Professional-grade components crafted for the dedicated home enthusiast. That promise is what makes the lelit espresso machine so compelling. It’s not just another appliance. It’s a serious tool for you to master cafe-quality drinks in your own kitchen.
But does it live up to that high bar? We spent weeks pulling shots and steaming milk to find out. This review will break down everything, from its impressive build to the learning curve you can expect. Let’s see if this machine is the right fit for your countertop.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Lelit Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
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9.9 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee…
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9.2 |
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Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.8 |
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Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.6 |
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Gaggia RI9380/49 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine, Thunder Black,…
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8.5 |
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Gaggia RI9380/48 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine, Polar White,…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Lelit Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar system designed to bring authentic cafe-style espresso into your kitchen. It’s built for anyone who appreciates a rich, aromatic shot or a creamy milk-based drink without the complexity of a commercial machine. With its stainless steel finish and practical size, it fits neatly on a counter, making it a versatile choice for home or a small office setting.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump, which is key for proper extraction. This pressure ensures hot water is forced through finely-ground coffee evenly, producing that signature layer of crema and a full-bodied flavor. A helpful built-in pressure gauge lets you monitor the process, so you can adjust things to match your personal taste. Whether you prefer a straight espresso, a lungo, or an americano, this machine gives you control over the foundation of your drink.
For milk-based favorites, the integrated steam wand is your tool. It delivers dry steam to froth and texture milk, allowing you to create the microfoam needed for a velvety latte or a thick cappuccino foam. It takes a little practice, but it opens the door to crafting your own drinks and even trying simple latte art. Remember to froth your milk *after* pulling your espresso shot for best results, as the machine needs a moment to cool between these functions to avoid overheating.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is designed for those who want a genuine cafe-quality experience without leaving the kitchen. It’s an all-in-one machine that takes you from whole coffee beans to a rich, balanced shot of espresso in under a minute, making it a central piece for any home coffee routine. At its heart is the integrated precision conical burr grinder. This isn’t a separate unit; it’s built right in.
The Dose Control Grinding feature means you grind your beans directly into the portafilter right when you need them. This on-demand grinding is key because it preserves the beans’ natural oils and aromas, which start to fade the moment they’re ground. You can adjust the grind size and dose to match any roast of bean, giving you control over the final taste to suit your perference. Getting the flavor just right relies on more than just fresh grounds.
The Barista Express uses a smart system called low pressure pre-infusion. Before full pressure kicks in, the machine gently saturates the coffee puck with optimal water pressure. This gradual start helps ensure an even extraction, pulling out all the nuanced flavors evenly for a cup that’s balanced, not bitter or sour. Temperature stability is another critical factor, and this is where the machines digital PID controller comes in.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL, Black Sesame
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BSXL in Black Sesame is designed for those who want authentic, barista-quality espresso without the complexity of seperate machines. It’s an all-in-one system with a built-in grinder, meaning you go from whole beans to a finished shot in under a minute. This machine is built around what Breville calls the “4 keys formula,” focusing on the essential elements for great espresso, all managed from one compact unit.
A huge part of that formula is the integrated grinder. The Dose Control Grinding system uses a precision conical burr grinder that mills your beans on demand. You choose the grind size and the amount, and fresh grounds go straight into the portafilter. This eliminates the guesswork and stale coffee that can come from pre-ground bags, giving you control over the flavor profile for any roast you choose, from light to dark. The freshness really does make a noticable difference in the cup.
For the extraction itself, the Barista Express manages two critical factors. First, Optimal Water Pressure starts with a low pressure pre-infusion. This gently wets the coffee puck to help ensure an even extraction, gradually ramping up to full pressure. It’s a step that professional machines use to draw out a balanced, full-flavored espresso without harshness. Second, Precise Espresso Extraction is managed by a digital temperature control (PID).
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel, is designed for those who want a genuine cafe-quality espresso at home without the complexity of larger machines. It focuses on the core elements needed for a great shot and a great milk-based drink, making specialty coffee accessable. At its heart is a 54mm portafilter that holds up to 19 grams of coffee. This size is key for full flavor extraction, giving you the rich, balanced base that third-wave coffee is known for.
