes each one special, and who they’re best suited for.

Top 5 Lelit Espresso Machines

The Bianca V3 is Lelit’s flagship machine, and honestly, it earns that title. It’s built for people who want full control over their espresso.

Thanks to the manual flow control paddle right above the group head, it stands out in the prosumer category.

You can adjust pressure throughout the shot, which helps bring out different flavor notes—especially in lighter roasts. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to go back.

The dual boilers are another big plus. You can brew and steam at the same time without sacrificing stability. The PID temperature control keeps everything consistent, and there’s even an eco mode for energy savings.

I also enjoy the fact that it’s surprisingly quiet, thanks to the rotary pump. And with those wooden accents and polished stainless steel, it looks incredible on the counter.

Who Should Get It?

I wouldn’t recommend this machine for beginners. If you’re new to espresso, all the advanced features might be more frustrating than fun at first. But if you’ve got some experience and want a machine that grows with you, the Bianca is a solid long-term investment.

The Lelit Mara X is a compact prosumer machine that really nails the sweet spot between simplicity and performance. It’s got the classic E61 group head look. But under the hood, it runs a lot smarter than most heat exchanger machines in its class.

What really makes the Mara X stand out is Lelit’s dual temperature probe system. It keeps the brew temperature super stable without you having to babysit it or do a cooling flush every time.

The Xmode feature also lets you switch between Coffee mode for fast shot recovery and Steam mode for milk drinks. So you’re basically getting the flexibility of a dual boiler machine at a more accessible price point.

The build quality is excellent. Stainless steel everywhere, maple or resin wood accents depending on the color you choose, and a surprisingly quiet custom pump that doesn’t sound like a jet engine at 6AM.

I also like how the switches for temp control and mode selection are hidden behind the drip tray. This provides a clean look with no clutter.

Who Should Get It?

If you’re ready to upgrade from a basic single boiler but don’t want to go all-in on something like the Bianca just yet, the Mara X is a fantastic step up.

It’s also beginner-friendly for an E61 machine, which is rare. You get great espresso, solid steam, and enough control without being overwhelmed.

The Lelit Elizabeth is one of those machines that surprises you. On the outside, it’s all stainless steel and sharp angles, leaning more industrial than elegant.

But under that minimalist shell is a highly programmable dual boiler setup that’s made for espresso nerds who like to tinker.

What really makes the Elizabeth shine is the Lelit Control Center (LCC). Through the OLED screen, you can dial in brew temperature, steam pressure, hot water temp, preinfusion time even your brew time.

Basically, it’s like writing your own espresso recipe, saving it, and repeating it with precision. And if you’re switching between light roasts and dark blends, having that kind of temperature flexibility is a huge win.

It also heats up fast (about 15 minutes), and the dual boilers mean you can pull shots and steam milk at the same time without waiting.

The steam wand has plenty of power and is fully adjustable with a dedicated knob. Honestly, it’s pretty fun once you get a rhythm going.

Who Should Get It?

The Elizabeth is ideal for home baristas who want precision and programmability without stepping all the way into flow profiling territory.

If you like dialing in variables and experimenting with recipes, but still want a user-friendly interface, this one’s for you.

Just be warned: it’s not the prettiest machine on the market, and some plastic parts feel cheap.

The Lelit Anna PL41TEM is proof that you don’t need to spend much to start making serious espresso at home. It’s compact, built like a tank, and surprisingly well-equipped for its price range. For an entry-level machine, this one really doesn’t feel “entry” at all.

What makes the Anna stand out is its adjustable PID controller. Usually, something you don’t see in machines around the £450 ($500) mark. The PID lets you control brew and steam temps independently, with ranges from 80–130°C for brewing and 120–140°C for steaming.

That level of control alone puts it ahead of other budget options like the Gaggia Classic Pro or even the Rancilio Silvia (especially if you’re not into DIY mods).

On top of that, it comes with a 250ml brass boiler, a 3-way solenoid valve for dry pucks, and an adjustable OPV pre-set to about 10 bars.

Everything’s housed in polished stainless steel, and the pro-style steam wand makes surprisingly good microfoam for a single boiler machine. It even has a 2.7L water tank, which is generous for this size.

