It seems that Lelit has made a few changes with the updated Mara X (some a bit confusing), so I thought it might be useful for potential and current owners to list the differences we know about, and maybe add more if we find them in the future. I am not sure what the cut-off date between V1 and V2, but it seems the V2 is from late 2021 (maybe around September? This is still to be confirmed). 1\. **Lelit’s Logo**. The new machines have a black printed logo instead of the classic red logo which sits proud. This is just aesthetics, and if anything seems like Lelit is cutting costs with the printed logo. In any case, it’s insignificant. [URL=https://i.imgur.com/8axaSpv.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/8axaSpv.png[/IMG][/URL] 2\. **OPV discharge.** The original version had the OPV discharge water routed to the drip tray. Many owners moded their machines to re-route the OPV discharge to the pump. The new version comes from the factory with the OPV discharging to the pump (A V2 machine is the same as a moded V1). Anyone who has the original version that still vents water to the drip dray can easily rearrange the tubes so that it will be the same as the newer machines. [Instructions on how to do that can be found here.](https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/142-lelit-mara-x-opv-mod-improved-updated-version-2022) 3\. [Edited following @"DavecUK"#1 comments below:] **New Xcoffee mode (Coffee priority with no steam boost) replaces Steam Priority mode:** **V1** has a Coffee Priority mode (position 1 on the switch on the right side of the machine) and a Steam Priority mode (Position 0 on the switch). In Coffee Priority mode the machines keeps the set temperature for brewing, and requires a Steam Boost to bring the temp up for steaming pressure. In Steam priority mode the machine behaves like a classic HX - it keeps a steady temperature for steaming milk and requires cooling flushes to bring the temp down for brewing. **V2** has an Xmode steam (position 1) and Xmode coffee (position 0). Xmode steam is similar to Coffee Priority mode in V1: The machine keeps the set temperature for brewing, and uses a Steam Boost to bring it up to steaming pressure. (targets may be a bit different, see below, but the general idea is the same). This mode is for making milk-steamed espresso drinks. Xmode Coffee, however, is new. It is essentially the same as Coffee Priority/Xmode sream but **without the steam boost**. It is meant for making espresso drinks when no steaming is needed. The advantage is that temperature stability is even better for brewing (like a single boiler machine with PID). It also enables making back to back shots without worrying that Steam Boost will make the temperature too high for brewing (requiring wait time/cooling flush to bring the temp down). (note that the names of the new modes on V2 may be a bit confusing, because the Coffee Priority mode from V1 is now called Xmode steam, and the new mode is called Xmode coffee). [URL=https://i.imgur.com/Nkki1vZ.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/Nkki1vZ.png[/IMG][/URL] 4\. **Software updates.** This is trickier to compare, and more information is needed. In Coffee Priority mode, Mara X is known to cleverly juggle between keeping a steady set temperature in the group for brewing (without needing a cooling flush), to having enough steam power for frothing milk. It does that by starting a Steam Boost once the machine is used (lifting the lever or purging steam or water). The new version seems to have a different set of instructions in the firmware to achieve that, but it is yet to be clear what these changes exactly are and how they effect the use of the machine. [Edited following DaveC's comments below]: Steem Boost in the Xmode steam might be a little longer than in V1, to give a bit more steam power. More information about the tweaks in the software and potential option to upgrade the V1 to V2 software by replacing the Gicar box can be found in DaveC's messages below. This is a some information about V2 sent from Lelit to @"RobertRo101"#379: [URL=https://i.imgur.com/9DY4ibj.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/9DY4ibj.png[/IMG][/URL] [URL=https://i.imgur.com/L7sqnfz.png][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/L7sqnfz.png[/IMG][/URL] 5\. **Anything else?** Please share.

I think Lelit "may" have confused people slightly here….not 100% certain. **In discussions with them over a year ago, I suggested that the machine might be better having:** * a pure coffee mode no steaming, so the temperature in the HX can be exact new position 0 * Steam Boost mode, which is like the old system of steam boost (the old position 1) This meant loosing the pure uncontrolled HX mode. The main reason was because I never used it and really couldn't see why anyone would use it unless they were buying an HX machine for a different use scenario than MaraX was intended for. Mauro liked this idea and I believe may well have implemented it with the new model. *Ideally of course a 3 position side switch or a second switch would have been nice to have Xmode Coffee, steam boost and pure HX. I wasn't sure the software was capable of that.* The Idea was that Xmode coffee was for the none steamed milk drinker, if someone wanted milk you could switch it into "Coffee Boost Mode", which I think they have called Xmode steam. So to summarise for the new machine, I think: **Xmode Coffee (Position 0)** - This is like the single boiler PID controlled machines giving you 3 very stable temperatures (I-0-II), minimal chance of overheating, no steam boosting, you can go back to the machine after 4 minutes or 8 minutes and it's at the right temp. **Xmode Steam (Position 1) -** The old steam boost we all know and love, and used to be position 1 on the old machine. HX mode in position 0 having gone the way of the ark. **The clues are here** [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/xreZBtN.png] **I believe the confusion is here** [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/cjUh5ud.png] I'm waiting to hear back and will let you know. If I am right, they simply need to reword the user guide slightly.

