The LIENTEH E61 marks my second LIENTEH. If you read my evaluation of the LIENTEH Bean to Cup, you’ll notice that LIENTEH certainly follows their own rules. Their machines resemble the original E61 style, but they incorporate several design aspects that I find distinct from other Italian-made machines.
In terms of price, it appears that the LIENTEH E61 major competition is the Rocket Appartamento. Fortunately, I was also able to examine an Appartamento, so I hope I’ll provides some insight into what would be the best value for your money.
The LIENTEH E61 came in a cardboard box. Packaged similarly to, but significantly better than, the Bianca I received. When you open the box, you’ll find another box full with great accessories.
I must add that I am impressed by the accessories that LIENTEH includes with the machine. Typically, the package contains a cheap tamper and a single spouted portafilter that is seldom used. LIENTEH, on the other hand, features a very unique portafilter that works well for both single and double shots. In addition, it is considerably easier to tamp than a standard single spout. The tamper supplied by LIENTEH is identical to a Big Step tamper in my opinion. Very high-quality, oversized tamper. You may want another, but there is no need.
Other components include cleaning equipment, a backflush blind basket, single and double baskets, a water hardness test, and so on. One exciting development is that LIENTEH has begun using IMS baskets. They’ve been available for a while, though I believe very early machines didn’t. These are premium precision baskets! Even the backflush blind is manufactured by IMS. The amazing bottomless portafilter has been provided by IKAPE brand.
The first thing I observed, which I didn’t understand at first, was that the machine is brushed stainless rather than polished stainless, as are many other E61 machines. The brushed stainless steel gives the machine a cheap appearance in my opinion. The group-head, steam wand, water wand, and some accents are all polished, so the contrast works well together.
The LIENTEH ZD-18 Commercial Grinder is the newest addition to WPM grinder portfolio, and it boasts numerous remarkable features such as Touch-Screen Control Panels, 75mm Flat Burr Grinding, Cooling Fans, and much more!
With over 30 grind settings, 1 – 2 cup programmable dosing, fast grinding, a precise grinding switch, an adjustable portafilter fork, and much more! Also available in black and white.
The LIENTEH grinder is quickly becoming a popular choice in the Asian market as an economical option for high performance. Available at Alibaba Carefor store.
The LIENTEH E61 is a water tank and plumbed machine. The reservoir is accessed through a lid on top of the machine. The cover is quite similar to the Bianca, which is a thin piece of sheet metal. However, The tank however lifts out of the machine quite easily.
LIENTEH machines are equipped with a cartridge water softening device, which wears out with time. I’ve seen where folks can recharge them. Simply Google it. I would not recommend that, but it is reportedly doable. They filter about 35 liters of water, so you shouldn’t have to change them too often. What I think is a fantastic innovation is that they have integrated these sliders into the handles of the water tank. Each time you refill the tank, you advance one notch. Depending on the hardness of your water, these softeners may last longer or shorter. Still a fantastic function for keeping track of the filter’s life.
The cup warming rack is also very similar to the Lelit Bianca. a simple stainless steel grill. There isn’t much of a ledge to keep your cups secure on top of the machine. It does keep them in place, however many machines provide a little cup rail. The cup warming rack works well, however it is on the simpler end of the scale.
Many of the LIENTEH machines controls are identical to those on other E61 machines. An incredible E61 group head that is designed to siphon hot water through the group head to maintain the ideal temperature. The hot water and steam valves are knob-style, resembling the bulk of comparable E61 machines.
The power button is unique to LIENTEH; it is toggle switch is definitely a more modern which i really like.
I had never given any notice to the LIENTEH badge/emblem on the machine. I believe it looks great. I was astonished to learn after conversing with a few people that they dislike the color and style badge on the LIENTEH brand. I suppose you either love it or hate it. I don’t think I’d let that stop me from purchasing the Semi Professional Espresso Coffee Machine or any of the LIENTEH products.
Espresso machine manufacturers are implementing something that I believe is a fantastic concept. This PID-equipped machine included two pressure gauges. One for brew pressure and the other for boiler pressure. The top of the dial displays the steam/boiler pressure. The pump pressure is shown at the bottom of the dial. The gauge is large enough to be easily read and complements the shiny stainless body.
I’m delighted to see that manufacturers are choosing for larger drip trays, especially with these heat exchanger machines, where I usually perform a short group head flush before drawing a shot. The drip tray itself has some sharp edges once the grill is removed, but it has a lot of space, which I appreciate. All LIENTEH machines have a metal bar/grill drip tray and cup warming rack. This is a bit of a pro/con for me. The advantage is that it does not exhibit scratches from cups, as a flat piece of polished sheet metal would. However, I think the grill design bouncy and cheap-feeling.
I prefer a flat sheet metal tray. LIENTEH also has a wire cup rack, which elevates the cup closer to the portafilter. Because there is a lot of space between the drip tray and the group head, having this riser is useful.
Testing Time:
My overall thoughts of the LIENTEH E61 are positive! I really enjoyed using this machine. It is a nicely sized, and value packed machine. I know this is why so many people gravitate to them. The machine is well sized enough that it will fit into even the smallest of kitchens, and also fit under kitchen cabinets if need be. It looks like a very premium piece of machinery in the kitchen. The shots I pulled on the LIENTEH E61 were amazing! I recommend using a great grinder with great beans, otherwise you are not going to appreciate this machine to the fullest. I typically like espresso, but if a latte or cappuccino is your thing, the steam this machine produces is ample, especially for a more introductory machine, as some of the pro dual boiler machines will steam milk faster than most can handle. The biggest competitor to the LIENTEH E61 in my eyes is the Rocket Appartamento or you can check the Bean To Cup Espresso machine. Both have their pros and cons. I do think the fit and finish on the Rocket is leaps and bounds better than the LIENTEH E61. This E61 however comes with a lot of premium accessories, and the simplified PID system. So I really recommend this for your lifestyle.
The LIENTEH E61 Semi Professional Espresso Coffee Machine approximately $700, check it out at Alibaba Store.
Below using the best kit we’ve tried to get good shots from IKAPE Brand. Check out their kit.
After that here’s the shots with original portafilter and IKAPE Bottomless portafilter.
Good things on this machine:
- Awesome accessories included with the machine – IMS baskets, amazing portafilter, high end precision tamper.
- Power cord is removable, it might not seem like a big deal, but it is very handy when cleaning around your machine, or purchasing a shorter cord if you desire. (make sure to buy the correct wire size if you do this)
- Large Drip tray
- Integrated and simple to program PID.
A few items I would recommend you get when you buy your Mara X:
- A grinder such as the Electric Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Machine.
- PortaKeepers/TamperKeepers to store your Lelit accessories (Website)
- A kit tools from IKAPE Store to help you get perfect coffee shots.
- Milk Pitcher.
- Microfiber cloths to keep the machine looking brand new