Who Should Get It?

If you’re new to espresso but want something that punches way above its weight, the Anna is a brilliant first machine. The only catch?

It uses a 57mm portafilter, which limits your choice of accessories a bit. Not a dealbreaker, just something to know before you start shopping for tampers and distribution tools.

The Lelit Kate PL82T is what happens when you take a prosumer espresso machine and fuse it with a solid burr grinder—all inside one compact, brushed stainless steel unit. It’s a dream setup for anyone who wants great espresso without needing a separate grinder cluttering up their counter.

The built-in conical burr grinder is a real highlight here. It’s stepless, micrometric, and punches way above what you’d expect from an integrated setup. It produces fluffy, even grounds close to something like the Baratza Sette 270.

On top of that, you get Lelit’s Control Center (LCC), which gives you precise control over brew temp, steam temp, pre-infusion, and even grind times. It’s all handled through a sleek OLED screen that doubles as a shot timer when you’re brewing.

Now, like most single boiler machines, the Kate can’t brew and steam simultaneously. You’ll need to give it a minute or so to catch up when switching between espresso and milk drinks.

But for folks who mostly drink straight shots or don’t mind waiting a bit, that’s no big deal. And with solid steam pressure and two included steam tips, it’s more capable than most in its class.

Who Should Get It?

If you’re looking to upgrade from something like the Breville Barista Express and want better build quality, control, and long-term reliability—without adding a separate grinder—the Kate is a perfect match.

Just be aware the water tank is a bit awkward to fill, and the grind size knob isn’t clearly marked.

What to Consider Before Choosing?

Before you settle on the perfect Lelit machine, it helps to know what really matters based on your routine, space, and priorities. So, let’s break down the key things to think about.

Boiler Type: Single vs Dual Boiler vs Heat Exchanger

A single boiler machine like the Anna is great if you’re mostly drinking straight espresso and don’t mind waiting to steam.

But if you want to steam and brew at the same time, you’ll need a dual boiler (like the Elizabeth) or a heat exchanger (like the Mara X).

Example:

• Want café-style lattes every morning without a wait? Go dual boiler.
• Just pulling the occasional espresso? A single boiler might do just fine.

Steam Performance: If Milk Drinks Are a Priority

If you’re a cappuccino or latte lover, don’t overlook the steam wand. You have machines like the Elizabeth and Mara X that offer strong, dry steam and fast recovery (ideal for textured microfoam).

Meanwhile, lower-tier machines can still steam. However, it takes more time and technique.

Example:

• Love latte art? You’ll want a machine with strong, steady steam pressure.
• Occasionally frothing for a guest? A single boiler can still get it done—just slower.

Size & Space: Compact Options vs Pro Setups

Lelit makes machines for all kinds of kitchens. Some are slim and low-profile, like the Anna or Kate, while others like the Bianca are wider and taller. Especially if you need side clearance for water tank access or a hopper.

Example:

• Tight on counter space? The Kate has a small footprint even with the built-in grinder.
• Got room to spare? The Bianca makes a statement with its full prosumer build.

PID & Pressure Profiling: How Much Control You Want

A PID controller lets you set and stabilize brew temperatures, a must-have if you’re chasing consistent shots.

Pressure profiling (like with the Bianca’s paddle) takes it a step further, letting you control flow and pressure during extraction.

Example:

• Like dialing in lighter roasts or changing beans often? You’ll want full PID control.
• Want to geek out on extraction curves? The Bianca’s paddle is where it’s at.

Budget: Entry-Level Machines vs Investment Models

Your budget will narrow things down fast. For instance, entry-level machines like the Anna or Kate have surprising features considering their price.

Meanwhile models like the Bianca are a long-term investment for serious home baristas.

Example:

• On a tight budget but want control? The Anna with PID gives you plenty for under $500.
• Looking for end-game espresso gear? The Bianca’s got you covered—for a price.

Last Thoughts

Tried one of these Lelit machines or still trying to decide which one’s right for you? Go below and drop a comment! I’d love to hear about your experience, what worked for you, or if you have any questions.