The Lelit Mara X: A Comprehensive Review

The Lelit Mara X is a high-end, prosumer-grade espresso machine that is designed to deliver café-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. Made in Italy, this machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts who are looking for a high-performance machine that can deliver professional-quality results.

In today's post we'll cover all the latest features and specifications of the Lelit Mara X V2 in addition to comparing it to competing models and brands. Additionally, we'll help you answer the question you've most likely been asking yourself if you've found yourself here - "is the Lelit Mara X right for me?"

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Features and Functions of the Lelit Mara X

Quick facts on the Lelit Mara X V2:

• Dimensions: 16"D x 9"W x 14"H
• Cup Clearance: 6.5"
• Weight: 42 lbs.
• Voltage: 120V
• Amperage: 15 A
• Wattage: 1400W
• Boiler Material: Stainless Steel
• Boiler Size: 1.8 liters
• Reservoir Size: 2.5 liters
• Pump Type: Vibratory

Design and Build Quality of the Lelit Mara X

A massive key feature of the Lelit Mara X that helps separate it from the pack of competitors is its high-quality construction. Made with premium materials, the machine is built to last and is designed to deliver consistent results over time. It also has a sleek and modern design that will complement any kitchen.

Featuring the E61 heated group head, a commercial-grade vibratory pump, and a stainless steel 1.8 liter boiler, the Lelit Mara X will last you decades if taken care of properly and if high-quality water is used. 

The Lelit Mara X's sleek and modern design is immediately apparent when you first lay your eyes on it. The machine's simple yet elegant lines are sure to complement any kitchen. The machine is also easy to use and intuitive, making it simple for even novice users to create café-quality coffee at home.

It's build quality is evident in every aspect of the machine. From its high-quality stainless steel body, to its durable and long-lasting components, the Lelit Mara X is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The machine's high-quality construction also means that it is able to maintain precise temperature and pressure control, ensuring that every cup of coffee is perfect.

The Lelit Mara X's design also includes an intuitive control panel that makes it easy to adjust the temperature, flow rate, and other settings, as well as a built-in pressure gauge that allows you to monitor the pressure at all times. The machine also has a large 2.5-liter water reservoir that is easy to remove and refill, so you never have to worry about running out of water in the middle of a brew.

Ease of Use and Intuitive Interface of the Lelit Mara X

The Lelit Mara X is designed with ease of use and an intuitive interface in mind, making it the perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned barista or a novice user, the Lelit Mara X is easy to operate and produces café-quality coffee with minimal effort.

It's 58mm stainless steel portafilter is also designed for easy use. The machine's portafilter is simple to insert and remove, and it holds the perfect amount of coffee for a single or double shot. The machine also has a powerful steam wand that is perfect for frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes, and it's intuitive to use although if you've never had a machine like this before, there will be a small learning curve as the steam pressure can be immense at first for beginners.

Cleaning and maintenance are also easy with the Lelit Mara X. The machine's removable water tank and drip tray make it simple to clean and maintain, and the machine's durable construction means that it requires minimal maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

The Lelit Mara X's Water Tank and Reservoir

The reservoir on the Lelit Mara X is designed to ensure that you always have enough water on hand to brew your perfect cup of coffee. The machine's large 2.5-liter water tank is easy to remove and refill, so you never have to worry about running out of water in the middle of a brew.

The reservoir is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that the water stays fresh and clean for the best-tasting coffee. The tank also features a clear water level indicator, so you can easily check the water level at a glance and avoid running out of water.

The Lelit Mara X's reservoir is also designed to make your life easier. Unlike the Lelit Bianca V3, where the reservoir can be moved to either side of the machine, the Mara X's reservoir is located in the back of the machine, making it easy to access and refill. The reservoir is also designed to prevent water spillage, which is a common problem with competing machines.

The Lelit Mara X's Temperature Control and Stability

The Lelit Mara X's temperature control and stability are essential features that ensure that every cup of coffee is brewed to perfection. The machine's built-in PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller allows you to precisely control the water temperature, ensuring that the water is at the perfect temperature for extracting the full flavor and aroma of your coffee beans.

