Home » Lelit Espresso Machines: Our Expert’s Top Picks For 2026

LELIT ESPRESSO MACHINES: OUR EXPERT’S TOP PICKS FOR 2026

Lelit brings an exciting mix of advanced technology and affordable prices to the prosumer espresso machine market. 

Overhead view of the Lelit Bianca V3 with latte

If you’re in search of the perfect Lelit espresso espresso machine, you’ve come to the right place! For this review round-up, I tested six of the brand’s top models and their unique features, making it easy to pinpoint the one for you.

Lelit might not have the storied history of long-standing Italian espresso brands like La Marzocco or Bezzera. Instead, they have a passion for innovation and a willingness to pursue fresh ideas. Whether that’s an affordable pressure profiling machine or a heat exchanger with dual PIDs, I’m a fan of their willingness to get creative and shake up the industry.

At A Glance:

  1. OUR TOP PICK:
    Lelit Bianca V3
  2. INNOVATIVE HX MACHINE:
    Lelit Mara X
  3. PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL:
    Lelit Anna

The 6 Best Lelit Espresso Machine Models for 2026

Lelit has been making some of the best prosumer espresso machines in the game for over 20 years. They have fantastic intuition for when to stick with tradition and when to think outside the box. 

Here are my six picks for the best Lelit models this year, combining modern technology with classic design to produce amazing espresso.

image product details
Best OverallBest OverallBIANCA V2 Lelit Bianca V3
  • Double boiler
  • 1.5 L (steam) + 0.8 L (brew)
  • Rotary pump
Best Double BoilerBest Double BoilerElizabeth V3 Lelit Elizabeth V3
  • Double boiler
  • 0.6 L (steam) + 0.3 L (brew)
  • Vibratory pump
Best Heat ExchangerBest Heat ExchangerLelit Mara X Lelit Mara X
  • Heat-exchange boiler
  • 1.8 L
  • Vibratory pump
Best Single BoilerBest Single BoilerLelit Victoria Lelit Victoria
  • Single boiler
  • 0.3 L
  • Vibratory pump
Best Entry LevelBest Entry LevelAnna Lelit Anna
  • Single boiler
  • 0.25 L
  • Vibratory pump
Best With Integrated GrinderBest With Integrated GrinderKate Lelit Kate
  • Single boiler
  • 0.3 L
  • Vibratory pump

For 20 years, Lelit has been making some of the best prosumer espresso machines in the game. How do they do it? By knowing when to stick with tradition and when to get creative. Here are six of the best Lelit models this year, combining modern technology with classic design to produce fantastic espresso.

Best Overall

1. Lelit Bianca V3

  • Boiler type: Double

  • Boiler size(s): 1.5 L (steam) + 0.8 L (brew)
  • Pump type: Rotary
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 15.75” x 11.4” x 19.1”
  • Water capacity: 2.5 L

Lelit Bianca took the specialty coffee world by storm on its release in 2018. A machine with so many advanced features at a reasonable price seemed too good to be true. But Bianca delivered, even winning an award for innovation (1). It was an easy pick as my Best Overall.

Lelit Bianca V3 on wooden table

The Bianca V3, new as of 2022, is Lelit’s most advanced model. It’s a dual boiler semi-automatic espresso machine with independent PID temperature control of both boilers and a rotary pump. But what really got the espresso nerds chattering was the flow control paddle atop the E61 group head. 

This combination of features is typically only encountered on far more expensive machines, and the Bianca was explicitly created to buck that trend (2).

We had a positive response from the public not because our machine had the best features, but because it had the greatest features for the money. We made a superior machine accessible.

The option to adjust the brew pressure during extraction opens up a world of flavor possibilities. While I was worried it might overcomplicate the workflow, I found the paddle easy and intuitive to use. Experimenting with flow profiling was fun, not tiresome.

The exterior design of the Bianca, again, far outclasses its price point. The wraparound mirror-finish stainless steel body panel is paired with beautiful warm wood accents, an option that typically costs extra. It even comes standard with a bottomless portafilter!

Cleverly, the water tank is movable. You can position it on the back or either side, which gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to locating this espresso maker. Or, if you opt for direct plumbing, the reservoir can be removed altogether for a more compact footprint.

I have a lot more to say about this impressive machine, so be sure to read my complete Lelit Bianca review before you buy.

Best Double Boiler

2. Lelit Elizabeth V3

  • Boiler type: Double

  • Boiler size(s): 0.6 L (steam) + 0.3 L (brew)
  • Pump type: Vibration
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 15” x 12” x 11”
  • Water capacity: 2.5 L

If the Lelit Bianca is for the serious espresso nerds with a budget to match, the Elizabeth is the dual boiler for the rest of us. What it lacks in features like flow profiling, a rotary pump, and an E61 group, it makes up for a compact footprint, low price, and a few impressive extras.

At just over half the cost of the Bianca, the Elizabeth V3 offers independent PID temperature control of both boilers, powerful 2-bar steam pressure, programmable pre-infusion, and an integrated shot timer (3). It even has a mixing valve that allows you to control the temperature of the hot water tap for preparing tea or an Americano, something many expensive machines lack.

