If you are serious about espresso, and your entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine is no longer able to suit your needs, it is time to step up your game and get a prosumer machine.
The Lelit Bianca is an example of such a device. You’d generally only find such an abundance of features and elegance in a commercial espresso machine, but it possesses both of these qualities. In point of fact, one of the nicest features is its flow profiling paddle, which enables users to explore an infinite number of options in order to discover the ideal shot. This is the type of capability that one would anticipate to see in a professional machine.
After making the purchase, we have been putting this computer through its paces for some time now. This review provides you with an in-depth look at the Lelit Bianca so that you can determine whether or not upgrading to it is the best option for you.
Lelit Bianca Espresso Machine Review
Lelit Bianca Summarized:
This espresso machine was manufactured in Italy and features a dual boiler, E61 group head, rotary head, and a built-in PID. Either by immediately pluming it in or by using its detachable water reservoir, it can be used. Nevertheless, the flow paddle control and LCC computer system are the most incredible features of this espresso machine because they allow for an exceptional level of control over the espressos you make.
Where To Buy The Lelit Bianca
You can purchase the Lelit Bianca from one of several reliable distributors, including the following:
Design
The exquisite and luxurious appearance of the Lelit Bianca will be the first thing that catches your eye about this model.
It boasts the gleaming, complete stainless steel casing that is typical of Italian-style prosumer espresso machines, as well as the steam and hot water wands that you would expect to find on either side of the central brew group. Nevertheless, despite the fact that those aesthetics are enticing in and of itself, the Lelit Bianca takes it one step further by including some breathtaking walnut accents. That results in a tremendously attractive espresso machine that can be placed on the counter of any kitchen and still look stunning.
You are able to handle the machine’s parameters and settings through the high-resolution OLED graphic known as the Lelit Control Center (LCC), which is located on the machine’s left side. A double manometer may be found to the right of the Lelit Bianca. This manometer displays the pressure of both the steam booker and the pump when the extraction is taking place.
It is quite easy to transport because to the Lelit Bianca’s dimensions of 15.7 inches (40 cm) in height, 19 inches (48.5 cm) in depth, and 11.4 inches (29 cm) in width. In addition to this, there is a water tank with a capacity of 2.5 liters that is detachable and may be positioned either on the back or on the sides.
This indicates that you can save a few inches of depth if you position the reservoir to the edges of the countertop or plumb it directly, which is really helpful if you have a countertop that is not very deep. In general, this is a tiny yet strong espresso machine designed for prosumers.
Construct with Quality
Despite having a small footprint, the Lelit Bianca is a highly hefty machine that makes use of sturdy components. In point of fact, it has a ponderous weight of 58.4 pounds (26.5kg). Given that the Lelit espresso machines are designed and made in Italy, which guarantees a consistent build quality, this is both reassuring and not surprising.
Walnut wood has been completed on the flow control paddle, knobs, handles, adjustable feet, and portafilter handle. Walnut wood is considered to be of top quality. In the meantime, the housing, drip tray, wire grate, and water tank are all made out of polished AISI 304 stainless steel. This ensures that they will last for a long time and are simple to clean.
Exceptional Characteristics And Functions Of The Lelit Bianca
As has been established, the Lelit Bianca has an exceptional appearance; nevertheless, this is not a case of style triumphing over substance; rather, the Lelit Bianca has a variety of qualities that are comme il faut. Let’s go through the specific characteristics that give the Lelit Bianca its reputation as one of the top espresso makers available to serious home baristas.
Flow Mapping and Analysis
Flow profiling is one of the things that professional espresso fans covet the most, and the Lelit Bianca is one of the most reasonably priced prosumer machines that offers this functionality. Flow profiling is one of the most sought-after characteristics. However, what are some of the advantages of flow profiling? Why is it necessary to do so?
The Numerous Advantages of Flow Profiling
As soon as you lift the lever to activate the pump, steaming water will begin to flow to the coffee puck. Because the espresso grinds are ground to such a fine consistency, there is a buildup of pressure in the basket. A standard espresso machine that does not have this capability may provide an extraction that is not as even as it could be. When the dry coffee puck is exposed to the pressurized water vapor, it causes the water to channel because it is forced to take the path of least resistance.
