You can't beat the PL041 on price...great starter machine
Positive Product Points
This is a great machine for the money, probably the best value out there. It looks terrific and will produce very good espresso on a relatively consistent basis (barring user error).
Negative Product Points
The steam wand is not great. Should be on a swivel and longer. A little testy, at times. The user manual is trash!
Detailed Commentary
The LeLit PL041 is a fine little machine. For the money, you can't go wrong. It's a shiny little devil and looks great on the counter. When paired with a good grinder, and all the variables are dialed in (grind/tamp/beans) this produces a very nice shot of espresso. Once you get over the bizarre directions, it's easy to use.
The downside, as mentioned above, is the steaming capability. I have had trouble getting consistently well textured milk and have had no luck with micro foam. I would prefer a longer steam wand on a swivel. A tiny bit of water drips from where the wand is connected, but it's not bad and can probably be easily remedied.
Overall, the PL041 is like a Honda civic (maybe the higher end civic). It's a great car for the price, looks really nice and never breaks down. However, you might be looking to upgrade sooner than later!
Buying Experience
This was offered by 1st line for an incredible deal. I had to wait for awhile (import issues), but they kept me informed and were very professional. I've had a few minor issues but the support team has been awesome, sending some "o" rings and even including a little dab of food-grade lube for them. I have 100% confidence in 1st line.
