For years, the $1,000 mark was the unofficial threshold distinguishing client grade espresso machines from prosumer fashions. Beginning at that worth level, machines supplied upgraded internals, commercial-grade components, and superior options. As we speak, nevertheless, that entry level has shifted to the $1,100–$1,400 vary, with fashions just like the very fashionable Profitec Go main the pack. But, there are nonetheless just a few choices obtainable round a grand, together with the machine that’s the topic of this First Look, the Lelit Victoria.
Lelit (pronounced Lel-leet), based within the Eighties in Brescia, Italy, initially centered on manufacturing clothes irons. Its early success allowed growth into different home equipment, together with espresso machines. By the Nineteen Nineties, Lelit was producing white-label espresso machines for varied manufacturers, and in 2002, it launched its first branded espresso machine: the Lelit Anna (PL041). Priced at $399, it remained the corporate’s solely branded mannequin for practically a decade.
In 2012, Lelit collaborated with a U.S. importer to replace the Anna, including a PID controller to make sure temperature stability. With its $550 price ticket, it grew to become probably the most reasonably priced Italian machines with a PID, enhancing Lelit’s popularity within the U.S. market.
By 2015, Lelit’s product lineup expanded considerably, that includes fashions just like the Diana, a dual-boiler machine, and the Mara, its first with an E61 grouphead. Lelit continued refining the Anna, including higher PID controls and a visual strain gauge.
A significant milestone got here in 2018 with the discharge of the Bianca, a dual-boiler E61 machine with superior PID controls, a rotary pump, and a novel movement strain management paddle. The Bianca, which has seen a number of updates since its launch, is the machine we think about to be the finest general espresso machine obtainable as we speak.
Between 2015 and 2020, Lelit expanded its product line, releasing fashions just like the Anna II, Anita, Diana, Kate, Elizabeth Twin Boiler, MaraX, and Victoria. The COVID-19 pandemic fuelled demand for residence espresso machines, boosting Lelit’s progress. By 2020, the corporate had quadrupled its workforce, 80% of which is feminine, and bought 48,000 machines globally.
Lelit’s success attracted consideration, resulting in its acquisition by Breville in 2022 for over $150 million. Regardless of this takeover, Lelit maintains important operational independence, with plans for future collaborations with Breville’s engineering group whereas retaining its current management.
In early 2024, we obtained a Lelit Victoria (buy hyperlink) for assessment, with an settlement to delay the analysis till this early fall. After unboxing the machine in August, I shortly acknowledged its spectacular efficiency at its worth level. In a number of respects, it rivals and beats the favored Profitec Go.
I must also observe when the Victoria was launched in 2016, it was initially priced at $1,079 (that’s $1400 as we speak!), so as we speak’s $999.95 worth level is even higher, although, for the way lengthy that worth will stay is anybody’s guess.
For transparency, Lelit is one in all CoffeeGeek’s advertisers, sponsors some problems with Espresso Pulse Publication and has enrolled in our pilot associates program, which earns us a small fee on purchases via Lelit USA. Nevertheless, as at all times, we retain full editorial independence in our content material, free to objectively assessment the machine.
Now, let’s dive into our First Take a look at the Lelit Victoria.