Pre-infusion is a feature found on many higher-end espresso machines, which allows for more consistent extraction. On the other hand, the Lelit Bianca is equipped with an automatic pre-infusion system that may be set to the exact number of seconds that you need. Flow profiling provides further control, which is another advantage.
Paddle for Regulating the Flow On The Bianca
Both the flow control panel and the brew pressure indicator are organized neatly on the E61 group head of the Lelit Bianca. In addition to this, there is a valve that is controlled by a paddle, and a group manometer that measures the actual extraction pressure to provide exact control.
Experimenting with the wooden panel as a manual pressure control for the brew is something you can do. Additionally, you have the option of manually controlling the pre-infusion. Therefore, as an illustration, you can pre-infuse at a low pressure of two or three bars, and then increase the pressure to eight bars for the remaining portion of the extraction. In the most severe case, you may use a French press to ground the coffee beans to an extra-coarse setting while maintaining a low pressure for a few minutes.
This indicates that you are free to explore and find your ideal level for any type of coffee. Additionally, this indicates that the coffee’s flavor will be significantly improved in comparison to what you would get with a conventional espresso machine. It works exceptionally well with the contemporary light roast coffee. You can also make excellent espresso even if you don’t adjust the size of the grinds thanks to the ability to control the flow of water.
You may, of course, dial in your shot while ignoring the wooden paddle entirely if you move it all the way to the right. This will allow you to have more control over the situation.
PID Temperature Control
A PID may be found within the Lelit Bianca’s cabin, and its primary function is to keep the temperature stable in both boilers. In the meantime, you have complete control over the temperature that is applied to each. The temperature that you select from the menu will either exactly match the temperature at the group head or come quite close to matching it. It is a feature that gives you the ability to determine or reproduce the temperatures that provide you the best results when brewing.
In addition, you can prepare your shot in accordance with a predetermined recipe by tinkering with the flow of the water, the temperatures, and any number of other variables.
Dual Boiler
When shopping for a premium home espresso machine, you will frequently have to decide between a heat exchanger machine and a dual boiler machine. Both types of machines have their advantages and disadvantages. The Lelit Bianca comes equipped with not one, but two boilers made of stainless steel: one for steam and hot water, and the other for coffee. Because of this, you are able to extract a shot of espresso while simultaneously steaming milk.
The capacity of the steam boiler made of stainless steel is 1.5 liters, while the coffee boiler holds 800 milliliters. If you do not want to have it plumbed in, the water reservoir that is located in the back can hold up to 2.5 liters. The large boilers each contain a heating element that is 1400W, which ensures that there is virtually an infinite amount of power for making straight shots and steamed milk for beverages that are based on espresso.
Lelit Control Center (LCC)
There is a panel in the middle of the Lelit Control Center (LCC) that gives you the ability to make adjustments to many aspects of the machine, including as the pre-infusion time, the temperature of the brew boiler and the steam boiler, and the settings. While the coffee is being brewed, it also shows the time remaining for each shot.
A Pump That Rotates
A noiseless rotary pump that is standard in commercial machinery is featured on the Lelit Bianca. However, in comparison to a vibratory pump, this one is superior in more ways than one. It also implies that you may operate the machine with either its reservoir or piped directly, which will make it more resilient.
User Friendliness
One common misconception concerning machines marketed toward prosumers is that they are difficult to operate. The Lelit Bianca, on the other hand, was developed keeping in mind the requirements of home brewing, thus this is not an issue with it. The Lelit possesses, in addition to the highly effective and practical technical capabilities that we have already discussed, features that make the software more user-friendly.
The portable water tank was the first key component of the design that drew our attention and captured our interest. This can go to the left, the right, or even the back of the countertop, depending on how much room you have. In the meantime, the cup warmer that sits atop the machine has the capacity to hold anywhere from four to six espresso cups.
