Lelit was founded in the early 1980s by the Epis family in Baitella, Italy, originally concentrating on manufacturing ironing systems and boilers. Over time, the company’s would turn to home espresso machines, offering a diverse range that includes small, single-boiler, semi-automatic models and sophisticated dual-boiler prosumer machines.
The Lelit Mara X is crafted with a clear intention: to integrate outstanding functionality with appealing aesthetics. Featuring advanced technology and user-focused features, the Mara X stands out as a compact powerhouse in the world of home espresso machines. This prosumer-level machine packs professional features into a surprisingly small footprint, making it an phenomenal option for espresso enthusiasts with limited counter space. Its innovative heat exchange system and brew priority mode set it apart from other machines in its class, delivering reliable temperature stability and consistent espresso, shot after shot.
The Lelit Mara X boasts a sleek, compact design that maximizes counter space. At just 9 inches wide, 14 inches tall, and 16 inches deep, it's one of the smallest prosumer espresso machines available. Despite its small footprint, the Mara X is solidly built. The machine feels heavy and well-made, reflecting its prosumer-grade components. Its stainless steel exterior exudes quality and durability. Inside, the Mara X uses commercial-grade parts, setting it apart from typical home appliances, and the internal build quality contributes to the machine’s longevity and consistent performance.
A key highlight of the Lelit Mara X is its professional-grade E61 grouphead, which is highly-regarded in the espresso community for its remarkable temperature control and pressure uniformity. Crafted from durable brass, the Mara X’s grouphead excels in thermal stability and provides even heat distribution, ensuring dependable results with each use. This feature ensures that each shot of espresso produced is consistent in its extraction.
With the soft infusion capability of the Lelit Mara X, hot water is allowed to gently soak the coffee grounds before the full, 9-bar pressure is applied to the puck. This process leads to a rich and flavorful espresso by ensuring consistent extraction. It is a valuable feature that enhances the overall flavor profile, and is something that’s not generally found in espresso machines at this price point.
The Lelit Mara X prioritizes user-friendliness, making it an ideal option for those new to brewing espresso. Although it boasts advanced functionalities, the machine remains remarkably easy to operate, bypassing the steep learning curve that espresso generally presents.
The Lelit Mara X offers two priority modes to fit your espresso needs:
- Brew Temperature Priority (BTP) Mode:Â The Lelit Mara X's Brew Priority Mode maintains optimal extraction temperatures by prioritizing a stable brewing environment. This setting is particularly advantageous for those aiming for the perfect espresso shot, as it minimizes temperature fluctuations that can affect the quality of your shot.
- Steam Temperature Priority (STP) Mode:Â This feature prioritizes powerful steam production, making it ideal for frothing milk when making cappuccinos and lattes.
The Lelit Mara X is also equipped with an advanced internal PID temperature controller that guarantees accurate temperature regulation, resulting in consistently high-quality espresso shots with little need for manual adjustments. Whether you choose to prioritize brewing or steaming, this functionality significantly boosts the machine's efficiency and dependability. With preset PID temperatures tailored to various coffee profiles, you can enjoy your espresso brewed at the perfect temperature to enhance your favorite flavors.
The features found on the Mara X, combined with a quick heat-up time and remarkably quiet operation, puts this machine in a class well above others in its price range. Built with a commitment to durability and repairability, the Lelit Mara X promises to be a long-lasting presence in your home. In contrast to machines that lack the design for sustained performance, the Mara X is engineered for longevity, making it a perfect investment for passionate home baristas.
If you have any questions about the Lelit Mara X espresso machine, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to talk all things espresso, and we would be glad to address any questions or concerns that you may have.