Anna

Introduction

For coffee enthusiasts looking to dip their toes into the world of prosumer espresso machines without breaking the bank, the Lelit Anna presents an intriguing option. 

A Brief History of Lelit

Lelit is an Italian company that has been making waves in the specialty coffee community in recent years. While not as well-known as some legacy brands, Lelit has quickly gained a reputation for producing quality and affordable espresso machines. Over the years the company has released several popular models, affordable machines that garnered significant attention from coffee aficionados.

Overview of the Anna 

The Lelit Anna PL41TEM, often referred to simply as “Anna,” is positioned as an entry-level machine in the prosumer espresso market. It’s designed for those who are taking their first steps into the world of serious espresso making, offering a bridge between casual coffee enthusiasts and more experienced home baristas.

As stated in the product description, the Anna is “The perfect solution for those who are approaching the world of prosumer coffee machines.” It aims to provide a balance of professional-grade features and user-friendly operation, making it an attractive option for beginners who want to explore the craft of espresso without being overwhelmed by complexity.

The Anna’s compact size and accessible price point make it a compelling choice for home users who want to elevate their coffee game without sacrificing too much counter space or budget. It promises to deliver capabilities typically found in more expensive machines, such as temperature stability and decent steam power, in a package that’s approachable for newcomers to the craft.

Specifications and Technical Details

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (LxDxH): 23 cm x 38 cm x 34 cm (9.1" x 15" x 13.4")
• Weight: 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)

The Anna’s compact footprint makes it an excellent choice for those with limited counter space. Its relatively light weight also means it’s easy to move around if needed.

Boiler Specifications

• Boiler type: Single boiler, dual-purpose
• Boiler material: Brass
• Boiler capacity: 250 ml (0.25 L)

The Lelit Anna features a small but efficient brass boiler. The single boiler design means it handles both brewing and steaming, requiring temperature adjustments between these functions.

Pump type

The Anna uses a vibratory pump, which is common in machines at this price point. While not as quiet as rotary pumps found in higher-end machines, vibratory pumps are reliable and help keep the cost down.

Electrical Requirements

• Power: 1000W
• Voltage: 230V 50Hz - 120V 60Hz 

Additional Technical Features

• Water tank capacity: 2.7 L
• Portafilter size: 57 mm (non-standard size)
• PID temperature control: Allows for precise temperature management
• Pressure gauge: Helps monitor extraction pressure
• Three-way solenoid valve: Enables dry puck removal after brewing

The Lelit Anna’s specifications reveal a machine that balances compact design with essential features for quality espresso production. The inclusion of a PID controller and pressure gauge at this price point is particularly noteworthy, offering tools typically found on more expensive machines to help users dial in their shots.

Design and Build Quality

The Lelit Anna exemplifies Italian design sensibilities, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Materials Used

The Lelit Anna boasts a robust construction that belies its entry-level price point:

• Body: The machine features a stainless steel body, which not only looks sleek but also provides durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Boiler: The 250 ml boiler is made of brass, a material known for its excellent heat retention properties and longevity.
• Drip Tray Grate: Also made of stainless steel, adding to the machine’s premium feel.
• Water Tank: While not explicitly stated, the 2.7 L water tank is likely made of food-grade plastic, as is common in this class of machine.

The use of high-quality materials like stainless steel and brass suggests that Lelit has prioritised longevity and performance in the Anna’s construction.

Aesthetic considerations

The Anna boasts a clean, minimalist design that would complement most modern kitchen aesthetics. Its stainless steel exterior gives it a professional look, reminiscent of machines found in cafes. The compact size ensures it doesn’t dominate the countertop, making it suitable for home kitchens of various sizes.

One notable aesthetic feature is the pressure gauge (manometer) prominently displayed on the front of the machine. This not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a touch of professional flair to the design.

For those looking to customize the appearance, Lelit offers a wire grade upgrade. This stainless steel accessory reaches the tray edges and is designed to avoid water and coffee residues, adding both functionality and a refined look to the machine.

