LELIT Grace PL81T PID Espresso Machine: First Look REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- In this video, I give my first impressions on the Lelit Grace PL81T home espresso machine, with PID. This feature-packed machine boasts a modern new redesign by the company Lelit, a fancy white on black PID control with tactile buttons, a backlit manometer, a 57mm brew group, 250ml boiler, and 1050 watt heating element. Let us start getting acquainted with the Grace.
Lelit Glenda: • Lelit Glenda PL41PLUST...
-- Products used/recommended in this video --
(these are affiliate links that help fund videos like this, at no extra cost to you)
► Lelit PL81T Grace PID Espresso Machine:
🇩🇪 amzn.to/3KrFTYZ
🇪🇺 geni.us/LelitGrace
►Lelit 57mm Bottomless OEM PF: geni.us/LelitBottomless57mm
►Lelit 57.35mm Tamper: geni.us/57_35mmTamper
►Lelit IMS 57mm Basket: geni.us/IMS_57mm_Basket
► Grinder Kit: kit.co/tomscoffeecorner/grind...
► Camera Kit: kit.co/tomscoffeecorner/studi...
Machine source: private purchase, Amazon Warehouse Deals
Chapters:
0:00 Subscribe for more
0:30 Machine Design
4:10 Accessories
7:13 Espresso Demo
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*DISCLOSURE: The above Kit.co and Amazon links lead to Amazon, and since I am an affiliate, help fund videos like this one, at no extra cost to you.
#TomsCoffeeCorner #Espresso #Lelit 
Хобби
What are your thoughts on this machine? How do you like the design and handling? Do you like the improvements that Lelit made with this machine?
Portafilter is hard to insert for me even reseller replaced the gasket. Had to apply food safe grease...which was a bit disappointing else superb machine.
Tom - graduating from a Moka to an expresso machine...so much to learn, and you have made it comprehensive. The Lelit Grace is on top five to choose from. Thanks ever much.
Thanks for watching, and have fun choosing!
Finally, Tom the Cat gotten hands on something really interesting, thanks a lot
also i must only one that loves plastic tamper and handle, it makes cleaning up so much faster. cheat sheet, you can put a wetted aeropress filter on this tamper and tamp down. boom you have a top filter for better disperson across the puck and cleaner brew head afterwareds.
I like the timer on the machine that's neat.
Yes, I like the shot timer a lot, too! No more timing with my scale.
Hi Tom. Big fan of your videos. Would love to hear your thoughts on the Gaggiuino mod for the GCP in a new video. It seems like it might be the most cost effective way to get PID and variable pressure control. There are a few build videos out there but I think your video style would result in a much more interesting and helpful perspective than what is currently available.
Thanks so much, Nate! I have had a few people ask me about this one. It looks very intriguing, and I love the HMI design. However, it seems to be very time intensive. Videotaping that process would not be possible right now, although it does interest me.
I'd like to see more about this machine! Something about the steam wand and the temperature control!
I plan to do a deeper dive review on this machine forthcoming, after I have played with it for a while. One thing is already certain: get an IMS basket! It makes such a difference to the OEM one.
Nice machine the only draw backs are the tank,size of the porta filter and the price.
I Upgraded from a dedica to the grace 4 months ago. I absolutely love it. Some points I would like to mention:
1) I think the water tank design isn’t too bad if you get how to do it correctly. The water sensor really helps to avoid issues.
2) I am really not too bothered by the 57 mm portafilter. Sure it will take some time until you find the tools you need, but I guarantee you, it is possible. Once you have all tools, I don’t see a clear advantage vs. 58 mm.
3) the second single shot basked is for ESE-Pads!:)
With all that, I am looking forward to you further in depth reviews and maybe temperature measurements.
Regarding pressure I think it’s actually okay. Mine came with 8.5 bars which I think is totally fine. But if you’re doing an opv mod, I am curious!!:)
Hi Clemens! For sure it is a beautiful machine, and since using a bottomless PF and IMS basket, I have gotten some great results. Have you upgraded to the IMS basket? It's awesome. The water tank while annoying, isn't a deal breaker. I will likely look for a funnel, to help me not spill the water, when I am tired in the mornings. How do you fill the water?
