The Lelit Bianca V3 Dual Boiler is the machine many espresso enthusiasts end up with. It’s a dual boiler with a rotary pump, PID temperature control and, most importantly, a wooden paddle on the group that lets you control the flow of water during the shot.
What is flow profiling?
Flow profiling means changing how quickly water flows through the coffee during the shot. You might start slowly to soak the puck, open up to full flow, then ease off towards the end. It reduces channelling, brings out sweetness and lets you get the best from light, fruity roasts that are tricky on conventional machines.
Build and features
- Dual boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Rotary pump, quiet and plumbable
- Lelit LCC control for brew and steam temperatures
- Paddle flow control on the group
- Walnut accents and stainless steel body
In use
The Bianca is a joy to use. Temperatures are rock steady, steam power is excellent, and the paddle quickly becomes second nature. You can simply leave it fully open and use it like a conventional machine, then experiment as your skills grow.
Lelit Bianca vs Lelit Elizabeth
The Lelit Elizabeth is a compact dual boiler without flow control. It isn’t currently available through Amazon UK, but the Lelit Victoria PL91T is a great alternative, with dual boiler control in a similarly small body.
Who should buy the Lelit Bianca?
- Enthusiasts who love experimenting with different coffees.
- Anyone who wants a machine they’ll never outgrow.
- People who make lots of milk drinks and want dual boiler convenience.
What to pair it with
A machine like this deserves a great grinder. The Eureka Mignon Specialita, Matte Black, DF64 Gen 2 Single Dose Grinder or Mahlkönig X54 Allround Grinder are all excellent choices.
How to use the flow paddle
- Start simple: leave the paddle fully open and use the Bianca like a conventional machine.
- Add a slow start: begin with the paddle partly closed for the first few seconds to soak the puck, then open fully.
- Taper the end: ease off flow in the last few seconds for a softer, sweeter finish.
- Experiment: light roasts often benefit from longer, gentler pre-infusion; darker roasts from shorter, steadier flow.
Steaming and milk
The Bianca’s steam boiler delivers strong, dry steam with plenty of power for lattes and flat whites. Because the boilers are separate, you can steam while the shot runs, which makes milk drinks quick even when you’re making several in a row.
Plumbing in
Thanks to its rotary pump, the Bianca can be plumbed into your water supply, so you never need to refill the tank. If you do, use a good water filter to protect the boilers.
Running costs and maintenance
Like any dual boiler, the Bianca uses more energy than a single boiler, but it has an eco mode and you can switch off the steam boiler when you only want espresso. Backflush regularly, change the group gasket every year or so, and descale or use softened water.
Bianca V3 alternatives
- Lelit Victoria PL91T – a compact dual boiler without flow control.
- Lelit Mara X PL62X – a superb heat exchanger for less money.
- Rocket Mozzafiato R FAST, Black – Rocket’s E61 heat exchanger with PID.
- Sage Oracle Dual Boiler, Stainless Steel – automatic grinding and tamping with dual boilers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lelit Bianca worth it?
If you’re serious about espresso and want flow control and dual boilers, it’s one of the best machines available at its price.
What’s new in the Bianca V3?
Version 3 refines the temperature control and adds improvements to the steam and electronics over earlier versions.
Lelit Bianca vs Rocket?
Rocket heat exchangers like the Rocket Appartamento TCA, Black & Copper are superb for milk drinks. The Bianca adds dual boilers and flow profiling for more control.
See all Lelit espresso machines.
