LELIT ELIZABETH PL92T REVIEW: AN ENJOYABLE, AFFORDABLE DUAL BOILER

Finally, an affordable dual boiler that doesn’t skimp on quality!

A dual boiler espresso machine is undeniably the best way to make consistently perfect cafe-style drinks at home. But it tends to come with a large footprint and an even bigger price tag. 

Not so with the Lelit Elizabeth! I couldn’t believe the quality and functionality packed into this compact and reasonably priced design.

The latest edition, the Elizabeth V3, is a notable upgrade from earlier models, with some fresh features that definitely increase the value. Read on to learn what I thought of this machine and whether it’s right for you.

The Full Lelit Elizabeth Review

The Lelit Elizabeth offers an abundance of features in a compact and inexpensive espresso machine. The latest version is the V3, which was released in the fall of 2020. While it was a huge improvement over the V2, as I write this in late 2024, I wonder if a V4 is in the works.

That said, when using the V3, I can’t help but be impressed with how well it has stood the test of time. Four years after its release, it remains one of the best dual boiler machines in its price category. Let’s take a look at the details.

How We Rated It

• Brewing Capacity
• User-friendliness
• Milk Frothing
• Build Quality
• Value For Money

4.4

• SEE ON CHRIS COFFEE
• SEE ON MY ESPRESSO SHOP

The Basic Specs And What It All Means

The Lelit Elizabeth is a dual boiler espresso machine. Separate boilers for brewing and steaming allow you to pull a shot and steam milk independently and simultaneously, while dual pressure gauges provide reliable feedback on both processes.

Although both boilers are relatively small (a 300 mL brass brew boiler and a 600 mL stainless steel steam boiler), I was impressed with this little machine’s ability to keep up with demand. Lelit’s excellent proprietary software carefully manages internal processes to minimize delays.

The Elizabeth has a vibratory pump, which makes sense in this context as they are smaller and less expensive than rotary pumps. In the V3, it’s the same ultra-quiet pump found in the Lelit Mara X. While it’s not quite as smooth as a rotary pump, it’s definitely one of the quieter vibe pumps I’ve encountered.

Does Lelit Elizabeth have a PID?

Yes, both boilers have independent PID temperature controllers, which surprised me at this price point. The improved temperature stability of the PID was clear during testing. I never saw a brew temperature waver over 2 degrees F from the set point.

The new V3 edition offers an expanded temperature range versus older models. The brew boiler can be set up to 95 °C (203 °F), which I found particularly useful when extracting lighter roasts. And the steam boiler pressure can be cranked much higher than an average prosumer espresso machine, allowing impressively powerful milk steaming despite the small boiler.

Energy Efficiency

The small boilers mean this machine draws less power than most. To make it more efficient, you can turn the steam boiler off or take advantage of the economy mode, which lowers the boiler temperatures after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Two Pre-Infusion Modes

A unique feature of the Lelit Elizabeth espresso machine is that you can do low-pressure pre-infusion in two ways (1). I haven’t seen this anywhere else, and it definitely sets it apart from competitors’ models, like the Rancilio Silvia Pro.

• With the coffee blooming function, a constant low pressure is applied to the puck using the steam boiler via the brew boiler. It activates automatically if the steam boiler temp is set above 115. 
• Below 115 °C, the pump blooming function kicks in. The pump runs to generate some pressure and then stops, and the coffee blooms as the pressure subsides. This gentle wetting of the puck allows for a finer grind and the extraction of more flavor.

What It’s Like To Own And Use The Elizabeth

As a brand, Lelit is known for its attention to detail, which translates into thoughtful touches that make these machines a pleasure to use.

The Elizabeth is an automatic espresso machine. You brew using two illuminated buttons on the front panel, each of which can be programmed using the intuitive Lelit Control Center (LCC). While I generally enjoy the more tactile lever operation of an E61 machine, this is an undeniably simpler workflow.

The LCC looks like a simple display, but it’s a powerful computer that makes it a breeze to program brewing, boiler temperatures, and other machine settings. Plus, you can easily update the LCC’s software, thus keeping up with any programming upgrades without buying a new machine.

The display is bright and clear. When you start a shot of espresso, a shot timer starts automatically and the pump pressure gauge illuminates – exactly the sorts of user-friendly details I alluded to earlier.

What Else?

The Elizabeth features a standard on/off switch, which I liked because it allowed me to pair it with a smart plug and program a turn-on time. Even without that hack, it only takes about 15 minutes to heat up – another perk of the small boilers.

It has an impressively large cup clearance, particularly for such a compact machine, so it’s easy to brew directly into larger latte mugs. I measured about 4” from spout to drip tray, but I was able to extend that to over 5.5” by removing the drip tray grate and swapping in my bottomless portafilter. And don’t worry, it comes with a set of risers to avoid splashing if you’re brewing into espresso cups.

The front half of the top of the machine is a wide cup warmer, while the back provides access to the removable 2.5-liter water reservoir. Lelit’s Last Shot Protection is a cool feature that lets you finish an extraction even as the tank runs low on water, unlike most machines that cut off immediately and ruin your drink.