There is also a steam wand that prevents burns and is ergonomic, making it simple and risk-free to clean.
A mechanism that reduces energy consumption is built into the machine (eco mode). In light of this information, the steam boiler in the LCC can be turned off if you only want to create espresso or if you want to save energy. Of addition, the temperature in the coffee boiler can be kept at 80 degrees Celsius and a standby duration can be programmed. Because the time required to reset the machine is only about ten minutes, you won’t have to wait the whole thirty minutes for the machine to warm up.
Another helpful feature is that when you pull the lever, the display reveals the remaining time on the shot timer. In the meanwhile, the temperature can be displayed in either Celsius or Fahrenheit, whichever you like.
The Performance of Brewing
When shopping for a dual-boiler espresso machine in this price range, some of the characteristics you should look for are reliability, consistency, and a high level of control. The Lelit Bianca does exceptionally well in each of these categories.
The Lelit Bianca comes equipped with all of the essential components for producing high-quality espresso at home, making it an ideal choice for novices. For instance, the pre-infusion helps to reduce channeling for more equal extraction, and the PID helps to ensure that you achieve the temperature at which you want to extract precisely. Elsewhere, the potent pump creates steady pressure, and the E61 group head keeps the temperature stable. Both of these aspects are maintained by the espresso machine. All that is required of you is to make certain that you utilize beans of a high quality and to grind them to the appropriate consistency. If you follow those steps, the coffee maker will produce a delicious cup of coffee even with the factory default settings. In spite of this, there is still a learning curve involved in pulling off the perfect shot.
If you are an expert in brewing domestic espresso, you have the ability to manually modify variables such as brew pressure, brew ratio, and temperature to achieve the ideal beverage.
Therefore, regardless of whether you prefer light roasts, dark roasts, or even acidic coffees, you have a lot of room to play with with various recipes and create something truly original.
A Performance That Will Steam Your Milk
You have the option of modifying the power of the steam, just as you have the ability to adjust the temperature of the steam boiler in the LCC. If you choose to operate the steam wand at the highest possible temperature, you will receive a greater quantity of steam as a result. You can, however, reduce the power of the steam boiler if you are just starting out with foaming milk.
Steaming milk with the Lelit Bianca is a relatively rapid process, and the finished product is milk that has a gorgeously silky smoothness that can be used for any milk-based drink or to create stunning latte art. In addition, the machine comes with a tip that has two holes as well as a tip that has four holes.
Last but not least, as a result of having a dual boiler, you may very rapidly obtain hot water from the right spout, which is ideal for preparing an Americano.
Accessories
The Lelit Bianca comes with a variety of attachments, which is among the model’s many strengths.
Both a bottomless 58mm portafilter and a double-spouted walnut portafilter are included in this set. In the meantime, the IMS contains three filter baskets with capacities ranging from 9-11g, 14-18g, and 12-21g respectively. In addition to it, there is a blind filter that backflushes the machine.
There is a tamper available that is made of heavy-duty stainless steel and has a strong construction. The handle is made of aluminum. In the preceding paragraph, we said that the device is equipped with not one but two steam wand tips. The cool-touch steam wand comes pre-installed with a two-hole tip; however, you also have the option of upgrading to a four-hole tip, which produces steam that is far more potent.
One more thoughtful addition is a microfiber towel emblazoned with the Legit brand name, which is included in the package. In addition, there is a water filter and a cup rack for espresso cups that are not as tall.
The Lelit Bianca comes with a variety of accessories, each of which is of high quality construction and has a specific function. Because they are already included in the package, you won’t need to go out and spend any further money to acquire them separately.
Value For Money
How does the Lelit Bianca stack up in terms of the value it provides in comparison to other espresso machines that are more reasonably priced? The machine is unquestionably a fantastic choice to go with if one of the most important features that you require is the amount of control that you have over the brewing process. This is due to the fact that the majority of machines that contain a comparable number of functions are priced substantially higher.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a machine that is aesthetically beautiful and doesn’t have as steep of a learning curve as this one has, you will find that alternative heat exchanger machines that cost less than $2,000 will suffice. The Flair Lever machine is an excellent choice that still provides you with the opportunity to engage in pressure profiling even if your financial resources are substantially more constrained.