One of the advantages of the Lelit Mara X's temperature control is the ability to make adjustments to the temperature to fit your preference. This allows you to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and make a cup of coffee that suits your taste.

The Lelit Mara X also features a high-quality 15-bar pressure pump that delivers the perfect amount of pressure for extracting the full flavor and aroma of your coffee beans. This ensures that your coffee is always brewed at the ideal pressure, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor. And while it can be adjusted to go as high as 15-bars, it is not recommend as it has been proven that once you go past 9-bars or pressure, you start to see diminishing returns in terms of the quality of your coffee.

The Lelit Mara X's temperature control and stability also ensure consistent results. The machine's high-quality construction and precise temperature control mean that it is able to maintain a consistent water temperature, ensuring that every cup of coffee is perfect.

Temperature control and stability are essential features that ensure that every cup of coffee is brewed to perfection. The machine's built-in PID controller, high-quality pressure pump, and precise temperature control ensure that your coffee is always at the perfect temperature and pressure, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Comparing the Lelit Mara X to Other Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

When it comes to semi-automatic espresso machines, the Lelit Mara X stands out for its high-quality construction, precise temperature control, and intuitive interface. Compared to other semi-automatic espresso machines, the Lelit Mara X offers a number of unique features that set it apart.

Let's go over the direct competitors to the Lelit Mara X and how they differ:

Lelit Mara X vs. Rancilio Silvia Pro X

Buy the Lelit Mara X V2 (Cliff & Pebble) - $1,699.95 + 365 Day Returns!

Buy the Rancilio Silvia Pro X (Amazon ) - $1,940.00

The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a well-known and popular semi-automatic espresso machine. It has a similar price point to the Lelit Mara X and also features a built-in PID controller. However, the Silvia does not have the optional flow control system that the Lelit Mara X can have, which can make it harder to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Key Differences:

• The Mara X contains the heated E61 group head which offers far greater levels of thermal stability than the Rancilio. This aids in producing richer, full-bodies shots of espresso time-after-time.
• The Silvia Pro X is a dual boiler where the Mara X is a single boiler heat exchanger. Dual boilers offer greater levels on consistency, especially when making drink after drink on a consistent basis. 
• We've found the Silvia Pro X to be much noisier than the Mara X V2. Additionally, it is larger than the Mara X so if space is at a premium, the Lelit may be the better machine for you. 
• Mara affords you the ability to add flow control. The Silvia Pro X does not provide this option at the moment. 

Lelit Mara X vs. Gaggia Classic Pro

Buy the Lelit Mara X V2 (Cliff & Pebble) - $1,699.95 + 365 Day Returns!

Buy the Gaggia Classic Pro (Amazon) - $425

Similar to the Silvia Pro X, the Gaggia Classic Pro also does not contain the E61 group head like the Mara X. Once again, advantage goes to the Mara X. We feel the biggest difference here is in the quality of construction. Most users usually end up upgrading to an Italian-made E61 group head machine as they're looking for something more long-term. 

Key Differences:

• As the Gaggia Classic Pro is not a true heat exchanger where the Lelit is. On the Mara X, you'll be able to brew shots of espresso and steam milk simultaneously, severely decreasing the amount of time it takes to make a drink. 
• The E61 group head on the Lelit Mara X delivers, in our opinion, more rich, full-bodies shots than the group on the Gaggia.
• Steam pressure on the Gaggia is immense and worth noting, especially is you're someone who struggles with milk steaming. The Gaggia makes it super simple however it is also intuitive on the Lelit. 
• We've found the construction and materials to be superior on the Lelit Mara X V2. 

Lelit Mara X vs. Breville Barista Pro

Buy the Lelit Mara X V2 (Cliff & Pebble) - $1,699.95 + 365 Day Returns!

Buy the Breville Barista Pro (Amazon) - $849.95

The Breville Barista Pro is a more expensive semi-automatic machine that is similar to the Lelit Mara X in terms of features. It has a built-in PID controller, a flow control system, and a powerful 15-bar pressure pump. However, the Lelit Mara X is considered by many to have a more durable build quality.

External Link: Did you know Breville recently bought Lelit?

