Is Lelit OK?

Splitshot02

Hi All

I’ve been idly wondering about an upgrade from my PID modded Gaggia Classic (+ Niche Zero). I thought about the Lelit MaraX and the Elizabeth - which seems quite the popular dilemma, judging by the various ‘please help me choose’ posts I have seen. But the dilemma has some unexpected dimensions which I am hoping is just pre-large-purchase paranoia:

When checking recently for prices, I noticed that Bella Barista (and indeed the Amazon Lelit shop) are out of stock of much of the Lelit range. I wondered if Lelit was having trouble, or going through some transformation. I gather that they’ve been bought out by Breville or Peugeot or someone, is this just a reset moment do you think - or should I be looking at another brand maybe?

Also while Googling merrily I returned Elizabeth V4 as a result - is that a thing? I thought v3 was the latest, or maybe a new model about to ‘Drop’ (as the young say)?

Be grateful for any thoughts -cheers

HarveyMushman

BB are usually super helpful and pretty open so if they know anything about supply chain issues and the reason for them they’ll probably be able to tell you more.

I guess unless anyone has inside info, it just depends how optimistic you are. It’s not uncommon for big acquisitions like this to swallow a company with key staff of the acquired subsequently leaving or taking a backseat. Of course business may equally continue as usual.

It’s not the first time supply issues on Lelit machines has been mentioned though, I know when I was at BB buying my LM they said lots of people were waiting for a Bianca. It could simply be that demand outweighs supply.

I think it’s understandable to be wondering though, it’s a big purchase and you want to make sure you’re protected beyond any retailer warranty for parts and repair.

Splitshot02

Cheers for your thoughts much appreciated, yeah it’s quite difficult to choose even without the fear of no backup after warranty expiry :) The features of the MaraX & the Elizabeth seem to make either a good choice for the money so I guess you just have to hold your nose and plunge in sometimes!

delta76

I understand the concerns but I would not worry. Lelit is doing well as a business and Breville would be making a mistake to neglect or discontinue the brand. Of course executives make mistakes all the time,maybe for their short term gains but that can happen with any brand, not just a sub brand like Lelit.

Splitshot02

delta76 Yes you are right of course!

Abcan

I spoke with BB about this a few months ago. They said the cost, to them, of the Elizebeth had gone up a lot. This would mean they’d have to sell it at price point that put it up against a different set of machines. They had no firm answer to if or when the Elizabeth would be back in stock. I ended up with an ACS minima.

Splitshot02

Abcan Interesting indeed thanks for the info - this is more confusing than I would have imagined.. So Lelit probably ok but suddenly not so readily available…. I’ve had less brain ache buying a house 🤣. I need a nice cheap cup of tea and maybe a rethink!