The machine ensures that base is extracted perfectly. Its innovative thermojet heating system gets to the ideal temperature in just 3 seconds, so you’re not waiting around. Once it’s ready, digital temperature control (PID) maintains water at the precise temperature needed for optimal flavor. The process begins with a low pressure pre-infusion, which gently wets the coffee puck to help draw out all the flavors evenly for a consistently balanced tasting cup every time.
For milk drinks, the Bambino simplifies the trickiest part: texturing the milk. Its automatic steam wand is a standout feature. You can adjust the milk temperature and texture level to suit your preference, and the wand handles the rest, delivering barista-quality microfoam handsfree. This microfoam is essential—it’s what gives lattes and cappuccinos their creamy sweetness and smooth mouthfeel, and it’s what you need to pour latte art.
(2025 Upgrade)20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Anti-Clog Coffee Grinder, Expresso Coffee Machines with Milk Steam Wand/Frother/Tamping Tools,Espresso Maker with Grinder for Lattes-Charcoal
The (2025 Upgrade) 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Built-in Grinder in Charcoal is designed for anyone who wants serious cafe quality at home without the complexity. It combines a professional-grade burr grinder with a powerful 20-bar pump espresso maker and a versatile steam wand, all in one sleek, charcoal-colored unit. This machine aims to streamline the process from bean to cup, giving you control over every variable for a truly personalized drink.
A standout feature is the upgraded, anti-clog grinding system. If you’ve ever had a grinder jam, especially with oily dark roast beans, you know the frustration. This model adresses that with a 20% wider and polished chute plus a reinforced helical auger that actively ejects grounds. The result is a consistently fine, clump-free coffee powder ready for tamping, which is crucial for an even extraction.
You get barista-worthy espresso shots with a rich crema, because the machine’s 20-bar Italian pump maintains ideal pressure to pull out all the nuanced flavor and aroma locked in your beans. The integrated steam wand is your tool for milk-based drinks. It’s powerful enough to create barista-grade microfoam—that silky, velvety texture that sits atop lattes and flat whites. With a little practice, you can steam milk to be creamy and smooth for cappuccinos or simply heat it for a classic latte.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS is designed to bridge the gap between a fully manual espresso experience and the convenience needed for daily use. Its core innovation is the Impress puck system, which takes the two most finicky steps—dosing and tamping—and makes them remarkably straightforward. Here’s how it works for you. First, the intelligent dosing system automatically calculates and dispenses the right amount of fresh coffee grounds into the portafilter.
It takes the guesswork out, aiming for a perfect dose every single time. Even better, its precision measurement feature auto-corrects the next dose based on the previous one, so consistency becomes much easier to achieve. Then, the assisted tamping guides you. With a simple press, it applies a consistent 10kg of pressure and a final 7-degree ‘barista twist,’ giving you a polished, evenly compressed puck just like a pro would. This foundation is crucial for a balanced extraction.
Of course, great espresso starts with a great grind. The integrated conical burr grinder offers 25 settings, letting you fine-tune from coarse to super fine. This control is key for dialing in the flavor profile of different beans, weather you prefer a bright, acidic shot or a richer, more chocolatey one. The Thermocoil heating system with PID digital temperature control ensures the water is precisely heated and stable, managing flow rate and contact time for optimal flavor from your grounds.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed for those who want a serious, cafe-quality espresso experience at home without the complexity or large size of prosumer machines. It’s built around Breville’s ‘4 keys formula’ for third wave specialty coffee, focusing on dose, grind, pressure, and temperature to get professional results in a compact footprint. A key to great espresso is consistency, and the Bambino Plus helps you achieve that.
It’s built for use with a 54mm portafilter that holds up to 19 grams of coffee, which is the foundation for a full-flavored shot. For the best results, you’ll want to pair it with a quality grinder that allows for dose control grinding. The machine then takes over with smart technology. Its innovative ThermoJet heating system reaches the perfect extraction temperature in only 3 seconds, so you’re not waiting around.