Key Differences:

• Build quality - Lelit clearly takes the reigns here.
• The Breville Barista Pro is more economical under $1,000. 
• The Breville Barista Pro contains a built-in grinder. Believe it or not, this is a negative in our opinion as these grinders typically fail in terms of consistency and grind quality. We always recommend getting a high-quality burr grinder on the side to pair with your espresso machine.
• Much quicker heat-up time on the Breville.

A Beginner's Guide to Using the Lelit Mara X



The Lelit Mara X is a high-end, prosumer-grade espresso machine that is designed to deliver café-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. If you're new to using an espresso machine, the Lelit Mara X can be a bit intimidating at first. However, with a little bit of practice, you'll be brewing café-quality coffee in no time.

Here is a beginner's guide to using the Lelit Mara X:

1. Fill the water tank with fresh, cold water. The water tank is located in the back of the machine, and it can be easily removed and refilled.

2. Turn on the machine and let it warm up. The Lelit Mara X has a built-in PID controller that ensures that the water is at the perfect temperature for brewing. It may take a few minutes for the machine to reach the ideal temperature.

3. Grind your coffee beans. The Lelit Mara X uses a 58mm stainless steel portafilter that holds the perfect amount of coffee for a single or double shot. You can grind your beans using a separate grinder or using the built-in grinder of the machine.

4. Tamp the coffee. Tamping is the process of compacting the coffee in the portafilter. This is important to ensure that the water is distributed evenly through the coffee, resulting in a balanced extraction.

5. Insert the portafilter into the machine and start the extraction process by lifting the brew lever located on the right hand side (if you're facing the machine).

6. Steam milk if you're making a milk-based coffee like cappuccino or latte. The Lelit Mara X has a powerful steam wand that is perfect for frothing milk.

7. Clean the machine after each use. The Lelit Mara X's removable water tank, drip tray, and portafilter make it easy to clean and maintain.

By following these simple steps, you'll be brewing café-quality coffee with your Lelit Mara X in no time. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few cups aren't perfect. With a little bit of practice and experimentation, you'll be able to brew coffee that is tailored to your taste.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for the Lelit Mara X

Cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your Lelit Mara X in top working condition and ensuring that your coffee always tastes its best. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your Lelit Mara X:

1. Clean the machine after each use. This will prevent buildup of coffee oils, which can affect the taste of your coffee.

2. Empty the drip tray and clean it with warm, soapy water. The drip tray should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of coffee grounds.

3. Clean the portafilter and group head. Use a brush and warm, soapy water to clean the portafilter and group head. Be sure to remove any coffee grounds that may be stuck in the group head.

4. Clean and purge the steam wand before and after use. The steam wand should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of milk residue. Use a damp cloth and a brush to clean the wand.

5. [Optional] As long as you use high quality water, you do not need to descale the machine. Hard water can cause buildup of mineral deposits in the machine, affecting the taste of your coffee. Use a descaling solution or white vinegar to remove mineral buildup.

6. Clean the water tank. The water tank should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of mineral deposits. Use a damp cloth and a brush to clean the tank.

7. Check the water filter. The Lelit Mara X comes with a water filter that should be changed regularly to ensure the best-tasting coffee.

By following these simple cleaning and maintenance tips, you'll be able to keep your Lelit Mara X in top working condition, ensuring that your coffee always tastes its best. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and to consult the manual for troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Lelit Mara X

Is the Lelit Mara X worth it?

When it comes to high-end, prosumer-grade espresso machines, the Lelit Mara X is definitely worth considering. The Lelit Mara X is a top-of-the-line machine that is designed to deliver café-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home.

However, and as mentioned above, there are cheaper alternatives that can provide a wonderful shot of espresso and steam with the best. So, the question you need to ask yourself is do you want to save yourself some money and potentially be back here a year or two from now? Or do you just want to buy the machine that will last longer from the get-go?

How long does the Lelit Mara X take to warm up?

About 15 minutes (please keep reading!).

However, we highly recommend giving the machine at least 25 to 30 minutes to heat up if you want it operating at full capacity. But, the machine will tell you heated and up to pressure within 15 minutes. 

Where is the Lelit Mara X made?