Footprint and space requirements

The Lelit Anna has a relatively small footprint. This compact size makes it an excellent choice for home users with limited counter space. Despite its small size, the machine doesn’t compromise on features, packing professional-grade capabilities into a home-friendly package.

The water tank capacity of 2.7 liters strikes a balance between compactness and practicality, reducing the frequency of refills without adding unnecessary bulk to the machine.

Core Functionality

Espresso extraction process

The Lelit Anna is designed to deliver high-quality espresso shots. It features a LELIT57 group, which is compatible with LELIT57 barista tools. This 57mm group size is slightly smaller than the industry-standard 58mm, but it still allows for proper extraction and is compatible with a range of portafilters and baskets.

The machine comes with several filter baskets to accommodate different dose sizes:

• LELIT57 1 dose filter (7-9 g)
• LELIT57 2 doses filter (14-18 g)
• LELIT57 pods filter
• LELIT57 blind filter

These options provide flexibility for users to experiment with different coffee doses and styles.

The Anna features a 3-way solenoid valve, which helps to dry up the coffee puck after extraction. This feature, typically found in higher-end machines, helps to prevent messy, watery pucks and allows for easier cleanup.

Temperature stability data

One of the standout features of the Lelit Anna is its PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature controller. This advanced feature allows for precise control and stability of the brewing temperature, which is crucial for consistent, high-quality espresso extraction.

The PID controller enables users to adjust the extraction temperature, accommodating different coffee roasts and personal preferences.

The exact temperature range isn’t specified in our provided information, but the ability to fine-tune the temperature is a significant advantage for a machine in this price range.

Pressure profiling capabilities

While the Lelit Anna doesn’t offer advanced pressure profiling capabilities found in some higher-end machines, it does provide a pressure gauge (manometer) on the front panel. This allows users to monitor the extraction pressure during the shot, which should ideally be around 9 bars for espresso.

The presence of this gauge enables users to dial in their grind size and tamping pressure to achieve the optimal extraction pressure, contributing to better shot consistency and quality.

Steam wand performance metrics

The Lelit Anna features a multi-directional steam/hot water wand, which offers flexibility in milk frothing. The steam power is generated from the same 250 ml brass boiler used for brewing, classifying this as a single boiler dual-use machine.

As with most single boiler machines, there may be a slight wait time between brewing and steaming as the boiler adjusts to the higher steam temperature.

The multi-directional capability of the wand allows for easy positioning when frothing milk, accommodating different pitcher sizes and frothing techniques.

User Experience

Learning curve

The Lelit Anna is designed to be approachable for those new to the world of prosumer espresso machines. As stated in the product description, it’s “easy to use and immediately ready to make excellent coffees, cappuccinos, teas and infusions.” This suggests that the initial learning curve is not too steep.

However, like all prosumer espresso machines, mastering the Anna will take some practice. Users will need to learn how to:

• Adjust the PID temperature settings
• Use the pressure gauge to dial in the correct grind size and tamping pressure
• Operate the steam wand effectively for milk-based drinks

The presence of the PID controller and pressure gauge provides valuable feedback, which can help accelerate the learning process for beginners.

Daily operation workflow

The daily workflow with the Lelit Anna is straightforward:

• Turn on the machine and allow it to heat up. The PID display will indicate when the desired temperature is reached.
• While the machine is heating, attach the portafilter to the group head to ensure temperature consistency.
• Once heated, perform a quick purge to ensure the correct temperature at the group head.
• Grind, dose, and tamp your coffee into the portafilter.
• Insert the portafilter and start the extraction using the lever switch.
• Monitor the extraction using the pressure gauge.
• For milk-based drinks, switch to steam mode and froth milk using the multi-directional steam wand.
• Clean the group head and purge the steam wand after use.

The side window for the water tank allows easy monitoring of the water level, simplifying the refilling process.

Ease of adjustments and customisation

The Lelit Anna offers several ways to customize your espresso:

• The PID controller allows for easy adjustment of brewing temperature, which can be fine-tuned for different coffee roasts.
• The pressure gauge enables users to dial in their grind size and tamping pressure for optimal extraction.
• The inclusion of different sized filter baskets (single, double, and pod) provides flexibility in dose size.

