Lelit: all espresso machines and grinders tested

We've tested eleven Lelit machines so far: the single-boiler Victoria, the heat exchanger Mara X in three generations, the dual-boiler Elizabeth, Elizabeth 3 and Bianca, plus four espresso grinders. Except for the Elizabeth 3, we bought each of these machines ourselves, because independent espresso machine tests are the foundation of our work. We received the Elizabeth 3 before market launch, when Lelit couldn't yet send an invoice. We donate the purchase price to a social project in Brazil.

On this page we bundle what we've measured: which Lelit suits which needs, where the brand is strong and where it fails to keep 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 different continents. We measure espresso machines and grinders according to our own protocol: heat-up time, temperature deviation over multiple shots following KM and WBC protocols, power consumption in kWh, and for grinders additionally retention, grinding speed, dosing consistency and particle distribution in a laser diffractometer. How exactly this works is explained in the Espresso Machine Test Protocol and in the Espresso Grinder Test Protocol.

Lelit: from steam irons to prosumer portafilter machines

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

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

Coffee machines came as a second business area, developed by the founders' sons. Sources contradict each other 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 can be true if you distinguish between initial machines and strategic direction.

What matters for 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. It is precisely these two models that continue to define the brand's reputation.

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 increased its workforce from 80 to 230 people in one 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: around 113 million euros, half in cash, 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 had transferred the coffee business to a new Lelit srl.

The founding family and parts of the management switched to the Breville camp. At the time of acquisition, Emanuele Epis was CEO of Lelit; according to Wikipedia, his brother Mauro Epis now runs 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 the Breville house. This is evident, among other things, in the Pagaia control, which is based on patents from Sage.

Production continues in Castegnato. Whether that will remain to be seen. For buyers today it means: Lelit is Italian manufacturing with an Australian owner, not a rebranded purchased product.

How Lelit sorts 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. 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 overflow valve. We're currently testing these machines. Testing is more involved because we've developed our own temperature sensor specifically for these machines.

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. As of October 2026, the Elizabeth 3 and Victoria 3 with Pagaia are added here. The Elizabeth 3 has a brew boiler reduced to 200 milliliters, the steam boiler remains at 600 milliliters.

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

Model overview: what we've tested

We haven't tested the Anna PL41TEM, Anita, Kate, and Victoria 3 yet. Anna and Anita are in progress. The Kate and Victoria 3 are still pending. Further measurements on the Bianca V4 and Victoria 3 will follow in late 2026 and early 2027.

Which Lelit should you buy?

The question "which Lelit is the best" leads astray. The models differ primarily in what drinking habits they're built for. We therefore organize by need.

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

The Victoria PL91T is enough. 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 machine type. What you accept: 23 minutes heat-up time and a switchover if you want to steam milk afterward. Steam power is low, typical for a single-boiler. For a cappuccino on the weekend it 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 a 300-milliliter brew boiler and switchable 600-milliliter steam boiler, nowadays available for around 1,000 euros. The steam boiler can be regulated down to 145 degrees, it rolls powerfully and heats slowly while doing so. In 2022 we considered 20 minutes heat-up time sufficient. In our 2026 retest, with the same machine, now three years old, it needed 25 to 30 minutes. For heat-up and an espresso we measure 0.171 kWh with steam boiler, without steam boiler it was 0.082 kWh.

In 2022 it was for us the best entry-level dual-boiler machine we had measured. The price is a thin stainless steel body, a plastic handle, a plastic steam knob and a water tank that's awkward to fill. In the retest, temperature stability is also stricter: within one shot it rises by four to five degrees.

Those who can spend more get the more modern successor with the Elizabeth 3. It reaches temperature after 20 minutes, the first shot at a set 94 °C comes out at 93.6 °C, it steams significantly faster and has wooden control parts instead of plastic. In return, the brew boiler is smaller: on a per-minute basis it loses about 2 degrees over five shots; with two minutes between shots it stays stable.

