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Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

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  • Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

    I don’t have the combi as per other similar thread, but bought the Lelit pl041e from site sponsor Jet Black Espresso which is basically same machine without built in grinder or pressure gauge.  After 4 weeks, my impressions are:
    *Shot quality for the 2010 model about on par with Silvia.  (Use my bros as comparison)
    *Steaming is actually about 5 seconds faster than Silvia for around 250mls (takes approx 35 to 40 seconds), and in my opinion, is more consistent in pressure level during steaming process.
    *The steam wand could be improved, however that doesnt stop user developing a very repeatable approach to creating latte art quality micro foam as described below.  In a perfect world it would be more angled and maybe be about 1 cm longer.  Note that I’ve bent my steam wand as per notes below.
    *Heat up time of machine is great!
    *Cant comment on temp changes during espresso pour, but think its not a major issue.  Personally I dont think a PID is necessary for this machine (probably hard to find stock standard for lelit anyway).  I sure some people on site may disagree.
    * You can get a  a handle cut down if I want a naked portafilter.  Jet Black said they’d cut down a standard Lelit porterfilter for around $90 inclusive of labor and parts.  That was informal request, so speak to them first as price may be different – I haven’t ordered one as yet.  Alternatively, 1st line in states offer a naked portafilter for about $60, but does not post to Aus.
    b), its a bit of a pain to fill water holder compared to some other machines (however Im using a funnel, so not really a pain any more).  These issues are so small that I feel that this machine is, overall, the best that
    Overall, I think it’s a killer machine and best in price range.  Obviously cant comment on reliability for a number of years, but seems ok based on threads read.

    Now some more detail on steaming using the Lelit.  I’ve noticed that a few people commenting on having problems with steaming milk with Lelits which I think in many cases (like my own), may be due to user stepping up to a machine with more steam power.  For steaming, I initially blew a foamy mess for the first two jugs.  This was my same experience with my bros Silvia.  Now my old machine (Breville 800) had a wand that could be angled which I liked, and so does the Silvia, but if you consider that allot of commercial machines dont have much play with angles etc, then technique comes down to it.  In fact, if you search allot of forums, youll probably come across an a common thread that is experienced users find slower powered thermoblock machines  (like my old machine), far easier and more forgiving than mid (such as Silvia/pl041 etc), or high level machines due to the sheer jump in steaming power and speed.  You dont have the time to adjust if its taking 35 seconds to steam, compared to 1 minute thirty.   It’s not crazy hard to dial technique to get very consistent micro foam with the lelit wand once you have seen a good technique.  After the first couple of poor attempts, had a chat to my bro on technique for more powerful machines (he had the same initial problems with the Silvia due to jump in power more than angle, or tip type etc).  I also came across this AWESOME thread on snobs site that helped me develop a repeatable bomb proof technique for micro foam with the lelit:  http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1220959662

    My slightly modified version of the technique described in other thread enables me to consistently produce latte art quality pretty much every time I use machine.   Bearing in mind, Ive been able to get quality latte art on other machines and pouring is as important, so if youve never done either micro foam, or taken it to the next step by having consistent latte art, then I suggest you may still have a number of days to get micro foam and literally months to get repeatable art (its bloody hard, but you may be a natural - I wasnt when I started out).  Ok, so my amendment to the technique described in thread link above, and demonstrated in links video, is based on two things:
    a) it takes me roughly 35 to 45 seconds to go from 17 to 65 degrees Celsius (I think thats 65 to 145 Fahrenheit??), on the lelit compared to the super quick blast of around 8 to 15 seconds for high end machines.  I start with steam wand about 1cm left of centre jug with tip about 1mm below surface of milk, tilting the jug very slightly.  However, instead of moving the steam wand to side of jug after one second, like technique described for more powerful pro machines, I keep the wand in middle of jug until temperature gets to around 40 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit), raising the tip ever so slightly to stay on top of milk as the volume increases.  This may take around 7 to 15 seconds, not sure exactly as I have only timed the overall steaming process, hence the guess.  Once temp gets to 40 Celsius/105 far, I  then plunge wand tip about 1 cm under milk, move to about an inch from side of jug, then tilt the jug as much as possible towards me without spilling milk over side so as to get a good whirlpool effect.
    The other thing I’ve done which helps with steaming is I’ve bent the steam wand out about 15 degrees which enables me to get a whirlpool going during initial stretching of milk.  See before and after photos below.  
    Hope this helps anyone considering buying a Lelit or anyone trying to dial one in.




  • #2
    Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

    Picture of machine with original angle of steam wand for comparison with my bent version above..

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    • #3
      Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

      Thanks for the review Rizza, I like the idea of the funnel for filling the water container. Ill give that a go.

      On the milk texturing - what size milk jug do you use? When you say you move the position from centre to about an inch from the edge, Im thinkin its a large jug!

      Is the jug intially level when you commence?

      Thanks

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      • #4
        Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

        Standard 400ml jug off the top of my head. I fill it with milk for one latte which comes up to the bottom of the spout.