@"DavecUK"#p8395 - Dave, have you got the Xmode positions the other way around? Should it be Xmode Steam (position 1) and Xmode Coffee (position 0)? (As per manual). in your explanation I think you got the “xmode” positions the other way round. 👍

@"MediumRoastSteam"#p8399 not now 🤣

I got a reply which states my belief about the new functions is correct.

Just to add some clarity for this. **Switch Position 1** is similar to the old setting where it boosts the steam when you extract for lattes and gives a decent steam boost, I think 130+ for a bit longer than before. Of course the same issues of overheat applies as in my review, where if you don't make coffee after coffee…and wait you will have to flush. **Switch Position 0 -** used to be HX mode, but that has gone and this is special coffee and espresso without milk steaming mode… To give better stability and less overheat, with the heating element of during the shot and only boosting slightly to service the needs of HX recovery. I would think you can still steam in this mode..but it would be limited to small quantities of milk and be slower. I must remember to ask for a revised Gicar box to try it as I am not sure I have one…I have lots of different programmed boxes. 🤣, but not quite this.

Just to point out, those are the only pages from the new manual that they have sent me. I don't have any other pages and don't know if there are any other differences, other than those stated above. They have confirmed that the new software will make the machine warm-up quicker, but they did not go into detail.

> @"DavecUK"#p8448 Just to add some clarity for this. > > Switch Position 1 is similar to the old setting where it boosts the steam when you extract for lattes and gives a decent steam boost, I think 130+ for a bit longer than before. Of course the same issues of overheat applies as in my review, where if you don’t make coffee after coffee…and wait you will have to flush. > > Switch Position 0 - used to be HX mode, but that has gone and this is special coffee and espresso without milk steaming mode… To give better stability and less overheat, with the heating element of during the shot and only boosting slightly to service the needs of HX recovery. I would think you can still steam in this mode..but it would be limited to small quantities of milk and be slower. > > I must remember to ask for a revised Gicar box to try it as I am not sure I have one…I have lots of different programmed boxes. 🤣, but not quite this. @"DavecUK"#p8448 - Thank you very much for clarifying this Dave! This makes a lot of sense: Mode 1 stays the same (maybe with a stronger steam boost?), and mode 0 changes from a standard HX (which isn't useful for most) to a No-Steam-Boost-Coffee-Only mode. Yes, the names in the images they sent to @"RobertRo101"#379 can be confusing (Coffee priority now called Xmode steam, and Steam Priority replaced with Xmode coffee). Maybe they have not yet finalized the V2 manual and this is why @"RobertRo101"#p8468 got the V1 manual? Is there an option to update V1 software to V2? If someone buys a new Gicar box and replaced the old one - will that machine work as a V2? I am sure some people might be interested in that.

> @"Doram"#p8471 Is there an option to update V1 software to V2? If someone buys a new Gicar box and replaced the old one - will that machine work as a V2? I am sure some people might be interested in that. I would imagine it should work fine, expensive, but it would work….and of course you still have the old box.

Does anyone here put their hands on a MaraX with a black logo? Also, any idea if (and when) it will be available in North America? Lelit’s website shows the new black logo but still mention the original Coffee modes (brew and HX). Does anyone know if it’s because the changes are not yet available at all?

@"Snooze"#p9103 I don't, although I would like to get my hands on a Gicar box with the new programming, ako I can put it into the existing MaraX I have. I did suggest the new programming after all. I must remember tomorrow to sort that out.

Lelit Mara X V1 and V2 – the differences

ianIdn

hi everyone, I would to ask about mara x. in my country, currently v1 (with v2 housing) was more cheaper than v2 (that still not ready yet and available pre order only until april), I mostly drink latte in the morning (maybe I made 2-3 cups in a row for whole my family), should I go with v1 or take pre order with v2 ? thanks in advanced. it just made me frustating about which machine that should I choose, and little bit can’t be patient to having one 😂

Doram

ianIdn should I go with v1 or take pre order with v2

It is always nice to have the newest version, but if you mostly make milk drinks - I think there won’t be much difference in performance (you would use the mode with steam boost anyway, which is available on the V1. I am not sure if there are differences in the set temps in this mode in V2 and what they are, but V1 works perfectly for me in the steam boost mode).