The alternative is the heat exchanger Mara X. It is up to 10 decibels quieter than comparable dual-boilers 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 save and repeat pressure profiles

So far at Lelit only the Elizabeth 3 can do this, for 1,649 euros in stainless steel and 1,699 euros in black or white. On two buttons you save one profile each with up to five pressure stages, for example eight seconds at 3 bar for pre-infusion and then 8.5 bar. You can also use the Pagaia lever to manually control flow and rescue a shot that's running too fast. At 56 decibels it's quiet, at 0.075 kWh for heat-up and espresso in espresso mode it's economical. In our overall assessment it scores 61.7 out of 100 points, held back by 20 minutes heat-up time, time control instead of volumetrics, and temperature loss with many consecutive shots.

You want to work on the extraction profile

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 under 6 grams at full open position; the electronic low-flow is 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 KM protocol after 17 minutes and 0.69 degrees in WBC protocol after one hour. And despite the E61 group, it reaches temperature after 17 minutes, thus 8 to 12 minutes faster than the E61 average. Consumption is where the large steam boiler shows: 0.133 kWh for five espressos, but 0.43 kWh as soon as 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 flow on every shot. It grows with you, which is why we also recommend it to beginners. At 27 kilograms and 50 centimeters deep it does need space though.

You want flow profiling, but cheaper

Then the Mara X3 for 1,699 euros is close by. The flow control works well, the lever regulates from 6 to about 3.5 milliliters per second, and the pump drops below 50 decibels in the process. In the KM protocol, which models everyday use at home, temperature management is adequate.

In the WBC stress test over 14 shots we measure a temperature window of 7 degrees. We clearly rated that as failure in our test. For a machine in the kitchen this matters less than for commercial use, but if you regularly make many drinks in succession, a dual-boiler is better suited. In the overall assessment the machine scores 50.2 out of 100 points. For a 500 euro premium over the previous generation you get flow control. Those who want to save profiles will only find that in the Elizabeth 3 at Lelit, not in the Mara X3.

You're looking for a Lelit grinder

Here we need 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 frayed, the acidity stands alone. We cannot recommend the Freds for straight espresso.

The William PL72 is another case. Its grounds are good, the coarse peak is at 227 micrometers. The problem is adjustment: after changing the grind size you can't reliably return to the same setting. But it has 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, you should run it exclusively in single dosing mode.

The Lelit Steve has been the successor to the William since 2026 and costs from 469 euros. It does a lot better: 30.3 grams in 10 seconds, 81.8 decibels with pleasant grinding sound, a main peak of 243 micrometers and a fine peak of 39.4 percent, so lots of body and a distribution that carries broadly from dark to medium roasts. But two things got worse or stayed the same. Empty grinding no longer works, the grinder retains 5.2 grams of temporary retention, single dosing is out. And the play in the grind adjustment has stayed: after going from ristretto through lungo back to the starting grind size, the same recipe runs through in 14 to 15 instead of 25 seconds. If you run one bean and keep refilling it, you'll do fine; everyone else won't.

If you have free choice, look at our overview of the best espresso grinders. We've now tested over 100 grinders, so the selection is significantly larger than at the time of the Lelit tests. For milk mixed drinks the Freds are quite usable because milk buffers flavor imbalance.

Distribution and specialty retail

Lelit doesn't sell directly but through specialty dealers, 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. For the Elizabeth at test time in 2022 we saw prices in Switzerland ranging from 1,100 francs at major online platforms to 1,600 francs at local dealers, with an entry price in Germany of around 1,050 euros. Today you can get it for around 1,000 euros. Price comparison is worthwhile here more than with other manufacturers.

We ourselves don't sell espresso machines. In the individual tests we name specialty shops where we'd recommend buying because they know the equipment and can work on it themselves in case of service. If 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 respective test time and as orientation. Lelit prices vary significantly in retail.
** Heat-up plus one espresso in espresso mode.
*** Each heat-up plus five double espressos. First value without, second with steam boiler activated.
**** Heat-up plus one espresso according to our current power measurement. First value without, second with steam boiler activated. Elizabeth PL92T: value without steam boiler from 2023 measurement, with steam boiler from 2026 retest.