These features allow for a good degree of customization, especially for an entry-level prosumer machine.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular cleaning requirements

Like all espresso machines, the Lelit Anna requires regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance:

• The drip tray should be emptied and cleaned regularly.
• The group head and portafilter should be cleaned after each use.
• The steam wand should be purged and wiped clean after steaming milk.
• Regular backflushing is recommended.

The 3-way solenoid valve helps in maintaining cleanliness by drying out the coffee puck after extraction, making disposal easier.

Long-term maintenance needs

For long-term maintenance:

• Descaling may be necessary, depending on water hardness. Using filtered water can help reduce the frequency of descaling.
• The group gasket may need replacement over time.
• Regular backflushing helps maintain the machine’s internal components.

Availability of parts and service

While specific information about parts availability isn’t provided, Lelit offers a 2-year limited manufacturer guarantee for their products. This covers defects caused by faulty workmanship and materials.

The guarantee service is available in countries where Lelit sells directly to end consumers, as listed under “Selected EU Countries” on the Lelit webpage. This suggests that parts and service should be readily available in these regions.

It’s worth noting that the 57mm group size, while less common than the standard 58mm, is still supported by Lelit and some third-party manufacturers, ensuring availability of compatible accessories and replacement parts.

Performance in Various Scenarios

Single shots vs. double shots

The Lelit Anna comes equipped with both single and double shot filter baskets:

• LELIT57 1 dose filter (7-9 g)
• LELIT57 2 doses filter (14-18 g)

This allows users to easily switch between single and double shots. The PID temperature control and pressure gauge help maintain consistency across both single and double shot extractions. As with most espresso machines, double shots are generally easier to dial in and extract consistently.

Light vs. dark roasts

The PID temperature control is particularly useful when switching between light and dark roasts. This flexibility allows users to optimize extraction for different roast levels:

• Light roasts typically benefit from higher temperatures to extract their more subtle flavors.
• Dark roasts often require lower temperatures to avoid over-extraction and excessive bitterness.

The ability to adjust temperature precisely is a significant advantage when working with different roast levels, especially for an entry-level prosumer machine.

Performance with milk-based drinks

The Lelit Anna’s performance with milk-based drinks is facilitated by its multi-directional steam wand. While specific steam pressure metrics aren’t provided, user feedback suggests that the steam power is sufficient for creating microfoam suitable for latte art.

The process for making milk-based drinks involves:

• Extracting the espresso shot
• Switching the machine to steam mode
• Waiting briefly for the boiler to reach steam temperature
• Steaming the milk using the multi-directional wand

As a single boiler machine, there will be a slight delay when switching between brewing and steaming.

Comparative Analysis

Objective comparison with similar machines in its class

The Lelit Anna competes in the entry-level prosumer espresso machine market.

• PID temperature control: This is not always found on machines in this price range and provides more precise temperature management.
• Pressure gauge: Allows users to monitor extraction pressure, a feature often reserved for more expensive machines.
• Compact size: It’s more compact than many competitors, making it suitable for smaller kitchens.

Compared to machines like the Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic Evo, the Anna offers more precise temperature control with its PID. However, its 57mm portafilter size is slightly smaller than the standard 58mm found on many competitors.

Price-to-feature ratio

The Lelit Anna offers a compelling price-to-feature ratio for its class.

• PID temperature control
• Pressure gauge
• Stainless steel construction
• 250ml brass boiler
• Multi-directional steam wand
• 3-way solenoid valve

These features, particularly the PID and pressure gauge, are often found on more expensive machines, making the Anna an attractive option for those looking to maximize features on a budget.

Long-term Ownership Considerations

Resale value

The Lelit Anna’s durable stainless steel construction and brass boiler suggest it should hold up well over time. The inclusion of prosumer features like PID temperature control may help maintain its value compared to more basic machines.

Warranty information

Lelit offers a 2-year limited manufacturer guarantee for their products. This covers defects caused by faulty workmanship and materials. 

