LELIT espresso machines represent some incredible value for new and experienced at home coffee enthusiasts. One of the best parts about LELIT's lineup of machines is how many options they offer, with each offering some unique odds and ends that might appeal to different users. The only problem with that is that it can be a bit hard to determine which LELIT espresso machine is right for you, that's where we come in! We'll break down these machines and help you decide which one is right for your countertop. Let's get started!

LELIT All in Ones

All in ones have really taken off in recent years beyond the old standby of the Breville Barista line. We still think those machines are the right choice for many users, but if you're looking for something a bit more rugged and traditional then LELIT's all in one offerings (the Anita and the Kate) might be great for you. 

Many all in ones seek to modernize and adapt their internal systems to some of the newer trends in espresso machine design. Things like thermoblock heating elements and additional automation are common. LELIT's machines go in the opposite direction, offering traditional design logic but in a single case. The Anita and the Kate both feature traditional boilers with PID controlled temperatures and manual shot controls. What little programming they have can be managed via the LELIT Control Center on the face of the machine (you'll primarily use this to adjust boiler temps). 

The Kate uses a commercial style 58mm group head, and is compatible with the majority of espresso accessories as this is the most common size of portafilter. The Anita, one the other hand, features a smaller boiler and 57mm group head to bring the size (and price) of the unit down further. 

With all of that in mind, these are both excellent choices for an all in one if that's the direction you're looking to go, and whichever one fits your budget and your countertop better will be a great choice.

Compact Machines

LELIT offers a couple of compact options in the Victoria and the Anna. These two machines mirror the Kate and the Anita mentioned above, and are essentially those machines without the grinder portion. This means that they're also really great options for newer users, and the flexibility of choosing your own grinder may make them a better option for you than the all in ones.

Many compare the Victoria to the Rancilio Silvia, and the comparison makes sense when you see them side by side. While we love both of these machines, we do have to hand it to LELIT for including the PID controlled temps, which smooths out some of the learning curve compared to the Silvia.

Both of these choices will work great for any new user who wants a hands-on approach to learning to brew their espresso.

An Affordable Dual Boiler

Dual boiler espresso machines used to be at the top end of the price spectrum from many manufacturers. With the Elizabeth LELIT has provided that high end, commercial like experience in a machine that slides in well under the $2,000 price point. This machine has several smart features that really feel considered, and are usually only offered on even more premium options. Things like timed dosing and adjustable pre-infusion we expect, but the cooling mix valve in the hot water spout, the automated cleaning mode, and water sensing shot protection (which ensures you'll never lose a shot because you ran our of water) are really nice features.

On top of this, the Elizabeth uses a very unique style of pre-infusion, which utilizes the pressure from the steam boiler to provide the pressure in the puck. This is an especially nifty bit of technology for any engineering nerds out there, and isn't something we've seen before.

Ultimately this is a really tough machine to beat if you're looking for a dual boiler espresso machine. The value and feature set is exceptional, and the build quality here is just as excellent as the rest of LELIT's machines. We will say that this one is a bit more advanced than previously discussed machines, so you'll either want some experience or a willingness to jump into the deep end of the espresso pool to get the most out of it, just make sure it's not too hot first.

Heat Exchanger Convenience

If you're looking for an E-61 style machine with a heat exchanger boiler you really can't go wrong with the Mara X. It's hard to say if a heat exchanger or a dual boiler machine is the better choice for your kitchen, but we can tell you that the Mara X is a great pick if you are looking for an E-61 machine with those traditional Italian espresso controls.

In many ways, this machine is quite similar to other heat exchanger E-61 offerings. It features the same layout and workflow, and offers the same simultaneous brewing and steaming you would expect from a heat exchanger equipped espresso machine. That said, even the Mara X offers some innovations, with a "Steam X" mode that offers flexibility between brewing and steaming, and a "Brew X" mode for when you know you don't need to steam milk, which prioritizes proper brew temps.

The one downside here is that the Mara X does not use a PID controller for temps, which is typical for machines of this type. This means that along with the manual controls there is a steeper learning curve and it's a bit less forgiving than the other machines we've discussed so far. That said, if you know you want this style of machine, the Mara X is a very good choice.

The Top of the Lineup

At the top end of LELIT's lineup is the Bianca. This machine looks a lot like a wider Mara X, but it is quite different. First of all, this is a dual boiler machine, with dedicated steam and brew boilers. That plus its capacity alone puts it into a premium category, but this machine offers so much more.

First, the Bianca combines all of the best features of everything else in the LELIT lineup: rock solid construction, PID controlled temps, and convenient programming via the LCC. That's not all though, as this machine features clever pump and control design that opens up full flow control options with its brew paddle that are typically only found on machines that are much, much more expensive. This is the main point of innovation on the Bianca, and it really is worth the hype. When you top it off with the on group pressure gauge and all around fit and finish it's hard to recommend any other machine to a hardcore coffee enthusiast looking for an upgrade.

With all of that in mind, this machine is probably not a great choice for a beginner. All of these high end features give you a lot of control and flexibility, but wrapping your head around them is genuinely challenging, and could end up being a frustration for anyone just getting started.

We hope this look at LELIT's lineup has helped you get closer to your next (or first!) home espresso machine. Check out the video below for some more thoughts on LELIT's lineup from John, and let us know in the comments which one of these machines is on your shopping list.