Crew Review: LELIT Mara X3

Our Complete Review of the Mara X3. The New Pagaia Makes Flow Control Easier than Ever!

You may think that heat exchanger machines are a compromise to a more robust dual-boiler setup, but the LELIT Mara X3 challenges this perception. With exceptional temperature control and electronic flow profiling you can expect high-end performance without needing the dual-boiler budget. This machine represents the biggest update to the Mara X platform yet, and is also the debut of LELIT’s new Gem design aesthetics. It is an all-around compelling option, with performance and looks that match higher cost machines, but with the peace of mind that comes from an Italian built espresso brewer designed by a tried and trusted brand.

The LELIT Mara X3 at a Glance

What We Cover in This Crew Review

Our crew review covers the range of exciting features and elements of the LELIT Mara X3, including the following:

• Pagaia (pa-GUY-ah) profiling. Pagaia is the Italian word for paddle, and this system controls pump flow electronically, giving it more instant flow profiling than a mechanical system.
• A heat exchanger with a dual-probe PID and three selectable brew temps that offers temperature stability in the range of a dual-boiler configuration in a heat exchanger espresso machine.
• Selectable Steam X and Brew X profiles for when you want to brew a latte or just the perfect shot.
• A 15-second pressure ramp that covers what you’d typically expect from preinfusion.
• The Gem design update, with real wood touch points and those gem shaped knobs.
• The same 9”x16” footprint that the Mara X has always had, making it easy to accommodate.

Pagaia — Flow Profiling Without the Headache

Flow profiling espresso machines often involve an extensive learning curve and a high cost. This concept refers to espresso brewing with on the fly pressure adjustment to allow you to manually control the pressure curve of water through the grounds, giving you the ability to greatly impact the quality of your shots. Using a system like this you can emulate a wide range of shot styles, from lever-style machines to different types of commercial machines. You can also ramp the pressure and allow for some bloom, unlocking the espresso hobby in similar ways to a pour over. With electronic profiling in the Mara X3, you will get instant response to that pressure curve, making it much easier to understand how to use flow profiling to your benefit.

Dual-Boiler Precision at a Heat-Exchanger Price

With dual-probe PID temperature control and three selectable brew temps, this machine really punches above the typical heat exchanger espresso machine performance. The Mara X3’s 1.8L boiler and 1400W stainless steel heating element provide excellent stability. If considering the Mara X3 vs a dual boiler, you’ll find that the value is really there in this machine. These updates are part of what make this new edition of the Mara X truly worthwhile, and they might make this machine a contender if you’re considering updating from an older model to a dual boiler machine, as the X3 is a significantly less expensive option than most Italian-made dual boiler machines.

First Look at LELIT’s New “Gem” Design Language

The Gem design aesthetic really elevates the look of the X3. The smoke oak or zebrano wood touchpoints (depending on colorway), updated gauges, and refined panels combine with the new gem-shaped knobs to give this machine a luxury look and feel to match its performance. Available in stainless steel, black, and white, there’s likely a look that’ll match your kitchen too. With that 9”x16” footprint you’ll still be able to fit this machine into a cramped space as well. This compact size is a hallmark of heat exchanger machines, so it’s exciting to have that flexibility and performance in a machine of this nature. A true alternative to those higher dollar dual boiler options.