Lelit Anna Espresso Machine

Lelit Anna

I once owned a Gaggia Classic, and the Lelit Anna is very similar to it as far as the learning curve. The PID is helpful but you have to wait 20 minutes to get a stable temperature that won't drop to 85 or lower, or run some water through the portafilter a couple of times, or steam your milk first. The tamper that came with it needs to have the edge sanded to make it fit. If $60 for a Lelit tamper bothers you, I found a very nice 57. 5mm stainless steel tamper online for $15. With a good tamper, a funnel and a distribution tool, Lelit's instruction to tamp after putting a scoop of ground coffee in the basket, then another scoop and tamp again is no longer necessary. I'm doing 18gm and getting 36ml before any white crema appears. After adjusting the pressure relief valve to register 10 on the pressure dial, the espresso the machine produces has a great taste profile and good body. I think the only way you will get a better espresso than what the Lelit Anna can produce is with a manual lever machine. The steamer wand produces great steam. It is very hot where the silicone sleeve doesn't cover it. Seeking it will become second nature. The machine is very well made and with normal maintenance should last for many years.

similar price to Gaggia Classic Pro and having used both this shames the Gaggia in every way.

It's excellent machine

I actually researched a lot before I made decision to purchase this machine (I was even waiting for Gaggia Classic Up to arrive, definitely not worth 900 bucks for a single boiler) and I am glad that I choose Lelit Anna over other single boiler machines. The machine is very compact, it heats up very fast, it's very easy to make 2-3 espresso or cappuccino shots. Each shot is perfect each time. The cleaning is very easy as well. Most people on reddit and around the net complains about the accessories, I actually found them quickly, they are amazing quality (and affordable). For example the WDT tool you can buy 58mm it fit perfectly on Anna's 57mm portafilter. Milk steam is very good, you can easily make micro foam, with matching leveler you don't need even tamper (which I got easily as well). The only thing I wish to be improved for future machine versions (if Lelit is reading this) is that steam Knob could be metal and the tamper should be nicer (the high quality ones are not expensive, they should come with the machine), also the adding water process should be easier, other than that, machine is A++.