Great machine, excellent extraction with excelent coffee, buy the grinder for a near perfect system
Positive Product Points
Great value; capable of pulling outstanding shots of espresso; works very well using the accomanying PL053 Lelit grinder.
Negative Product Points
The LeLit is not a fully automatic system. You still have to develop a tamp pressure and grind to pull good shots. While I do not have a downside to this espresso maker, you do need to experiment to find the perfect grind and tamp pressure. I assume this applies to any other espresso maker/grinder combination.
Detailed Commentary
At this price point, I cannot imagine a better value machine for new or experienced 'shot pullers'. Combined with the LeLit PL53 grinder, you have a pretty capable espresso brewing system. While I am relatively new to espresso brewing, I found the LeLit combo as a great value. Put in expresso coffee that is fresh off the roast and you can pull outstanding shots at home. Buy the espresso in the grocery store and you will see how little crema is creates and how flat the coffee will taste.
I pulled my best shots ever when I ordered some espresso from Counter Culture Coffee. Prior to that, I was buying Starbucks from the groery store. Trust me on this, buy a good quality bean from a reliable coffee vendor and you may never buy a store brand ever again.
Buying Experience
1st Line Coffee was the vendor for this machine. They apparently have a relationship with the folks at LeLit and have some say in the design and function of this espresso machine. Since I purchased my LeLit espresso machine, there have been a few changes for the positive. I certainly trust this comany and love my LeLit espresso maker.