Overhead view of the Lelit Elizabeth espresso machine

The Elizabeth is frequently compared with two others in its class – the Rancilio Silvia Pro X and the Profitec Pro 300 – and in my opinion, it’s the best of the bunch. I can’t say enough good things about the brand’s operating system, the Lelit Control Center, and the unique dual pre-infusion is a huge plus.

The V3 is the latest edition of the Elizabeth and includes some nice upgrades. There’s a new ECO mode, a quieter vibratory pump, a more accessible OPV, and a reserve mode that allows you to finish pulling a shot if the reservoir runs dry.

The Elizabeth is an automatic espresso maker, with two programmable buttons for pulling single and double shots. Once programmed, brewing a great espresso is as simple as pressing a button, leaving you free to steam milk or prepare breakfast at the same time.

The Elizabeth is undeniably one of the best value models on the market. To learn more, read my full Lelit Elizabeth review.

Best Heat Exchanger

3. Lelit Mara X

  • Boiler type: Heat exchange

  • Boiler size(s): 1.8 L
  • Pump type: Vibration
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 14” x 9” x 16”
  • Water capacity: 2.5 L

Lelit makes several models of the Mara, but I think the Mara X is the standout of the bunch, showcasing Lelit’s dedication to innovation and breaking the mold. It houses a proprietary dual PID system, with one temperature sensor in the boiler and a second at the group itself. The result is far better brew temperature control than a typical heat exchanger.

Unlike a typical HX, you don’t need to perform a cooling flush before espresso extraction. You can set the temperature and brew just like with a dual boiler.

The other defining feature of the Mara X is its size. Measuring just 9 inches wide, it is one of the most compact HX machines with an E61 group on the market. Yet it still manages to find room for a 2.5 L water tank and 1.8 L boiler.

Sound like exactly what your kitchen has been missing? For more on this innovative design, and its sister model, the Mara T, you can read my full Lelit Mara review or watch Steven from Home Brews Coffee review it in this video:

Looking for something more traditional? You might be interested in the 969 Coffee Elba 4.

Best Single Boiler

4. Lelit Victoria

  • Boiler type: Single

  • Boiler size(s): 0.3 L
  • Pump type: Vibration
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 15” x 9” x 11”
  • Water capacity: 2.7 L

The single boiler Lelit Victoria is a great espresso maker for lovers of pure espresso. Of course, it can steam milk for the occasional latte, but that’s not its priority. With only the 0.3-liter boiler, frothing is fairly slow and you can’t steam milk and pull a shot at the same time. 

Lelit Victoria on counter with backlighting

What you can do, however, is make top-notch espresso, thanks to premium features like programmable pre-infusion, PID temperature control, a saturated group head, and a commercial-style 58 mm portafilter. I was thrilled with the flavor of the shots I pulled with this machine – and with how easy it was to dial them in.

The advantages of a single boiler machine like the Victoria are numerous. It’s significantly less expensive than the Mara and incredibly compact. Best of all, it heats up remarkably fast – under 10 minutes in my tests.

Want to know more? Read my Lelit Victoria review.

Best Entry Level

5. Lelit Anna

  • Boiler type: Single

  • Boiler size(s): 0.25 L
  • Pump type: Vibration
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 13” x 10” x 9”
  • Water capacity: 2.7 L

The Lelit Anna is a step down from the Victoria in features and price, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s lesser in quality. This little stainless steel machine packs enough of a punch to place it firmly in the category of prosumer machines, making it the perfect affordable entry point for anyone ready to get more serious about espresso.

Internationally renowned coffee expert James Hoffmann deemed the Anna worthy of his round-up of inexpensive espresso makers.

I have enjoyed the shots from the Anna. They have been generally sweet and balanced.

The latest model of the Anna, which I tested, is even better than the one Hoffmann reviewed, as it now features PID temperature control – while somehow maintaining its remarkably low price point. Lelit has also cleverly positioned the brass boiler directly above the group for better temperature stability. This was certainly evident in testing, as I never measured more than 2 degrees F of fluctuation throughout many extractions.

The Anna’s small boiler isn’t ideal for serving a crowd, but it’s a perfect espresso maker for one or two people. It heats up fast and recovers quickly after pulling a shot.

My only complaint is the unusual choice of a 57-mm group. While I can’t say it impacted the quality of my espresso, a standard 58-mm portafiler makes it easier to buy accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need to upgrade the included plastic tamper.

Best with Integrated Grinder

6. Lelit Kate

  • Boiler type: Single

  • Boiler size(s): 0.3 L
  • Pump type: Vibration
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 10.6” x 12.9” x 16.9”
  • Water capacity: 2.5 L

It’s rare to see a high-end espresso maker with a built-in grinder, so this is another example of Lelit breaking with tradition. The Kate is an excellent choice if you don’t have a grinder budget or are looking for a space-saving solution.

Front view of the Lelit Kate on kitchen counter

From an espresso standpoint, the Kate is very similar to the Victoria. It’s a single-boiler espresso machine with the same 300 mL brass boiler, control system with programmable automatic brewing, 58 mm portafilter, brushed stainless steel body, and backlit pressure gauge.