The Elizabeth V3 has an improved expansion valve compared to previous models, making it easier to adjust pump pressure. If you’re keen to experiment with turbo shots and the like, you’ll definitely appreciate this upgrade.

Cleaning and Maintenance Needs

Basic maintenance is as simple as keeping the water tank topped up and the drip tray empty, as there is no option here for direct plumbing. The tank has an automatic shut-off feature, so there’s no risk of damage if you forget. 

A particle filter is included, which is great for removing general grime, but if you live in a region with hard water, consider adding a water softener as well. The brass coffee boiler is particularly susceptible to the growth of scale compared to stainless steel boilers.

Backflushing should be done regularly – at least weekly, in my opinion – but it’s a piece of cake thanks to the automatic backflushing function accessible through the LCC.

The V3 has a new anti-vacuum valve on the steam boiler. It prevents a vacuum from forming in the boiler as it cools, which can suck milk back into the boiler (2). It’s a small detail that gives you one less maintenance worry.

Better Than Expected Steam Pressure

The quality of milk frothing is a surprising high point for the Elizabeth. Lelit espresso makers are not known for exceptional steam power, and I had low expectations of this tiny 0.6-liter steam boiler.

However, because the boiler temperature can be set so hot, this machine actually has steam pressure upwards of 2 bar (3). I was making cafe-quality microfoam for an 8-ounce latte in well under 30 seconds.

The steam wand is a stainless steel multidirectional wand with a 1-hole tip. It’s not double-walled, so it gets hot during use. Be careful not to burn your fingers, and wipe it down quickly after steaming. 

The control knob for steam pressure is on the side of the machine. It doesn’t offer the same quick on/off as a joystick, but it is very responsive and allows for precise adjustments. I expect users with large fingers might find it a tad small, but ergonomics aren’t generally a concern on a home espresso machine. You likely won’t be making lattes through an 8-hour shift in your kitchen.

Impressively, Lelit has put some thought into the hot water tap, a feature most manufacturers neglect. Easily operated with an illuminated button, it mixes water from the brew and steam boilers, even if the steam boiler is switched off. This gives a smoother draw with less splashing, and it means you can pull a lot of water without dropping the temperature of the coffee boiler too much.

Made-In-Italy Build Quality

The Elizabeth is part of Lelit’s VIP line. As such, it has a sleek and modern design, with clean lines, square edges, and a brushed stainless finish. My initial impression upon unboxing was that it looks much nicer in person than in photographs.

The Elizabeth is very compact for a dual boiler system, measuring 15” high by 12” wide by only 11” deep. Sure, the boilers are small, but I still think it’s pretty impressive how much they’ve packed into this little frame.

It doesn’t use the standard E61 group head seen on many higher-end prosumer machines (4). But it maintains the commercial-standard 58-mm diameter, making it easy to buy accessories – like a decent tamper to replace the plastic one in the box.

The Elizabeth comes with a dual spout portafilter, which features Lelit’s patented Coffee Slide spout. They claim its unique shape enhances the flavor and crema of the shot. I can’t say I could personally taste the difference, but I love its beautiful curved design.

There are two included filter baskets (a single shot and a double shot) and a blind disc for backflushing. As I said, Lelit is known for its attention to detail. That shows up once again in the design of the Lelit baskets, which are shaped to make it easier to knock the puck out.

Is LELIT owned by Breville?

Breville bought Lelit in 2022 (5). However, you shouldn’t be concerned about changes to quality. Lelit machines are still made at the same factory in Italy, independent of Breville’s manufacturing in China, Australia, and the US. Though I do wonder if the transition is the reason we have yet to see an Elizabeth V4.

Is The Lelit Elizabeth Worth Its Price?

It’s hard to overstate the value for money offered by the Lelit Elizabeth, which costs well under $2000. The obvious competitors would be the Rancilio Silvia Pro and Profitec Pro 300, two other compact dual boilers around the same price point.

Having used all three, I can honestly say that the Elizabeth is my pick of the bunch. It has by far the best steam pressure, the unique pre-infusion system makes it easier to pull delicious shots, and it has the most user-friendly design details.

Don’t Buy the Elizabeth If…

• You don’t need a double boiler –  If you don’t make a lot of milky drinks, a single boiler machine will meet your needs and save you a lot of money. Consider the Lelit Victoria or Lelit Kate, which has a built-in grinder, for something with a similar style at a much lower cost. Or, for a higher-end single boiler that will still save you a bit of cash, check out the ECM Classika.
• You want more control – If you’re a home barista interested in getting more involved in the espresso process, take a look at the Lelit Bianca. Though pricier than the Elizabeth, this double boiler machine offers flow profiling (and it’s one of the most affordable to do so). 
• You want an E61 group head – If you like the more traditional look and hands-on feel of an E61 group, you can still find it at this price range, but you’re probably looking at a heat exchanger rather than a dual boiler. Think about the Bezzera Magica or Profitec Pro 500.

The Verdict

It’s hard to beat the Lelit Elizabeth V3 if you’re looking for a compact and efficient dual-boiler espresso machine for home use. Despite its small size and reasonable price tag, this great machine packs many excellent features and benefits tremendously from Lelit’s signature attention to detail. Cappuccino lovers should be very excited!

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