The Lelit MaraX is already a fantastic prosumer-grade home espresso machine, but it’s missing some of the bells and whistles enjoyed by its big sister, the Bianca. Fortunately, at least one of the Bianca’s more premium features, flow control, can be retrofitted onto the MaraX with this handy upgrade kit.

What exactly is flow control?

For those who don’t know, flow control involves adjusting the rate at which water passes through the coffee puck when brewing espresso. This allows you to adjust the pressure in the basket at different stages while you pull your shot, which can significantly modify your extraction.

As is generally true when it comes to more advanced coffee brewing, the utility of this kind of adjustment will vary from coffee to coffee, but the point is that flow control can give you even more precise control over your brew, allowing you to better fine-tune your shots and find what best works for you. It also just gives you the option to experiment with another espresso variable, which is part of the fun of home espresso brewing. And, as is usually the case when it comes to Lelit, the flow control kit adds to your machine’s aesthetic with a simple but stylish wooden control paddle, available in three different colours to match your kitchen.

Can I install this myself?

While Lelit provides a detailed guide on how to install this flow control kit onto your MaraX and is confident that anyone can do so themselves, we always recommend relying on a specialist for peace of mind. We offer installations as a service — just get in touch with us online, in-store, or on the phone and we’ll put together a quote for you.

Lelit MaraX Flow Control Kit components

• Wooden paddle in walnut
• L58E manometer
• Flow regulator and restrictors
• Double-sided spanner
• Assembly instructions