The Lelit Mara X V2, a user review

Discover the Lelit Mara X V2, an espresso coffee machine combining modern design and exceptional performance, ideal for espresso enthusiasts. In this article, I share my user experience and the technical specifications of this Italian model that could transform your coffee space. Dive into the world of high-end coffee and find the machine that will perfectly meet your desires!

As an espresso enthusiast, the idea of owning my own coffee machine with an E61 group haunted me. Finally, I opted for the Lelit Mara X V2 (PL62X). A perfect balance between design and cutting-edge performance, the Lelit Mara X V2 offers an espresso machine that I present to you in this review.

My coffee space from left to right: a La Pavoni Europiccola espresso machine, the Lelit Mara X V2 that I present to you in this review, and the Niche Zero coffee grinder.

Lelit is a renowned Italian brand specializing in the manufacture of high-quality coffee machines. Founded in 1997, the company quickly distinguished itself through its commitment to innovation and the tradition of Italian coffee. It is particularly recognized for its espresso coffee machines, including the Mara X series.

Design of the Lelit Mara X V2

The Lelit Mara X V2 captivates at first sight with its refined design. Made in Italy, this espresso coffee machine features modern lines. It is constructed in stainless steel and chrome-plated brass.

Out of the box, the PL62X does not have flow control or the wooden elements. These are options that can be installed later.

Like its “big sister”, the Bianca, the PL62X is available in three versions:

• Stainless Steel affiliate link
• White affiliate link
• Black affiliate link

Technical specifications and box contents

E61 group, dual pressure gauge, silent vibration pump… On paper this Lelit has everything to convince. Let’s review what this Lelit offers.

Silent vibration pump

Despite the fact that the Lelit Mara X has a vibration pump, it is rather quiet. Admittedly, it is noisier than a rotary pump but it is much more discreet than the other vibration pumps I’ve had the opportunity to hear. For reference, you can watch this comparison video that highlights the operating noise levels of a Lelit PL92T and the Lelit Mara X.

Steam wand and hot water tap

Unlike some machines, such as the Bezzera Unica, the PL62X is distinguished by the separation of its steam wand and its hot water tap. This feature offers obvious advantages. Taking the example of the Bezzera Unica, I still remember the moment when my father, attempting to use the hot water tap integrated into the steam wand, generated a jet of water with such force that it expelled all the coffee he wanted to dilute.

The distinct design of the PL62X prevents such incidents, thus offering a more controlled and practical user experience.

The machine’s steam wand is versatile, equipped with good power, and is insulated, except for its tip, in order to prevent any risk of burns and to prevent milk from adhering to the wand’s surface.

As for the tap, the same applies. It is multidirectional and insulated, allowing for handling without risk of burns.

Temperature adjustment buttons and steam mode

When the drip tray is removed, a three-position switch appears at the front of the machine. It offers the possibility to choose between three distinct temperatures: A

• Position 0: fairly hot (88 to 91°C), ideal for dark roasts.
• Position I: hot (91 to 94°C), dedicated to medium roasts.
• Position II: very hot (93 to 97°C), intended for light roasts.

In use, my Mara X takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the optimal temperature.

On the right side of the machine, another button is revealed as soon as you remove the water collection tray.

This button allows for two different modes:

• Xmode Steam mode (I on the button) allows you to increase the steam power after preparing a coffee.
• Xmode Coffee mode (0 on the button) does not modify the steam power after preparing a coffee. It favors consistency in coffee extraction, particularly when preparing several consecutively.

In practice, there is a difference in terms of steam power between the two modes. The “Xmode Coffee” proves capable of producing adequate milk foam, but it is undeniable that the steam mode (Xmode Steam) proves to be much more powerful. It reaches the performance of a machine equipped with a dedicated steam boiler.

After experimenting with “Xmode Steam” mode, the heat exchanger of the machine returns to its initial temperature after a few minutes (even more quickly by performing a flush).

On this subject, the person responsible for developing the open-source project “ MaraX_Visualizer” has extracted relevant data.

The water tank

Lelit has designed an ingenious water tank, equipped with two small handles to facilitate handling. To optimize the durability of the machine by eliminating elements such as limescale, the use of filter cartridges affiliate linkis recommended.

With this in mind, Lelit has integrated graduations on the handles, thus allowing for precise measurement of the filtered water quantity.

The water reservoir of this machine has a capacity of 2.5 liters. For first use, it is recommended to check the water level in the reservoir, as the machine’s boiler capacity is 1.8 liters.

Indicator lights and pressure gauge

The Lelit has three LED indicator lights:

• Indicates the machine’s heating process. It reaches its optimal temperature in approximately 15 minutes.

• Signals the presence of water in the reservoir. The LED blinks to indicate that the reservoir is empty. The machine has a small backup reserve to finish brewing the coffee.

• The PL62X is equipped with an LED surrounding the on/off button to indicate the machine’s power status.

