Lelit Mara X PL62X Black Espresso Machine

They are two hidden switches. Xmode sets the priority: in Xmode Steam, the factory setting, the heating element also works during the shot and you get more steam, but the coffee temperature is less stable; in Xmode Coffee the heating element switches off during the shot, which avoids the overheating typical of heat exchangers and keeps the temperature more stable, ideal for light roasts. To see which one you are in, switch off and on again: if the switch LED flashes, you are in Xmode Coffee.

The three-position temperature switch behind the drip tray selects 0 Warm (90 °C, factory setting) for dark roasts, I Hot (92 °C) for medium roasts and II Extra hot (94 °C) for light roasts. With the two NTC probes, the coffee and steam temperatures stay fairly independent of each other. It is all on pages 13-14 of Lelit's extended guide.

Up to 24 minutes, whatever the Xmode and temperature. It is ready when both pilot lights and the ON/OFF switch ring are steadily lit; while it heats up it is normal for a little water to go into the drip tray, as it checks that everything works.

The first time, fill the tank and switch on: the circuit fills in up to 4 minutes, then pilot light (4) starts flashing. At that point lift the lever fully, wait for water to come out of the group (within 30 seconds), let it run for about 30 seconds and lower the lever: from there the machine starts heating. The steps are on pages 10-11 of the manual.

Use steam boost: about 30 seconds before using the steam wand or hot water, lift the group lever fully and lower it again. This switches the heating element on and gives you more than 1.2 bar of pressure for 120 seconds to froth milk, even without making coffee; it works in both Xmodes. If you need plenty of steam right after the shot too, keep Xmode Steam, the factory setting.

Before frothing, open the knob with the wand pointing at the drip tray to let the water out, and at the end let steam run for a few seconds to clean the tip. Do not take hot water while making coffee, with the lever lifted. It is all on pages 11 and 14 of Lelit's extended guide.

Yes, that is energy saving mode: after 30 minutes without use, the ON/OFF switch ring flashes and the pilot lights are off. To wake it, lift the group lever fully and lower it again, then wait for all the pilot lights to stay lit before using it.

If you prefer, you can turn it off: switch the machine off, lift the group lever and switch on. After 5 seconds, if the ring flashes (one second on, one off), standby is off; if all the lights flash instead, it is back on. Then switch off and on again to save. The procedure is on page 12 of Lelit's extended guide.

They share the same base: a 1.8 litre stainless steel heat exchanger boiler, the L58E group with mechanical pre-infusion, the dual probe system with thermosyphon circulation, a double gauge for pump and boiler pressure, the Xmode and temperature switches (Warm, Hot, Extra hot), standby and steam boost. What the Mara X3 adds:

• Pagaia: Lelit's patented flow control, which electronically adjusts the pump power during the shot. The Mara X does not have it.
• Faster heat-up: 15 minutes for steam and hot water, against up to 24 on the Mara X.
• Pump: a new silent CEME pump; the Mara X has a silent Olab pump.
• 3-hole steam tip; the Mara X tip has 2 holes.
• Portafilter with a longer wooden handle and a metal core: it gives you more leverage when you lock it into the group.
• 70 litre water softener in the box, instead of 35.
• Details: wooden knobs, lever, Pagaia and high feet, a redesigned gauge, a drip tray that is easier to clean and a discharge nozzle above the tray.

To prevent limescale and get better drinks, use the 35 litre water softener in the box. Before fitting it in the tank, leave it in a jug of water for about 3 minutes so the air comes out and does not upset the machine. Replace it after 14 complete fillings or after 4 months at most: the sliders on the tank handles help you count them. If the machine stays unused for more than a month, replace the filter and change the water before using it.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) guidelines point the same way: clean, odour-free water with a low but not zero mineral content. The instructions are on pages 11 and 14 of the manual.

It depends on how much you use it, but as a rule:

• after every espresso run a little water through the group (flush): it clears coffee residue from the shower screen;
• every day backflush with the blind filter and water only;
• every 1-2 weeks, more often if you use it a lot, backflush with espresso machine detergent.

Do not overdo the detergent: even in small amounts, over time it strips the grease from the gaskets and O-rings and dries them out.

On the Mara X you backflush with the lever: put the blind filter in the portafilter, lock it in, lift the lever for 10 seconds, lower it and wait another 10 seconds; repeat 10 times. When you use detergent, put one sachet in the blind filter, then rinse the portafilter with water from the group and run 5 more 10-second cycles without detergent. After backflushing the lever may make an odd noise: the cleaning removes lubricant and coffee oils, and after 10-20 coffees the noise goes away. The procedure is on page 5 of the manual.

Not this version: the Mara X PL62X is rated 220-240 V and 50 Hz, so it is for 220-240 V, 50 Hz mains. For 60 Hz mains Lelit makes versions with different model codes.

Before ordering, check the voltage and frequency at home: if your mains is 60 Hz, even at 220 V, the PL62X is not the right one. Choose the version that matches your mains from those on sale on this page; if the one you need is not there, write to us.