Di Pacci — Machine Review · Australia · Updated August 2026
Lelit Mara X Review 2026: Is It Worth Buying in Australia?
✍️ By Mik Di Pacci · Founder & CEO, Di Pacci Coffee Company · Authorised Australian Lelit Dealer · Updated August 2026 · ~10 min read
The Lelit Mara X (PL62X) is the world's most compact E61 heat exchanger espresso machine — and the only HX machine with a patented dual-probe temperature system that eliminates the flushing ritual entirely. This is a complete, honest review for Australian buyers covering the dual-probe system, brew and steam priority modes, espresso and milk performance, full specs, pros and cons, grinder pairings, and our final verdict. Di Pacci is an authorised Australian Lelit dealer with five stores and in-house service support.
Di Pacci Expert Rating — Lelit Mara X PL62XBest Compact HX Espresso Machine in Australia 2026Lelit · PL62X V2 · Heat Exchanger · Made in Italy
Espresso9.6 / 10
Temp Stability9.8 / 10
Steam8.2 / 10
Build Quality9.4 / 10
4.7/ 5
The Lelit Mara X is one of the most technically sophisticated compact espresso machines available to Australian home baristas. The patented dual-probe temperature system genuinely eliminates the flushing ritual — delivering within 2°C temperature accuracy without a flush, which is simply not possible on any other HX machine at this price. Add the E61 group head, mechanical pre-infusion, brew and steam priority modes, and a 22cm footprint, and you have an outstanding buy for anyone who wants café-quality espresso in a compact, long-lasting machine.
The Dual-Probe System — What Makes the Mara X Unique
Every heat exchanger espresso machine faces the same problem: the boiler is kept at steam temperature (~125°C), and brew water passes through a copper tube inside it to cool to espresso temperature (~93–96°C). This cooling is imprecise — the water can be too hot or too cold depending on machine usage, idle time, and ambient temperature. Traditional HX machines solve this with a flush — running hot water through the group before each shot. It works, but it requires practice, wastes water, and adds workflow complexity.
The Mara X solves this entirely with two independent temperature probes. No other HX machine at any price has this system.
Standard HX Machine — One Probe
Monitors steam boiler temperature only
Brew water temperature varies with usage pattern
Requires 30–60ml flush before each shot
Temperature accuracy: ±4–6°C without flushing
Learning curve — mastering the flush takes practice
Inconsistent between back-to-back and idle shots
✅ Lelit Mara X — Dual Probe (World First)
Probe 1: Monitors steam boiler temperature
Probe 2: Monitors brew water temperature directly
Adjusts heating element twice per second
Temperature accuracy: within 2°C — without flushing
No flush required — pull shot and go
Consistent whether machine is idle or active
💡 Why This Matters for Australian Home BaristasYou can make one coffee in the morning, leave the machine idle for 20 minutes, come back and pull another shot at the same temperature — without flushing. That is simply not possible on any other HX machine at this price. The result is more consistent espresso shot-to-shot, less wasted water, and a significantly simpler workflow for everyday home use.
Brew Mode vs Steam Mode — Explained
The Mara X has two priority modes selectable via a button on the front panel. Understanding these modes is essential to getting the best out of the machine — and most home users never need to switch from the default.
☕Brew Mode (X Mode) — Default
Machine prioritises precise brew water temperature. Dual probes hold brew water within 2°C of target. Steam pressure is slightly reduced but fully functional for 1–2 milk drinks.
Best for: Espresso, long blacks, Americanos, back-to-back shots. Ideal for 1–3 milk drinks per session. Use this mode 90% of the time.
→ Default mode. Leave it here for everyday coffee.
💨Steam Mode — High Volume Milk
Machine prioritises maximum steam pressure. Boiler runs hotter to deliver full steaming power for multiple consecutive milk drinks. Brew temperature slightly less precise.
Best for: 4+ milk drinks in rapid succession — flat whites and lattes when entertaining guests. Switching takes ~60 seconds.
→ Switch to this when making coffee for a group.
Espresso Performance
The Mara X produces exceptional espresso. The E61 group head's passive mechanical pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck at low pressure before the pump builds to 9 bar — reducing channelling and producing sweeter, more even extraction across all roast levels. Combined with the dual-probe temperature stability, the result is espresso that genuinely rivals machines at twice the price.
Three pre-set boiler temperature settings are selectable via a switch located behind the drip tray:
→ Best for: light roasts, Ethiopian naturals, single-origins
🌡️🌡️ Hot Setting
Standard boiler temperature. The sweet spot for most Australian coffee blends and medium roasts.
→ Best for: medium roasts, Di Pacci Elements, By The Bay blend
🌡️🌡️🌡️ Extra Hot Setting
Higher boiler temperature. Develops chocolate, caramel, and bold characteristics in darker roasts.