The dual gauge reveals two pieces of information:

• Steam: Indicates the steam pressure.
• Pump: Displays the pump pressure. The latter is electronically equipped with an integrated pre-infusion function.

The supplied portafilter and tamper

Lelit has done things well by offering a spouted portafilter designed to rest perfectly flat on the countertop. This clever design incorporates a small ledge that prevents any direct contact between the spouts and the surface, thus avoiding dirt and potential deformation of the spouts. The two spouts of the portafilter are close together, offering versatility of use with one or two cups. As a bonus, the portafilter comes with a complete set of IMS baskets, renowned for their high precision and used by coffee professionals.

The tamper, with a diameter of 58.55 mm, offers a very pleasant grip. Its simplicity, with a construction in red-painted wood, makes it an accessory that is both effective and aesthetic. No immediate cost needs to be considered to replace it.

For my part, I ended up opting for a tamper with a guide, the Normcore V4. I prefer a guided tamper because it allows for uniform tamping and minimizes channeling as much as possible.

Tips to avoid channeling

Channeling is a phenomenon of imbalanced water flow through the coffee grounds. It is therefore an issue only related to espresso extractions. Indeed, water will always take the path of least resistance. Let's discover how to avoid this phenomenon.

Read more...

Wooden accessory kit for the pl62x

You’ve probably noticed by comparing the photos of my machine with those from the manufacturer, I replaced the plastic elements (taps, lever, portafilter…) with wooden elements.

They are officially sold by Lelit and I find that it makes the machine much more beautiful.

58 mm bottomless portafilter, delivered with an IMS filter for two cups and available in “walnut wood” version, this accessory proves particularly interesting for optimizing the experience with the Lelit Mara X.

Identical to the portafilter supplied as standard with the machine, but made of wood. It comes with four IMS filters (one for a single cup, two for double cups, and one blind filter). This portafilter makes an ideal complement to your Lelit, especially if you opt for the installation of a walnut wood kit.

This official Lelit kit offers the possibility to replace the plastic knobs as well as the plastic part of the lever with walnut wood elements. In my opinion, this aesthetic modification gives the machine a significantly more elegant appearance.

Possible upgrades

Installing a flow control on the Lelit Mara X V2

The big sister of the Mara X: the Bianca, comes with flow control installed as standard. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the PL62X. However, this accessory is really useful as it allows you to monitor and adjust the extraction pressure in real time. This way, you can explore the aromas of the coffee by creating extraction profiles, reproducing them, etc.

If you’re looking to buy a flow control, I recommend checking out the website: coffee-sensor. I bought mine from them and at the time of writing, this seller is the cheapest on the market. I chatted with them a bit, they are very responsive and have excellent after-sales service (which I was able to test for the replacement of another item purchased from them).

The installation procedure is very well explained in the video below. Nothing too complicated, you just need to have electrical tape and a large adjustable wrench affiliate link.

Installation guide for a flow control kit on a Lelit Mara X.

Open source projects to complement your PL62X

If you have DIY skills, there are several open source projects ( here, there) that allow you to add a PID and a timer to the Lelit Mara X. Personally, I haven’t yet made these modifications to my machine, mainly due to time constraints.

Project open source that allows you to add features to the machine.

Conclusion

Offered at an attractive price of €1,130 on Amazon affiliate link, this machine appeals to me with its excellent value for money. Its aesthetics beautify my coffee space, especially since the addition of wooden knobs.

Although it doesn’t cover all the cutting-edge features of current coffee machines (which are sold at much higher prices), it remains complete, competitive in terms of price and particularly pleasant to use.

The absence of a PID doesn’t bother me personally. With the choice between three temperatures, you can explore different nuances to fully appreciate the aromas of extracted coffee. In reality, after observing my father’s experience with a machine equipped with a PID, it appears that on a daily basis, you don’t change the water temperature that frequently. Choosing between three temperatures rather than ten doesn’t represent a significant constraint.

Moreover, this E61 machine stands out by being one of the narrowest on the market, measuring only 22 cm wide, while offering both a steam wand and a hot water tap.

A quality portafilter, with a complete set of IMS filters and a good tamper, comes with the machine. You have no additional expense to plan for on that front.

The success of your espressos essentially depends on using a quality coffee grinder. In this regard, my co-author and I have tested a grinder sold for less than €100, offering excellent results in the cup.

If you are starting out with espresso, I recommend reading this article, which will provide you with useful tips to avoid the channeling phenomenon.

Tips to avoid channeling

Channeling is a phenomenon of imbalance in the path of water through the coffee grounds. It is therefore a problem only related to espresso extractions. Indeed, water will always take the path of least resistance. Let's discover how to avoid this phenomenon.

Read more...

My rating: ★★★★★
An almost perfect choice for this espresso machine. One could debate Lelit’s choice to offer a selection between three temperatures rather than opting to add a PID. However, as I explain, this is not a major constraint. The machine proves to be excellent by offering remarkable value for money.