What’s new is the integrated grinder. It’s a conical burr grinder with 38 mm stainless steel burrs, a 350 g hopper capacity, and a stepless grind adjustment for dialing in the optimal grind size (4). For this, it adds about $300 to the price. You can probably find better value pairing the Victoria with a manual espresso grinder, but you can’t beat the convenience.

My Lelit Kate review has even more details about this unique all-in-one machine.

How to Choose the Right Lelit Model

Lelit machines run the gamut with all sizes, prices, and features. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a perfect model for you. This buyer’s guide is here to help you find it.

The importance of boiler design

Prosumer espresso machines from brands like Lelit, Bezzera, and La Marzocco have one of three boiler designs – single, double, and heat exchanger. Lelit makes use of all of them for different models. 

The right choice for you depends on your budget, available space, and, most importantly, favorite drinks.

Single boiler models, like Kate, Anna, and Victoria, are the least expensive and most compact, but they have a significant downside: you can’t steam milk and brew coffee simultaneously. If lattes and cappuccinos are your preferred espresso drinks, other machines will be better for you.

A heat exchanging model is an excellent happy medium. You can brew and steam simultaneously, and they are generally less expensive and more compact than a dual boiler. The main difference is that they don’t allow the same precise temperature control as a double boiler, although the Mara X is one of the best in the business in that respect.

Dual boilers are large and expensive, but you’re spending your money well if you like specialty coffee and milk-based drinks. They allow the most precise control over brewing temperature and steaming pressure because you can adjust one without influencing another.

Does boiler size matter?

The main advantage of a bigger brew boiler is that you can prepare more drinks back-to-back without waiting for the boiler to recover. The same is true of a bigger steam boiler if you’re preparing many milky drinks. A larger steam boiler can mean more steam pressure, though you can also adjust steam pressure by changing the temperature. 

Opting for smaller boilers is a great way to save space and money if you rarely prepare more than a few drinks in a row.

Is flow control a priority?

Flow control refers to changing the water flow through the group manually while pulling a shot (5). Altering the flow profile is another variable to improve coffee extraction and tease new flavors out of your beans. It has garnered a lot of excitement from amateurs and pros alike in recent years.

But flow profiling isn’t for everyone. First, if you’re not brewing with specialty coffee, it probably isn’t worthwhile. The typical Italian espresso coffee bean blend is already crafted for more traditional extraction. Second, you need to be the kind of espresso lover who enjoys tinkering with variables in search of the perfect brew – even if that means some failure and frustration on the road to success.

The Bianca is the only Lelit model with in-built flow control. However, aftermarket flow control modifications for E61 group heads are readily available, so you could also opt for the Mara (6).

Is counter space at a premium?

Lelit machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the massive Bianca to the tiny Anna. If you have unlimited counter space, there’s no reason to use size as a deciding factor. But if you’re short on space, it’s worth thinking about where your espresso maker will live before you buy. 

Make sure you take height into account and the machine’s footprint. Not all Lelit machines will fit comfortably under upper cupboards.

Don’t forget to consider the space constraints that only come into play as you use your espresso maker. For example, the ease of accessing the water reservoir or the heat radiating up from the machine.

The Verdict

Lelit makes quality machines with various models designed to suit all types of espresso lovers, from the entry-level Anna to the innovative Mara X to the top-of-the-line Bianca. Provided you have the space and the budget; the latter is my favorite for 2025.

The dual boiler Lelit Bianca V3 has all the bells and whistles, including built-in flow profiling, PID temperature control, a rotary pump, and stunning wooden accents. Though it’s the most expensive Lelit espresso maker, it offers incredible value compared with similar models from other brands.

Lelit Bianca PID V2 Dual Boiler

FAQs

Lelit espresso makers are made in Brescia, Italy, where the family-run company was born in 1986. Interestingly, they were initially founded to make ironing systems but expanded to include coffee machines in 2002.

A prosumer espresso machine is designed for home use but features many commercial-grade components. So it delivers cafe-quality espresso like that found in coffee shops and lasts longer than a typical home appliance. The word is a portmanteau of “professional” and “consumer.”

Lelit and ECM both manufactured prosumer machines in Northern Italy and compared with other Italian brands, they are both relatively young companies. Comparing the two, ECM machines tend to be more expensive than Lelit, but they offer best-in-class build quality.

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  5. Grant, T. (2020, July 29). How Flow Profiling Impacts Espresso Extraction. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2020/07/how-flow-profiling-impacts-espresso-coffee-extraction/
  6. Bryman, H. (2018, September 17). The Smart Espresso Profiler (SEP) Adds Flow and Pressure Profiling to Virtually Any Machine. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2018/09/17/the-smart-espresso-profiler-sep-adds-flow-and-pressure-profiling-to-virtually-any-machine/



Julia Bobak
Julia is a west coast Canada-based professional coffee specialist who has spent nearly a decade immersed in the world of coffee research and professional brewing. She loves trail running, rock climbing, coffee, food, and her tiny dog — and writing about all of them. She starts every morning with a fresh Americano from her home espresso machine, or she doesn’t start it at all.

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