Milan

March 15, 2025

Lelit Anna – Serious Entry Level Espresso Machine (2025 Review)

Ever wondered if you could get a pro-level espresso machine without emptying your wallet? The Lelit Anna might just be that unicorn. This hand-built Italian powerhouse continues to make waves in the coffee world by delivering features usually reserved for machines costing hundreds more. Let’s dive into what makes this little stainless steel marvel punch so far above its weight class.

Article overview

Practical considerations

Tech specs

Let’s be real – there comes a point in every coffee lover’s journey when you realize those budget machines just aren’t cutting it anymore. Your shots are inconsistent, temperature is all over the place, and that cafe-quality espresso seems forever out of reach. That’s where the Anna steps in to save the day (and your mornings).

This unassuming box of Italian engineering comes from Lelit, a family-run company that’s been quietly revolutionizing the home espresso game. They’ve somehow managed to cram high-end components and serious temperature control into a machine that costs less than what you’d spend adding those same features to other popular models.

Best Overall Pick

Why we like Lelit Anna?

PID temperature control (adjustable!)
Incredible value at $700
Hand-built in Italy

Check price on Lelit

Type	Semi-automatic
PID controll	Yes
Built-in grinder	No
Heat-up time	5-10 minutes

Looks and Size: Polished Perfection in Stainless Steel

First impression? The Anna isn’t trying to be flashy – it has that classic Italian espresso machine vibe with a polished stainless steel body that means business. No cheap plastic exteriors here! It’s compact enough to fit in most kitchens without dominating your counter space, yet substantial enough to feel like a proper espresso machine.

The polished finish gives it that professional look that makes coffee nerds drool, and there’s something satisfying about the heft of real metal components. Sure, it’s not as fancy-looking as some of the digital-display machines out there, but it has that timeless quality that won’t look dated in a few years.

The Temperature Game-Changer: PID Control

The real hero of this story is the PID temperature controller. If you’re new to the espresso game, this little device is like having a coffee wizard inside your machine constantly adjusting the heating element to maintain perfect temperature.

Here’s the cool stuff you can do with it:

Dial in exact brewing temperature between 80-130°C (factory set at 95°C)
Crank up steam temperature between 120-140°C (factory set at 125°C)
Maintain rock-solid stability during extraction
Experiment with different temps for different beans

Most machines at this price either have no PID (hello temperature surfing!) or a fixed one that doesn’t let you adjust settings. The Anna gives you barista-level control without making you shell out barista-level cash.

Extraction That Doesn’t Mess Around

The Anna comes ready to pull serious shots right out of the box. The brass group head helps maintain temperature stability while you’re brewing, and water distributes evenly across your coffee puck for balanced extraction.

One feature that coffee geeks will appreciate is the 3-way solenoid valve. This pro-level addition releases pressure after brewing, giving you dry, easy-to-knock-out pucks instead of soggy messes. It also prevents that annoying drippy aftermath that plagues cheaper machines.

The OPV (Over Pressure Valve) comes pre-set to about 10 bars, which is right in the sweet spot for modern espresso. If you’re the tinkering type, you can easily adjust it by popping off the top cover – no special tools or engineering degree required. Want to try the trendy 9-bar extractions everyone’s talking about? No problem!

Living With the Anna Day to Day

Using the Anna is pretty straightforward – no PhD required to operate it in the morning before your caffeine kick. The large 2.7L water tank means you’re not constantly refilling, and the solid construction means this thing is built to last.

Cleanup is a breeze thanks to that 3-way solenoid valve. Your used pucks knock out clean and dry, and there’s no messy dripping after you remove the portafilter. It’s these little quality-of-life features that make daily use so much more enjoyable.

Maintenance is simpler than you might expect from a “serious” espresso machine. Regular backflushing with a blind filter keeps things clean, and the quality components mean fewer issues down the road compared to plastic-filled budget options.

The Elephant in the Room: That 57mm Portafilter

Okay, let’s talk about the one quirky choice Lelit made with the Anna – that 57mm portafilter. Most machines use either 58mm (commercial standard) or 54mm (like Breville/Sage), making accessories easy to find. The Anna’s slightly unusual size means your options for fancy tampers, distribution tools, and precision baskets are a bit more limited.

Is this a deal-breaker? Not at all. You can absolutely find 57mm accessories – there just aren’t quite as many options. It’s like being a left-handed guitarist – instruments exist, but your selection at the local music shop might be smaller.

Why Lelit went this route remains a mystery, especially since their other machines use the standard 58mm size. But honestly, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to everything else this machine gets right.

Milk Frothing

Lelit Anna comes with a multidirectional steam wand, allowing you to easily tweak the angle for optimal milk frothing. If you’re into lattes and cappuccinos, you’ll appreciate that the Anna doesn’t skimp on steaming power. The pro-grade steam wand is mounted on a ball joint for easy positioning, and the single-hole tip gives you precise control for creating that silky microfoam latte artists dream about.

Since it’s a single boiler machine, you’ll need to switch between brewing and steaming modes – but the PID makes this transition quick and painless. Plus, being able to crank up the steam temperature when you need extra power is a game-changer for milk drinks.

Bang for Your Buck

At around $700, the Anna isn’t just good value – it’s almost suspiciously good value. Let’s put this in perspective:

Rancilio Silvia costs about $300 more and lacks a PID
You could save about $150 and get the Gaggia Classic Pro but that one also comes without a PID

The Anna delivers all this out of the box, hand-built in Italy with premium materials. It’s like finding a professional chef’s knife at budget knife prices.

It even comes with a water softener filter to help prevent scale buildup – a thoughtful touch that can extend your machine’s life.

Is This Your Kind of Machine?

You’ll Probably Love It If:

You want serious espresso quality without serious money
You appreciate being able to tweak and adjust settings
You’re upgrading from a budget machine and want a big leap in quality
You value build quality and materials over flashy features
You dig the classic Italian espresso machine look

Maybe Look Elsewhere If:

You make tons of milk drinks in rapid succession (a dual boiler espresso machine might suit better)
You absolutely need a 58mm portafilter for specific accessories

The Tech Specs That Actually Matter

Before we wrap up, here’s the need-to-know specs without the marketing fluff:

Boiler: 250ml brass (quality material that beats aluminum any day)
Water Tank: Generous 2.7L capacity
Portafilter: 57mm diameter (slightly unconventional but works great)
Temperature Control: PID with impressive adjustment range
Pressure Control: Adjustable OPV for dialing in your preferred extraction pressure
Construction: Polished stainless steel that’ll last for years
Steam Wand: Pro-grade with ball joint for easy positioning
Extra Features: 3-way solenoid valve, brass group head

The Lelit Anna is basically what happens when Italian engineers decide to democratize good espresso. It brings pro-level components and performance to a price point that makes other manufacturers nervous.

While some might raise an eyebrow at the 57mm portafilter choice, the functionality is rock solid where it counts – in your cup. If you’re serious about espresso but not interested in taking out a second mortgage, the Anna delivers exceptional quality, performance, and value that’s tough to beat at any price.

For anyone ready to upgrade their home coffee game without going overboard on cost, the Anna hits that sweet spot where quality, capability, and value perfectly intersect. It’s like having a secret weapon that makes visitors ask, “Wait, you made this at home?”

You can also read our guide to picking the best grinder for Lelit Anna.