• Coverage for 2 years from the date of original purchase
• Only applies to the first-time purchaser (end consumer)
• Does not cover normal wear and tear, transport damage, or damage due to improper use
• Lelit products covered by this commercial Guarantee are intended for private household (non-commercial) use only.

It’s always recommended to check the specific warranty terms at the time of purchase, as they can vary by region or change over time.

User community and support resources

Lelit does offer customer support through their website. The presence of a PID controller and pressure gauge suggests that the Anna may appeal to coffee enthusiasts who enjoy discussing and sharing their experiences online, potentially fostering a user community.

Potential Limitations

Scenarios where the machine might not be ideal

While the Lelit Anna is a capable entry-level prosumer machine, there are some scenarios where it might not be the best fit:

• High-volume use: With its 250ml boiler and single boiler design, the Anna may struggle to keep up with high-volume demands or frequent back-to-back drinks.
• Large households or entertaining: The 2.7L water tank, while sufficient for daily use, might require frequent refilling in households with multiple coffee drinkers or when entertaining guests.
• Simultaneous brewing and steaming: As a single boiler machine, the Anna can’t brew and steam simultaneously, which might be inconvenient for those who frequently make multiple milk-based drinks.
• Advanced pressure profiling: For users looking to experiment with pressure profiling, the Anna’s capabilities are limited compared to more advanced (and expensive) machines.
• 58mm portafilter compatibility: The 57mm group size might be limiting for users who want to use standard 58mm accessories or upgrade to precision baskets.
• Commercial use: The Anna is designed for home use and may not meet the demands or regulations required for commercial settings.

Consumer Feedback Summary

Overview of user reviews 

The feedback available suggests generally positive experiences with the Lelit Anna:

• Temperature stability: Users appreciate the PID controller, noting its effectiveness in maintaining consistent temperatures and allowing adjustments for different roasts.
• Reliability: One user reported using the machine for 4 years without a single issue, indicating good long-term reliability.
• Milk frothing: The steam wand is reported to produce good enough microfoam for latte art, though specific comparisons to higher-end machines aren’t provided.
• Build quality: The stainless steel construction and overall build quality are frequently mentioned as positives.

Common praise

• Temperature control: The PID controller is often highlighted as a standout feature.
• Build quality: Users appreciate the solid stainless steel construction.
• Compact size: The small footprint is beneficial for those with limited counter space.
• Value for money: The feature set is considered impressive for the price point.

Common criticisms

• Learning curve: As with most prosumer machines, there is a learning curve to dial in the perfect shot.
• Single boiler limitations: The wait time between brewing and steaming might be inconvenient for some users.
• 57mm portafilter: Some users might prefer the more standard 58mm size for wider accessory compatibility.

Conclusion

Recap of key points

The Lelit Anna offers a compelling package for home baristas looking to step into the world of prosumer espresso machines.

• PID temperature control for precise and stable brewing temperatures
• Pressure gauge for monitoring extraction
• Compact, stainless steel design suitable for home kitchens
• Good steam power for milk-based drinks
• Solid build quality with a brass boiler and 3-way solenoid valve

While it has limitations typical of single boiler machines and may not suit high-volume or commercial use, it provides excellent value for its price point.

Suggestions for further research

For those considering the Lelit Anna, we recommend:

• Comparing it directly with other popular entry-level prosumer machines like the Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic Evo.
• Researching the availability of 57mm accessories and upgrades in your region.
• Consider your typical coffee routine and whether a single boiler machine will meet your needs.
• Exploring user forums and video reviews for more in-depth, long-term user experiences.
• Checking the availability of local support and service options for Lelit machines in your area.

The Lelit Anna offers a compelling package for home baristas looking to delve deeper into espresso crafting. Its prosumer features at an entry-level price point make it an attractive option for those valuing temperature stability and extraction feedback. 

Like any espresso machine, it comes with its own set of trade-offs. By thoroughly researching and considering your specific needs and preferences, you’ll be better equipped to decide if the Lelit Anna is the right choice for your home espresso setup.