From Ironing to Espresso: Inside the Design Language of Lelit at MICE 2026

When we look at a high-end espresso machine, we often focus on the numbers: bars of pressure, heat-up times, and PID stability. But at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) 2026, I had the chance to sit down with Lucrezia, an Industrial Designer at Lelit, to talk about the soul of these machines.

Design isn't just about making a machine look pretty on your kitchen bench—though Lelit does that exceptionally well. It’s about the intersection of ergonomics, brand heritage, and technical performance.

Watch our Video with Lucrezia here instead. 

The MaraX3: Easter Eggs and Ergonomics

The new MaraX3 isn't just a refresh; it’s an elevation of the user experience. Lucrezia explained that the team focused on "touch points"—the parts of the machine you actually interact with every morning.

• The Logo as Geometry: If you look closely at the new steam knobs and the lever, you’ll notice a distinct shape. This isn't accidental; it’s a nod to the Lelit logo.

• Enhanced Control: The steam knobs are larger than the previous MaraX, giving you more granular control over the steam flow.

• The Balanced Portafilter: This is a game-changer for home baristas. Most timber-handled portafilters are front-heavy, putting strain on the wrist. Lelit has added a counterweight to the back of the handle so it sits perfectly level in your hand.

"We want to design aesthetically pleasing products, but we never forget the performance bit—everything happening on the inside matters just as much." — Lucrezia, Lelit Industrial Designer

Pagaia: Form Meets Function

We’ve discussed the Pagaia valve before (the power pump modulation that allows you to freestyle your pressure), but the design detail is where it gets interesting. The handles of the pressure gauge actually mimic the shape of the Pagaia lever. It’s a visual cue: as you move the lever, the gauge reflects that physical interaction.

Steve: The Hard-Working Grinder

In the Lelit universe, machines have female names (the creative producers) and grinders have male names (the hard workers). Enter Steve, the successor to the William grinder.

Steve is designed with a "back to basics" philosophy. The focus is a centralized front panel with a seven-digit display and just two buttons.

• Adjustable Chute & Pin: One of the most practical design wins is the adjustable chute and portafilter pin. Whether you have a tall, short, or uniquely shaped portafilter, you can adjust Steve to be completely hands-free.

Celebrating 40 Years: The Limited Edition Bianca

The star of the stand was undoubtedly the 40th Anniversary Lelit Bianca. While the internal performance remains the industry gold standard, the exterior tells the story of the company’s 40-year evolution.

1. Artist Collaboration: Lelit partnered with an Italian artist to create side graphics representing steam and movement.

2. The Steam Connection: Did you know Lelit started in the ironing industry? The steam graphics are a tribute to the company's roots.

3. Zebra Wood & Steel: This limited edition features stunning Zebra wood touchpoints and a wider bevel on the drip tray for a more premium, iconic feel.

4. Hand-Numbered: Only 1,986 pieces will be released (marking the year Lelit was founded), each one micro-punched by hand.

Designed in Italy, Built for You

What makes Lelit unique is that everything—from the initial aesthetic sketch to the final assembly—happens in-house. This close relationship between designers and the assembly line ensures that the machines are as easy to build as they are to use.

Whether it’s the "Easter egg" logo shapes or the counterbalanced handles, it’s clear that Lelit isn't just building appliances; they are building tools for an emotional experience.