        I start with the wand about 1cm left of centre, with the wand angled towards me, i.e. I stand pretty much to the right of the machine when steaming milk. When Ive finished stretching the milk, I move the steam wand over to side of jug, which is probably only a move of 1.5 cm to the left of where it started, but about an ince in from side. This is when I angle the jug as much towards me as possible to help with getting a solid whirlpool. Youd probably need to play around with technique for each jug Id guess, but give it a go. Hopefully will work for you.

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        • #5
          Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

          Got the urge to crack out a coffee after being on site this afternoon.  Photo below is my bodgy off centre attempt today at latte art.  Posting because a) I havent really seen much in the way of latte art from the lelits and b), want to show that you can get ok microfoam as have read on this site and others that the lelit can be hard to get microfoam on.  As per post above, and with using other thread I mention, I reckon you can get great repeatable microfoam with this machine.  Of interest, this latte was made with skim milk as Ive run out of whole milk.  One bonus of the machine is that I can get ok microfoam with skim milk.  With the old Breville 800, I could get good microfoam with full cream, but could never get skim milk to point that I could pour latte art - always ended being bloby mess.  Think this is likely due to the greater steaming power of the lelit enabling a better folding/whirlpool action.  Alternatively, it could be due to better technique, but think its the former.  Anyway, photo has inspired me to spend some time trying to nail a nice rosetta to post in the latte art threads!

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          • #6
            Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

            That is fantastic. Bravo! Thanks for the info, as its given me some direction for my Lelit combi. Cheers

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            • #7
              Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk


              Very impressive result there- getting excited about getting one of these lelit machines too.

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              • #8
                Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                Heres a question for you. In the last few days Ive been struggling to get any foam action at all, which could be the milk. But the issue is the noise of the steam - its making an awful screaming noise in the milk which may be linked to the lack of foam? I was initially having the nozzle deep into the jug, but now Im placing it just under the top of the milk. Ive given the nozzle a real good clean, inside and out. Note, Im still using a 250ml stainless jug!

                Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

                Thanks

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                • #9
                  Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                  Hello mocca,

                  Remove the panarello (cover) from the wand and use the tip of the wand just off centre and under the surface of the milk. Youre welcome to pop in for a run through.

                  Chris

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                  • #10
                    Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                    Thanks for the offer Chris - thats mighty kind of you! Ive since done what you advised and took off the panarello and had achieved microfoam. I still have a long way to go, but Ill persevere for now Chris as youre a little too far for me to pop in atm. Would going to a 400ml jug make an improvement, or is it more down to technique?

                    Thanks

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                    • #11
                      Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                      Originally posted by 775559595B595354553A0 link=1287641570/9#9 date=1288159344
                      Would going to a 400ml jug make an improvement, or is it more down to technique?
                      Ive found that if you use the right sized jug it helps you learn the correct technique.

                      Once youve nailed that its easier to make do on the odd occasion with whatever is available.

                      For example, I can now steam milk in a 25 ml jug and I once only had a cardboard milkshake container at hand to steam for a single flat white but managed (just).

                      I know it doesnt seem like much of a difference, but until you get the hang of it I recommend getting a 350-400ml jug.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                        Good point that I missed in initial review - if you are serious about creating microfoam, take off the froth enhancer attachment.

                        Also agree with Thundergod on jug type. Its certainly easier to learn with a 350 to 400ml jug than a larger one. Also, for latte art, easier to use a jug with a defined spout, instead of using ones with a bent lip, if that makes sense. Cant remember what (if any), jug comes with Lelit as Im still using my old one and got another in cupboard, but that could be Breville one. Saying that, its not that important starting out, as would probably take a while to focus on getting repeatable microfoam which for most people takes a while (no matter what approach). The spout just makes it easier to pour latte art - although not impossible with other types of jugs for some people.

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                        • #13
                          Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                          Just picked up my Lelit combi and after just one dismal failure I am now producing the most perfect creamy microfoam and superb rich espresso. I am quite amazed as I must admit I did not expect such high quality coffee so quickly and easily. This machine gets a big "thumbs up" from me.

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                          • #14
                            Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                            Originally posted by 42777C7C6B4D45737B667761120 link=1287641570/12#12 date=1288238304
                            Just picked up my Lelit combi and after just one dismal failure I am now producing the most perfect creamy microfoam and superb rich espresso. I am quite amazed as I must admit I did not expect such high quality coffee so quickly and easily. This machine gets a big "thumbs up" from me.
                            See, we told you.... :

                            Great to hear mishky, youre well on the way along the right path now. Have fun... ;D

                            Mal.

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                            • #15
                              Re: Lelit PL041 first impressions + tips on steaming milk

                              OMG unbelievable coffee!!! I cannot believe I am making this coffee at home. To anyone on a budget considering this machine- I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed in either the espresso or the microfoam You just need to play with it and and get your grind/dose/tamp right and then you are away . Steam is excellent too. Not sure how much better it gets with a $2000 plus machine , but the lelit is a champ at this price . Warms up quickly too

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