Espresso enthusiasts looking to step up from beginner machines to more advanced prosumer models have likely come across two popular options – the Lelit Victoria and ECM Casa V.
Both offer premium features, excellent temperature control and stability, and the ability to pull cafe-quality shots in the comfort of your home. But with some key differences to consider, how do you choose between the two?
This in-depth comparison of the Lelit Victoria and ECM Casa V examines the specs, performance, features, ease of use, and other factors to help you decide which prosumer espresso machine best fits your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Lelit Victoria | ECM Casa V |
| Boiler System | Heat Exchanger | Dual Boiler |
| Brewing Boiler Wattage | 1600W | 1600W |
| Steam Boiler Wattage | Shared with brew boiler | 1600W |
| Brewing Technology | E61 Group Head | E61 Group Head |
| Steam Wand | 1 hole | 1 hole |
| Water Tank Capacity | 2.5L | 2.5L |
| Portafilter | 58mm with wood handle | 58mm stainless steel |
| Pressure | 9 bar | 15 bar |
| PID Controller | Yes | Yes |
| Programmable Settings | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 14.6 x 20.5 x 14.2 in | 16 x 21 x 15 in |
| Weight | 65 lb | 72 lb |
| Price | $1700 USD | $2100 USD |
Overview of the Lelit Victoria
The Lelit Victoria is an HX (heat exchanger) espresso machine known for its versatility, precision brewing, and sleek aesthetic. Key features include:
- Powerful 1600W heating element
- Stainless steel construction
- E61 brew group for temperature stability
- Vibrating pump with manometer for 9 bar pressure
- PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller
- 2.5 liter removable water tank
- 58mm portafilter with wood handle
- Hot water wand and 2-hole steam wand
This Italian-made machine combines excellent temperature control with flexibility – the PID controller reduces temperature fluctuations, while the HX system allows brewing and steaming simultaneously.
The Lelit Victoria is compact but packed with commercial-grade features.
Overview of the ECM Casa V
The ECM Casa V is a double boiler espresso machine lauded for its build quality, temperature precision, and reliability. Key features include:
- 1600W dual stainless steel boilers
- E61 brew group for even heat distribution
- PID controller regulates boiler temperature
- Vibrating pump provides 15 bar pressure
- 2.5 liter water tank, top fill
- 58mm stainless steel portafilter
- 2-hole steam wand and hot water outlet
- Intuitive controls and display
With separate boilers optimizing the brewing and steaming processes, the ECM Casa V delivers exceptional temperature stability. The German engineering provides commercial-level performance in a kitchen-friendly footprint.
Key Differences Between Lelit Victoria And ECM Casa V
- Design and Build Quality
Both Lelit and ECM are renowned for manufacturing high-quality, thoughtfully designed machines.
The Lelit Victoria features a polished stainless steel body with gentle contours and angled control panel. The 2.5 liter water tank is easily removable for refilling. The portafilter handle contains a striking wood insert. Overall, a classy aesthetic perfect for display.
ECM Casa V has a squared design profile with more defined edges and dial controls. The boxy brew group and stainless steel finish give it an industrial look. The water tank is conveniently top-filled. Well-built for reliability and longevity.
Build quality is excellent on both machines – they can handle years of daily use. Lelit has a sleeker, more refined appearance where ECM leans utilitarian. But purely visual preference.
- Brewing Performance and Espresso Quality
When it comes to temperature stability and espresso extraction, these two prosumer models excel.
The Lelit Victoria leverages an E61 brew group and PID controller for even, consistent heating. The saturated group head provides superb heat retention. Combined with the pre-infusion feature, you can pull balanced shots with rich crema.
ECM Casa V takes precision even further with its double boiler setup separating the brew and steam processes.
The PID system meticulously regulates temperatures.
The E61 group head ensures even heat and water distribution. The results are impeccable espresso shots.
Both machines allow adjusting variables like dose, yield, and grind size to customize shots.
With good technique, expect cafe-quality espresso with balanced flavors, aromas, and velvety crema.
The performance difference between the two is minimal for home use.
- Milk Frothing Ability
Foam-stretching performance is another area where the Lelit Victoria and ECM Casa V are evenly matched.