Oh, and I am surprised you are only at 8.5 bar. I found a blog about how to adjust the OPV, and I will have to remove the back, bottom and inner panels to get at the OPV. That is probably worth a video.
The only issue left with this machine, is that the steam shuts off so slowly. That has been kind of ruining the microfoam a bit for me. Do you have that issue? Cheers! Tom
@@TomsCoffeeCorner i couldn't find a 57mm 18g IMS basket, all i see is the 14-16g IMS basket B642TH22N
This should be better than the Dedica. So I'm saving to get the LELIT Anna PL41TEM which should be the cheaper alternative of Grace. Hopefully there are going to be some good deals on black friday.
Hi Tom, nice video as always!
Does it have an solennoid valve? And so,.does it pump water in the driptray or back to water tank?
Hi Ernst! Yes this has a 3 way solenoid. The OPV puts the excess water back into the tank, while the 3 way solenoid atop the brew group puts the water into the drip tray.
Thumb up ! One of the water lines has a plastic tip, do you know what is it for ? Does Lelit offer any filter to put into container ?
I think you can add a filter to one end...but I always use Brita filtered water, which helps. Cheers!
Congratulations on your new machine! I love my Lelit Anita. I went through the process of acquiring all the gadgets and upgrades. The discussion some people raise on the 57 vs 58mm is a non issue in my opinion, you only buy the gadgets once. Let me know if you're looking for some specific ones and I will try and help.
There's also a debate on Ascaso vs IMS baskets. Some people say the Ascaso is better, but the standard Lelit 57.35mm tamper won't fit, so you need a 57mm one
Well, I am quite the IMS fan, and I found a deal on a like new bottomless OEM portafilter and IMS basket for the Lelit, so I am a happy camper. I will be added an in depth review with those accessories soon enough. I just wonder if there is a better steaming tip. I also have a steaming issue, in that the steam valve takes a long time to completely close. Do you have this issue? I show it here: ruclips.net/video/BNBrrKFqcN0/видео.html
@@TomsCoffeeCorner yup, that’s how the steaming works in Lelit. No upgrade tip that I've heard of, you'll just have to practice. Have a look at Lelit Insider channel
Thanks Tom for the info. This is an interesting fully featured machine that is good value for money. With the price of the Lelit Grace (less than 560€ in Germany), one wonders whether it is worth switching from the Gaggia classic pro (less than 400€) or Rancilio Silvia (~600€) to the Grace....
I would say it's better than both of those for the manometer and PID, and in my opinion better looks. But, it's not without its quirks. But yes, if I had to choose between the 3, I'd take the Grace for the extra money.
if longterm owning is planned take a look at "profitec go" model machine
Great as allways! What is Your main coffe machine? 😊
Right now, the Grace. But also the ECP 3420, sometimes GCP. I am always experimenting with different machines though.
Thank you for the first look, could we pour warm water into it to speed up the heating?
It already heats up very quickly. Even the brew group is hot within a few minutes, so I would not suggest doing that. However, some people have tried a similar experiment with a Dedica, and have not noticed any different results.
Looks actually awesome. I hate hate hate the water reservoir and cannot understand how it's so crappy lol. The 57mm thing is also super weird and for reasons I wish I knew. Are you going to do some temperature testing with it for another video?
I am going to do a deeper dive on this, soon. Unfortunately, I broke my temp probe on the Duo Temp Pro review - so I have to find another, maybe better, way to read the temperature. Barista Gadgets makes a temp probe with display...maybe I will get one of those.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Oh no! Stuff breaking is always a bummer lol. You're pumping out content consistently though :)
You can change the PID settings to make the temperature more constant, you have some tips from the chanel @lelitinsider @@TomsCoffeeCorner
Hi! Another question from me. Do you have a link for this IMS basket in Europe? I am in Sweden and I can't find a store selling it right now.
Thank you!
Sure thing, IMS only makes one diameter in 57mm: amzn.to/3BvZZvZ
It says Ascaso, but I have heard it fits Lelit, too.
Hey Tom! I'd like to see if you do this compared to profitec go, as I know you are in Germany so maybe it would be a plan in the near future :)
I would like to do that. Let's see if I can get my hands on one. Cheers!
How is the build quality compared to the PL41 line, like Anna? I have never seen them in person since they are not easy to find here. But it looks much better in build quality, though the water tank is still a bad design.
