Le'Lit PL041 Espresso Machine - 2010 Model
2010 Model Changes:
The new 2010 model, available March 31, 2010, has
the frothing aid replaced with a traditional steam wand with a
single hole tip. The old instructional manual mentions the frothing
aid is included, but the frothing aid is no longer included with
the purchase of the machine and it can not fit on the new steam
wand. The overpressure valve (a.k.a. OPV) is now adjusted to 9-10
bar. The manufacturer does not recommend adjusting the OPV on
their machines.
Overview:
This tiny espresso machine packs a very powerful punch. It
heats up faster than a Rancilio Silvia and has more steam power
than a Gaggia Classic!
With
its small brass boiler, it has less wait time to get to steam
mode when compared to larger brass boiler machines, and the steaming
performance is quite powerful for this little baby. You can also
see the water level in the reservoir from the side of the machine - something the
more expensive machines do not have. This machine is one of our
favorites! Exclusively imported by 1st-line Equipment and available
only at select dealers in the USA!
The new 2010 model, available December 1, 2009, has the frothing aid replaced with a traditional steam wand with a single hole tip. The included instructional manual will still reference the old frothing aid, which is no longer included with the machine and can not be retrofitted to the new steam wand.
The overpressure valve (a.k.a. OPV) is now adjusted to 9-10 bar. The manufacturer does not recommend adjusting the OPV on their machines as Loctite is used to hold the adjustment screw in place.
For those with an older model PL041, you can change to the new steam wand. Please remember to order 2 o-rings.
Features:
- Polished stainless steel body throughout makes this unit a show
stopper in your home or office!
- Heavy-duty, chromed brass filter holder with covered two spouts
allows one or two cup espresso extractions - 57mm size - need
a polished matching
tamper to boot!
- The brass boiler, found only in the better machines, delivers
a tremendous amount of steam power for frothing/steaming milk
and unlike the aluminum/stainless steel boilers found in Gaggia machines, the
brass boiler does have greater temperature stability for extracting
a superior espresso.
- More importantly, the brass boiler is set directly over the grouphead - unlike the Rancilio Silvia which has the boiler offset from the grouphead.
- Removable, large 2 liter (68 oz.) water reservoir with easy-view
water level windows on both sides of machine.
- Pump pressure rating at 15 bar - only 9 bar is need to extract
espresso.
- The 3-way solenoid valve allows the operator to remove the coffee
filter handle immediately after turning off the coffee switch.
- 3 thermostat heating system - one coffee thermostat, one steam
thermostat, and one safety thermostat all easily accessible from
the top of the machine (once the cover is removed).
- Dedicated hot water switch allows hot water dispensing through
open steam wand for hot chocolate, tea, and instant soup. The steam knob does need to be turned to open the steam valve.
- Built-in tamper to left of grouphead allows quick tamping. We do recommend a hand tamper 57mm.
- Traditional steam wand with one hole steam tip.
- Holding guide on steam wand prevents finger burning when moving
steam wand.
- Large cup warmer fits up to 6 espresso/demitasse cups.
- Covered dual spout portafilter diminishes water splashing when
filter baskets in portafilter do not have coffee.
- Easy-pull, large ABS plastic drip tray with metal drip tray
grate.
- Accessories: Instructional manual, 1-cup filter, deep 2-cup filter,
and measuring spoon.
Specifications:
- Measurements: (H x L x D): 13.5" x 8.5" x 10.5"
in (340mm x 210mm x 270mm).
- Weight: 17 pounds (7.5 kilograms).
- Max Cup Height: 4.75" (just over 4.75" but under 4.8")
- Total power: 1050 watts, 110 volts only, 60Hz.
- Wattage of heating
element: 1000 watts at 110 volts
- Boiler Capacity: 7.43 ounces (0.22 liters).
- Portafilter size: 57mm.
57mm
dynamometric tamper also available.
- Water reservoir capacity: 68 oz (2 liters).
- Pump pressure: 15 bar.
- Warranty in USA: 1 year parts & labor limited
to manufacturer's defect provided by 1st-line Equipment, LLC;
no additional paperwork to fill out.
- Made in Italy by Le 'Lit.
Notes:
- The
Philadelphia Inquirer stated "The Le 'Lit PL041 is a slimmer
18 pounds and less expensive than the Silvia, but its espresso
was nearly as impressive - probably the best value choice for
a quality machine. It heated up quicker, and also gives the user
the option of a frothing aid."
- Quickest warm up time for a brass boiler at 5 minutes due to
the high wattage of the heating element - we found this to be
very convenient for morning warm ups, especially when in a rush!
- A good coffee bean grinder is strongly recommended to produce
a better cup: Le'Lit PL53
- Cleaning: The best thing is to run CleanCaf
like normal through the head as well as through the steam wand.
This should be performed once a month. This is the minimum requirement
for cleaning the internals of the machine.
- This is a single boiler machine. Machines in this class do not
fill the internal boiler from the reservoir automatically. Since
the water level drops in the boiler during steaming, you need
to replenish this to avoid damage to the heating element. The
only way to do this is to run water through the steam wand with
the hot water switch. this does not apply when extracting espresso.
- Parts for this model only:
http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=805000
- Other items that customers have inquired to buy with this machine:
Tamper,
Backflush
Insert, and Urnex
Cafiza. If you back flush (recommended) using these products
once a week, you do not need to remove the dispersion screen.
- For those that want a bottomless portafilter, you will need
to purchase a handle,
metal
body, and basket.
you will need to have a third-party cut-off the bottom of the
portafilter body to create your bottomless portafilter. More info
on bottomless portafilters can be read
here (this will open a new window to another web site)!
- This machine is not pod-capable.
- Just to prevent any possible rumors, we are NOT clearing out
any PL041 inventory for the PL051 model made by Le'Lit. We will
continue to carry the PL041 after the sale. We will not be carrying
the PL051 machine as we do not like the switches placed on this
machine, plus the fact that there is no three-way solenoid valve
(good to have as this allows the user to immediately remove the
portafilter right after turning off the coffee switch.
- Steam wand - a new steam wand (without the frothing aid attachment)
will be available as an option in 1st quarter 2010.
- RESIN WATER SOFTENER NOTE: Please note, item
4009010
- Rechargeable In-tank Water Softener does not fit into the water
tank without modification. The "neck" or "lip"
on the water tank must be shaved off. This is a simple modification
and will allow the water softener to fit into the tank. DO NOT
jam the water softener into the "neck" of the tank.
It may fit in, but during removal for recharging, it will open,
spilling the resin pellets into your water tank.
Steam Valve Repair Instructions: please
follow this link.
Black Box Replacement Instructions: please
follow this link.
Photographs of the NEW STEAM WAND:
|
