Lelit Bianca, Michael DiDomenico

– Easy control to change brew and steam temp
– Easy pre-infusion settings
– Ample steam power
– Very easy and intuitive profiling paddle
– Sleek chrome with medium brown wood makes for very attractive machine

– Issue with quality of bottomless portafilter handle

I have been using my Bianca for about a year now — generally 2 espresso and 1 latte every day — and am very happy with the purchase. Previously, I had been using a Gaggia Classic and a LaPavoni Europiccola. This machine is a definite step up. I like that you can play around with pressure profiling, but you also can just use the preinfusion and leave a constant pressure if you want to put it on autopilot. I tend to be one among the very light roast crowd, and the Bianca does really well with them. More than anything, I have been surprised how much better the steaming is with a dual boiler. If you are making milk drinks, going dual boiler is definitely worth it. My only little nit to pick is that the handle of the bottomless portafilter developed a slight crack after using it for a couple months. Overall, this is a great machine that lets you tinker with lots of variables if you want, or offers you the experience of more typical dual boiler E61 machines.

I bought from 1st Line Espresso after talking with Jim on the phone for a while. The shipping was quick, and I appreciated that the shipped it on it’s own half shipping pallet. 1st Line seems very responsive to questions and follows up promptly. I would buy from them again.