In most cases, if you want to get a home espresso machine that is designed for prosumers, you will be required to pay an expensive price. However, at a price that is more in the middle of the pack, the Lelit Mara X guarantees a premium experience and craftsmanship. However, does it live up to the promise that was made?
This review takes a comprehensive look at the device in order to investigate both its positive and negative aspects, as well as to ascertain whether or not it truly provides outstanding value for the purchase price. Let’s get started.
Lelit Mara PL62X Espresso Machine Review
Lelit Mara PL62X Heat Exchange Espresso Machine
Excellent Attributes:
• The Heat Exchanger machine gives you the ability to brew coffee and steam at the same time.
• PID control, with a choice between three temperatures
• Option to prioritize brewing or steaming
• Group head with an E61
• A more drawn-out pre-infusion
• Portable machine aimed for the prosumer market
• Cost that is manageable for most people
Where Is The Best Place To Purchase The Lelit Mara X?
Check out Cafe Last’s offering of The Lelit Mara X; they are a reliable distributor and provide a one-year guarantee, in addition to free delivery and financing options.
The Quality Of The Design And Construction
The Lelit Mara X has a very small overall footprint, which is one of the first things that will stand out to you about this model. It measures only about 9 inches (23 centimeters) wide, 14 inches (35 centimeters) tall, and 16 inches (40 centimeters) deep, making it one of the smallest prosumer machines available on the market. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who has a kitchen countertop that is constrained for space. On the other hand, it gives the impression of being quite tall due to the proportions. People who are more accustomed to seeing consumer devices with a boxy shape may perhaps find this form to be a little bit off-putting because of its shape. Despite this, it ought to nonetheless be able to fit cozily under the majority of kitchen cabinets.
There is a lever located to the right of the E61 brew group, just like there is on every other E61 espresso machine. In addition, there are two knobs for the wand that controls the steam and the hot water. In addition to that, there are two lights that serve as indicators: one for the temperature, and another for the water tank. In the meantime, a dual pressure gauge displays both the pressure in the pump and the pressure in the steam boiler.
Because there is a sufficient amount of space between the drip tray and the group head, virtually any coffee cup should be able to fit without causing any discomfort. If you take out the drip tray, you’ll see a button on the side of the machine that controls the three different temperature settings for brewing: low, medium, and high. In most cases, you would base your decision on the level of roasting of the beans you’re using in your brewing process.
The machine is hand-built in Italy, thus it lives up to the reputation of Italian craftsmanship. The majority of its housing is made up of brushed stainless steel. This provides a great contrast to the polished stainless steel that is used for the group head, steam wand, and water wand. The fact that the device weighs a substantial 42 pounds gives it a more expensive appearance and feel (19kg).
The Lelit Mara X does not come equipped with dual boilers; this is one of the reasons for its more affordable price when compared to the higher-end machines. Instead, it is a heat exchanger equipment that comes with a stainless steel boiler that is 1.8 liters in capacity. It is still possible to pull a shot while simultaneously steaming milk.
Finally, the Lelit Mara X has a satisfactory finish; there are no unsightly panel gaps, and the vibration is so little that you won’t even notice it when you’re using it.
Ease of Operation
Because it is easy to use and understand, the Lelit Mara X is an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase their first espresso machine or upgrade from a Breville, Gaggia, or other entry-level semi-automatic machine.
Nevertheless, the fact that the device does not have a control panel is something that a lot of people consider to be one of its major drawbacks. In spite of the fact that this reduces the amount of control you have over certain aspects of the machine, such as the temperature setting, it makes operating the device much simpler. Because there are no complicated settings to adjust, the photos that it produces are stunning and well-balanced, and doing so requires very little effort. On the other hand, consideration has been given to all of the critically important factors.
Another advantageous feature of the Lelit Mara X is that it can reach the desired temperature in a short amount of time—approximately 15 minutes. While you are waiting, you can grind the beans until they are the appropriate size, then distribute them throughout the filter basket and tamp them down evenly. At this point, you should be able to get precisely extracted beverages at the appropriate temperature and a pressure that is consistently 9 bars by lifting the lever and locking the front-facing portafilter into place.
To put it another way, pulling an espresso shot with the Lelit Mara X is simple enough for beginners to do, and it has the added benefit of tasting significantly better than shots pulled with entry-level home espresso machines.
The Performance of Brewing
This is a very space-efficient machine, as was discussed earlier. Despite this, it retains a large number of innovative and, in one or two respects, one-of-a-kind characteristics that provide for great brewing performance.
