The Lelit Victoria performed decently in our test. With our tips, we improved the machine's performance. For us, the Lelit Victoria is a good entry-level espresso machine for many applications. The single boiler from Lelit provides everything necessary for preparing good espresso.
Fast Heat Instead of Waiting Time
Let's get straight to the point and start with our most important finding: Without further intervention, the Lelit Victoria heats up in 23 minutes. That's slow and can be annoying. Who wants to wait when the craving for espresso is NOW!
To shorten the 23 minutes, we applied a method that is increasingly becoming standard on other espresso machines. Generally speaking, the boiler temperature is raised above the target temperature to allow the portafilter holder and the rest of the machine to heat up faster. Then the temperature is deliberately lowered back to the desired target temperature.
The fast heat-up for the Lelit Victoria works like this:
- The machine starts normally. After 3 minutes, the machine indicates that espresso temperature has been reached.
- Now you switch to steam mode. For the Lelit Victoria, this is only possible after the espresso temperature has been reached in the boiler. You stay in steam mode for 7 minutes.
- Then you set the machine back to espresso mode and perform a blank shot (without the portafilter inserted).
- Now you have one minute to grind the coffee, tamp it, and then, after one minute, pull the espresso.
It's important to note that the machine is not yet stable in temperature afterwards. An espresso can be pulled well at this time. To achieve a stable brew temperature permanently, you should wait longer.
Design and Features
The Lelit Victoria is a compact machine that is 38 cm tall, 27.8 cm (32.8 cm with plug) deep and, including the steam wand, 23.5 cm wide. The machine weighs 10.9 kg. The water tank holds 2.35 liters and the drip tray has a volume of 0.9 liters.
The brass boiler has a capacity of 300 ml and is, typical for single boilers, designed for both espresso preparation and steam generation. The boiler temperature can be controlled via the Lelit Control Center (LCC) and PID.
The ring brew group accepts 58 mm portafilters. The included portafilter is made of chrome-plated brass. The Lelit Victoria is similar in its narrower design and construction to the Lelit Elizabeth. Lelit stays true to its line; sharp edges are well covered with rubber lips or defused by bending the edges.
The Victoria also features a steam wand that is designed to be practical and otherwise simple.
Temperature Stability
For a single boiler with a small boiler, the Lelit Victoria shows solid temperature performance. Our espresso shots were correspondingly stable. Even with higher frequency, the machine did not deviate significantly from the target temperature. Using the WBC protocol, we recorded a standard deviation of 1.28 degrees over 14 shots. This puts it in a similar range as its dual boiler sister, the Elizabeth. For comparison: A Lelit Bianca V3 achieved a standard deviation of 0.7.
Attention: We also detected a significant offset deviation on this Lelit. This means the machine does not output the set brew temperature. The offset should be checked and adjusted by your specialist retailer!
Recommended Specialist Retailers
- Stoll Espresso, Germany
- Bohnendealer, Austria
- Die Röster, Switzerland
We search for specialist partners we know 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 more, but we receive a small commission that we invest in new testing equipment.
Milk Steaming with the Single Boiler
After pulling the espresso, you switch to milk mode for steaming. It takes 90 seconds for the machine to reach the target range. Then it delivers enough steam power to foam. The small machine struggles a bit with a 0.6-liter pitcher. We heat hot water in the 0.6-liter pitcher in 65 seconds.
But it's not that it doesn't work. Anyone who gets used to their Lelit Victoria will achieve satisfactory results. For the occasional cappuccino and such, that's more than enough. If milk drinks are the main focus, then you should question whether the Lelit Victoria is the right machine.
Conclusion and Impressions of the Lelit Victoria
The Lelit Victoria is available for around 800 francs or euros and is a very interesting espresso machine in this price range. Yes, a single boiler comes with the fact that compromises have to be made. However, in its segment, the Victoria performs well and stands for delicious results.
Temperature consistency doesn't need to hide, and with our tips, you'll also reach temperature sufficiently quickly. If you're looking for a small espresso machine and primarily drink espresso, the Victoria is certainly a good choice.
The materials also suggest that the machine is rather durable compared to other plastic "monsters" in the same price range.
Advantages of the Lelit Victoria PL91T
- PID Control: Enables precise control of brew temperature, which is crucial for preparing a perfect espresso. Not standard in this price range.
- Compact Design: Ideal for smaller kitchens or spaces without sacrificing functionality.
- User-Friendliness: Despite some adjustment options, the machine remains user-friendly, even for beginners.
- Fast Heat-Up Time: With tricks, the heat-up time can be significantly reduced, ideal for quick espresso in the morning.
- Decent Build Quality: Robust design and high-quality materials compared to many other machines in this price range.
- Value for Money: Offers many features and good quality at a fair price, especially compared to other machines in the same segment.
Disadvantages of the Lelit Victoria PL91T
- Single Boiler System: Limits flexibility since espresso and milk drinks can only be made sequentially. After pulling espresso, you must wait approximately 90 seconds for the small boiler to switch from espresso to steam quality.
- Learning Curve: A certain degree of familiarization and practice is required for optimal results.
- Pre-Brew Function: The pre-brew function, as used here, drains the pre-brew water and is not ideal for good extractions.
- Steam Power: The steam power is rather low, but typical for a single boiler and even quite good in this segment.
- Energy Consumption: While the turbo heat-up mode is practical, it consumes more energy than slow heating. In fact, energy consumption during fast and slow heating of the machine is identical.
- Button Operation: The buttons are stiff.
Backup Material Lelit Victoria
Energy consumption. More on this and how we measure it here.
