The Lelit Victoria performed well in testing. With our tips, we've improved the machine's performance. For us, the Lelit Victoria is a good entry-level espresso machine for many applications. This single boiler from Lelit provides everything needed to prepare good espresso.
Fast Heat Instead of Waiting Time
Let's get straight to the point and start with our most important finding: without any additional measures, the Lelit Victoria heats up in 23 minutes. That's slow and can be frustrating. Who wants to wait when the craving for espresso is NOW!
To shorten the 23 minutes, we applied a method that is increasingly being integrated as standard in other espresso machines. Generally speaking, the boiler temperature is raised above the target temperature to warm up the portafilter holder and the rest of the machine more quickly. The temperature is then carefully lowered back to the desired target temperature.
With the Lelit Victoria, the rapid heat-up works like this:
The machine is not yet stable in temperature afterwards. An espresso can be pulled well at this time. To achieve stable brewing temperature on an ongoing basis, you should wait longer.
Design and Features
The Lelit Victoria is a compact machine that is 38 cm tall, 27.8 cm (32.8 cm with plug) deep, and 23.5 cm wide including the steam knob. The machine weighs 10.9 kg. The water tank holds 2.35 liters and the drip tray has a volume of 0.9 liters.
The brass boiler has a capacity of 300 ml and is, typically for a single boiler, intended for both espresso preparation and steam generation. The boiler temperature can be controlled via the Lelit Control Center (LCC) and PID.
The ring brew group accepts 58 mm portafilters. The supplied portafilter is made of chrome-plated brass. The Lelit Victoria is similar in its narrower design and construction to the Lelit Elizabeth. Lelit stays true to its line, with sharp edges well covered with rubber lips or blunted by bending the edges.
The Victoria also features a steam knob that is designed primarily for functionality and is otherwise simply styled.
Temperature Stability
For a single boiler with a small boiler, the Lelit Victoria shows solid temperature performance. Our espresso pulls were correspondingly stable. Even with higher frequency, the machine did not deviate significantly from the target temperature. Using the WBC protocol, we recorded a standard deviation of 1.28 degrees across 14 pulls. This puts it in a similar range as its dual boiler sister machine, the Elizabeth. For comparison: a Lelit Bianca V3 achieved a standard deviation of 0.7.
New: Lelit Victoria 3 with Pagaia
In Brussels, Lelit showed the Victoria in a new version, the Victoria 3. It gets the Pagaia, the lever for controlling flow rate, which first appeared in the Lelit Mara X3. Pagaia doesn't throttle mechanically, but electronically regulates pump output. Flow is controlled, and pressure follows from it.
The fact that this technology lands in a single boiler is the real news. Flow control has been a topic for machines above 1,700 euros for years. And the Victoria 3 doesn't stop at the lever: according to Lelit, it also has a pressure sensor with display as well as two buttons that can each be programmed with a profile containing multiple stages. This would make a gentle pre-infusion not only possible but also repeatable. A volumetric and time control are still missing.
Interesting is the look at the pre-brewing function, which we list under the disadvantages of the PL91T below: it drains the pre-brew water and is therefore not suitable for good extractions. This is exactly the problem that true flow control would solve. If Lelit manages this, it would be the most relevant improvement for the Victoria since the PID.
Lelit stated an upcharge for Pagaia of 300 euros.
Recommended Specialist Dealers
- Stoll Espresso, Germany
- Bohnendealer, Austria
- Die Röster, Switzerland
We search for specialist partners we know provide quality work and good service. We are in close contact with the dealers. These are commission links. If you order through this link, it won't cost you more, but we receive a small commission that we invest in new test equipment.
Milk Frothing with the Single Boiler
After pulling the espresso, switch to milk mode for frothing. It takes 90 seconds for the machine to reach the target range. Then it provides sufficient steam power to froth. With a 0.6-liter pitcher, the small machine has a harder time. We heat hot water in the 0.6-liter pitcher in 65 seconds.
But it's not that it doesn't work. If you get used to your Lelit Victoria, you'll achieve satisfactory results. For occasional cappuccinos and the like, that's plenty. If milk drinks are the main focus, then it's worth questioning whether the Lelit Victoria is the right machine for you.
Advantages of the Lelit Victoria PL91T
- PID Control: allows precise control of brewing temperature, which is crucial for preparing a perfect espresso. Not standard in this price range.
- Compact Design: ideal for smaller kitchens or spaces without having to sacrifice functionality.
- User-Friendliness: despite some adjustment options, the machine remains user-friendly, even for beginners.
- Quick Heat-Up Time: with our tips, the heat-up time can be significantly reduced, ideal for a quick espresso in the morning.
- Decent Build Quality: robust design and high-quality materials compared to many other machines in this price range.
- Value for Money: offers many features and good quality at a fair price, especially compared to other machines in the same segment.
Disadvantages of the Lelit Victoria PL91T
- Single Boiler System: limits flexibility because espresso and milk drinks can only be made consecutively. After pulling the espresso, you must wait approximately 90 seconds for the small boiler to switch from espresso to steam quality.
- Learning Curve: optimal results require a certain amount of training and practice.
- Pre-Brewing Function: the pre-brewing function, as used here, drains the pre-brew water and is not ideal for good extractions.
- Steam Power: the steam power is rather low, but typical for a single boiler and even quite good in this segment.
- Energy Consumption: while the turbo heat-up mode is practical, it consumes more energy than slow heating. Actually, energy consumption during both fast and slow heating of the machine is identical.
- Button Operation: the buttons are stiff.
Conclusion and Impressions of the Lelit Victoria
The Lelit Victoria is available for around 800 francs or euros and is a very interesting espresso machine in this price range. Yes, a single boiler comes with the fact that compromises have to be made. However, in its segment, the Victoria delivers well and stands for delicious results.
The temperature consistency is solid, and with our tips, you'll get up to temperature quickly enough. If you're looking for a small espresso machine and mainly drink espresso, the Victoria is definitely a good choice for you.
The materials also suggest that the machine is rather durable compared to other plastic "monsters" in the same price range.
Backup Material Lelit Victoria
Energy consumption. More on this and how we measure it here.