Pre-infusion
The Lelit Mara X, like other E61 machines, includes a built-in mechanical pre-infusion system. This feature is standard. Nevertheless, the pre-infusion of the Mara X is one of a kind due to the fact that the pressure rises in a more linear and smooth manner over a longer period of time. Because of this, channeling is reduced, and as a result, you are able to utilize finer grinds, just as you would on a professional lever and profiling machine.
Alternating between Brew Priority Mode and Steam Priority Mode
The Lelit Mara X possesses a brew temperature priority option in addition to a steam priority mode, which is one of the most outstanding and distinctive features of this machine.
You’ll discover a switch concealed beneath the drip tray in there somewhere. The temperature priority for the steam is controlled by the “off” button, and the temperature priority for the brew is controlled by the “on” button. When the machine is set to the steam priority mode, the water will boil at a slightly higher temperature, which pumps better steam pressure for a longer period of time.
The brew temperature mode, on the other hand, differentiates this machine from others on the market. This has the effect of slightly reducing the steam pressure, but it ensures that the water is at the ideal temperature for brewing.
Temperature Control
When steaming milk with a classic HX espresso machine that has an E61 group head, there is frequently an unstable heat balance, and the water will overheat while the coffee is being brewed. Lelit solved this problem by developing the Mara X, which features a double-probe HX system that is pending a patent. It compares the temperature of the heat exchanger with the temperature of the steam twice per second and, based on the mode that you select, it adjusts the temperature of the boiler accordingly.
In the meantime, there is a switch located on the front of the machine that has three settings: low, medium, and high. You can use this switch to alter the temperature between low, medium, and high depending on the degree to which the beans have been roasted. This is meant to serve as a replacement for a PID screen that offers complete flexibility. Temperatures between 89 and 91 degrees Celsius can be attained when the dial is set to “0,” between 91 and 93 degrees Celsius when it is turned to “1,” and between 93 and 95 degrees Celsius when it is turned to “2.” No matter which option you go with, the temperature of the shot will remain constant.
Performance of Milk Being Steamed
Even with the Mara X switched to the Brew Priority Mode, the steam pressure is not particularly high. In spite of this, you will still receive a enough amount of steam power from the steam tips, which will allow you to produce an optimal vortex that will result in lovely microfoam. Because this mode maintains the temperature at which the brewing takes place, you won’t need to do any cooling flushes, which is another advantage of using it.
However, if you find that the water in the machine has become too hot, you can easily do a cooling flush by simply raising the group lever for a few seconds. This will allow you to flush out the water and bring it back down to the appropriate temperature.
In the event that you steam a lot of milk for a number of cups of coffee, you have the option to switch to the Steam Priority Mode, which provides more constant and forceful steam.
When it comes to preparing milk-based espresso beverages, this is an excellent method for novices to refine their skills in texturizing the milk. If you put in the time and effort, you could even be able to create some beautiful latte art.
Additional Fantastic Attributes
Quiet Vibration Pump
However, the Lelit Mara X does not have the typical level of noise that is associated with vibration pumps, which are often much noisier than the rotary pumps that are utilized by dual-boiler prosumer machines.
Another component that exemplifies the premium build quality of the machine’s overall construction is the pump, which was custom-made by Olab specifically for Lelit to ensure a higher level of quality. This is the primary reason for this distinction. In the meantime, the machine has a low water debit, and vibration pumps are always quieter when pumping lower amounts of water. This is one of the benefits of the machine.
Steam Gun with a Cool-Touch Grip
The steam wand of the machine has a cool-touch design, which means that you won’t risk getting burned if you need to wipe it off when you’re making espresso-based milk beverages. This is a very convenient feature.
Cartridge Water Softener System
Because each cartridge may filter around 35 liters of water before needing to be replaced, the machine is equipped with a water softener system that uses cartridges. This is helpful for everyone using the machine in locations where the water is hard, but it is especially helpful for those people.
Rack for Warming Cups
A straightforward cup warming rack made of stainless steel can be found on top of the machine, and it can accommodate two mugs of a normal size with ease.
Lelit Mara X Accessories
The machine comes with a spouted portafilter that has three filter baskets in addition to its other fantastic accessories. In addition to that, there is a sophisticated 58mm stainless steel tamper that has a beautiful redwood handle.