If I were you, I would weigh the difference in price and the wait time for V2 and decide by that. If the price difference is insignificant and the wait time short - I would get the V2. If you can save a nice chunk of money and/or get the machine much sooner and don’t want to wait (plus you would use the machine in steam boost mode anyway) - then V1 might be a good option too.

The one other thing is the OPV mod. Newer V1’s already have the OPV discharge routed to the pump instead of to the drip tray, so it’s possible that you won’t have to do it on a V1 machine, but you would need to check with the retailer. If you do need to do it - it’s not a big deal: Lelit Insider recently released a video showing how to do it.

DavecUK

ianIdn if you think you would use the old HX mode, where it works like a standard HX, flush a bit and make lots of milk drinks, the older one may. Suit you.

If you don’t want to to flush, want a more specific espresso americano mode with very little steam boost and the steam boost option. Without a pure HX mode (which personally I never used..) then wait for the V2.

Doram

DavecUK then wait for the V3

Are you hinting something here Dave, or are there just too many Lelit’s spinning in your head and you thought of a V3 because of Bianca/Elizabeth? ;-)

HX mode is useless for me on Mara X, so I would definitely not mind losing it. The new ‘no boost’ mode sounds like it would have more potential to be useful, but not essential for everyone. If one only makes milk drinks - it will not get used. Also, my understanding is that the ‘no steam boost’ mode will only have an effect on the second shot and onwards (until then - steam boost and no-steam-boost would be exactly the same, won’t they?). In this case, if you only make milk drinks, or only make single shots, then V1 would be just as good (so might be worth considering for a good discount/faster availability?). Am I wrong?

ianIdn

in v2 it can’t steaming and brewing at the same time ? Doram DavecUK

DavecUK

ianIdn Well as the MaraX needs to build up the steam pressure once you start brewing, it’s better to wait until the shot is finished for optimum result. In machines with the old HX mode, then you can pat your head and rub your tummy in circles if you want.

At home, I’m not in a commercial establishment, so the need to steam and brew at the same time is not important.

Doram

ianIdn in v2 it can’t steaming and brewing at the same time ? Doram DavecUK

I tried to do it once just for the experiment and I think it turned out fine, but in normal use I always do a shot, then steam after. As Dave said, in a home environment I don’t see the point, and I like to focus on my shot when pulling and not let steaming at the same time distract me. My machine is V1, but I don’t see why there would be a difference in this respect between V1 and V2.

EfrainPR

I have had my Mara X V1 for two years, added flow control kit and has worked flawlessly. Last month I purchased a V2 GICAR Box from “lamachinnadecaffe” in Italy for 82 euros (89 USD) and had it shipped to the USA. Swapped it after confirming with Lelit that there were no other hardware required. Also did the OPV water reroute as Lelit has on the new V2’s. For 82 euros ($89 USD) I have a Mara X V2.

Doram

EfrainPR I have had my Mara X V1 for two years, added flow control kit and has worked flawlessly. Last month I purchased a V2 GICAR Box from “lamachinnadecaffe” in Italy for 82 euros (89 USD) and had it shipped to the USA. Swapped it after confirming with Lelit that there were no other hardware required. Also did the OPV water reroute as Lelit has on the new V2’s. For 82 euros ($89 USD) I have a Mara X V2.

So how do you find the new V2 Gicar box compared to the V1 Gicar? Is it an improvement? Can you describe the difference?

EfrainPR

fl13dl1c3 I was able to purchase the GICAR Box with V2 software for $89 USD from lamachinnadecafe in Italy and had it shipped to Florida. They sell all the parts for Lelit Mara X.

EfrainPR

Doram The V2 does behave a bit differently, the steam boost last longer and a bit more powerful. I steam 12-14 oz of milk (I do 25 grams in 50 grams out of espresso for my lattes, like them strong)and I can now finish a bit more quicker and the temp is hotter ( I like my milk to be 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit), and there is still enough steam/power to do another 12-14oz of milk right after if I have family/friends visiting. So that feature does works better for me and my work flow. I only do milk drinks in the morning, the new coffee mode suits me perfect, since I now can switch to this mode for the rest of the day and have a very stable temperature. Is it worth to change the GICAR box to V2? It all depends on your work flow. I like to tinker with my “toys” the engineer in me says yes, (thats why I added flow control kit) but only if you can buy the GICAR box for under $100 USD.

JPORIS

New member of the forum here. I currently have a Breville Barista Pro (2 years plus) and a new Niche Zero grinder.

Am strongly considering upgrading and the Lelit Mara X is pretty much at the top of my list, so this conversation is timely for me and quite interesting, although I’m missing some of the context since I’ve never used a Mara X.

