This tiny espresso machine packs a very powerful punch. It heats up faster than a Rancilio Silvia and has more steam power than a Gaggia Classic! With its small brass boiler, it has less wait time to get to steam mode when compared to larger brass boiler machines, and the steaming performance is quite powerful for this little baby. You can also see the water level in the reservoir from the side of the machine - something the more expensive machines do not have. This machine is one of our favorites! Exclusively imported by 1st-line Equipment and available only at select dealers in the USA!

The overpressure valve (a.k.a. OPV) is now adjusted to 9-10 bar. The manufacturer does not recommend adjusting the OPV on their machines as Loctite is used to hold the adjustment screw in place. For those with an older model PL041 (not QE), you can change to the new steam wand. Please remember to order 2 o-rings. Read what others have to say about this grinder as well as post your reviews once you own this great little espresso machine. Link will open new browser window.

QE Model Changes: The new QE model with Multi-directional STEAM WAND arrived at our warehouse on 4/01/11. We're happy to announce that Le'lit has added a multi-directional steam wand. Below are the upgrades in the 2010 model still included in 2011 model.

• First off, and most obvious is the relocation of the steam knob. This is to provide a more natural feel and use for the machine.
• Second, and most important is the dispersion screen found in the group. Le'lit has redesigned this part, using a new screen and jet to ensure OPTIMAL water flow through your espresso puck. This also allows the use of a newly added pod basket (although it is not the best).
• The last change is a sturdier water tank. Unfortunatly, at this time we do not have a water softener that will fit in the tank. Please stay tuned as we are trying to solve this problem.

Features:

• Polished stainless steel body throughout makes this unit a show stopper in your home or office!
• Heavy-duty, chromed brass filter holder with covered two spouts allows one or two cup espresso extractions - 57mm size. Need a quality 57mm tamper?
• The brass boiler, found only in the better machines, delivers a tremendous amount of steam power for frothing/steaming milk and unlike the aluminum/stainless steel boilers found in Gaggia machines, the brass boiler does have greater temperature stability for extracting a superior espresso.
• More importantly, the brass boiler is set directly over the grouphead - unlike the Rancilio Silvia which has the boiler offset from the grouphead.
• Removable, large 2 liter (68 oz.) water reservoir with easy-view water level windows on the side of the machine.
• Pump pressure rating at 15 bar - only 9 bar is need to extract espresso.
• The 3-way solenoid valve allows the operator to remove the coffee filter handle immediately after turning off the coffee switch.
• 3 thermostat heating system - one coffee thermostat, one steam thermostat, and one safety thermostat all easily accessible from the top of the machine (once the cover is removed).
• Dedicated hot water switch allows hot water dispensing through open steam wand for hot chocolate, tea, and instant soup. The steam knob does need to be turned to open the steam valve.
• Traditional steam wand with one hole steam tip.
• Holding guide on steam wand prevents finger burning when moving steam wand.
• Large cup warmer fits up to 6 espresso/demitasse cups.
• Covered dual spout portafilter diminishes water splashing when filter baskets in portafilter do not have coffee.
• Easy-pull, large ABS plastic drip tray with metal drip tray grate.
• Accessories: Instructional manual, 1-cup filter, deep 2-cup filter, and measuring spoon.
• Pod basket will ONLY work on PL041QE with the new style dispersion screen.

Specifications:

• Measurements: 13.5" H x 8.5" W x 10.5" D (34 cm H x 21 cm W x 27cm D).
• Weight: 17 pounds (7.5 kilograms).
• Max cup height: 4.75" (just over 4.75" but under 4.8").
• Total power: 1050 watts, 110 volts only, 60Hz.
• Wattage of heating element: 1000 watts, 110 volts.
• Boiler capacity: 7.43 ounces (0.22 liters).
• Portafilter size: 57mm. 57mm dynamometric tamper also available.
• Water reservoir capacity: 64 oz (~2 liters).
• Pump pressure: 15 bar.
• Warranty in USA: 1 year parts & labor limited to manufacturer's defect provided by 1st-line Equipment, LLC; no additional paperwork to fill out.
• Made in Italy by Le 'Lit.

