Lelit PL41EM Anna Home Espresso Machine
Overview:
Renowned as the ultimate home barista’s companion, the Lelit Anna effortlessly brings the art of espresso making to your fingertips. Designed with beginner baristas in mind, this exceptional machine ensures a delightful espresso experience right in the comfort of your own home. The steam wand is thoughtfully crafted, allowing you to effortlessly create velvety cappuccinos and lattes, while also delivering ample hot water for those who savor a classic Americano. Not only is the Lelit Anna a superb choice for home use, but it also finds its place harmoniously in compact office spaces. With its capacity to cater to a moderate number of daily espresso beverages, this machine is the ideal companion for those seeking convenience without compromising on taste. For those considering an accompanying grinder, we recommend exploring the Lelit PL044MM Fred, a perfect match for the Lelit PL41EM. Together, these two powerhouses create an unrivaled espresso experience that will elevate your coffee journey to new heights.
Single boiler, dual-purpose system
- Brass: The small 250 ml boiler helps keep a constant water temperature and facilitate the espresso coffee extraction.
- High wattage heating element: 1000 watt heating element for quicker reaction time when cold water enters the boiler.
- Very quick warm-up time: We clocked the warm-up time for this machine (this includes the grouphead and portafilter when locked in) to be ~10 minutes. This is mainly due to the high wattage of the heating element and small size brass boiler. We found this to be very convenient for morning warm-ups, especially when in a rush.
- Three-way solenoid valve: Allows immediate removal of the portafilter immediately after the espresso extraction (or when the pump switch in coffee mode is off).
- Pressure gauge – Displays in real time the pressure during coffee extraction. Only 9-10 bar is necessary to make espresso. This gauge will help perfect your espresso shot.
Controls
- Push-button: Oval chromed switches for power, coffee, and steam.
- Steam/water knob: Located on the right of the espresso machine. It allows you to control the intensity of the steam or water output.
Steam/water wand
- Swivel: The wand comes with a plastic grip. This helps you move the steam wand and protects your fingers from burning.
- Multi-purpose: Used for both steam or hot water depending on the current mode.
- Short wait time: This is due to the small boiler and high wattage heating element.
- Frothing aid: The wand has this extra piece that injects extra air along with the steam. This helps in creating a more “frothy” texture. If the pinhole in the frothing aid is clogged, the frothing aid will make a super loud noise.
Construction
- Stainless steel body and frame: Polished to a mirror finish and rust-resistant.
- Water tank visibility: There is an opening on the left side of the machine. This allows you to see the water level. This is a lot easier than opening the top cover and peeking in.
- Water tray grate: The tray is plastic. The cover is stainless steel. Both are removable for easy cleaning.
- Power cord: The cord is completely detachable from the machine. This helps prevent damage if you are moving or long term storing the machine. It also fits nicely in the drip tray.
Accessories included
- Cup warmer: Passive heat from the boiler below helps warms up cups.
- Portafilters: Dual spout portafilter.
- Filter baskets: 1-cup filter basket which holds approximately 7 grams. 2-cup filter basket which holds approximately 14 grams. Pod filter basket for use with E.S.E. pods. 57 mm in diameter.
- Tamper: A cheap plastic tamper. Manufacturers will normally include a tamper like this to keep the overall selling price of the machine low. We recommend upgrading to a better tamper.
- Coffee scoop: A simple plastic scoop if you are using pre-ground coffee.

Neil Salamack (verified owner) –
Purchased this because it was within budget and its a “real” espresso machine. Very nicely made and perfect for a small home machine where you may be making 1 or 2 expresso or cappuccino per day. Although its single boiler, the workflow is very quick and it does a nice job steaming milk after you brew. Recommended as you can’t go wrong at this price. Exceptional service from 1st Line! thank you!
Alfred J. Hopwood (verified owner) –
The machine is great! I’d rate it as a 5. But, the instructional video needs a lot of improvement. Cut the worthless humor and give all the needed information. The user instruction booklet that came with the machine is really atrocious! For example, consider the inadequate informationThe presentation in the video and printed instructions make a relatively simple process much too complicated and obscure. Some important explanations about using the machine are not given. Without better instructions and explanations a new Lelit owner might fumble around for too long a time before brewing the really good espresso that can be made with this machine. The delay might be disappointing. That should not happen.
The plastic coffee-measuring spoon and the plastic tamper, included with the machine, are insults to the quality of the machine. Potential purchasers should be advised to separately buy a good 57 mm tamper and a pair of appropriate shot vessels if they don’t already have them.
My criticism is entirely constructive. If you are interested, I can write more effective instructions to be included with the unit.
Ralph Gioielli (verified owner) –
So far I am rating this Lelit Anna PL41EM as a five. This is my second ownership of a Espresso machine. My first one was not performed as well after 20 years. This model is well made. Though this unit is manual it is very easy to use. The coffee filter is heavy in comparison to my old one. I only use the two cup filter, the others I have no use for. I use a funnel to fill the reservoir which is easier than taking it out. The removable steamer cover is nice because it makes it easier to clean. The only thing that I dislike is the air hole in the steamer is too high to effectively steam the milk. I have to add too much milk to my container before it can reach the air hole. If this unit lasts as long as my Briel, I will be happy. So far I am pleased.
James –
Really like the machine, and 1st-line customer service! Have had several Gaggia’s in the past, this of course my fav as it does not have an aluminum boiler.
My only issue is that I often cut myself on it! Very sharp, unrefined edges around the body of the machine. Be aware when setting up and cleaning. Just did it again today 🙁