Lelit: all espresso machines and grinders tested

We have tested nine Lelit machines so far: the single-boiler Victoria, the heat exchanger Mara X in three generations, the dual-boiler Elizabeth and Bianca, plus three espresso grinders. We purchased each of these machines ourselves, because independent espresso machine tests are the foundation of our work.

On this page we compile what we have measured: which Lelit is suitable for which need, where the brand is strong and where it fails to deliver on its promises.

We are a coffee school in Basel and the Ruhr region, with our own roastery, three cafés and deeply integrated work with coffee farms on various continents. We measure espresso machines and grinders according to our own protocol: heat-up time, temperature deviation over multiple shots according to KM and WBC protocols, power consumption in kWh, and for grinders additionally retention, grinding speed, dosing consistency and particle distribution in the laser diffractometer. You can find out exactly how this works in the Espresso Machine Test Protocol and the Espresso Grinder Test Protocol.

Lelit: from irons to prosumer portafilter machines

Lelit is not an old espresso machine dynasty. The company was founded in 1986 in the province of Brescia by Maria Bellini and her husband Edoardo Epis. The name is short for "L'Elettrodomestico Italiano," and they initially produced steam ironing systems. Lelit still manufactures irons today, around 30,000 units per year.

The founding date is also not clearly documented: the English-language Wikipedia names 1986 and Baitella near Brescia, the Brescia daily newspaper Bresciaoggi names 1986 and San Vigilio di Concesio, and the Breville takeover announcement names 1985 and Castegnato. Castegnato is the current location.

Coffee machines came as a second business line, developed by the sons of the founding couple. Sources differ on the exact timing: Bresciaoggi dates the entry into development and production of espresso machines to 1992, while the English-language Wikipedia names 2002 as the beginning of focus on semi-automatic portafilter machines. Both could be true if you distinguish between initial machines and strategic direction.

What matters to us is a later date. Only in 2017 with the Bianca and 2019 with the Mara X did Lelit enter the prosumer market—the segment between household appliance and commercial machine. These two models have established the brand's reputation to this day.

After that, things moved quickly. Revenue rose from 13 million euros in 2019 to 39 million. In 2020, Lelit sold 48,000 espresso machines and expanded its workforce from 80 to 230 people within a month to meet demand. Today the company employs nearly 200 people, and the Castegnato plant ships over 50,000 coffee machines annually.

The takeover by Breville

On March 11, 2022, Australian Breville Group announced it would acquire 100 percent of Lelit. Purchase price: approximately 113 million euros, half in cash and half in Breville shares at 27.64 Australian dollars with a five-year holding period. The transaction was completed in early July 2022 after the previous holding company Gemme Italian Producers srl transferred the coffee business to a new Lelit srl.

The founding family and parts of management moved to the Breville camp. At the time of the takeover, Emanuele Epis was CEO of Lelit; according to Wikipedia, his brother Mauro Epis now leads the company.

Breville CEO Jim Clayton put it this way, in our translation: "The acquisition of Lelit brings together the two great coffee cultures of the world, Italian and Australian." Marketing speak, certainly. What's practically relevant is something else: Breville also owns Baratza. This means espresso machines and grinders from the specialty segment sit in the same group, and Lelit gains access to distribution structures outside Europe and numerous patents from Breville. This shows up, among other things, in the integration of the Pagaia function, which is based on a Sage patent.

Production continues in Castegnato. Whether that remains the case remains to be seen. For today's buyers, this means: Lelit is Italian manufacturing with an Australian owner, not a relabeled OEM product.

How Lelit organizes its product lines

Lelit's model names are first names; the type designations are PL numbers. This seems arbitrary but follows a logic based on the group head. Three lines sit side by side:

The 57-millimeter line with in-house group includes entry-level models Anna (PL41), Anita (PL042, with built-in conical burr), and the discontinued Grace (PL81). Common features are a 250-milliliter brass boiler, a three-way solenoid valve and an adjustable over-pressure valve. We are currently testing these machines. The test is more complex because we have had to develop our own temperature sensor specifically for these devices.

The 58-millimeter line without E61 group includes Victoria (PL91), Kate (PL82), the discontinued Glenda (PL41PLUST), and the dual-boiler Elizabeth (PL92). The Victoria has a 300-milliliter brass boiler, the Elizabeth a 300-milliliter brew boiler plus a switchable 600-milliliter steam boiler.

The E61 line with a 58-millimeter group head modeled on the Faema E61 consists of the heat exchanger Mara X (PL62X) and the dual-boiler Bianca (PL162T). The Bianca carries an 800-milliliter brew boiler and a 1.5-liter steam boiler; the Mara X has a 1.8-liter boiler. What technically defines this group head is explained in our article on the Faema E61 Group Head.