Also, do you know how Lelit Grace compares to the Profitec Go? I've been torn between them. There's a price difference, but depending on shops it is not very large.
Thank and great work with your videos!
Hello, Henrique. Well, Lelit is unique in that their machines are hand assembled in Italy. Therefore, the assembly is maybe not quite as 100% accurate as say, something mass produced. But to answer your question, I like the build quality better than the Anna. It looks WAY more stylish, too. I am quite fond of its aesthetics, and I get some really good espresso, when using an aftermarket IMS basket.
The Profitec will likely have better build quality. They are a german company, and Germans are perfectionists. But, I have not had the opportunity to buy and try one yet. If I find a deal on one however, I will give it a 'Go'!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks! I'll try to check them out at a store here in Stockholm. Would be nice to see them side by side. The thing with the Anna and this machine is that the price diff is quite large. But not sure myself how much I would get if I would buy the Glenda
I can control the flow of the coffee with the steam wand like in the gaggia classic pro??
Um, possibly. I haven't experimented too much with that, to be honest. It's hard to quantify how much pre-infusion one is actually doing...but anyway with the Grace, you can program a pre-infusion pause.
I look forward to making a video when the new dedica 3.0 ec950 comes out
What?! Where did you hear about this model? Do you know which markets it will be sold in?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner
I got a youtube video from yesterday where it appeared, I think it goes on sale at the end of May.
this is the link:
ruclips.net/video/vbOnXReC_5Q/видео.html
Comes with many new features
The 57mm portafilter is a deal breaker
For me it's not. I actually like that the boiler is a little smaller in this one too, compared to the Victoria, since that will be more sluggish. I don't notice a difference in taste between 57mm and 58mm, so the only caveat is really a limitation in accessories. However, I find a sick bottomless portafilter and 57.35mm tamper, directly from Lelit, which I listed in the video description. I am really satisfied with those.
Thanks for the Video! I was wondering if you can tell us a bit more about your experiences with the machine now. Does the machine allow you to get the more acidic notes out of your coffee? Ich frage, weil ich ebenfalls fruchtigen Espresso sehr mag und gerade auf der suche nach der richtigen Maschine bin. Momentan schwanke ich zwischen der lelit anna, gaggia classic und der lelit grace hin und her
Servus Daniel! Ich bin da gar nicht so weit gekommen, weil ich um Urlaub war. Ich habe aber zusätzlich ein bodenlose Siebträger, 57mm IMS Sieb, und 57,35mm Tamper von Lelit gekauft. So ist die Maschine viel geiler. Somit sind die Espressi mit viel mehr Körper ausgestattet. Aber, ich habe noch nicht die Zeit gehabt, verschiedene Bohnen auszuprobieren, und zu wenig mit der Temperatur experimentiert. Ich mache bald noch ein Video, das tiefer ins eingemachte geht. Aber, ich würde diese Maschine über ein Anna oder GCP nehmen. Gruß!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Vielen Dank für die ausführliche Antwort und den Tipp! Ich freue mich schon auf Deine weiteren Beobachtungen! Gruß aus Berlin
cool, ich hab jetzt auch die Grace 81T bestellt, obwohl ich erst die PL41 PLUST kaufen wollte. @@TomsCoffeeCorner
I'd love one but they don't appear to sell it in the U.S.
Hey Larry, that seems to be about right. Clives coffee and a few others sell some Lelits, but I don't see the Grace. However, Lelit was added to the Breville Group recently, so I wouldn't be surprised if they try to market outside their core nucleus of Italy and Germany at some point. I found the Victoria here, which is Grace's bigger sister:
comisocoffee.com/products/lelit-victoria-espresso-machine?variant=39263812419693¤cy=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwrdmhBhBBEiwA4Hx5g4vILEeHgcbUCbDt5U4cxroEPjdVrZp0zFPLrYDsXEzx_WV_gXqRMRoCG44QAvD_BwE
hello, do you think this machine is better or is it delonghi dedica ec685?
This one is of course the nicer build, and you can set the pressure and temperature how you want. So the Grace wins. Cheers!
Nice video. I was waiting for a video of the Lelit Grace for some time. Would you say this is a lot better than a Gaggia Classic pro with a 9 bar spring and a PID mod ? Is it worth buying it for 140 euros more than the Gaggia ?