I am the only coffee drinker in the house and typically have a milk drink in the morning (usually about 3oz of oatmilk), then a couple of shots and/or Americanos during the rest of the day. Not a “power user” at all.

I’ve been trying to understand the differences between the coffee vs. steam priority modes and find myself somewhat confused as to which of these modes would best work with my workflow/habits.

If I want to leave that priority setting on coffee priority, for instance, can I still steam milk reasonably quickly (or at the same time) as I’m pulling a shot?

I do understand that the coffee priority will keep my brew temperature rock solid which is definitely a preference for me. I just don’t understand how it may affect my steaming.

I do occasionally have visitors, most of whom want milk drinks. For those occasions, would I switch to steam priority?

What is a typical workflow for someone like me?

Thank you for your patience…. :)

DavecUK

JPORIS Coffee mode is the new mode and as you say designed to prevent overheating and give very good temp control.

Steam boost mode is similar to the old coffee mode with a longer boost.

HX mode has gone.

Welcome to the forum.

EfrainPR

JPORIS I had my “new” V2 Mara X in the new coffee mode for few days in the morning when I was checking the new features and yes you will be able to steam milk it will be slower, but if your doing 3-4 oz like you mentioned then you can probably leave it in this mode all the time and switch too steam mode if you need to do larger amounts of steam milk if you have company.

DavecUK

I should have added, you will be able to steam, in coffee mode, but not large quantitites or quickly, but in a pinch I guess you could steam small amounts. Far better to switch it to steam boost mode if you want to make lattes etc.. Or just use steam boost mode if you don’t know what you will be making.

JPORIS

Thank you for your replies! Helpful.

mission701

Another benefit of the v2 is that my stress levels will be lower when cleaning! I got a v2 recently but it had a v1 manual supplied. I was backflushing in Xmode steam (pos 1) which was in retrospect a bit silly as every flush would boost the pressure, correlated with a rise in anxiety! Now I can put it in Xmode coffee (pos 0) and have a stress free cleaning routine backflushing without causing the pressure to rise!

IsaacM

Hi all,
I have been an observer on this forum for a few months, and now I finally have created an account. 🤠
Last month I made the plunge and purchased the new V2 Mara X. To figure out how the Xmode Steam and Xmode coffee operated, I installed a Raspberry PI to observe the machine’s temperature readout. (I’m not the original creator, I just followed instructions from another post).
Fair to say that I got lots of interesting information, along with the fact that I have the V2 hardware with the V1 software 😓

Since installing this logger, iv noticed that sometimes it will have issues with the brew temperature settling after the steam boost period.
@DavecUK in your review you mentioned there’s a 5min window before it will take around 15mins+ for the machine to settle back to its original setpoint temperature. I do understand there are so many different variables for cooling rates but it seems like the PID is sometimes finding it hard to settle.

My software version says: C123b

In this photo, I pulled 3x (flush + wait ) to observe the brew temp impact, (indicated by the spikes in the blue graph) followed by a proper shot on the 4th. I guess I must have triggered multiple steam boosts? because then it took over 3 hours for it to stabilize.
You can see pretty large temperature oscillations in the heat exchanger temps till it settles.

Annotated:

This is what a typical shot looks like with a nice settling behavior down to the target temp.

So, I’m not really sure why sometimes the machine takes hours to settle. Any ideas I’m willing to try and post a log of it 😀.

DavecUK

IsaacM So, I’m not really sure why sometimes the machine takes hours to settle. Any ideas I’m willing to try and post a log of it

I tested a machine, but I think there may have been some minor changes made in production. I only reported on what I found with my machine, usage pattern and circumstances I did the charts to try and help people…but of course things could have changed slightly.

As for the machine taking hours to settle, I never experienced it….perhaps noise from a temp sensor?

I do have the V2 software Gicar box to install and will get around to putting it in when I return from ECM at the beginning of May. I just have a few important coffee projects on, that are eating up my time.

IsaacM

DavecUK

Thanks for the reply!

That will be super interesting once you get around to testing the V2 software.

hornbyben

It seems to only go unstable when I take multiple shots during the steam-boost period.
Tomorrow ill try replicating the same shot sequence, followed by a turn-off & on to see if it settles faster :)
This mornings shots, followed by the same oscillations:

Is this something that I should bring up with the Lelit warranty? I’m concerned that by observing the Gicar box’s serial output Lelit might deem that as a void warranty 😖

hornbyben

I don’t know if it will help for the MaraX, but you could try turning it on and off again to see if that speeds things up. As PID learn based on the previous conditions you can end up in a non optimal position. Restarting resets all the learned terms.

With the first PID I installed this helped after pulling a shot to counter the imbalance to the system that the shot caused.

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