Our choice for a classic, manually operated espresso machine is the Lelit Mara X
The Mara X is an intermediate level heat exchanger (HX) espressoA small coffee beverage, about 20 ml, prepared on an espresso machine where pressurized hot water extracted through compressed coffee.: In its most stripped-down, basic form, this is... ...more machine with some outstanding features that distinguish it from similar machines on the market. We created this page to expand on our comments on the Mara X product page at Sweet Maria’s.
The MaraX is a robust machine for more demanding home baristas. Among the single boiler HX machines out there, the thing that sets the Mara X apart is temperature controls from two different sensors, paired with the temperature stability of the L58E type group head.
The heat mode switch (placed out of view behind the drain tray) allows you to set the target temperatures in three different levels, and another switch (hidden on the right side panel) allows you to choose a mode, prioritizing steam or coffee brewingThe process of making an infusion of water and roasted, ground coffee. In the most basic sense, hot water is added to coffee ground to produce a drink.... ...more.
You can find the machine for sale on our Lelit Mara X product page at Sweet Maria’s.
What type of home espresso machine is the Lelit Mara X?
Mara X is a single boiler “Heat Exchanger” home espresso machine.
There are 3 general classes of home espresso machines:
– Single Boiler Dual Use (SBDU): With a SBDU machine, the same boiler is used for for both brewing and steaming. Meaning you can either brew espresso OR steam milk – not both at the same time, and the machine will need to switch between the two. The other Lelit we offer, Victoria, is a SBDU home espresso machine.
– Heat Exchanger (HX): With a HX machine, the single boiler is compartmentalized, which allows for concurrent steaming and brewing, and a downside of having to choose one temperature for both. It possesses a single stainless steel tank, usually, with a HX coil circuit for brewing.
– Dual Boiler (DB): With a DB machine, two separate boilers allow for concurrent steaming and brewing with independent temperature settings. Lelit offers the $3000 Bianca in this class. Check it out at our friends, Kanen Coffee‘s, website.
What are the main strengths of the Mara X?
The classic, proven design of Mara X is a great starting place for thermal stability, but beyond the L58E group head, there is Lelit’s thermo-syphon circuit to maintain brewhead temperature stability. Other machines have similar design, but not many have twin thermal sensors to keep the water temperatures in a tighter target range. (It can be a big issue with some HX machines – the Mara X solves it.)
In addition to that is Mara X’s steam power and quality, with its insulated steam and hot water wands. Custom setting switches might seem limited, but most HX machines don’t have a mode switch to optimize for steam mode versus coffee mode, depending on whether you mainly do milk drinks or just espresso. The other hidden switch allows for 3 different temperature levels: Warm, Hot or Very Hot. (We keep it in “very hot.”) Build quality and finishSimilar to aftertaste, but it refers to the impression as the coffee leaves the palate. Aftertaste is the sensations gathered after the coffee has left the mouth. We... ...more is excellent as you might expect. It’s a solid chunk of metal, compact on the countertop in terms of width and height. Another thing we love is how amazingly quiet the pump is on the Mara X!
How does the Mara X compare to other machines near it’s price level?
Many respectable manufacturers have an HX machine and the generally all come in at $1700 amazingly! We think the dual thermal sensors set the Mara X apart, as well as the very, very quiet pump.
Generally, people really like the compact size and performance of the Mara X compared to a larger dual-boiler (often pushing 12″ wide versus Mara X’s 8.5″). But these dimensions are similar of other HX machines.
What are the downsides of the Mara X?
For those who want more visible tech, Mara X does not have it. Unlike the Victoria, there is no LED display showing machine status, a progress bar, or a shot timer. It’s likely those aren’t features the Mara X user wants though. But other advanced features like auto on/off, precise temperature settings, and any adjustments that fundamentally rely on a digital PID interface are out the window.
Why Lelit?
They have a great reputation over their 40 years of producing machines in northern Italy. We aren’t saying all their machines are great; there are ones even less than Victoria, but they don’t have full size 58mm group heads and have other issues. We feel the Victoria and Mara X (and upward!) of the Lelit line is the point where the machines really earn their reputation in daily use.
What kind of support is there if I have an issue with my machine?
First off, you have us at Sweet Maria’s. We have these machines here and are using them, and we have experienced baristas (and experienced home baristas) on staff.
Secondly, we have deeper level support from the wonderful Kanen Coffee, who are local to us, for trickier issues, part problems, and the internals. They repair Lelit, and all kinds of home and pro machines daily and will support us (and you!) on solving all bigger issues.
Lastly, Lelit has a one year warranty. With those three levels, we feel we can sort out all types of issues, from the very small to very large.
What accessories are included?
