What is the difference between Lelit Bianca and Lelit Mara X?

September 2, 2025
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Lelit Bianca vs Mara X | Di Pacci Coffee Company

Which espresso machine is best for you, the Lelit Bianca or the Lelit Mara X?

A lot of people who buy high-end home espresso machines have trouble deciding between the Lelit Bianca and the Lelit Mara X. Both machines are known for their good build quality excellent shooting performance, but they are made for quite different kinds of customers.

This article explains the genuine, useful differences between the two machines, such as how they perform on a daily basis, what kind of workflow they work best with, and what kind of home barista each machine is made for.

Get to know the machines

Lelit Bianca V3

Lelit Bianca V3

Starting at $4,799.00

The top-of-the-line dual boiler machine has a rotary pump, a manual flow control paddle, and PID temperature control. Great for the dedicated home barista who wants to be in charge of every part of making espresso.

  • Two Boiler System
  • Paddle for Manual Flow Control
  • Rotary Pump (Works Quietly)
  • E61 Group Head
  • Plumb-in Capable
View Lelit Bianca
Lelit Mara X V2

Lelit Mara X V2

Starting at $2,699.00

The little heat exchange machine with two PID temperature controls and better brewing logic. Great for people who want professional results in a smaller space and with less work.

  • System for Heat Exchange
  • Two PID Temperature Control
  • Pump that vibrates
  • E61 Group Head
  • Small Size
See Lelit Mara X

Why You Can Trust This Guide?

This comparison is not meant to promote a brand; it is meant to help buyers make a decision. The essential things to think about are how the machines will be used, how they will be maintained, and how they will integrate into real kitchens.

The idea is to assist you not buy too much or too little by matching features to how you really use them.

Machine Architecture: Two Boilers vs. Heat Exchange

Lelit Bianca: Control for Two Boilers

The Bianca has two separate boilers, one for brewing and one for steaming. In everyday use, this means:

  • Separate temperature controls for espresso and steam
  • No pause between brewing and texturing milk
  • Consistent performance for several drinks in a row

This design is good for people who care about accuracy, repeatability, and using it at home more often.

Lelit Mara X: A Better Design for Heat Exchange

The Mara X is a heat exchange (HX) machine, however it uses internal temperature logic to get around some of the problems with typical HX machines.

  • Managing temperature with brewing in mind
  • No need for a cooling flush regimen
  • Less space needed and easier to use

It is made to be consistent with less changes needed by the user.

Controlling the flow and customising the shot

The Bianca has a manual flow control paddle that lets you change the flow of water while it is being extracted.

  • Set the length of the pre-infusion
  • Less channelling on lighter roasts
  • Try out profiles with less pressure.

The Mara X does not let you see flow profiles. It focusses on getting the same results with as little user interaction as possible.

How Steam Works in Daily Life

Both machines make strong steam, but the feeling is different.

  • Bianca: A dedicated steam boiler gives you steam right away and all the time.
  • Mara X: Very good steam for home usage, although it takes a little longer to recover.

If you make a lot of milk drinks in a row, the Bianca's workflow feels better. The Mara X works well for a few flat whites or cappuccinos per day.

Type of pump and noise

  • Bianca: Rotary pump (quieter, can be plumbed in, lasts a long time)
  • Mara X: Vibratory pump (small, tank-based, and a little louder)

Rotary pumps work best in permanent setups, whereas vibratory pumps work best in smaller kitchens and easier installs.

Size, Looks, and Price

  • Bianca: Bigger footprint, nicer wooden details, and a higher price tag
  • Mara X: small body, simple design, and reduced overall cost

At this point, bench space and budget are often the most important things to think about.

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Lelit Bianca if you

  • Want to be able to manage the temperature and flow completely
  • Make milk drinks often and in large amounts.
  • Prefer a setup that is quieter and easier to plumb
  • Are okay with putting more money down up front
  • Have fun trying out different extraction profiles
  • Have enough space on the bench
Buy Lelit Bianca

Pick the Lelit Mara X if you:

  • Like things that are simple but work well
  • Don't have much space on the bench
  • Want espresso that stays stable without having to tune it by hand
  • Value the price-to-performance ratio
  • Make one to three cocktails at once.
  • Like simple design
Buy Lelit Mara X

Support and Owning for a Long Time

No matter which machine you choose, you'll be happy with it in the long run if you set it up correctly, keep the water clean, and maintain it. Retailers who offer help beyond the first sale, like calibration assistance, training, and servicing, are the best for buyers.

Last Thoughts

Both the Lelit Bianca and the Lelit Mara X are great machines, but they are made for different types of people.

The Bianca rewards careful work and hands-on testing. The Mara X rewards being consistent and easy to use.

The best decision is the one that works with your daily life, not the one with the most features.

Ready to Choose Your Perfect Lelit Machine?

Explore our complete range of Lelit coffee machines at Di Pacci

View All Lelit Machines

Di Pacci Coffee Company

Australia's Largest Coffee Machine Specialist

📍 Stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Port Macquarie & Queensland

📞 02 9758 0760

✉️ support@dipacci.com.au

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