About this Video

• Video Title: Lelit Mara X Espresso Machine Review
• Channel: Alternative Brewing
• Speakers: One (The video presenter is not named in the transcript)
• Duration: 00:32:05

Introduction

This video provides a comprehensive review of the Lelit Mara X espresso machine. The reviewer examines its design, features, functionality (including brewing and steaming capabilities at different temperature settings), and overall performance, comparing it to single and dual boiler machines. The video aims to help viewers decide if the Lelit Mara X is the right espresso machine for them.

Key Takeaways

• Compact Design and Build Quality: The Lelit Mara X boasts a compact footprint suitable for smaller kitchens while maintaining a robust and well-built feel.
• Heat Exchanger System with Unique Features: Unlike traditional heat exchanger (HX) machines, the Mara X offers brew and steam temperature prioritization and three selectable brew temperature settings (warm, hot, extra hot), enhancing control and flexibility.
• Performance Across Temperature Settings: The reviewer tests the machine across various temperature settings, noting differences in espresso shot timing and milk steaming performance. Higher temperatures lead to faster milk steaming but require more skill. The "hot" setting is deemed optimal for espresso.
• Pros and Cons: Pros include compact size, selectable brew temperatures, powerful steam, quiet operation, and stylish design. Cons include not being a true PID system, requiring a short cool-down period between milk drinks, and a longer heat-up time (approximately 24 minutes).
• Overall Assessment: The Lelit Mara X is a refined HX machine offering dual boiler-like control at a more affordable price and smaller size. It's best for users who appreciate temperature control and want to experiment with different coffee profiles but not ideal for high-volume, back-to-back milk drink preparation.

The Lelit Mara X offers three selectable brew temperature settings: warm, hot, and extra hot. The reviewer found that the "warm" setting produced an espresso hotter than anticipated, while the "hot" setting yielded a brighter, juicier, and creamier result, considered optimal for the medium roast coffee used. The "extra hot" setting produced an extremely hot espresso. Regarding milk steaming, the reviewer noted that higher temperature settings (hot and extra hot) resulted in significantly faster and easier milk frothing compared to the "warm" setting, which proved insufficient for a large jug of milk.

The key difference between the Lelit Mara X's "warm" and "hot" settings when steaming milk lies in the steam pressure and ease of use. On the "warm" setting, the steam pressure was too low for efficient milk frothing, especially with a larger jug, requiring considerable effort from the user. The "hot" setting, however, provided significantly higher steam pressure (around 1.5 bars consistently), making the milk steaming process much easier and faster.

The Lelit Mara X's pros, according to the reviewer, include its compact size, three selectable brew temperatures allowing for espresso customization, powerful steam performance despite its small size, quiet operation due to a silent vibratory pump, cool-touch steam wands, and stylish design with wooden handles (on certain models).

The cons are that it's not a true PID system (requiring some heat management), it needs a brief cool-down period between milk drinks, and has a relatively long heat-up time (around 24 minutes).

The Lelit Mara X takes approximately 24 minutes to reach full brewing and steaming temperatures. The reviewer suggests that, unlike some machines, it's not ideal to leave the machine on in standby mode for extended periods between uses. To maintain optimal brewing temperatures, it's best to turn the machine off and then back on again before each use. The reviewer also notes that they personally would be happy brewing at the 12-15 minute mark, but this depends on individual preferences and settings.