MaraX comes with a nice set of accessories including:
2-way filter holder with classic polished black handle and “coffee slide” spout
1 dose filter (9-11 g), IMS
2 doses filter (14-18 g), IMS
2 doses filter (18-21 g), IMS
blind filter for cleaning
stainless steel tamperA handheld tool for compacting ("tamping") ground coffee for espresso into a portafilter basket. Tampers should match the size of a machine's basket, with common sizes including 53mm... ...more with red wooden handle
Spoon
Cup rack
35 l water softener filter
First cleaning kit ‘
Small brush with nylon bristles
Special note here – We actually find that the 18-21 (our normal size pick) leaves a lot of head space. So we get better 18 gram shots from the 14-18 g filter. The filter baskets are tapered side, non pressurized type.
MaraX Photos and detailed captions
Mara X Technical Features:
- Group Head – L58E group with mechanical pre-infusionAn espresso machine is said to use pre-infusion if it applies a moderate amount of pressure to the coffee before applying full brew pressure. Pre-infusion is often said... ...more. Similar to E61A classic espresso group-head design, originally invented by Faema and used on a variety of machines. The E61 is easily identified by its pre-infusion chamber located just behind... ...more
- Brewing System – AISI316L stainless steel heat-exchanger, Double probe HX System with thermosiphon circulation, Quiet pump
- Control – ON/OFF stainless steel back-lit switch
- Delivery wands – Anti-burn multidirectional steam and hot water wands, Steam boost, Professional water-steam taps with spring closure
- Settings – Temperature configuration button (Warm – Hot – Extra Hot), Mode setting button (Xmode coffee or Xmode steam), Stand-by function
- Interface – Lack of water in the tank or no-tank LED, Machine ready and/or warming-up LED
- Shot Control – Active “Reserve mode”
- Manometer – Double manometer for pump/steam pressure
- Construction Materials — Brushed stainless steel appliance bodyAssociated with and sensed by mouthfeel, body is sense of weight and thickness of the brew, caused by the percentage of soluble solids in the cup, including all... ...more, Polished black resin knobs and lever
- Additional features – Mug friendly, Cup warmer rack and drip tray with wire
- Capacity – Boiler 1.8 liter / Water reservoir 2.5 liter
- Heatup Time – Less than 24 min
- Voltage – 120V 60 Hz | Plug B
- Dimensions – 8.9″ wide x 14″ tall x 16.5 inches deep (handle extends 4″ beyond this depth to 20.5″)
- Weight – 18.417 kg
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4 Responses
I have my temp switch set to Hot. Would you elaborate on why you prefer Extra Hot? Do you couple that with Steam Priority or Brew mode?
Thanks!
I’m very happy with my Mara X V2. But, one design choice that I don’t like is the use of minuscule rubber feet. They make it difficult to clean underneath the machine, plus your counter top is prone to being scratched by the lower back corners of the drip tray housing when it is removed. I solved those issues by installing metal cabinet drawer knobs as replacement feet. Unfortunately there are no inserts in place on the frame to accept threaded bolts. Instead, I dropped small stainless machine screws (with washers) through the holes from inside the case, and screwed the knobs onto them. The front feet are easy to install since the holes are accessible under the drip tray. The back feet are more difficult to get to, inside the casing and crowded by all the mechanical guts. It’s doable, though, with a bit of patience, moderate dexterity, and proper tools. I’m guessing this mod would void your warranty. Note: you can also find wooden “booster” feet on sites like Etsy, which attach to the bottom of the OEM rubber feet and doesn’t involve opening the case. Incidentally, I find elevating the machine an inch or so off the counter to be more attractive as well as more practical.
First thing – we were using “Extra Hot” level in brew mode simply because it was working best with lighter roast coffees. Honestly since we liked the taste we didn’t really go back and test it blind vs other heat modes, but I think we should! We can post on that later.
The feet … we had an issue too… due to sliding the MaraX a bit on the counter, one of the rubber feet was torn a bit. So we had to adjust the foot post to compensate, But I was going to try to find something larger that fit easily over the existing feet to slightly raise it. I was also thinking about 3D printing something. I agree they good be more substantial. I am glad that, at least, they are adjustable, but yes, too small and not enough height.
I wondered if you were using lighter roasts, so that makes sense.
It sounds like Lelit may have changed the foot component since the time I bought my Mara V2, a year ago. Mine didn’t have any way of adjusting the feet as far as I could tell. They are essentially rubber disks with a flared stem/cap that are plugged into holes in the bottom of the unit frame. I’d send you a photo of what I replaced them with but it doesn’t appear there’s a way to upload images. Anyway, I’m enjoying the brew and steaming results of the machine!
Yes the feet on the units we have are definitely adjustable. But the rubber feet are small. Would like to see what you did with it