When you're ready to move past entry-level machines and step into the world of serious home espresso, two names keep coming up: the Lelit Elizabeth and the Lelit Kate. Both are Italian-made beauties that promise café-quality shots at home, but they're built for very different types of coffee lovers. Choosing between them isn't just about comparing specs on paper—it's about figuring out which machine fits your morning routine, your counter space, and how you like to make coffee.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about these two popular Lelit machines. Whether you're a hands-on tinkerer who loves dialing in every variable or someone who wants exceptional espresso with minimal fuss, we'll help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Understanding the Core Philosophy: Elizabeth vs Kate
Before we dive into the technical details, it's important to understand what each machine is really about. They're both excellent, but they serve different purposes.
Lelit Elizabeth PL92T
The Purist's Playground
Think of the Elizabeth as the agile, feature-rich sports car of espresso machines. It's built for people who love having control over every aspect of their brew. You get to pick your own grinder, adjust pre-infusion settings, and fine-tune temperatures to your heart's content.
Best For: Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the process and want maximum flexibility
Lelit Kate PL82T
The All-in-One Connoisseur
The Kate is like the sophisticated grand tourer. It comes with everything you need built right in—including a quality conical burr grinder. It's designed for people who want exceptional coffee without having to research which separate grinder to buy.
Best For: Coffee lovers who want convenience and a clutter-free counter
The Big Difference: Grinder Integration
This is the most obvious and significant difference between these two machines, and it shapes everything else about them.
Lelit Elizabeth - No Grinder Included
The Elizabeth deliberately doesn't include a grinder. This isn't a cost-cutting measure—it's a strategic choice that gives you complete freedom. You can pair it with any grinder you like, from a budget-friendly hand grinder to a high-end single-dose machine.
Why this matters:
- You can choose a grinder that matches your exact needs and budget
- You can upgrade your grinder later without replacing the entire setup
- You're not limited to the built-in grinder's capabilities
- Perfect if you already own a quality grinder
Lelit Kate - Integrated Grinder
The Kate comes with a built-in conical burr grinder that's actually quite good. It's not just a throwaway feature—it's a proper grinder that can produce consistent results for espresso.
Why this matters:
- Everything you need in one compact unit
- Less counter clutter and fewer cords to manage
- Simplified workflow from bean to cup
- Great value since you don't need to buy a separate grinder
The Bottom Line: If you want the ultimate in convenience and a tidy counter, choose the Kate. If you already have a grinder you love or relish the idea of choosing your own, the Elizabeth gives you that freedom.
Boiler Systems: Both Are Dual Boiler Machines
Here's some good news: both the Elizabeth and Kate use dual boiler systems. This means you can brew espresso and steam milk at the same time without any waiting around. However, there are subtle differences in how they handle steaming.
Steam Power Comparison
Lelit Elizabeth: Equipped with a traditional, manual steam wand that gives you full artistic control. You control the steam pressure and milk texture entirely by hand. This is perfect for people who want to master latte art or prefer having complete control over milk texture.
Lelit Kate: Features an automatic steam system that takes care of milk frothing for you. You set the temperature and texture you want, and the machine handles the rest. It's incredibly consistent and perfect for busy mornings when you don't want to think too hard about steaming milk.
Which is better? It depends on your priorities. Manual steam wands (Elizabeth) give you more control and are essential if you want to practice latte art. Automatic systems (Kate) are more convenient and produce consistent results every time without the learning curve.
Pre-Infusion and Shot Control
This is where the Elizabeth really shows its enthusiast credentials.
Lelit Elizabeth
- Programmable pre-infusion: You can adjust both duration and pressure
- Shot timer: Built-in timer helps you track extraction
- Volumetric dosing: Program specific shot volumes
- Full control: Perfect for experimenting with different beans and profiles
This level of control lets you really dial in your shots and experiment with flow profiling.
Lelit Kate
- Passive pre-infusion: Uses the 3-way solenoid valve
- Manual shot timer: Simple and effective
- OLED display: Clear screen for tracking your shots
- Simpler operation: Less to fiddle with, more consistent results
The Kate's pre-infusion system works well but doesn't offer the same level of customization.
Size and Counter Space
Counter space is precious in most kitchens, so let's talk about the footprint of each machine.
Space Efficiency
Lelit Kate: The integrated grinder makes the Kate the winner in space efficiency. You get a complete coffee station in a single unit. While the machine itself is larger than the Elizabeth because of the built-in grinder, you save all the counter space you would have needed for a separate grinder.
Lelit Elizabeth: The Elizabeth is more compact on its own, but you'll need additional counter space for your grinder. If you have a larger grinder or want to keep your grinder separate, you'll need to account for that in your kitchen layout.
Quick Tip: Measure your counter space before deciding. The Kate is great for smaller kitchens because everything is in one unit, but the Elizabeth might fit better if you already have a compact grinder.
Price and Value Comparison
Let's talk about what you're getting for your money with each machine.
Lelit Elizabeth Pricing
The Elizabeth typically costs around $1,788 - $1,850 at Di Pacci (sale prices available). But remember, this is just for the machine—you'll need to budget for a separate grinder as well.