Model overview: what we tested

We have not yet tested the Anna PL41TEM, Anita, and Kate. Anna and Anita are in progress with us. Further measurements for the Bianca V4 and the 2026-introduced Pagaia versions of Elizabeth and Victoria will follow at the end of 2026 and beginning of 2027.

Which Lelit should you buy?

The question "which Lelit is the best" is misleading. The models differ mainly in which drinking habit they were built for. We therefore organize by need.

You drink almost only straight espresso, one to three per day

The Victoria PL91T is sufficient. A single boiler with PID, 10.9 kilograms, 23.5 centimeters wide, for around 800 euros. In the WBC protocol we measure a standard deviation of 1.28 degrees over 14 shots, which is acceptable for this type of machine. What you have to accept: 23 minutes heat-up time and a switchover if you want to steam milk afterwards. Steam power is low, but that's typical for a single boiler. For a cappuccino on the weekend, that works; for four in a row, it doesn't.

You regularly make milk drinks and don't want to wait

Then you need separate circuits. The Elizabeth PL92T is a true dual boiler with 300-milliliter brew boiler and switchable 600-milliliter steam boiler, from around 1,050 euros. The steam boiler can be regulated down to 145 degrees, it steams powerfully while heating slowly. After 20 minutes the machine is up to temperature, although it claims to be earlier. Power consumption is low: 0.13 kWh for five double espressos including heat-up without the steam boiler, 0.24 kWh with it.

For us, it's the best entry-level dual-boiler machine we've measured, with the potential to outperform much more expensive machines. The price you pay is a thin stainless steel body, a plastic handle, a plastic steam valve, and a water tank that's awkward to fill.

The alternative is the heat exchanger Mara X. It's up to 10 decibels quieter than comparable heat exchangers and at 22 centimeters exceptionally narrow for an E61 machine. In Switzerland the list price was 1,490 francs; in the EU we found numerous offers under 1,000 euros. For that, you need to understand the brew priority modes, otherwise the machine brews too hot.

You want to dial in extraction profiles

The Bianca V3, for over 2,000 euros. It has a mechanical paddle and additionally an electronic low-flow mode, a rotary pump with 8 to 9 bar that we measure at 61 decibels. Via the paddle you control the flow from about 2.5 grams per second in the 6 o'clock position to just 6 grams at fully open, the electronic low-flow sits at 1.5 to 1.7 grams per second and 3.1 bar.

The temperature values are the best in the entire Lelit range: 93 degrees target temperature with a deviation of one degree, standard deviation 0.99 degrees in the KM protocol after 17 minutes and 0.69 degrees in the WBC protocol after one hour. And despite the E61 group, it's up to temperature after 17 minutes, so 8 to 12 minutes faster than the E61 average. Power consumption takes a hit from the large steam boiler: 0.133 kWh for five espressos, but 0.43 kWh once the steam boiler is running.

The point of the Bianca is that you can run it in two modes: as a solid E61 machine without thinking or as a profiling machine where you control the flow on every shot. It grows with you, which is why we recommend it to beginners too. At 27 kilograms and 50 centimeters deep, however, it needs space.

You want flow profiling, but cheaper

Then the Mara X3 at 1,699 euros is worth a look. The flow control works well, the lever adjusts from 6 to about 3.5 milliliters per second, and the pump drops below 50 decibels. In the KM protocol, which represents everyday home use, temperature control is adequate.

In the WBC stress test over 14 shots, however, we measure a temperature window of 7 degrees. We clearly rated this as a failure in the test. For a machine in your kitchen this weighs less heavily than for commercial use, but if you regularly make many drinks in a row, a dual boiler is better. In the KM overall rating, the machine lands at 50.2 out of 100 points. So for 500 euros more than the predecessor, you get flow control.

You're looking for a Lelit grinder

Here we have to pump the brakes. The two Fred models PL044MMT and PL043MMI had the widest main peaks at 336 and 349 micrometers in our first test field of 24 directly compared grinders. The best grinder there was at 180 micrometers. You taste that: the espresso tastes ragged, the acidity stands alone. For straight espresso, we cannot recommend the Freds.

The William PL72 is a different case. Its grounds are good, the coarse peak is narrow at 227 micrometers. The problem is adjustment: once you change the grind size, you can't reliably return to it. What it does have is a property we haven't seen in any other grinder. It grinds itself completely empty, 18 grams in, 18 grams out. If you already own a PL72 and like drinking different coffees side by side, run it exclusively in single-dose mode.

If you have a free choice, check our overview of the best espresso grinders. We've now tested over 100 grinders, so the selection is significantly larger than when we tested Lelit. The Freds are quite usable for milk-based drinks because milk buffers flavor imbalance.