Digital temperature control (PID) maintains that precision, ensuring the water is always at the right temp for optimal flavor extraction. The extraction process itself is carefully managed. It starts with a low pressure pre-infusion, which gently wets the coffee puck to help ensure an even pull. This gradual increase in pressure draws out all the flavors evenly, contributing to a balanced and tasty cup everytime. After pulling your shot, the steam wand makes milk texturing approachable.
Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Gaggia RI9380/46 E24 Espresso Machine is a serious piece of equipment designed for someone who values authenticity and control in there coffee routine. Its brushed stainless steel look isn’t just for show; it hints at the robust construction underneath. This machine is built with a solid steel housing and is made in Italy, a detail that speaks to its heritage in espresso craftsmanship.
It feels substantial and built to last, moving away from flimsy, plastic appliances.
At its heart, the E24 is engineered for proper espresso extraction. It operates at a consistent 9 bars of pressure, which is the professional standard considered ideal for pulling a shot with rich flavor and that signature creamy crema on top. This isn’t about guesswork; it’s about providing the correct foundation for your coffee.
To match that capability, it comes equipped with a commercial-grade, stainless steel 58mm portafilter. This is the same size used in coffee shops, giving you access to a wide range of professional baskets and tools. It also means you can distribute and tamp your coffee grounds properly, which is crucial for an even extraction.
Another key feature borrowed from cafe machinery is the commercial three-way solenoid valve. This might sound technical, but its effect is very practical.
Gaggia RI9380/49 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine, Thunder Black, Small
The Gaggia RI9380/49 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine is a direct link to the heart of Italian espresso culture. Its Thunder Black finish wraps around a solid steel housing, a hallmark of durability thats crafted entirely in Italy. This isn’t a machine built for a short lifespan; its built to become a permanent, reliable fixture on your counter.
The weight and feel of it communicate a seriousness of purpose, giving you a tool designed for the long haul.
At its core, the Classic Evo Pro operates at a consistent 9 bars of pressure. This is the industry-standard pressure for extracting a true espresso, ensuring you get a rich, creamy crema on top of every shot. It’s the foundation that all great espresso drinks are built upon.
To handle that pressure properly, Gaggia equips this machine with a commercial-grade, 58mm stainless steel portafilter. This is the same size used in coffee shops, giving you a wide range of compatible accessories like tampers and baskets to fine-tune your process. The commercial three-way solenoid valve is a key feature often overlooked. After you pull your shot, this valve releases the leftover pressure in the portafilter, making the puck dry and easy to knock out.
Gaggia RI9380/48 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine, Polar White, Small
The Gaggia RI9380/48 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine is a piece of Italian engineering designed to bring authentic cafe-quality espresso into your home kitchen. Its foundation is a solid steel housing, a hallmark of durability that ensures this machine can handle daily use while maintaining its elegant Polar White finish.
This isn’t just about looks; it’s about a build quality that’s meant to last, crafted where espresso culture runs deep.
At its heart, the machine delivers a consistent 9 bars of pressure during extraction. This is the professional standard for pulling a perfect espresso shot, ensuring the hot water is forced through your coffee grounds at the optimal rate to extract full flavor and that rich, velvety crema on top.
It’s the core of what makes a real espresso, and the Classic Evo Pro is built to hit that mark everytime.
You’ll work with a professional-grade 58mm stainless steel commercial portafilter. This larger size is what you find in coffee shops, allowing for better, more even water distribution over a larger coffee puck. It gives you greater control over your dose and tamp, which are essential variables for dialing in your perfect shot.
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed to bring the quality of a specialty coffee shop directly to your kitchen counter. It’s an all-in-one machine with an integrated grinder, meaning you can go from whole coffee beans to a finished espresso in under a minute. This machine is built around the four keys to great coffee, guiding you through the process for a consistently excellent result. At its heart is the dose control grinding system.
