Lelit Bianca PL162T Espresso Machine

Fabulous machine - great value; great service and advice from Bella Barista (telephone calls followed by arranged personal visit to new showroom where different machines were demonstrated). The Lelit Bianca makes amazing espresso and steams milk well at the same time as dual boiler machine, it's good at making up to 4 coffees back to back - but for home use... it's not suitable for commercial cafe workflows. The Bianca allows for lots of experimentation for me to do in the months and years to come, but is easy to use right out of the box as well. Quality is really good. The new v3 allows (if you want) even more electronic options to have in your espresso shots - timings can easily be entered for preinfusion, and slow/increasing/decreasing pump pressure timings etc; ... MoreFabulous machine - great value; great service and advice from Bella Barista (telephone calls followed by arranged personal visit to new showroom where different machines were demonstrated). The Lelit Bianca makes amazing espresso and steams milk well at the same time as dual boiler machine, it's good at making up to 4 coffees back to back - but for home use... it's not suitable for commercial cafe workflows. The Bianca allows for lots of experimentation for me to do in the months and years to come, but is easy to use right out of the box as well. Quality is really good. The new v3 allows (if you want) even more electronic options to have in your espresso shots - timings can easily be entered for preinfusion, and slow/increasing/decreasing pump pressure timings etc; or you can use the manual flow paddle instead of the electronics; or neither if you don't want to. I am very happy with my purchase!

This is a very fine machine and I’ve pulled some beautiful shots with it. It arrived well packaged and in a timely manner. I do not regret purchasing it one bit. However there were a few scuffs and scratches which, while not noticeable in ever day use, should not be present on something at this price level. Furthermore, there were a few missing pieces, mainly the power cable for UK outlets and a missing leg. Despite being assured that I would be sent a replacement for these things by Bella Barista, after over two months no such things have happened and I’ve had to source my own replacements.

Received my machine last week of many months of research and questions fielded to Rolando which were answered quickly. Where Rolando did not have the answer forwarded my question directly to Lelit, who also responded quickly and in detail.When it came to delivery, I wanted to make sure that the various pieces of wood on the machine matched. Again Rolando obliged and sent pictures to me while the machine was going through pre-delivery inspection.On receiving the machine I was extremely satisfied with my purchase and while it is a big learning curve for me from my previous machine, I have already managed to get some really great shots out.The only point I was a bit concerned about was the fact that the steam and hot water knobs seems to be closed very tight. ... MoreReceived my machine last week of many months of research and questions fielded to Rolando which were answered quickly. Where Rolando did not have the answer forwarded my question directly to Lelit, who also responded quickly and in detail.When it came to delivery, I wanted to make sure that the various pieces of wood on the machine matched. Again Rolando obliged and sent pictures to me while the machine was going through pre-delivery inspection.On receiving the machine I was extremely satisfied with my purchase and while it is a big learning curve for me from my previous machine, I have already managed to get some really great shots out.The only point I was a bit concerned about was the fact that the steam and hot water knobs seems to be closed very tight. From what I have read in all my research they should never be fully tightened as they are spring loaded and only closed to the point no water comes out as this can damage the mechanism. I am not sure if this is how it came from the factory or if it was tightened by the testers at online coffee when bench testing it. Hoping no damage has been done.

A Classy lady.

In this price range there are many choices. There is bells that ring, and auto things, light up cases and painted bling, and yet I purchased Bianca. I wanted great coffee and a machine that allowed me to do it all, without lighting up like a spaceship. It looks classy functions flawlessly and the coffee is fabulous. I chose 1st in Coffee for the great pricing, fantastic reputation and couldn't be more satisfied.

Great Coffee Machine for the Ethusiast

If you are an ethusiast on a budget (Appreciating Budget is subjective) that wants more control over their extraction, this is definitely worth a look at. Flow profiling allows you to control your extraction with a much higher level of fidelity and I'm enjoying getting flavours out of my coffee that I couldn't get otherwise. Low flow mode is fantastic for trying new ways of extracting as well.In terms of quality, the machine is well built. Steam is powerful as well. A lot of people talk about the time of any machine in terms of achieving thermal stability - coming from a Bellezza Bellona anything would be a step down here, but I've been surprised how quickly this heats up, including the group head to ensure thermal stability.Overall, definitely recommend if you ... MoreIf you are an ethusiast on a budget (Appreciating Budget is subjective) that wants more control over their extraction, this is definitely worth a look at. Flow profiling allows you to control your extraction with a much higher level of fidelity and I'm enjoying getting flavours out of my coffee that I couldn't get otherwise. Low flow mode is fantastic for trying new ways of extracting as well.In terms of quality, the machine is well built. Steam is powerful as well. A lot of people talk about the time of any machine in terms of achieving thermal stability - coming from a Bellezza Bellona anything would be a step down here, but I've been surprised how quickly this heats up, including the group head to ensure thermal stability.Overall, definitely recommend if you want to experiment/control your shot extraction more. If you want to pull a shot with limited variables to control, this would be a waste of your money, but you can ignore these features, if you want.

It’s a no brainer! Just go and buy it!

