The Lelit Elizabeth PL92T, with its strong test performance, is vying for the title of "Best Entry-Level Dual Boiler Espresso Machine." We were pleasantly surprised and yet also feel vindicated. With the Elizabeth, Lelit goes the extra mile with dual boiler espresso machines and does a lot right. Therefore, our review of the Lelit Elizabeth is just as positive as our previous review of the dual boiler Lelit Mara X.
The Lelit Elizabeth is one of many dual-boiler espresso machines we've tested and will continue to test. Click here for an overview.
Classification Lelit Elizabeth Dualboiler
The Lelit Elizabeth is one of the most affordable dual boilers on the market. In Switzerland, prices range from 1,100 francs on major online platforms to 1,600 francs in local stores. In Germany, the Lelit Elizabeth is available starting at 1,050 euros. That's really affordable!
Many dual boilers start at prices above 1,800 Swiss francs or euros, which makes the price of the Lelit Elizabeth all the more competitive. Pointing out that these prices are achieved due to high volumes and primarily through online sales doesn't change the fact: the Lelit Elizabeth is very affordable for a dual boiler!
At the same time, it boasts a wealth of features and refinements that much more expensive models lack. Various pre-infusion modes, a shot timer, and sophisticated controls make the Lelit Elizabeth an exciting entry-level espresso machine for dual boilers!
Lelit Elizabeth quick check
If you don't want to read the entire article, you'll find a summary of the Lelit Elizabeth's key strengths and weaknesses here.
Facts
- Dual boiler with PID temperature controller and vibration pump as well as pump pressure gauge.
- The Elizabeth weighs 12 kilograms, is 32.2 cm wide (with spout), 38.2 cm high, and the body is 26 cm deep. Including the portafilter and the protruding power cord, the Lelit Elizabeth has a depth of 43 cm.
- The drip tray holds 1.4 liters.
- The water tank has a capacity of 2.5 liters. The machine cannot be connected to a mains water supply.
- Steam boiler volume: 0.6 liters (can be switched off)
- Brewing kettle volume: 0.3 liters
- The housing of the machine is made of brushed stainless steel.
- Lelit is an Italian manufacturer and belongs to the Breville Group .
Recommended Lelit workshop in Germany: Stoll Espresso *
Strengths of Lelit Elizabeth
- The Lelitz Elizabeth combines the strengths of a dual-boiler espresso machine with a relatively affordable price. The separate boilers allow for precise adjustment of the espresso machine for its two main purposes: making espresso and frothing milk.
- The temperature of the Lelit Elizabeth remains constant when the machine is thoroughly heated. This is the case with a heating time of more than 20 minutes.
- The Lelit Elizabeth PL92T has a low power consumption of approximately 0.13 kWh for five double espressos with preheating without the steam boiler. With the steam boiler switched on, we measured 0.24 kWh.
- The Lelit Elizabeth's steam performance is good . It rolls powerfully but heats slowly, allowing for a long rolling phase and thus thick foam. The boiler can be regulated up to 145 degrees Celsius.
- Practical shot timer to see the reference length in seconds.
- Two different pre-infusion modes that allow plenty of time to get the perfect result from every espresso.
- Clearly arranged LCC (Lelit Control Center) for controlling the machine and displaying the shot timer. Additional functions for controlling and programming the machine in expert mode.
- Good sieve with 18 gram capacity included.
- Programmable buttons that can also be used for an automated flushing and cleaning program.
The Lelit Elizabeth PL92T allows for control at various levels. The interface allows for programming the temperature and, for example, the brewing time. Pre-infusion can also be adjusted. The advanced control allows for many PID details. Few manufacturers allow access at this level.
Weaknesses of Lelit Elizabeth
- The machine's workmanship could be of higher quality . The stainless steel body feels thin compared to other dual boilers.
- The portafilter is functionally good, but not balanced. The plastic handle feels cheap.
- A plastic tamper is included in the delivery, but it is not suitable as a tamper.
- The plastic steam wheel seems like a temporary solution and reflects the lower quality of the portafilter handle.
- The Lelit Elizabeth has relatively sharp edges in various places, which can lead to unsightly cuts even during everyday use.
- The machine can sometimes become very loud if the water level in the tank is too low. The pump itself is relatively quiet.
- The water tank looks like a relic from an earlier era . Unlike the Lelit Mara X, the water is not drawn from the bottom, but rather through hoses that are re-threaded after each refill.
- The warm-up time is 20 minutes , if the machine is to actually reach temperature. The machine itself indicates that it's ready for use beforehand, but this doesn't correspond to our measurements.
- The optimum temperature is reached when the machine is in operation for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is important to know your machine and to check and adjust it to the current actual temperature together with a local dealer.
- The buttons sometimes don't respond sensitively.
Low power consumption without steam boiler
Compared to other dual-boiler machines, the Lelit Elizabeth has relatively low power consumption with the steam boiler off. However, it should be noted that the power consumption was measured during a protocol lasting only 15 minutes. At this point, the machine was not yet at full temperature. The actual power consumption will therefore be slightly higher, but still relatively low. It cannot be compared to some thermoblocks, which consume only 0.1 kWh. Even so, approximately 0.13–0.15 kWh is still a good result. We will repeat the power measurement without the steam boiler, with an operating time of 20 minutes.
With the steam boiler, we measured 0.24 kWh, which corresponds to the result of the Rancilio Silvia Pro X. For many dual boilers, we achieved high values of more than 0.35 kWh in our comparison measurements.
Heating time of the Lelit Elizabeth PL92T
We've read a lot about the Elizabeth's short heat-up time. We disagree with this. At 10 or 15 minutes, the PL92T isn't yet at its target temperature. We recommend warming the machine up for at least 20 minutes.
