The Lelit Mara PL62 X is an espresso machine with dual-boiler technology and three-stage temperature control. The developers have built in an amazingly comprehensive set of great features and accessories, yet charge relatively little for it compared to other Zweikreisern machines.
As a community, you have repeatedly pointed us to the Lelit Mara X. Now the latest model has been released in March, and we took a detailed look at the machine. This test is part of a test series. Over the next few weeks, we will be testing a total of 12">dual-boiler espresso machines. We are pursuing two goals. We are searching for the best dual-boiler espresso machine on the market and want to provide you with some guidance. At the same time, we are taking the three machines that in our opinion are the best into our
We tested the V2 version of the Lelit Mara X. This article is currently being revised.
NEU:">Our temperature tips for the Lelit Mara X. Please note that the Lelit Mara X V2 works differently than the Lelit Mara X V1. The most important change can also be found in this article in the Temperature Control in Stages.
In the meantime, we have also tested the Dual Boiler Lelit Elizabeth and reached a positive conclusion.
Looking for a specialist retailer that carries the Lelit Mara X?
We recommend Stoll Espresso, who run a very competent workshop and are a good contact for your machine even beyond the purchase.
To the machine at Stoll Espresso.
We search for specialist partners for you, knowing that they provide good work and good service. We are in close contact with the retailers. These are affiliate links. If you order through this link, it doesn't cost you any more, but we receive a small commission that we invest in new test equipment.
Lots of Features for Relatively Little Money
The Lelit's feature package is astounding. No other dual-boiler espresso machine that we know of delivers so much performance promise and functionality for so little money. The list price of the espresso machine in Switzerland is CHF 1490. That would already be inexpensive. But there are frequently much cheaper offers. In the EU, you can find numerous offers with the Mara X for less than €1000.
That's quite a statement, given a comprehensive feature set. Dual manometers, PID control, cold-touch tubes, super quiet. But let's take it step by step.
Compact, Small, and Purrs Like a Kitten
"Are you brewing yet?" I asked Michel">Aeschbacher in our test. "Yes, it's just so quiet!" answered the Swiss vice barista champion. By way of comparison, we ran two other dual-boilers. The Lelit emitted up to 10 decibels less noise. This is due, on the one hand, to the type of vibration pump installed. On the other hand, Lelit has integrated rubber connections at typically rattling points. For example, the drip tray doesn't rest directly on the machine's metal but on small rubber tabs. The placement area for espresso cups is also supported in this way. Less rattling is the result. As with all espresso machines, it's only important that the cups on the machine don't touch each other to avoid creating another clattering and rattling surface.
Less clattering thanks to rubber pad.
The Lelit Mara X is very compact. In width, it measures just 22 cm. That's about 5 cm narrower than the Appartamento. Against that are 41 cm depth and a height of 35 cm.
Notably large and deep is the drip tray, which holds more than a liter of water. Still important: don't always empty it to the last drop. Drip trays can't be carried without making a mess.
The rubber feet ensure that the 18 kg heavy machine doesn't turn when you tighten the portafilter.
Temperature Control in Stages
The Lelit Mara X has a built-in temperature control. In addition to the temperature sensor in the steam boiler, a second sensor is installed directly in the heat exchanger. The 3-stage toggle switch behind the drip tray allows control of this temperature.
However, it's important to first set it to brew priority mode. This can be activated via a second toggle switch on the right side. To make sure the wrong mode isn't activated, please first determine which version of the Mara X you have!!!
With the Lelit Mara X V1 version, which is recognizable by a red logo, the brew priority mode is activated when you set the toggle switch to level 1. With the Mara X V2, brew mode is activated when you set the switch to level 0!
Some Mara X V2 units were still shipped with old instruction manuals that contain incorrect instructions. At some retailers, we recently found online instruction manuals that referred to version 1, which is no longer shipped today!
So once more... the V2 version runs in brew priority mode when level 0 is activated. The V1 runs in brew priority at level 1.
The other switch position activates steam priority. The temperature of the steam boiler is then controlled via a sensor in the hot water area, heating the machine so that the temperature is very suitable for steaming, but not for brewing! It's then far too hot at over 98 degrees Celsius!