Other:

1. Review: The Philadelphia Inquirer stated "The Le 'Lit PL041 is a slimmer 18 pounds and less expensive than the Silvia, but its espresso was nearly as impressive - probably the best value choice for a quality machine. It heated up quicker, and also gives the user the option of a frothing aid."
2. Warm up: Quickest warm up time for a brass boiler at 5 minutes due to the high wattage of the heating element - we found this to be very convenient for morning warm ups, especially when in a rush!
3. Grinder: A good coffee bean grinder is strongly recommended to produce a better cup: Le'Lit PL53.
4. Cleaning: The best thing is to run Ascaso Descaler like normal through the head as well as through the steam wand. This should be performed once a month. This is the minimum requirement for cleaning the internals of the machine.
5. Refilling boiler: This is a single boiler machine. Machines in this class do not fill the internal boiler from the reservoir automatically. Since the water level drops in the boiler during steaming, you need to replenish this to avoid damage to the heating element. The only way to do this is to run water through the steam wand with the hot water switch. This does not apply when extracting espresso.
6. Parts: for this model only: Le'lit Pl041 parts.
7. Accessories: Other items that customers have inquired to buy with this machine: tamper, backflush insert, and Ascaso Detergent. If you back flush (recommended) using these products once a week, you do not need to remove the dispersion screen.
8. Bottomless: For those that want a bottomless portafilter, you're in luck- we've had our own production run of bottomless made for the PL041. Click here. Please note, spring clip and handle are not included.
9. Other Le'lit models? You may have noticed that 1st-line carries a Le'lit machine that no one else does. In fact, on Le'lit's homepage, they refer to the PL041QE as a "reserved model". This is because we have worked directly with Le'lit to build and design the PL041QE to our specifications. For this reason, it is exclusive to us, much like the PL53. One of the main things the PL041QE features that the other Le'lit machines do not is the high-quality rocker switches, similar to the Silvia's. These switches are prefered by customers because of their long life span and satisfying tatical feel. There are other modifications exclusive to us, such as the 3 dimesnsional steam wand on the PID model, which are explained on the respective machine pages.
10. Resin water softener note: Please note, item 4009010 - Rechargeable In-tank Water Softener does not fit into the water tank without modification. The "neck" or "lip" on the water tank must be shaved off. This is a simple modification and will allow the water softener to fit into the tank. DO NOT jam the water softener into the "neck" of the tank. It may fit in, but during removal for recharging, it will open, spilling the resin pellets into your water tank.
11. Pump pressure check: Part V512 will NOT work on the Le'lit at this time. Do not attempt to use this on the PL041. It will make a big hot mess.
12. Steam valve repair.
13. Thermostat Reset.
14. Solenoid replacement instructions.
15. Retrofitting new dispersion screen onto older boilers.
16. Frothing aid: Instructional manual cover shows a frothing aid on the steam wand. THIS FROTHING AID IS NOT INCLUDED.
17. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
    1. Q: Several people noted that the portafilter-brew head area leaks water and the portafilter must be locked in past the 6 o'clock position. Some still experience leaks and believe the brew head gasket tends to leak and/or wears out quickly. Would all of these events be covered during the warranty period? If so, would a replacement gasket simply be sent to me or would it require servicing?
       A: This most likely occurs from too fine a grind or not locking the portafilter as tight as possible. It is not just locking it to 6 o'clock as this point usually is not always the true locking point many people believe. Gasket replacements are usually not covered under warranty in our industry as these are considered maintenance items. In areas where the gasket is defective upon the first five days of use and every possibility that user error is exhausted (ie too find a grind, not locking handle over enough, too much coffee in the basket, etc), then we would mail out a new gasket.
    2. Q: Some people commented that the water tank is too small and also transfers a plastic odor/taste to the water but that the machine appears to be able to accept a larger tank. Can I purchase a larger/different water tank from 1st-line if I find a plastic odor/taste in the water from the stock water tank?
       A: Please note this is the first we heard of this complaint, and we do not recall seeing this on any reviews on our web site. Typically, after water reservoir half empties, the temeprature will start to climb. A larger water reservoir will not fit the space allowed for the current reservoir.
    3. Q: Are the parts contained in the 2010 PL041 identical or comparable to the commercial-quality parts contained in the Rancilio Miss Silvia?
       A: They can not be identical as Rancilio has their own grouphead which is a different size (smaller filter handle on lelit at 57mm). please realize at the current price (as of April, 2010), the lelit is more than 1/3rd less in price when compared to the Silvia. No manufacturer can make a machine as a Silvia with this type of lowered price. The Lelit does have the same pump, a slightly smaller brass boiler, a stainless steel body in a more compact space - all these features making veyr attractive to many buyers. The smaller boiler is not offset from the grouphead, but directly over it - hence, more desired by many espresso enthusiasts.
    4. Q: Would this be your recommendation for a beginner that drinks mostly cold espresso/milk drinks but with a husband that likes hot lattes?
       A: Yes, but it also depends upon the SIZE of those lattes.
    5. Q: I noticed on your FAQs for this machine a customer had trouble steaming with the tip and you mentioned an upgraded 3 hole tip (which is out of stock). Would you recommend a beginner purchase this (in brass, I guess)?
