Lelit has fairly quickly gained notoriety in the “prosumer” espresso machine space, offering machines for home baristas with the kinds of features you’d usually only expect to see in high-end (and expensive) commercial equipment. The Anna (PL41TEM PID) is no exception and is a high-quality, compact, home espresso machine that offers professional-quality coffee at home at an affordable price.

The most stand-out feature of the Anna is its proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, a device that precisely monitors and adjusts the single brass boiler’s water temperature. This affords you an extra level of precision as you brew, resulting in consistently flavourful shots and allowing you to set specific temperatures with the simple push of a button, according to your preference, to get the most out of particular beans. Thanks to the PID and the cup warmer on top of the machine, the Anna is temperature-optimised throughout the entire brewing process.

The Anna also sports a manometer that allows you to monitor your brewing pressure, with the suggested optimal pressure range marked so that you’ll know if you need to adjust your grind, tamp or puck prep. The aforementioned brass boiler, fed by a 2.7-litre water tank, heats up quickly, holds its temperature well, and is more resistant to limescale build-up and corrosion than an aluminium or stainless steel alternative.

In addition to the group head, the boiler also runs to a flexible multi-directional steam wand for frothing milk and dispensing hot water, with a silicone grip to prevent you from burning your fingers while you make adjustments. You can switch the boiler mode to coffee, water or steam using a simple three-way lever switch.

Visually, the Anna is elegant in its simplicity. The sleek but sturdy stainless steel body has a classic, unassuming style, and its compact design makes it sure to fit in and brighten up your kitchen without cluttering up any counters.

As per usual with Lelit, the Anna PL41TEM is an elegant combination of high-end features and a compact but stylish design at an affordable price. For the aspiring coffee enthusiast looking to take their home espresso setup to the next level without breaking the bank, it's an easy recommendation.

Included with the Lelit Anna PL41TEM PID Espresso Machine

• LELIT57 2-way spouted portafilter
• LELIT57 single dose filter basket (7-9g)
• LELIT57 double dose filter basket (14-18g)
• LELIT57 pods filter
• Plastic tamper
• Plastic spoon for ground coffee

Lelit Anna PL41TEM PID Espresso Machine features

• PID control for greater temperature stability, with LED display
• Manometer for tracking brewing pressure
• 3-way solenoid valve to dry up coffee puck (for easier cleaning)
• Cup warmer
• Lever pump and boiler switches
• Multidirectional steam/hot water wand

Lelit Anna PL41TEM PID Espresso Machine specifications

• 250ml brass boiler
• 2.7L water tank with side window for tank level
• Pump: 15 bar
• Dimensions LxDxH: 23x38x34 cm
• Weight: 7.5 kg
• Power: 1050W
• Voltage: 230V-50Hz / 120V-60 Hz
• Uses 57mm portafilter
• Warmup time: ~3 min