With a single touch, the integrated conical burr grinder delivers the exact right amount of coffee grounds directly into the portafilter. This ensures you get maximum flavor from your beans every single time. You can also adjust the grind size to match your coffee, which is a crucial step for proper extraction. The intuitive LCD screen shows you clear animations of the grinding and extracting progress, giving you descriptive feedback so you can make coffee exactly how you like it.
For the espresso itself, the Barista Pro uses precise digital temperature control (PID) to deliver water at the perfect temperature, which is critical for pulling a balanced shot. It also features a low pressure pre-infusion stage. This gently wets the coffee puck before full pressure extraction begins, helping to draw out all the flavors evenly.
Lelit Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Lelit combines Italian engineering with compact, feature-rich designs for purists. Choosing the right model means balancing your skill level, space, and budget to find a machine that grows with you. This guide highlights the key factors to consider before you invest in your home cafe.
Boiler Type and Configuration
This is the heart of your machine. Single boilers are simple and cost-effective but require a wait between brewing and steaming. Heat exchange (HX) boilers let you do both simultaneously, a huge workflow upgrade. For the ultimate control, dual boilers offer independent temperature management for espresso and steam. Ask yourself: do you make mostly milk drinks, or is straight espresso your focus?
Integrated Grinder vs. Separate
Some Lelit models, like the Anita or Elizabeth, come with a built-in grinder. This saves counter space and simplifies the process—great for beginners. However, dedicated grinders typically offer more precision and consistency. If you’re serious about dialing in different beans, a separate grinder gives you more flexibility for future upgrades.
Physical Size and Footprint
Lelit is known for relatively compact machines, but dimensions still vary. Measure your available space carefully, including height under cabinets. Remember to account for room to open the water tank, maneuver the portafilter, and place your cup. A smaller machine is useless if you can’t easily operate it daily.
Pressure and Temperature Control
Look for machines with a pressure gauge; it’s a vital tool for diagnosing your shots. Advanced models offer PID temperature control, which ensures incredible thermal stability from shot to shot. This means repeatable, high-quality espresso. If consistency is your goal, a PID is worth the investment. It takes the guesswork out of the equation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lelit Espresso Machine
What makes Lelit machines different from other brands?
Lelit focuses on pro-level features in compact designs. They often include things like PID temperature control and pressure gauges, which help you make very consistent espresso. It’s a great balance of quality and value.
Are Lelit machines good for beginners?
Some models are more beginner-friendly than others. A simpler machine like the Anna is a fantastic starting point. The more advanced models, like those with dual boilers, are better if you already have some experience.
Do I need a seperate grinder?
Yes, absolutely. A good grinder is just as important as the machine itself for great espresso. Lelit sells some combo units, but most of their machines require you to buy a grinder seperately.
What is PID temperature control?
PID is a smart controller that keeps the water temperature extremely stable. This means each shot of espresso you pull will be more consistent. It’s a key feature for improving your coffee quality.
How difficult is the maintenance?
Regular cleaning is straightforward. You’ll need to backflush the machine and descale it periodically. It requires a bit of routine, but the manuals are clear and it’s not too hard to manage.
Can I steam milk and brew espresso at the same time?
It depends on the model. Machines with a single boiler, like the Anna, cannot do both at once. You have to brew first, then switch to steam mode. Dual boiler or heat exchanger models from Lelit allow you to do both simultaneously.
Where are Lelit espresso machines made?
Lelit is an Italian company and their machines are manufactured in Italy. They have a strong reputation for build quality and design within the espresso community.
What’s a good first Lelit machine to buy?
The Lelit Anna (PL41 series) is a highly recommended first machine. It has PID control, which is rare at it’s price point. It gives you great control to learn on without being overwhelming.
The Final Call
Own a piece of sophisticated, component-focused Italian engineering. It’s about choosing a tool that respects the craft. You get control, consistency, and a direct connection to your coffee. The result is a better cup, every single morning. It makes your routine feel special and rewarding.
This is an investment in your daily ritual. A Lelit espresso machine brings that professional touch home without the complexity of a commercial setup. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful design and durable construction for years to come. Start your journey toward truly great coffee today—you won’t look back.