I bought the open box model and was a bit stressed out if the product will be intact as mentioned in the description. It was PERFECT! No scratches, dents or any sign of use, it was absolutely new! Couldn’t find any defects or anomalies while using it too. Lowest price I could find online for the V3 (by far), shipping free as well. Excellent customer service. Thank you guys, definitely recommended! Now let me enjoy the beautiful Bianca’s espresso :)

Lelit Bianca PL162T V3 Open Box

Very pleased with the prompt delivery and the condition of the machine was perfect. The packing job was over the top, the shipper had managed to put a couple of holes in the outer shipping box, but there were still two more nested boxes inside with lots of packing material before we got to the machine itself. Unpacking is a two person effort.The machine looks great and works as advertised. I am still working on dialing it in but initial shots are certainly more than drinkable. I will plumb the water supply in once the filter and adapter hose arrive next week.

Makes some of the best espresso, but lacks build quality big time.

The Lelit Bianca V2 is my latest Espresso machine and I have been using it almost every day for the past year. The main pros about this machine are it’s dual boiler feature and flow control feature, which have allowed me to make some of the best espresso beverages to date. In my opinion I would look else where to other machines if you are looking for a dual boiler system with flow control. The cons that I have with this machine are it’s poor build quality and attention to detail. I, along with many other users of this machine, have experienced a common problem with the machines “drip problem”. Once the machine it on and fully warmed up to temp, with the steam boiler on too, the machine tends to release a steady drip of water into the drip tray as a way to release ... MoreThe Lelit Bianca V2 is my latest Espresso machine and I have been using it almost every day for the past year. The main pros about this machine are it’s dual boiler feature and flow control feature, which have allowed me to make some of the best espresso beverages to date. In my opinion I would look else where to other machines if you are looking for a dual boiler system with flow control. The cons that I have with this machine are it’s poor build quality and attention to detail. I, along with many other users of this machine, have experienced a common problem with the machines “drip problem”. Once the machine it on and fully warmed up to temp, with the steam boiler on too, the machine tends to release a steady drip of water into the drip tray as a way to release steam pressure. I have seen nothing online anywhere to fix this issue. The big issue with this is it had progressively has gotten worse over time to the point where steam constantly shoots out at a relatively low volume but moderate pressure through the same drip spout. I try to make sure my machine is of between uses which is not too ideal for a machine that has to take 20 minutes to heat up from room temp. If I have the machine on for 20 hours it will essentially heat up and steam out a full tank of water in that time. The next issue I have is with a specific material used in a part of this machine. The walnut screw in feet are made with galvanized steel bolts which is a very stupid metal to use with a machine that contacts water. Along with the “drip issue” the location of the drip spout below the group head is designed too far back causing water to run from side to side, often missing the drip tray and working it’s way to these galvanized bolts, causing them to rust. Manufacturer originally put a water resistant grease on the ends where the bolts show, but this grease eventually comes off with a regular cleaning routine. Rust remover helped me clean these up and I reapplied a water resistant grease. I have tried to investigate myself if there are any helpful adjustment areas inside the machine, and nothing seems to be of a solution to the “drip problem”. Also the layout of the machines internals are placed poorly and look to be thrown in where they fit best. The steam boiler looks to not be secure and is on a angle that is t normal. The wiring inside the machine is not enclosed by anything and barely misses the very hot brass/copper piping. Other small issues are the steam wand an hot water spout will creak over time, but a simple fix is a heat and water resistant grease. There is no reason this should be the result of a $3,000 espresso machine. I do. Not expect this machine to last another 2 years before completely malfunctioning.

Worth Every Penny And Then Some

I've had my Lelit Bianca V3 for about 3 weeks now and I couldn't be happier. It was a tremendous upgrade from my Breville and I am still at the point where I am drinking too much coffee just because it's so fun to use this beautiful machine. SCG staff were so kind, patient and helpful and demoed the machine for me, answered all my questions and even helped me load it into the car (the box is huge, and weighs about 80lbs). I was considering machines made by Rocket, Profitech, ECM, or maybe even a Linea Micra if I could get my hands on one - and I am so happy I went with the Lelit Bianca V3. I am rather fussy about workflow, placement, tactile feedback etc. And this machine is perfect. I have a few friends who have Rockets, and no knock to them but I just prefer the ... MoreI've had my Lelit Bianca V3 for about 3 weeks now and I couldn't be happier. It was a tremendous upgrade from my Breville and I am still at the point where I am drinking too much coffee just because it's so fun to use this beautiful machine. SCG staff were so kind, patient and helpful and demoed the machine for me, answered all my questions and even helped me load it into the car (the box is huge, and weighs about 80lbs). I was considering machines made by Rocket, Profitech, ECM, or maybe even a Linea Micra if I could get my hands on one - and I am so happy I went with the Lelit Bianca V3. I am rather fussy about workflow, placement, tactile feedback etc. And this machine is perfect. I have a few friends who have Rockets, and no knock to them but I just prefer the aesthetics of this machine with the stainless and wood. The flow profile control paddle is fun to use and I've been trying different profiles for shots and overall the machine has a very analog feel. I wish it could turn itself on, but also what a gripe to have - I have to get up earlier to walk to my kitchen and hit the button on my beautiful espresso machine. If you're considering a machine upgrade, you care about quality, aesthetics and don't need a Decent-level of flow profile control. This is it.