       A: You can, but you can always try the current tip as it may work for you.
    6. Q: I plan on purchasing a grinder in the next few months but will start with pods.
       A: The most utilization will be from freshly ground coffee. Results with pods are not spectacular.
    7. Q: Will this machine accept pods as sold?
       A: Yes, but this machine is mostly designed for ground coffee. Pods will not come out as good as a pod only machine.
    8. Q: Would you recommend the PL53 grinder as a good choice to go along with this machine?
       A: Absolutely.
    9. Q: What additional items do I need to purchase to be up and running?
       A: Better tamper, knockbox, cleaning supplies, steaming pitcher, good coffee, etc. just take a look at our accessory list on our home page. Although we do enjoy the extra business, we never really want you to order more than what you need. Although there may be a shipping charge, some customers wait to purchase extra items until later as they usually need something anyway.
    10. Q: Back in April I bought the new LeLit PL041QE from you. I also own a LeLit PL041 that I bought a year ago from you. i(n addition, I have a Silvia at a third location)
        I am totally unable to reproduce the superior extraction in the QE machine that I regularly get from the older 401. (And I can get equally acceptable high quality extraction from both the old 401 and the Silvia.) I use the same water, the same  beans, and have interchanged  the grinders, so that they are also identical. One indicator is that it  takes a long time for the first drops of coffee to come  through in the QE and then it  just comes through a drop at a time, never a stream, eventually filling my 1.5 oz shot glass in well over a minute the old 401 always comes in a foamy stream and fills my shot glass in 15-20 seconds and the richness and vibrancy is outstanding.  The extraction in the QE has a dead taste to it- little taste or aroma of the bean it's just a concentrated shot of not very good coffee. I've gone to a lot of time and trouble to try to solve this mystery and I've interchanged the location of the 3 machines to see if that has any effect, but no. I've interchanged all the grinders, but also no effect on the output quality of any of the machines, positive or negative. So what is it about the QE that makes it incapable of producing a coffee that I actually want to drink? Is it the lower bar pressureyour blurb on it seems to indicate that the bar pressure may have been lowered. I am perplexed and disappointedand wish I had bought two of the older 401s  rather than waiting for the new (I thought: better) machine as the second machine.
        Thanks for your help. Mike M. from MA
        A: Although against our advice, many customers and potential customers desired a 9 bar set over pressure valve. This is due partly to certain commercial web sites marketing this and partly due to some of the forums perplexing this issue. Hence, since the market called for it, we delivered. Again, I do not agree with this philosophy.
        Now, this may or may not be your problem. It is not recommened to change this OPV. Hence, this newer machine will require a slightly coarser grind - based on your reports of the droplets and long extraction. Also, always fill the basket to the rim loosley packed then tamp.
        Next, the shower screen and grouphead were slightly redesigned. So, this can also have an impact.Start with the grind fineness changes mentioned above first. If this does not work, then you will need to play around with the dosage.
        - Jim
    11. Q: I CAN NOT steam with the single hole tip. I've tried everything and fail miserably every time. HELP!
        A: The stock tip is an acorn nut with a single hole. By redirecting the steam, steaming seems to be easier for most users. This is done by reducing the size of the holes and their orientation. We're offering an upgraded steam tip that does just this. The overall outlet size is reduced and distributed across 3 holes, rather than one. This *should* make steaming easier, more controllable and produce a better "roll". For anyone curious, it is the tip from the Elektra microcasa a leva.
        01400021 - (if out of stock, please check next link)
        01400019 - (this is for the gold version of the same tip)
        WARNING! These 2 steam tips do not fit the current PL041 models that we sell (QE/TQE with a multi-directional steam wand). It only fits the older PL041 models (with a horizontal swivel steam wand).
    12. Q: The espresso maker has been unable to perform to the standards I would like due to the machines inability to maintain proper water temperatures during the entire pull of a single or double shot of espresso. The reservoir that contains the heated water is not large enough to hold the amount of water necessary to pull a full shot and as a result it floods the chamber with cool water during the pull which results in premature blonding during every pull. I have attempted to solve this by allowing more time for the machine to fully heat as well as altering the fineness of the grounds and the tamping pressure.
        A: Unfortunatly, we must disagree. The only way to know the blonding is from the temperature is to use a SCACE (or similar) device to measure the temperature. If you do not, your analysis is incorrect and you are making great assumptions. The problem is the preparation methods.
        1. First, pull a 5 ounce double shot and you will see what blonding really is. If you are updosing like recommended, there should be no blonding within 2oz. Once you pull 5 ounces, you'll realize that it was not in fact blonding, but had much more time to go before it actually did.
        2. Second, make sure the portafilter metal is so hot that you can not touch it. It should not be off the machine unless you filling with coffee grinds.
        3. Third, which grinder are you using? You make no mention of this and this could be part of your problem.
        4. Fourth, you should try a very fine grind where only a light tamp is needed.
        5. Finally, blonding does not mean anything when taste is paramount. You make no mention of how the espresso tastes.
           
