Lelit Anna PL41TEM review: the best espresso machine under €650?

We spent a few weeks testing the Anna PL41TEM at Caseta Coffee with different coffees, recipes, and milk drinks to understand exactly where it shines and where it has limitations, and the truth is that, for us, it remains one of the best value-for-money machines on the market,

Who is Lelit?

Lelit is an Italian manufacturer specializing in home and prosumer espresso machines. Unlike many brands that produce a wide variety of household appliances, Lelit is entirely focused on the world of coffee.

All machines are designed and manufactured in Italy, with an approach very close to what we find in professional equipment: robust components, stainless steel construction, and a focus on extraction.

In recent years, the brand has become a benchmark for those looking to upgrade from basic home machines to something closer to the coffee shop experience.

Key specifications

The Anna PL41TEM is a single boiler machine equipped with PID and a front manometer.

Technical characteristics

• Made in Italy
• 250 ml boiler
• PID for temperature control
• Lelit57mm group
• 3-way solenoid valve
• Pressure gauge
• 2.7-liter water tank
• Brushed stainless steel body
• Power: 1200W

Dimensions

• Width: 23 cm
• Depth: 26.5 cm
• Height: 34 cm
• Weight: approximately 7.2 kg

It is a relatively compact machine, especially when compared to models equipped with an E61 group.

The test setup

For this analysis, in our tests, we used a Fiamma Supra 68 grinder, a quality grinder to evaluate the Anna's maximum potential without grinding limitations.

Test coffee 1: Caseta Coffee House Blend for medium roast

• Dose: 17.5g
• Extraction: 48g
• Temperature: 92°C

Test coffee 2: Caseta Coffee Ethiopia for light roast

• Dose: 17.5g
• Extraction: 45g
• Temperature: 93°C
  

We also tested the steam capacity with Vigor full-fat milk and Pingo Doce oat drink.

What we liked

Classic Italian aesthetics

The extremely Italian design. The mechanical buttons, classic switches, and stainless steel front give it a very unique character.

PID greatly enhances the experience.

This is probably the main reason to choose the PL41TEM over simpler versions of the Anna. Being able to set the extraction temperature allows the machine to be adapted to the coffee being used. In our tests, the House Blend responded very well to 92°C, while the Ethiopia gained more expression and sweetness at 93°C/94. 

Impressive steam power

Here we were genuinely surprised. The boiler is only 250 ml, but the steam production capacity is clearly above what we expected. We were able to texture both full-fat milk and oat drink without much difficulty. It's not a coffee shop machine, obviously, but for home use or small quantities of milk drinks, it is well above the category average.

New water tank

Newer versions have greatly improved this aspect. The tank no longer uses the internal lid that some previous versions had, making everyday refilling much simpler.

IMS basket included

Another positive point. The inclusion of an original IMS basket is something we usually only see in more expensive machines. It allows you to start extracting specialty coffee immediately without feeling the need for immediate upgrades.

Recovery between shots

Despite the boiler of only 250 ml, thermal recovery proved to be quite competent. We were able to make several consecutive espressos after only a few seconds (+/- 30 to 45 seconds) of recovery, the machine returns to the preset temperature. For a single boiler of this size, it is a very impressive result.

What we liked less

57 mm group

This is probably the biggest compromise. The Lelit57 group works very well, but the market is clearly oriented towards 58 mm. In practice, this means fewer options for aftermarket accessories, less choice of tampers, filters, baskets, and other components. 

The included tamper

Not much to say here. The quality of the tamper does not match the quality of the machine. It works, but most users who take espresso even remotely seriously will want to replace it quickly. We would even say it is one of the weakest points of the set.

Space for scale

The available height between the group and the drip tray is limited. It is possible to use compact scales, but some cup and scale combinations become tight. In addition, the grid has a slight unevenness relative to the base, something we noticed during the tests. 

How does it perform in the cup?

This is where Anna lives up to its reputation. With Caseta's House Blend, we obtained extremely balanced espressos, with excellent sweetness, body, and consistency. With the Ethiopia, the goal was to test lighter roasts, and the machine showed enough capacity to highlight more delicate notes and greater aromatic complexity, something that doesn't always happen in this entry-level price range. The PID makes a real difference. It allows for fine-tuning extraction and repeating results much more predictably.

Final Verdict

The Lelit Anna PL41TEM is one of the best buys in the segment up to €650.

In fact, during the tests, we often felt that the extraction quality is closer to significantly more expensive machines than many direct competitors in the same price range.

The 57 mm group and the included tamper leave something to be desired, but the strengths clearly outweigh the limitations.

• Excellent thermal stability.
• Excellent steam.
• Excellent construction.
• Excellent quality in the cup.

For those coming from machines like Sage Bambino, Sage Barista Express, Delonghi Dedica, Delonghi Specialista, or similar equipment, the Anna represents a very significant leap in the espresso experience.

You can purchase it in our store by clicking HERE.