I would also like to add that it will be my first machine.
Thanks.
I also looking for my first machine and this one is on my list (only the 57mm accessories are the downside). The Gaggia fell out fast because just buying the PID module is $140-200 then you have to mod it and you still don't have a manometer and flow control! Also the grace have a pre-infusion control too in the LCC(the +/- button enters the menu)! The Gaggia only have the "poor mans pre-infusion and flow control" or you have to install the a dimmer mod(but that is one of the cheapest mod to have, but no warranty after that). Also to change the pressure on the lelit you just have to turn a nut on the opv (might be glued, so have to be heated with flame fist) and not change a spring where you only have 9 or 6,5 bar option (so better nuanced control).
@@mcst6969 thanks for the comment. The second hand machines I found is around 300 euros for the Gaggia with pid, 9 bar spring, and other mods and around 445 euros for the Lelit with some mods. Both have accessories but the Lelit has a lot more with it.
They are both recently serviced I and honestly I do not care for a warranty.
I would like to know how big is the difference in the cup.
@@utiuandy99 (looks like my first response got lost, anyway) I don't have neither of the machines, so I can't tell you witch one makes a better cup, but AFAIK *the grinder is more important then coffee machine* after a certain price point, like until the Bianca or the Decent price range,
Also that price for the Lelit is ridiculously low!!! I can only buy it in my small country for for the cheapest(as new, not a single used one currently in my country)! And I only did not bought it because the 57mm accessories and not for the price! For ?! i would got a heat attack when I saw it, I would bought it so fast!
(The price of the Gaggia ia not bad either, but nor outstanding)
@@mcst6969 thank your for your thoughts. I am well aware that the grinder will impact the cup more and that’s why I’m asking about the performance of the machines. I currently have a timemore c3 and will either get a Kinu M47 simplicity or an electric grinder like the the Eureka Mignon specialista or the Varia VS3 with the hypernova titanium burr.
I usually make around 1-3 coffees a day with the aero press so an electrical grinder is not a necessity to me.
@@utiuandy99 😆the funny part is also was looking for an eureka Mignon(manuale), but then I saw the *timemore 064s* on kickstarter (still on early bird) and "bought it". I have to wait (till like July), but the price was so good, I think is worth it. If you don't need the grinder right now, there is still 30 days left to back it, what is 120 usd discount (the prices are in Singapore dollar, but when you go to "check out" you will see usd).
_there are some early reviews on YT of the timemore and it's awesome, I didn't heard about them before, but it's seems you already did_ :)
about milk frothing, which one is stroger? grace or glenda?
I'd say they are very similar. The Grace might be a little faster to get to steam temp, due to a smaller boiler. The steam pressure itself is a little slow on both machines, taking about 60 seconds for 175ml, while my Dedica takes 45 seconds.
Hello ! Would you consider this machine + eureka grinder / gaggia clasic pro+same grinder or the sage barista express 875 ? why/why not if you have time to reply :D Not taking in consideration accesories :)
I would prefer this Grace and Eureka as the best option of those. The Grace has a PID, while the GCP doesn't. I also find the Grace looks the best. And with separate components, you will get a much better grinder in the Eureka, as the one in the Barista Express. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Can't get enough of how fast you deliver !!! thx
Only downside is that you cannot change to actual temperature. They have not added latest firmware like pl92
So you just see your set temp and have to guess when it is time to go
It has 1.14c for the firmware. Does anyone know if and how it can be updated? I also wish I could see the current temp, rather than the setpoint.
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Given the path the water has to take and the fact it will not have a sensor on the portafilter, I doubt that it is possible to know the actual temperature hitting the puck. You would probably have to preheat for a set time and use something like a scace to know, and then make the same way.
is the Victoria the new version of the Grace?
They were released at the same time I think. The Victoria is just 58mm, and 300ml boiler, while the Grace is 57mm and 250ml.
thanks for the fast reply and the informative videos. Much appreciated! @@TomsCoffeeCorner
u forgot to demo the froth function,n make a latte....but,machine looks simple n practical!
Yes, you are right. I still need to practice a bit more, before I demo the steam frothing. I have turned up the steam temp to 140 degrees C, which helps to get up to temp more quickly. I can froth pretty well, but not awesome yet. Of course I will include milk steaming when I get to a full review. Cheers!