Temperature measured values in comparison

Temperature management separates the field much more clearly than price. Here are the values separately:

Which protocol matters depends on use. The KM protocol measures everyday use at home: heat up and pull individual shots. The WBC protocol measures continuous load over 14 shots and is therefore mainly meaningful for commercial use. For a dual-boiler in the kitchen, therefore the individual shot is decisive, 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 has been owned by Australian Breville (Sage) Group. Manufacturing continues at the Castegnato plant near Brescia, and 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 floor space permit. It has the best temperature management in the entire Lelit range and the shortest heat-up time among E61 machines. If you want saveable pressure profiles in a compact dual-boiler, take the Elizabeth 3. For a smaller budget, the Elizabeth PL92T remains an entry into the dual-boiler class if you can live with plastic parts and longer heat-up time. For straight espresso on a small budget the Victoria is enough.

Elizabeth PL92T or Elizabeth 3?

The Elizabeth 3 reaches temperature faster (20 instead of 25 to 30 minutes), steams more powerfully, has wooden control parts and saves pressure profiles. The PL92T maintains temperature slightly better with many consecutive shots and costs significantly less at around 1,000 euros. All values in direct comparison are in the Elizabeth 3 test.

Lelit Mara X or Elizabeth?

The Mara X is quieter, narrower and works with the E61 group, so with thermal inertia. The Elizabeth has two true boilers and is superior in steam, but worse finished and needs 25 to 30 minutes in our retest before it's really up to temperature. If you make many milk drinks in a row, take the Elizabeth. If finish, noise and footprint matter more to you, the Mara X.

How long does a Lelit take to heat up?

We measured: Bianca V3 17 minutes, Elizabeth 3 20 minutes, Victoria PL91T 23 minutes, Mara X3 24 minutes, Elizabeth PL92T 25 to 30 minutes. The Bianca is thus the fastest despite the E61 group because its brew boiler is insulated. For all machines, factor in that permanent temperature stability sets in later than brew readiness indicated by the display.

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

V1 and V2 are technically nearly identical; you can identify the V1 by the red logo. Differences exist in the control logic, which is why some machines were shipped with manuals for the other version. The Mara X3 is a bigger leap, bringing Pagaia, electronic flow control via a lever, and costs 1,699 euros. In temperature it behaves similarly to the V2, but flow control adds another layer that can affect temperature. Details are in our tests for Mara X and Mara X3.

What does Pagaia cost?

The 300 euros premium mentioned in Brussels can't be matched with launch prices. The Elizabeth 3 costs 1,649 euros in stainless steel and 1,699 euros in black or white, the Victoria 3 according to Lelit 1,149 and 1,199 euros. You can get the Elizabeth PL92T today for around 1,000 euros. With the Mara X3, Pagaia is built in; it costs 1,699 euros and thus about 500 euros more than the previous generation.

Are Lelit grinders recommendable?

For straight espresso according to our measurements only to a limited extent. The two Fred models distribute too broadly. The William PL72 grinds well but can't be reliably reset to the same grind size, and is mainly worthwhile for existing owners in single dosing mode. The Steve comes furthest: its particle distribution carries a good espresso; grind adjustment remains imprecise and single dosing doesn't work. If you drink mostly cappuccino, you can also work with the Freds.

Is a used Lelit worth it?

For E61 machines yes, because the technology is well documented and spare parts are available. Watch for scale buildup, the condition of seals at the group and which generation you're buying. For the Mara X the version question is no small matter but determines how you operate brew priority.

Which Lelit haven't you tested yet?

Anna PL41TEM and Anita are in progress. Kate and Victoria 3 are currently still pending. Further tests of the Bianca V4 and Victoria 3 will follow.

Except for the Elizabeth 3, we bought all the machines mentioned in this article ourselves. For the Elizabeth 3, which we received before market launch, we donate the purchase price to a social project in Brazil. 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 Victoria PL91T, Mara X V2, Mara X3, Elizabeth PL92T (2026 retest), Elizabeth 3, Bianca V3, Steve, William PL72, and Fred PL044MMT and PL043MMI.