→ Best for: dark roasts, Di Pacci Afterdark, bold espresso blends
Shot Quality VerdictThe Mara X produces espresso that genuinely rivals machines at twice the price. Thermal stability is the key differentiator — consistent temperature means consistent extraction, and consistent extraction means consistently excellent coffee. In Di Pacci's Sydney showroom we've pulled side-by-side comparisons with machines at $4,000–$5,000: the gap in cup quality is far smaller than the gap in price.
Milk Steaming — Honest Assessment
In Brew Mode, steam pressure is slightly reduced compared to dedicated dual-boiler machines — but for 1–2 milk drinks it is a complete non-issue. The anti-burn cool-touch steam wand with a 2-hole tip textures milk smoothly and predictably. A flat white or latte takes 20–30 seconds to texture properly. Microfoam quality is excellent for latte art.
In Steam Mode, steam power is substantially stronger — back-to-back milk drinks for 3–4 people is fast and comfortable. The mode switch takes about 60 seconds.
Honest note: If you make 5+ milk drinks back-to-back every morning, consider a dual-boiler machine for simultaneous brew and steam without mode switching. For most Australian homes making 1–4 coffees daily, the Mara X in Brew Mode handles everything without switching.
Design, Build Quality & Footprint
The Mara X is a genuinely beautiful machine — the full brushed stainless steel body is fingerprint-resistant, robust, and ages gracefully. At 225mm wide, it is the world's most compact E61 heat exchanger machine — a meaningful practical advantage for Australian kitchens with limited bench space.
Build highlights: full stainless steel exterior (no plastic panels), E61 group head in 4kg chrome-plated brass, copper internal pipes for superior thermal conductivity, cool-touch anti-burn steam wand, removable power plug stored in drip tray, cup warmer on top. Available in Stainless with Black Handles ($2,699), Black with Maple Handles ($2,899), and White with Maple Handles ($2,899).
Reserve Mode: if water runs low mid-shot, the machine automatically activates a water reserve to complete the shot before shutting down. A small but genuinely useful feature that prevents ruined extractions from unexpected low-tank situations.
Full Technical Specifications
Specification
Detail
Model
Lelit Mara X PL62X (V2)
Boiler Type
Heat Exchanger (HX) — 1.8L stainless steel
Temperature System
Dual-probe HX — world first — patent pending
Temperature Accuracy
Within 2°C of target — no flush required
Temperature Settings
3 presets — Warm / Hot / Extra Hot (switch behind drip tray)
Group Head
E61 L58E — 58mm — chrome-plated brass
Pre-Infusion
Mechanical — built into E61 group head
Priority Modes
Brew Mode (X) + Steam Mode — front panel button
Pump Type
Vibratory — exclusive quiet Lelit pump — 48W · 15 bar max
Heating Element
1,400W
Water Tank
2.5L — removable
Pressure Gauges
Double manometer — steam pressure + brew pressure
Steam Wand
Anti-burn cool touch — 2-hole tip
Reserve Mode
Automatic — completes shot if water runs low
Standby Mode
Reduces boiler pressure when idle
Cup Warmer
Yes — top of machine
Dimensions (W×D×H)
225 × 520 × 355mm
Weight
18.8kg
Colours Available
Stainless / Black with Maple / White with Maple
Portafilter
58mm Lelit — 3 baskets included (single, double, blind)
Flow Control Option
Optional paddle upgrade available (~$200)
Warranty (Australia)
24 months — Breville (official AU Lelit importer)
Power
240V 50Hz — AU plug
Pros & Cons — Honest Assessment
✅ What We Love
Dual-probe temp system — unique, eliminates flush
World's most compact E61 HX machine — 22.5cm wide
Exceptional shot consistency — within 2°C
E61 group head — passive pre-infusion, universal parts
The Mara X deserves a quality stepless or fine-stepped 58mm-compatible burr grinder. The machine's temperature precision is wasted if grind consistency is the bottleneck. Our top three pairings:
Niche Zero$1,499 · Top Pick
Single-dose conical burr — ultra-low retention, extraordinary consistency. Di Pacci's #1 pairing for the Mara X. The single-dose workflow perfectly complements the Mara X's shot-by-shot approach.
55mm flat burrs, ~55dB Silent Technology, touchscreen dosing. An excellent hopper-based pairing for the Mara X in apartments or early-morning households.
Final Verdict — Is the Lelit Mara X Worth Buying in Australia?
Yes — unreservedly. The Lelit Mara X is one of the most technically advanced compact espresso machines available to Australian home baristas in 2026. The dual-probe temperature system is not a marketing claim — it delivers measurably better temperature stability than any other HX machine in its category, and that directly translates to better, more consistent espresso every single day.
The compact 22.5cm width makes it viable for kitchens that couldn't fit a larger HX machine. The E61 group head and mechanical pre-infusion ensure the machine is fully serviceable for 15+ years with universally available parts. The 2-year Australian warranty, backed by Breville and serviced by Di Pacci across five stores, provides genuine peace of mind.