The Lelit Elizabeth is truly in its comfort zone when left on for longer periods. This is also confirmed by our measurements using the WBC protocol . We have the impression that the machine has been optimized for the "1-hour on" goal. This seems only partially suitable for everyday use at home. We, at least for ourselves, like to drink an espresso while the machine is just at the right temperature. In everyday life, we turn the machine off after brewing and then turn it back on a few hours later for the next espresso.
To be more precise: the Lelit also reaches its temperature range earlier. However, according to the factory settings, it becomes truly stable when it's turned on for a longer period. This may be adjustable using the LCC's advanced settings.
In the time window up to 30 minutes, we would rather set the machine two degrees above the displayed target temperature.
The measurements were taken using the factory default settings of the Lelit Elizabeth. These were: KPc 2.0; Klc 0.04; KDc 1.0; BC 30; KPs 2.0; KIs 0.00; KDs 20.0; BS 30; Ec 10; Es 0; F01 1; Tr 0
These settings can be controlled via the LCC in the Lelit's "Advanced Settings" menu. Lelit provides everything you need to fine-tune many of the PID and control behaviors. You can also adjust the length of the pump phase during pre-infusion, etc. Dave Corbey provides a good explanation of this in a blog post . We'll discuss the setting options in a future video and also compare the Lelit's temperature with the settings suggested by Dave.
Pre-infusion and espresso quality
Even in standard mode, the Lelit Elizabeth allows us to brew good espresso. If the machine is properly heated, we'll get good results. However, we'll set the machine two degrees higher if we want to brew espresso 20 minutes after turning it on!
Additionally, the espresso machine allows for two different pre-infusion modes. First, with the steam boiler switched on , we can use the steam to gently press the coffee cake for up to 20 seconds after the pump stops.
Alternatively, a type of blooming pre-infusion can be used. For this, the steam boiler must not be running. By default, the pump shuts off after 6 seconds of operation and then enters a definable pause phase.
Advanced pre-infusion settings
The pump stop phase can be defined for both modes in the advanced settings. To access the advanced settings, turn off the machine. Press - and + together to turn the Lelit Elizabeth back on. The KPc display will appear. Use the - key to navigate through the menus. Click until you reach the BLS1 setting.
BLS1 stands for button 1, and BLS2 stands for button 2. The following number defines the activated phase of the pump before steam pressure pre-infusion. In the example above, we chose 3 seconds, which seems like a reasonable value.
BLP1 sets button 1 for blooming pre-infusion and BLP2 sets button 2. In the example above, we selected 6 seconds before stopping the pump.
In both modes, the pump's activated time is deducted from the total pre-infusion time. So, if we select a ten-second pre-infusion in the menu, this will be 7 or 4 seconds, respectively, since the pump pressure time is counted as part of the pre-infusion.
Effects of pre-infusion on different espressos
We played around a lot with pre-infusion, testing different espresso roasts and brewing times. The possibilities are immense. We achieved better results with steam pressure pre-infusion. Lighter roasted specialty coffee espressos, in particular, turned out sweeter and more balanced. In the video test, for example, we taste Toca from our organic project partner in Mexico.
► With Toca and the cooperative behind the coffee, we're taking new steps. We're supporting an entire valley's transition to regenerative coffee production. We'll be reporting more on this project and the work being done on-site in Ixpaluca and Zongolica, Mexico.
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Our Robusta espresso Mamy, on the other hand, produced good results even without pre-infusion. The Lelit Elizabeth, with its setting options, offers a wide range of options for curious coffee aficionados. However, it also carries the risk of getting lost. In that case, a step back to the standard profile is advisable.
Mamy Dioubaté checking Robusta cherries on a drying bed in Guinea.
Foaming behavior
The base pressure of the steam boiler is rather low. However, the temperature can be raised to 145 degrees Celsius, and then the Lelit Elizabeth is a real pleasure to froth. It rolls powerfully without heating up too quickly. This allows for a long rolling phase, which is essential for excellent milk foam.
The Lelit is also an interesting choice for those just beginning to froth milk. The long rolling phase helps break down the bubbles that may have formed during inexperienced frothing.
Only the steam wheel is a bit frustrating every time we start foaming. But I'm sure there will be some neat upgrades from hobbyists soon.
This dial controls the steam used to froth the milk. We received a tip in the comments that Peter on Etsy * makes some great custom wooden ones.
Conclusion and further tips
What an exciting espresso machine! The Lelit Elizabeth is a real standout, and not just in terms of value for money. The various pre-infusion modes, the overall good performance, and the advanced mode offered by Lelit allow for a steep learning curve.
The Lelit Elizabeth is a very exciting entry-level dual-boiler espresso machine with the potential to outperform many more expensive machines in terms of performance, even in its basic configuration. With the many tips and tricks from the Lelit community and as you work your way through the machine, the Elizabeth opens up new realms that seem like a distant dream for an espresso machine with an anachronistic Faema E61 brewing group.
The Lelit Elizabeth has piqued our interest, and we'll continue experimenting with our model. Our insights, tips and tricks, and perhaps even suggestions for good upgrades will then be incorporated into accompanying videos or articles.
Best regards, your Benjamin
And what are your experiences with the Lelit Elizabeth? Feel free to share them in the comments.
By the way, the same applies to this machine: we bought it, we conduct our tests independently, and to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Recommended specialist workshop for Lelit
Lelit Elizabeth PL92T at Stoll Espresso
*We search for specialist partners for you who we know offer good work and excellent service. We maintain close contact with the dealers. These are commission links. If you order through these links, it doesn't cost you any more, but we receive a small commission, which we invest in new test equipment.
