NEW PROFESSIONAL-STYLE DISPERSION SCREEN!

Le'Lit PL041 Espresso Machine
Item# PL041QE
Regular Price: $549.99 US Dollars
Sale Price: $399.95 US Dollars

Internal View
(click to enlarge)

Looking to connect with other owners and discuss this machine?

Link opens a new page that directs to BaristaDude.com

Le'Lit PL041QE Espresso Machine - 2010 Model

QE Model Changes:

The new QE model arrived at our warehouse on 4/25/10. We're happy to announce that Le'lit has made significant changes to their machine.

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, is the steam wand, now standard is the non-frothing aid wand, which was introduced on the 2010 model earlier this year.

Third, 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.

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.

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, you can change to the new steam wand. Please remember to order 2 o-rings.

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 polished matching tamper to boot!
• 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.
• Built-in tamper to left of grouphead allows quick tamping. We do recommend a hand tamper 57mm.
• 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 (34cm H x 21cm 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 at 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.

Notes:

1. 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. 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. A good coffee bean grinder is strongly recommended to produce a better cup: Le'Lit PL53
4. Cleaning: The best thing is to run CleanCaf 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. 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: http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=805000
7. Other items that customers have inquired to buy with this machine: Tamper, Backflush Insert, and Urnex Cafiza. If you back flush (recommended) using these products once a week, you do not need to remove the dispersion screen.
8. For those that want a bottomless portafilter, you will need to purchase a handle, metal body, and basket. you will need to have a third-party cut-off the bottom of the portafilter body to create your bottomless portafilter. More info on bottomless portafilters can be read here (this will open a new window to another web site)!
9. Just to prevent any possible rumors, we are NOT clearing out any PL041 inventory for the PL051 model made by Le'Lit. We will continue to carry the PL041 after the sale. We will not be carrying the PL051 machine as we do not like the switches placed on this machine, plus the fact that there is no three-way solenoid valve (good to have as this allows the user to immediately remove the portafilter right after turning off the coffee switch). This also applies for the PL041 EM.
10. Steam wand - a new steam wand (without the frothing aid attachment) will be available as an option in 1st quarter 2010.
11. 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.
12. Steam Valve Repair Instructions: please follow this link.
13. Black Box Replacement Instructions: please follow this link.
14. Manual cover shows a frothing aid on the steam wand. THIS IS NOT INCLUDED.
    
15. Photographs of the NEW STEAM WAND:
    
16. Questions from a potential buyer:
    
    Q1. 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?
    
    A1. 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.
    
    Q2. 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?
    
    A2. 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 wwater reservoir half empties, the temeprature will start to climb. A larger water reservoir will not fit the space allowed for the current reservoir.
    
    Q3. Are the parts contained in the 2010 PL041 identical or comparable to the commercial-quality parts contained in the Rancilio Miss Silvia?
    
    A3. They can not be identical as Rancilio has their own grouphead which is a different size (smaller filter handle on lelit at 57mm). please realzie 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.
17. Comments from a repeat buyer:
    
    

    Back in April I bought the new LeLit 401 QE from you. I also own a LeLit 401 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 pressure—your blurb on it seems to indicate that the bar pressure may have been lowered. I am perplexed and disappointed—and 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

    
    
    Our response:
    
    Mike,
    
    Thanks for the email.  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
    
    
    FAQ
    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.
    
    http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=01400021&type=store