A measuring scoop, a water filter, a blind filter basket, a cup raise, and a cleaning brush are some of the other helpful accessories that are included with the machine. You can also purchase a flow profiling paddle separately if you want to take your espresso brewing to the next level. In a similar vein, if you’d rather have a bottomless portafilter all to yourself, you may get one separately.
Value For Money
If you are new to making espresso at home or want to make the jump to a prosumer machine, the Lelit Mara X is a fantastic alternative that won’t set you back several thousand dollars.
This machine does not have a few features that are common in the most expensive machines, such as a twin boiler, rotary pump, or the ability to be plumbed in directly. These features can be found elsewhere. Since it does not come with a control panel, as was discussed previously, it does not provide exactly the same level of precision and control as the most expensive machines.
In spite of the fact that it is missing some of the capabilities that you would anticipate to find in a high-end machine, it does include certain features that others don’t, including a brew priority mode, steam priority mode, and that one of a kind mechanical pre-infusion. When taking into account how simple it is to operate, how well it is constructed, how well it makes coffee and how well it steams milk, it is difficult to find a comparable product at a lower price. On the market today, you won’t find a better deal than this on a heat exchanger machine.
Drawbacks
People who are more accustomed to seeing standard boxy prosumer machines may find it slightly off-putting that the Lelit Mara X is more than box-like. As we noted before, the Lelit Mara X is more than box-like. On the other hand, if you have a small amount of space available on your kitchen countertops, this could be a gift.
The fact that the machine is supported by legs is yet another potential drawback. They are equipped with small rubber protectors to keep them from scratching countertops, but it is very simple to remove them. Because of this, you should never slide the machine across your countertop because doing so could result in scratches. In the meantime, considering its weight, raising it requires some effort on your part.
Another inconsequential problem is the simplicity with which water can be spilled while removing a drip tray that is already filled. To compensate for this, you will need to tilt it slightly before removing it from its position.
Some users also feel that the machine goes into standby mode a little bit too fast, therefore it could even be worthwhile to turn this feature off if you intend to leave the machine for a short while before finishing brewing if you find that the machine goes into standby mode a little bit too quickly.
Lelit Mara X Alternatives
Rocket Appartamento
One well-known example of a prosumer machine is the Rocket Appartamento. It has a small footprint, comparable to that of the Lelit Mara X. Having said that, the design is perhaps more fashionable. In addition, it has other characteristics with the Mara X, such as being a heat exchanger and having a vibration pump.
The Rocket Appartamento is more revered than the Mara X. As a result of this added popularity, it is not difficult to get plenty of information, including hacks on getting the best out of the machine, online. This is another advantage the Rocket Appartamento has over the Mara X.
The Rocket Appartamento, on the other hand, does not have nearly as many cutting-edge capabilities as the Mara X does, such as priority brew and steam settings and programmable PID. In addition to this, the learning curve is very steep. However, if you get the hang of it, it’s capable of pulling off some fantastic photos.
The Lelit Bianca is a more sophisticated machine than the Lelit Mara X. It is equipped with a dual boiler, an LCC control center, and water profiling. In addition to the features that offer better results and more control, the machine also has various accents made of wood, which give it a more sophisticated appearance. In addition to that, the machine has a rotary pump, and it has the capability of directly plumbing from a water line. Additionally, there has been a noticeable rise in the overall quality of the accessories that can be purchased.
In general, the machine is appropriate for more experienced home baristas who are striving for ideal shots. On the other hand, it does cost more than the Mara X, which is to be expected given the greater build quality and additional functions that it possesses.
Our Verdict
If you want to upgrade from an entry-level espresso machine or try domestic espresso brewing for the first time, but you want coffee-shop quality drinks without a steep learning curve or a hefty cost, the Lelit Mara X is an excellent option to consider. It is also a good choice if you want to try domestic espresso brewing for the first time.
It has an elegant design and is quite small, which contribute to its longevity and make it an excellent choice for countertops with restricted space. In the meantime, despite the fact that it lacks some of the functions of higher-end machines, producing a great photo requires less effort with this machine.
Since the device is also silent, you won’t have to worry about rousing anyone else if you use it first thing in the morning like you normally would have to.
There are a few things that can’t be done, such as the fact that it’s not a twin boiler machine. Additionally, there is no liquid crystal display (LCD), which means that it does not offer as much control as the most expensive prosumer workstations. Despite this, these are relatively unimportant concerns when weighed against the value that you receive for your money.
In general, it is a great alternative regardless of how far along you are in your path of making espresso at home.
