Independent · Est. MMXXVI · A Boujee Media title

← The collection

Lelit

Mara X

Milk-drink lovers who want the classic E61 experience in a compact body.

Heating
Heat exchanger with smart temperature control
Group
E61 group head
Control
Selectable brew or steam priority
Steam
Powerful steam wand
Tier
Enthusiast — Roughly $800–2,000

The short version

A compact heat-exchanger machine that solves the design’s classic weakness. Its clever control system keeps brew temperature far more stable than older heat-exchangers, while still letting you steam milk the moment the shot is done.

Why you’ll love it

  • +Brew and steam at the same time
  • +Iconic E61 group with a huge accessory ecosystem
  • +Compact for a machine of this class

What to know

  • –Long warm-up time, typical of E61 machines
  • –Less precise temperature control than a dual boiler
  • –Vibratory pump is louder than a rotary

Pair it with

A flat-burr or high-end conical espresso grinder.

Why the grinder matters most

Specifications are summarized from the manufacturer and can change between model years. Check the current model before buying. Tamp & Temper is independent and not affiliated with Lelit.

Also in Enthusiast