           We have extensively tested the PL041 and with a proper grind and tamp, the machine will pull an exceptional shot. This however does take time to dial in. We've experienced the best results with an almost turkish grind, and a tamp using only the weight of the tamper to polish the puck.
           
           Without using a grinder than can be dialed between turkish and espresso, it may be impossible to dial the PL041 in.
           We strongly advise against pre-ground, or having a roaster grind for you. The odds of getting the grind right this way are very low.
           
           Here are three photos of a shot using that metodology.
           

           Initial pour, appears 6 seconds after pump activation. Dark, showing stripes.

           After 26 seconds, 2.0oz are poured. Shot looks slightly blonder than start.

           After nearly 1 minute, 5+ ounces are poured and the shot is NOW actually blonding.

    13. Q: Having fun with my new Lelit PL041QE and PL53 grinder. Took me seven pulls (and eventually 14 full-turns coarser than factory grinder setting) to produce drinkable (not bitter), 15 g., 25-second, espresso doubles from god-knows-how-old, open-bin beans from Safeway. A 20-pound tamp was way too much for any of the grind settings/doses I tried---I went lighter and lighter on the tamp, until I ended up (per Jim's advice on 1st-line.com) just evening the surface by rotating the tamper, letting its weight do the compression, and then a quick polish to finish. Microfoam took me about the same number of tries to produce.
        
        I got some vacuum-bagged Peet's Italian Roast, ran the same procedure as above, same grinder setting. Worked just fine/much better flavor.
        
        Granted, I have been using a Krups steam pot at home for a decade, so almost any result would be an improvement, but that also means I had zero (or negative) barista skills going in---just the helpful info on coffeegeek, homebarista, and the 1st-line sites, which I devoured (and hardcopied) before the gear arrived.
        
        So, either this isn't rocket science, or I'm so much of a noob I can't tell how badly I'm screwing up. If it looks like good espresso and it tastes like good espresso, jeeez, could it really be bad espresso?
        Mark
        A: Glad to hear it's working good. The advice online is actually my writing-the no-weight tamp and fine grind have always treated me well. When it comes to good or bad espresso, there is one thing that matters- taste.
        
        If it taste good, you've gotten the hard part done. You can fine tune your pour and things like that, but like the old saying goes...
        If it ain't broken, don't fix it. I'd head over here: Home Barista - Pulling Shots With Le'lit PL041 and post up your results. Some other users might have some advice.
        
        Follow Up Reply: John, great advice about the fine grind and weightless tamp--credit where credit is due. Honestly, when posters on coffeegeek talk about 20-pound tamps, I think they must be having a laugh--either that or they're grinding at 50 times coarser than factory setting.
        
        My only "issue" is getting the top of the puck perfectly flat every time. If I'm not careful, it cants a little to one side (always dips left), and then the flow out of the twin spouts is uneven. It's a fine-tuning issue, and I haven't tried the yogurt container business, or overdosing and leveling with a chopstick. Rather learn how get it right without that kind of assistance, if possible.
        
        I will register and post on the homebarista site, and after I've played around more with different brands of beans, I'll do a review for coffeegeek as well. Thanks.