The Lelit Victoria comes with a single hole steam wand that churns out silky microfoam. The pressure is smooth and consistent, though texture control requires a bit of practice.
ECM Casa V also includes a single hole steam arm that effortlessly turns milk into a light, creamy foam. It’s powerful with dry steam, making latte art a breeze.
Both models can steam milk for multiple drinks back-to-back once up to temperature. For home use, their steam wands produce top-notch foam texture and quality.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance
With their advanced technology and pressure-driven operation, ease of use is an important consideration.
The Lelit Victoria offers straightforward controls and an intuitive layout. The manual is well-written should you need guidance. But making basic espresso drinks is an easy process of grinding, tamping, locking the portafilter, and activating the shot.
Daily cleaning of the group head and drip tray is simple.
ECM Casa V has a similar workflow – dose, distribute, tamp, insert filter, pull shot. The dial interface and digital display are well-designed. Like most prosumer models, there is a learning curve to mastering its capabilities.
But overall very manageable. Daily maintenance involves backflushing, cleaning screens and shower heads.
For both machines, descaling every few months is recommended to keep things running optimally. This involves using descaler through the water lines. With proper care, these are durable, reliable machines.
- Programmability and Customization
A key benefit of prosumer espresso machines is the ability to customize your settings once you master the basics.
The Lelit Victoria allows you to adjust the brew temperature, steaming power, and pre-infusion time to tweak your shots. Save profiles once you dial in your preferred settings.
ECM Casa V also enables programming brew temperature and pre-infusion duration so you can fine-tune shots to match the beans and your taste. PID holds temperatures steady once set.
While more automated machines exist, these give barista-level control over shot parameters without being overly complex. As your skills improve, you can override factory presets.
Additional Factors and Features
Some other aspects that differentiate the two models:
- The Lelit Victoria has a slightly larger footprint but takes up minimal counter space.
- ECM Casa V has an additional 0.5 liter boiler capacity giving extra steaming power.
- Lelit Victoria comes in black, white, and wood panel versions. More color options.
- Both have energy saving modes that lower operating costs.
- The ECM Casa V is certified for commercial use should you operate a coffee shop.
Price-wise, the Lelit Victoria costs around $1700 USD while the ECM Casa V retails for $2100 USD. So the ECM comes at a higher price point for the additional boiler and output.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The key difference is that the Lelit Victoria uses a heat exchanger (HX) system while the Mara is a dual boiler machine. HX machines like the Victoria have a single boiler that heats water for both brewing and steaming simultaneously. The Mara has separate boilers optimized individually for espresso extraction and steam.
The Lelit Glenda is a single boiler, dual use espresso machine. The Victoria is an HX model with a boiler dedicated to brewing, and a heat exchanger that taps excess heat for steam production. The Glenda can only pull shots or steam milk serially, while the Victoria can do both simultaneously.
Using the ECM Casa V involves: filling the water tank, heating up the machine for 30+ minutes, grinding coffee beans, distributing and tamping grounds into the portafilter, locking the portafilter into the group head, and starting/stopping extraction using the brew lever. Steam milk by opening the steam valve and placing the wand tip in milk, then adjusting position to incorporate air and form microfoam.
The Lelit Victoria measures 14.6 x 20.5 x 14.2 inches (37 x 52 x 36 cm). So its footprint is about 20 inches wide by 15 inches deep. The height is 14 inches. The machine weighs about 65 pounds (29.5 kg). It is compact but substantial.
Final Thoughts
In choosing between the Lelit Victoria and ECM Casa V, consider your budget, beverage preferences, and how involved you want to get.
For an affordable prosumer machine with excellent temperature stability, shot versatility, and visually striking design, the Lelit Victoria is a superb choice. It makes crafting cafe drinks at home a joy.
If you seek absolute precision in temperature and don’t mind the premium price tag, the ECM Casa V delivers commercial-level performance. For high output or a future coffee shop, it’s ideal.
Ultimately both are capable, high-quality prosumer espresso machines that will elevate your home brewing game. Let your budget, beverage needs and personal preferences guide your decision between these two heavy hitters.