- Total investment: Machine + grinder (add $300-$1,500+ depending on grinder choice)
- Value proposition: Maximum flexibility and upgrade potential
- Best for: People who want to build their dream setup piece by piece
Lelit Kate Pricing
The Kate costs around $1,233 - $1,603 at Di Pacci, and that includes a quality grinder built right in.
- Total investment: Everything you need in one purchase
- Value proposition: Complete setup at a lower total cost
- Best for: People who want café-quality coffee without the research headache
Value Verdict: The Kate offers better overall value if you're starting from scratch. The Elizabeth costs less upfront but requires a separate grinder purchase. If you already own a good grinder or plan to upgrade to a premium one, the Elizabeth makes more sense.
Which Machine Should You Choose?
After looking at all the differences, here's how to make your decision:
Choose the Lelit Elizabeth if you:
- Already own a quality grinder
- Want the freedom to choose and upgrade your grinder
- Enjoy experimenting with pre-infusion and flow profiling
- Prefer manual control over milk steaming
- Like the idea of customizing every aspect of your setup
- Want to practice latte art
- Don't mind a slightly more complex workflow
Choose the Lelit Kate if you:
- Want an all-in-one solution
- Have limited counter space
- Prefer automatic milk frothing
- Want consistent results without much tinkering
- Are starting from scratch (no grinder yet)
- Value convenience and simplicity
- Want better overall value for a complete setup
Key Features Comparison Table
| Feature | Lelit Elizabeth | Lelit Kate |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder | Not included (your choice) | Built-in conical burr grinder |
| Boiler System | Dual boiler | Dual boiler |
| Steam Wand | Manual (full control) | Automatic |
| Pre-infusion | Programmable (duration & pressure) | Passive (via solenoid valve) |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| Shot Timer | Built-in programmable | Manual with OLED display |
| Counter Space | Compact + separate grinder | All-in-one unit |
| Price Range | $1,788 - $1,850 (machine only) | $1,233 - $1,603 (complete) |
| Best For | Enthusiasts who want control | Convenience seekers |
Why Buy from Di Pacci Coffee Company?
When you're ready to invest in a Lelit machine, choosing the right retailer matters just as much as choosing the right machine.
What Makes Di Pacci Different
- Authorized Australian Distributor Since 2010 - Full manufacturer warranty and genuine products
- Expert Guidance - Our team actually uses these machines and can help you choose the right one
- Competitive Pricing - Regular sales and package deals
- Free Shipping - On orders over $99.95 across Australia
- Same Day Dispatch - Orders before 2PM ship the same day
- Package Deals Available - Save money with machine + grinder + accessories bundles
- Finance Options - Afterpay, Zip, and PayPal available
- After-Sales Support - Certified technicians for maintenance and repairs
Have Questions? Contact the Di Pacci team:
📧 Email: support@dipacci.com.au
📞 Phone: (02) 9758 0760
🏪 Visit a store near you
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee with either machine?
A: Yes, both machines work with pre-ground coffee. However, for the best results, you'll want to grind fresh. The Elizabeth requires a separate grinder, while the Kate has one built in.
Q: Which machine is easier for beginners?
A: The Kate is more beginner-friendly because it's an all-in-one system with automatic milk frothing. The Elizabeth requires more knowledge and offers more control, making it better for people who want to learn the craft.
Q: Can I upgrade the grinder in the Kate later?
A: While the Kate has a built-in grinder, you can always use a separate grinder if you want to upgrade. The built-in grinder is quite capable for most home users though.
Q: How long does each machine take to heat up?
A: Both machines use dual boiler systems and typically take around 10-15 minutes to reach optimal brewing temperature. This is normal for dual boiler machines.
Q: Do both machines come with a warranty?
A: Yes! Both the Elizabeth and Kate come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty when purchased from Di Pacci, an authorized Australian distributor.
Q: Which machine makes better espresso?
A: Both machines are capable of producing excellent espresso. The Elizabeth gives you more control to experiment and fine-tune, while the Kate makes it easier to get consistent results. The quality of espresso ultimately depends on your beans, grind, and technique more than the machine itself.
Final Thoughts
Both the Lelit Elizabeth and Lelit Kate are exceptional machines that represent Italian engineering at its finest. You really can't go wrong with either one—it's just a matter of which philosophy suits you better.
The Simple Answer
Choose the Elizabeth if you want maximum control and flexibility to build your dream setup piece by piece.
Choose the Kate if you want a complete, convenient solution that delivers excellent results right out of the box.
Either way, you're getting a machine that will serve you well for years to come.
Ready to bring café-quality espresso into your home?
Related Articles
- What Is The Difference Between Lelit Elizabeth And Lelit Victoria?
- Which Lelit Espresso Machine to Buy?
- Is Lelit Made In Italy?
- How Long Does It Take For A LELIT Coffee Machine To Heat Up?
- Best Coffee Machine for Home Use
Shop by Lelit Models
- Lelit Elizabeth PL92T
- Lelit Kate PL82T
- All Lelit Home Coffee Machines
- Lelit Coffee Grinders
- Lelit Package Deals
Last Updated: January 2026
Information sourced from Di Pacci Coffee Company and Lelit specifications