The trade-offs are real but minor for most users: the 20-minute warm-up requires planning, and steam in Brew Mode — while excellent for 1–2 milk drinks — is not as powerful as a dedicated dual boiler. For the overwhelming majority of Australian home baristas making 1–4 coffees a day, these are non-issues.
Di Pacci Final Verdict — 4.7 / 5The Lelit Mara X is the best compact HX espresso machine in Australia in 2026. It punches well above its price class on temperature stability and espresso quality, and its compact footprint makes it accessible to baristas who previously couldn't consider an E61 HX machine. If you want café-quality espresso at home in a small footprint without the flushing ritual of traditional HX machines, the Mara X is the one to buy. Highly recommended.
Buy the Lelit Mara X at Di Pacci — 5 Australian Showrooms
Di Pacci is an authorised Australian Lelit dealer. Every Mara X purchased from Di Pacci includes full manufacturer warranty support, expert advice, and access to our in-house technicians for servicing and repairs across all five stores.
Sydney
97–99 Chapel St Roselands NSW (02) 9758 0760
Melbourne
272 High St Thomastown VIC (03) 9386 7127
Queensland
Johnston St Southport QLD 0450 441 447
Perth
1/7 Douglas St West Perth WA 0451 030 503
Port Macquarie
Unit 8/19 Central Rd Port Macquarie NSW (03) 9386 7127
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the Lelit Mara X (PL62X) is the best compact heat exchanger espresso machine available in Australia in 2026. The dual-probe temperature system, E61 group head, brew and steam priority modes, and 22.5cm width make it exceptional value at its price. Di Pacci stocks the full Mara X range with in-house servicing across five Australian stores.
The Mara X is the world's only heat exchanger espresso machine with two independent temperature probes — one monitoring the steam boiler, one monitoring brew water directly. The machine adjusts its heating element twice per second based on both readings, keeping brew water within 2°C of target without requiring the flush that all other HX machines need. This means shot-to-shot consistency that rivals machines at twice the price.
In Brew Mode (X Mode), the machine prioritises precise espresso temperature — this is the default for everyday use covering espresso, long blacks, and 1–2 milk drinks. In Steam Mode, the boiler runs hotter to maximise steam power for multiple consecutive milk drinks — ideal when entertaining. Switching takes about 60 seconds. Most home users leave the machine in Brew Mode permanently and only switch when making coffee for a group of 4+.
The Mara X takes approximately 20–24 minutes to reach full thermal equilibrium from a cold start. This is standard for E61 group head HX machines — the chrome brass group needs time to fully saturate with heat for stable extraction. Many Mara X owners use the standby mode or simply switch the machine on 30 minutes before their first coffee of the day. Once warmed up, the dual-probe system holds temperature indefinitely.
The Mara X rewards a quality stepless or fine-stepped 58mm-compatible grinder. Di Pacci's top recommendation is the Niche Zero ($1,499) — single-dose, ultra-low retention, extraordinary consistency. The Mazzer Mini Electronic B ($1,500) is the hopper pick for serious home baristas. Budget option: Eureka Mignon Specialita 55E (from $819). Never use a blade grinder — the grinder determines your quality ceiling as much as the machine.
Yes — the Lelit Mara X comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty in Australia, backed by Breville (the official Australian Lelit importer). Di Pacci is an authorised Lelit dealer and provides in-house service and repair support across all five Australian showrooms. When you buy from Di Pacci you also get full access to our certified technician team for any service needs throughout the machine's life.
The Lelit Victoria is a single-boiler machine with programmable volumetric shot control and the Lelit Control Centre — ideal for beginners who want consistency with minimal manual input. The Lelit Mara X is a heat exchanger with the dual-probe system, capable of brewing and steaming (with mode switching) at a significantly higher level of thermal precision. The Mara X is the better machine for experienced home baristas; the Victoria is the better starting point for beginners. Both are available from Di Pacci. See our Lelit machine comparison guide →
No — the Mara X PL62X is a tank-only machine with a 2.5L removable reservoir and vibratory pump. It is not designed for mains plumbing. The 2.5L tank is generous for home use — sufficient for 10–12 standard double shots before refilling. If you need a plumbed prosumer machine, call Di Pacci on (02) 9758 0760 and we can recommend appropriate rotary-pump alternatives.
About the AuthorMik Di Pacci — Founder & CEO, Di Pacci Coffee Company
Mik Di Pacci is the Founder & CEO of Di Pacci Coffee Company, Australia's largest coffee machine and grinder specialist, established in 2008. Di Pacci is an authorised Lelit dealer with five showrooms across Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Perth, and Port Macquarie. Every Lelit machine reviewed here is sold, serviced, and backed by Di Pacci's in-house technical team.
Buy the Lelit Mara X at Di Pacci — Authorised Australian DealerIn stock · 2-year Australian warranty · Free shipping over $200 · 5 showrooms · Afterpay & Zip · (02) 9758 0760