The fact of the matter is that the Lelit Bianca possesses the kinds of outstanding features that are typically reserved for dual-boiler machines that cost twice as much as it does. Additionally, if you go for the Lelit Bianca, you won’t have to worry about upgrading your device for a good number of years. In light of the fact that it is both functional and long-lasting, it offers an outstanding value for the money.
The Variants V1 and V2 of the Lelit Bianca and Their Differences
If you have been looking for a dual-boiler espresso machine, you may have seen the V2 alongside the V1 in several markets and wondered how the two models differ from one another. Also, does anyone know if Lelit has issued a V3? Let’s have a peek.
Lelit Bianca V1 Versus V2
The V2 is far more advanced in terms of its user-friendliness, which is the primary distinction between the two versions.
For instance, the Bianca V2 enables the user to switch into eco mode by pushing and holding the “minus” button on the LCC for a period of three seconds. To enter standby mode without selecting the option from the menu, you also have the choice of pressing the “minus” button and the “plus” button simultaneously for three seconds. This will bring up the standby mode.
In addition, there is a reserve mode that enables you to complete your shot even after the ammunition in the reservoir has run out. This is a really lovely addition, and it illustrates that the maker has given a lot of thought to the kinds of minor flaws that can be really frustrating during the brewing process. Another minuscule but welcome enhancement is that the shot timer continues to appear on the screen for a full twenty seconds after you have taken your shot.
In addition, the temperature of the steam has been raised from 266 degrees Fahrenheit (125 degrees Celsius) to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius), and the pressure of the steam has been increased to two bars for more effective steaming.
Finally, by clicking the appropriate PID button, you will be able to monitor the precise temperature in any one of the boilers.
What Are Some of the Lelit Bianca V3’s New Features?
In May of 2021, Lelit implemented a number of improvements to the V2. Confusion arises from the fact that certain markets refer to it as the V3, while others continue to use the V2 moniker.
The upgrades provide the LCC access to additional settings. While this is going on, there is also an additional electrical low-flow mode. When the paddle is fully opened, the V3 will pull your shots at four bars of pressure, which is three less than the standard nine. In addition, you have the option of customizing the low flow duration period that is present at the beginning and the end of each phase. For instance, the machine will start out with four bars of pressure, and after a certain amount of time has passed, it will increase to full pressure. After that, it will gradually return to a low flow automatically as you approach the conclusion of your shot.
This is exactly what the flow paddle is supposed to do, but it does it on its own automatically. Because of this, you will be able to replicate your flow profile without the need for manual control, and you can rest assured that it will be consistent.
In addition, the Brew Temperature Offset Control (LCC) on the V3 gives you the ability to adjust the temperature such that it is either several degrees lower or several degrees higher while you are brewing coffee.
Because the steam and hot water valves on the V3 are longer, there is more space available to adjust the steam wand without scratching the body of the machine. A somewhat improved aesthetic has also been added to the water tank, and the amount of time it takes to warm up has been reduced.
Our Verdict
If you make espresso at home and want to improve your abilities and produce more beautiful shots, the Lelit Bianca is a fantastic machine to consider investing in. If you enjoy being in charge of the situation at all times, this is a fantastic choice for you to consider. Having said that, there are a plethora of ways in which the experience can be made less hands-on. In spite of this, you will still require some barista abilities in order to produce the greatest shots. Nevertheless, the incredible functionality it possesses enables you to focus on perfecting your technique rather than becoming burdened down by pointless difficulty.
The machine is not only elegant in appearance but also constructed with high-end materials; nonetheless, despite its small size, it will not require an excessive amount of room on the countertop.
The Lelit Bianca not only has a wealth of outstanding features, but it also provides an exceptional value for the money. In general, it is an excellent machine for everyone who is serious about improving their ability to make espresso.
