How to Choose a Manual Espresso Machine?

How to Choose a Manual Espresso Machine?

Each machine meets different profiles and needs. To help you choose your manual espresso machine, we suggest answering these questions to guide you toward THE machine that will accompany you in your daily life.

YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SEVERAL COFFEES IN A ROW…
This will require a powerful heating element and a large amount of metal inside the machine. Ideally, this metal should be highly insulating, such as steel or brass, in order to maintain consistent thermal stability. If you are a fan of long drinks, make sure that the boiler capacity is sufficient. In this case, you might consider the LELIT Victoria or the LELIT MaraX.

YOU MAINLY DRINK BLACK COFFEE…
If you are primarily a black coffee drinker but want the flexibility to steam milk from time to time, a single-boiler machine could be an ideal choice. It offers fast heating, stable temperature, and comes in a compact size. However, be aware that some machines of this type require more care when used (such as the LELIT 50’s line), especially when preparing milk-based drinks due to the manual management of steam mode.
For this type of use, we recommend the LELIT Anna TEM or the LELIT Anna LEM.

YOU MAINLY ENJOY MILK-BASED DRINKS…
If you usually drink your coffee with milk, then a machine with strong steam performance will be ideal. Several options are available, depending on whether you want to practice latte art or simply prepare smooth, creamy hot milk:

  • In the first case, a dual-boiler or heat-exchanger machine could be a good choice. If you want to perfect both your espresso extraction and your milk frothing, this equipment is ideal. These machines allow you to make no compromises, thanks to precise control of both steam and coffee temperatures. In this case, the LELIT MaraX, LELIT Elizabeth, or even the LELIT Bianca could be of interest. Keep in mind, however, that these machines can come with challenges in terms of size, heating speed, or even price. If that’s a concern, you might want to consider the next category.

  • In the second case, if you are more interested in simply enjoying a delicious, indulgent cup, the LELIT Kate or LELIT Victoria may be a better fit. However, knowing yourself also means anticipating your future. Even if you don’t feel like a barista today, you may grow into it. LELIT machines are robust and built to last, meaning your skills and preferences could evolve over time. In that case, a high-performance yet intuitive machine like the LELIT MaraX could be ideal. With its many features, it allows beginners to prepare an excellent cup with ease while giving experienced users the freedom to explore more advanced preparations.

At Édika, all our machines come with a training session for first use. Whether in our showroom or remotely (by appointment), we guide you to ensure the best possible setup experience.

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