Brew Priority of the Mara X
The manual doesn't detail the exact function of the temperature settings here. However, setting 0 provides the lowest temperature, setting 1 should provide a medium temperature, and setting 2 a higher/hotter temperature.
In our initial test, we measured overall very high temperatures. At setting 0, the Mara X consistently delivered 93–94 degrees and very consistently at that. The other two settings served us with temperatures of 96 and 98 degrees in our test—too high. We overshoot the desired temperature through a boost and our flush routine. Dave">Corbey also points to this in a very good test report about the machine.
He writes that you shouldn't flush between espresso shots. Flushing is running water through the group without the portafilter, which has two effects. On the one hand, it stabilizes brew temperature on many espresso machines; on the other, it cleans the shower screen of the brew group. We absolutely cannot recommend skipping the latter.
We then contacted Lelit. The brief answer was: a short flush after the shot, not before. And really short. We did that in our big Zweikreiser">comparison video. Well… the result was a pretty significant temperature crash, whether in brew priority or steam priority mode.
We need to revisit this and will create a tips video on how to use the Lelit Mara X because we really like it in many other respects.
Steaming Milk and Making Cappuccino with the Mara X
The Mara X performed excellently in terms of steaming behavior, even in "brew priority mode". We were particularly impressed by the machine's power. The roll phase explained in our Latte">courses and videos was so powerful that any small and larger bubbles were broken down and a creamy foam was created. Interestingly: the milk didn't heat up quickly. This provides additional time for steaming and is particularly interesting for those new to milk steaming.
When you remove the drip tray, the espresso machine can be set to a steam priority mode. Instead of focusing on the temperature of the brew water, the espresso machine then aims for a pressure in the boiler of 1 bar, 1.2 bar, or 1.5 bar depending on the stage selected. This also allows you to bypass the complex temperature programming of the machine, and a cooling flush becomes possible again (and very sensible!)
Cool-Touch and Other Great Features
Both the steam wand and the hot water outlet are built with so-called cool-touch tubes. As the name suggests, the tubes don't get hot on the outside. Every espresso machine has plenty of spots that get really hot. The Faema brew group in particular is thoroughly heated, and you always have to be careful not to accidentally burn your fingers. However, you normally don't touch a brew group. The steam wand tube is different. Usually rubber sleeves or plastic grips are clamped onto the tube to allow the wand to be moved. The cool-touch tubes are a smart solution to avoid that. It's really cheeky of Lelit to install these more expensive steam wands in the manufacturing cost on this "entry-level machine". But absolutely a plus and really thoughtful for the user.
Side view of the Lelit Mara X.
The brew boiler holds 1.8 liters and provides temperature stability. The entire construction of the machine is high-quality. Stainless steel reduces rust risk. In terms of unbroken metal edges, the Lelit Mara PL62 X performs averagely.
The water tank can be easily removed and filled directly at the tap. Caution, use soft water!
The dual manometer looks great and is practical—it shows the pressure in the boiler as well as the brew pressure. A 58mm wooden tamper is included with the machine, as is a platform to raise the espresso cup placement area.
Like all new espresso machines approved in the EU, an automatic standby function is integrated.
Dual manometer of the Lelit Mara X
Conclusion on the Lelit Mara X and What We Particularly Like
We're just at the beginning of our dual-boiler espresso machine tests. But the other espresso machines really have to deliver something special to knock the Lelit Mara PL62 X off the podium.
It's almost cheeky what's being delivered here in terms of value for money. PID control of temperature. The machine is very, very quiet. As a result, the rest of the house is no longer woken by the pump of the espresso machine but by the noise of the grinder.
The espresso and milk foam quality is good or excellent. Lelit"> has thought about many things and picked up ideas from the community and implemented them. The machine is compact and looks good with its brushed chrome steel finish.
Great, that's a joy!
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Update Lelit Mara X V2
With the update to the Lelit Mara X V2, not much changes about the espresso machine. The really important thing is just the changed control. The V2 version runs in brew mode at setting 0! If you follow this and our tips, you can make good espresso with the Mara.
Here are the updated temperature measurements we obtained from two additional Lelit Maras (V2). By the way, we've had the same experiences in our Home Barista courses with numerous other Lelit Maras.
As always, we purchased this espresso machine ourselves. This test was not requested by Lelit, etc.
