Lelit Bianca PL162T review

The Lelit Bianca is the most advanced machine on this list and the one to pick if you want to shape each shot by hand. A paddle on its L58E group changes the water flow onto the coffee as it rotates, up to full pressure, so you can slow or speed extraction mid-shot while watching the group manometer. Lelit pairs that with dual stainless steel boilers, 1.5 liters for steam and 800 ml for coffee, and its LCC controller with an OLED display that offers a shot timer, Low Flow and brew temperature settings, pre-infusion and stand-by times. The 2.5 liter tank can sit on three sides or be replaced by a direct water supply and drain. Lelit lists a 120 V model for North America. It weighs 27.2 kg, has no grinder and rewards experience more than any other machine here. Lelit's site does not list a US price, so ours is pending. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Enthusiasts who want manual flow profiling

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Paddle on the L58E group controls water flow throughout the shot
• Dual boilers: 1.5 l steam boiler and 800 ml coffee boiler in AISI316L stainless steel
• LCC control with a high-resolution OLED display, shot timer and Low Flow function
• Group manometer plus a double manometer for pump and steam pressure
• 2.5 l water tank that can sit on three sides, with direct plumb option

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Manual flow control during extraction, unique on this list
• Strength: Can be plumbed to a water supply and drain
• Strength: 120 V model (PL162T-120) listed by Lelit
• Weakness: Heaviest machine here at 27.2 kg
• Weakness: No grinder and a steep learning curve
• Weakness: Lelit's site lists no US price, so ours is pending

Key facts

• Price: US price check pending
• Boilers: 1.5 l steam, 800 ml coffee
• Flow control: Paddle on L58E group
• Water tank: 2.5 l
• Weight: 27.2 kg

Where it ranks

Lelit Bianca PL162T is No. 9 in our Best Espresso Machines verdict.