The Lelit Combi combines an excellent quality espresso machine with a built in conical burr grinder to give you everything you need to make cafe quality coffee at home.
This version of the Lelit PL042 is the latest version. Improvements over older models include:
- stainless steel switches
- a brew pressure gauge,
- 9BAR over pressure valve (OPV). Older models have a 10.5BAR OPV, and
- increased steam pressure – a *big* improvement over older models
The grinder built into the Lelit Combi is the PL043MM – the micro-metric version of the PL043. This grinder has conical steel burrs to grind coffee to a fine consistency year after year. The micro-metric adjuster allows for very small adjustments to be made to the grind size with a relatively large turn of the adjusting knob. This give the barista very good control of the grind size.
The PL042EMI has a 3 way valve so that the group handle can be immediately removed after brewing. This valve also allows the machine to be backflushed. This feature makes the machine easy to use and easy to clean.
The Lelit PL042EMI has a built in brew pressure gauge which shows whether the brew pressure is optimal. (Too little pressure indicates an under extraction, too much pressure indicates an over extraction). The gauge will also indicate when maximum pressure is reached while backflushing – so that you know when to turn the pump off.
There has been a noticeable improvement in steam strength on this model over older versions of the PL42. This makes all the difference when trying to achieve silky, creamy milk for cafe quality flat whites, lattes and cappuccinos.
For the first time on a Lelit model, the PL042EMI has a true 9BAR OPV fitted. This ensures the brew is at the optimal pressure so that bitter coffee does not result as a consequence of high brew pressure. This pressure will be able to be read off the brew pressure gauge when extracting a shot. (Older models have a higher pressure OPV)
This machine is fantastic value when you consider it:
- is made in Italy,
- is constructed from quality materials, and
- has a built in grinder
- makes fantastic coffee – have a look at the video below!
- comes with a blind filter
- Specifications
- Made: Italy
- Brand: Lelit
- Model: PL042EMI
- Ideal tamper size: 57.5 mm
- Materials: Stainless steel body
- Boiler: 250ml brass
- Ball jointed steam wand
- 9BAR OPV
- Improved steam pressure over older models
- Tank capacity: 3.5 litres
- Power: 1250W
- Filter basket: 57.9mm
- Size: 32cm wide x 27cm deep x 37cm high
- Weight 12.2 kg
Included accessories
- ESE filter, single filter basket, double filter basket, blind filter
- 1 Portafilter
Note. On the latest version of this machine, there is no built in plastic tamper. A quality, stainless steel hand tamper is highly recommended. Also, the ground coffee chute is stainless steel rather than plastic.