Do you have an idea where I can buy this machine in Germany? It's sold out in every shop I could find 😔
I have an Amazon link in the video description, if you don't mind shopping online. Cheers!
It's currently unavailable on Amazon. They just sell the Victoria for 200 bucks more. I think it's sold out everywhere
Is this machine available in the US?
I have not found it myself, but I know some Lelit machines are available in the US. Does anyone in the US or Canada have a Grace?
@@TomsCoffeeCorner From my searches, not the Grace. Other Lelit machines yes.
What’s the difference between this and Victoria
Victoria is 58mm, and 300ml vs 250ml boiler.
Seems to be a good quality however will it last? I'm 74 years old and want a good machine that will last for a while it should be my last espresso machine . Of course, one can spend thousands of US dollars. But it should be a balance of investment and diminishing returns. Would appreciate your honest answer as I'm sure you had some experience in that regard.
Hi Roland! Well I have only had this for a short time, but the components look good. If you need to replace something, there's enough room to work, and getting access to the interior is pretty easy.
But that's a good question about choosing the last espresso machine. I am not sure myself which one I'd take. There are a lot of good options. For now, I am quite liking the Grace, especially the shot counter and integrated PID. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks very much looking as well at the Berazzera 10 and Lelit Maria x but frankly they have one shortcoming takes about 25 minutes to warm up I know you could use a timer however as electricity gets more expensive they do need more power, therefore, the Grace looks good to me. Thanks very much for your response.Greetings from Bali
AFTER THINKING FOR A WHILE IM LEANING TOWARDS THE Elisabeth more features better heating control and Two boilers
No way. I will stay with my Sage Barista Pro. Nothing better for my needs.
Should be sleeping... I see you reviewing another reasonable household unit though... here for it 😂😅
Haha, thanks so much! I appreciate your view and comment. Tom
An deiner Aussprache merkt man gar nicht, dass du Deutscher bist. Respekt!
Schwanke grad zwischen der Grace und der Glenda… Einerseits ist das LCC an der Grace ziemlich cool, auf lange Sicht gesehen aber vielleicht die 58mm der Glenda besser…
Du hast ja beide getestet: Welche würdest du nehmen?
Servus! Bin eigentlich kein Deutscher. Die Glenda ist schon sehr alt...die Grace ist viel schöner. Wenn du 58mm willst, kannst du auch die Victoria nehmen, die 58mm hat. Grüß!
Please Graef Marchessa, please!!!
Oh, I don't know...Graef is not really known for espresso machines. We had one at work, and that thing was fugly. The Marchessa looks ok, but that old Graef machine at work left a lasting impression....maybe someday if I get one to test for cheap. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner gracias por tomar tu tiempo y responder. Mi primera opción era la Gaggia classic evo, pero estaba cerca de los 500€. Está Graef parece una china en la que Graef hace re-brand , pero ante el papel ofrece control de temperatura de agua, 58mm y manómetro.... Y se queda en 400€.
@@ghdr2684 Those are good points that you make. Even so, I still think it makes sense to buy from a more established manufacturer, because they will be much more information on the model, including modifications, accessories, and so on. Maybe I’ll try the Graef at some point. Cheers! Tom
becareful of thinner steel sheets in lelit, it cuts my fingers while cleaning
You had one job: Tell people what the end result tastes like. And you did not do that. "I am looking forward to using this machine"? That is not a review!
Hi there! This was a first impression video. I made a more thorough video as a follow up. Anyway, taste is subjective. I find this machine can extract well, and the temp is held constant, as measured by my temp probe. Cheers!
@@TomsCoffeeCorner I watched the other video as well. All you said was "very good" once and that's about it. I watch other espresso machine reviews on RUclips as well - other experts tell more about the taste. Of course, it is subjective, but a review should include your subjective opinion; that's the whole point of a review!
@@waytothewill I'm pretty sure that I mentioned in the 2nd video that after reducing the pressure to 8.5 bar, and using an IMS basket, the mouth feel, or body is much better. As for the flavor, it does a good job extracting, but I have not finished experimenting with all kinds of beans to be honest. Take the review for what it is. Cheers!