Distribution and specialty retail

Lelit doesn't sell directly but through specialty retailers, online shops, and Amazon. According to Bresciaoggi, the Amazon channel was a major driver of rapid growth, which is unusual for a manufacturer in this price segment.

For you as a buyer, this mainly means: prices vary widely. With the Elizabeth we saw prices in Switzerland ranging from 1,100 francs at large online platforms to 1,600 francs in local retail, with an entry price in Germany of around 1,050 euros. A price comparison is worth more here than with other manufacturers.

We ourselves do not sell espresso machines. In individual tests we name specialty shops where we would recommend buying because they know the equipment and can service it themselves if needed. When you buy through a marketplace, you don't have this contact person.

Comparison table: our measured values

All values are our own measurements from the linked individual tests, not manufacturer specifications. A dash means we didn't collect that value in this test.

* Prices at time of testing and intended as orientation. Lelit prices fluctuate significantly in retail.
** Heat-up plus one espresso in espresso mode.
*** Each heat-up plus five double espressos. The first value without, the second with steam boiler switched on.

Temperature measured values in comparison

Temperature control separates the field much more clearly than price. That's why here separately:

Which protocol matters depends on usage. The KM protocol measures everyday home use: heat up and pull individual shots. The WBC protocol measures sustained load over 14 shots and is thus particularly relevant for commercial use. For a heat exchanger in your kitchen, therefore, the individual shot is crucial, not the stress test. We explain both procedures in the Espresso Machine Test Protocol.

Frequently asked questions about Lelit

Is Lelit still an Italian company?

The brand and manufacturing are Italian, the owner is not. Since July 2022, Lelit belongs to Australian Breville (Sage) Group. Manufacturing continues at the plant in Castegnato near Brescia; the founding Epis family remains with the company.

Which Lelit is the best espresso machine?

According to our measurements, the Bianca V3 if budget and space allow. It has the best temperature control in the entire Lelit range and the shortest heat-up time among E61 machines. For about half the money, the Elizabeth PL92T is the more sensible choice if you primarily make milk drinks. For straight espresso on a tight budget, the Victoria is enough.

Lelit Mara X or Elizabeth?

The Mara X is quieter, narrower, and works with the E61 group, meaning thermal inertia. The Elizabeth has two true boilers, is up to temperature after 20 minutes, and is more confident with steam, but is less well-built. If you make many milk drinks in a row, get the Elizabeth. If build quality, noise, and footprint matter more to you, go with the Mara X.

How long does a Lelit take to heat up?

Measured: Bianca V3 17 minutes, Elizabeth PL92T 20 minutes, Victoria PL91T 23 minutes, Mara X3 24 minutes. The Bianca is thus the fastest despite the E61 group because its brew boiler is insulated. With all machines, expect permanent temperature stability to come in later than the brewing readiness the display reports.

What's the difference between Mara X V1, V2, and X3?

V1 and V2 are technically nearly identical; you recognize the V1 by its red logo. Differences lie in the control logic, which is why some machines were shipped with instructions for the respective other version. The Mara X3 is a bigger jump; it brings Pagaia, electronic flow control via a lever, and costs 1,699 euros. In temperature it behaves similar to the V2, but flow control adds another level that can affect temperature. Details in our tests of the Mara X and the Mara X3.

What does Pagaia cost?

On Elizabeth 3 and Victoria 3, Lelit told us in Brussels 300 euros surcharge versus the version without the lever. On the Mara X3, Pagaia is built in; it costs 1,699 euros, roughly 500 euros more than the predecessor. None of the three models have volumetric or timer-based dosing.

Are Lelit grinders recommendable?

For straight espresso, according to our measurements, no. The two Fred models scatter too widely. The William PL72 grinds well but can't reliably return to the same grind setting; it mainly makes sense for existing owners in single-dose mode. If you drink mostly cappuccino, you can work with the Freds.

Is a used Lelit worth buying?

With E61 machines, yes, because the technology is well documented and spare parts are available. Watch for scale, the condition of seals on the group head, and which generation you're buying. With the Mara X, the version question isn't a minor thing but determines how you operate the brew priority.

Which Lelit haven't you tested yet?

Anna PL41TEM and Anita are in progress with us. The Kate is still outstanding. Further tests for the Bianca V4 and for Elizabeth 3 and Victoria 3 with Pagaia are coming.

We purchased all equipment mentioned in this article ourselves. None of the linked tests were requested or authorized by Lelit. We have not sold espresso machines for three years. The measured values in both tables come from individual tests of the Victoria PL91T, Mara X V2, Mara X3, Elizabeth PL92T, Bianca V3, William PL72, and Fred PL044MMT and PL043MMI.