Lelit Anna PL41EM Espresso Machine Review

The Lelit PL41EM Anna was my first high quality espresso machine. Actually, I still own it and still use it often, even after purchasing a La Marzocco GS3. Here's my honest take after years of daily use, and who I think this machine is right for.

Shot quality

The shots pulled on the Anna are as great as any other high-end machine I have used. With fresh coffee and a good grinder, it produces café-quality espresso: rich, balanced and full of flavor. It just takes a bit longer to make a milk-based drink compared to a dual boiler machine, because you brew and steam with the same boiler.

Heat-up time

The machine completely heats up in about 15 minutes and gets to work immediately. That's one of the main reasons I still keep it around: on busy mornings, it's ready fast.

Pros

• Heats up fast
• Great, café-quality espresso shots
• Easy to use and clean
• Very reliable

Cons (none of them deal breakers)

• Uses a 57mm portafilter, which means there aren't as many accessories available as for the common 58mm size
• Single boiler, so milk drinks take longer (although the cheapest dual boiler machines cost about triple the price)

Who is the Lelit Anna for?

The Anna is a great fit if you mostly drink espresso or one or two milk drinks at a time, want real café-quality shots at home, and don't want to spend dual boiler money. If you make lots of lattes back to back for a family or for guests, a dual boiler or heat exchanger machine will be faster.

Tips for getting the most out of a single boiler machine

• Brew first, then steam. Pull your shot, then switch to steam and give the boiler a moment to reach steaming temperature.
• Pair it with a good grinder. The grinder matters as much as the machine. Fresh, even grounds are the key to dialing in great espresso.
• Use fresh beans. Coffee roasted within the last few weeks gives you better crema and flavor.
• Keep it clean. Wipe the group head and purge after every shot, and descale regularly, especially if you have hard water.

The verdict

The Lelit Anna PL41EM punches well above its price. It heats up fast, pulls excellent shots and has been dependable for years. If you can live with a single boiler, it's one of the best ways to get into great home espresso.

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