Exploring Extraction with the Lelit MaraX3

Released this July 2026, the Lelit MaraX3 brings advanced pressure profiling and real-time extraction control to the home espresso experience. We asked Madcap Coffee Control Specialist Reily Pond to spend time with the machine and share her perspective. From dialing in coffees to exploring how pressure changes shape flavor and texture, here's what stood out to her after pulling shots on the MaraX3.

You've spent a lot of time behind espresso machines. What stood out to you most when you started pulling shots on the MaraX3?

The thing that stood out to me when pulling shots on the MaraX3 is the overall versatility of the machine. All coffee is so different, so having a machine that lets you modulate the way in which you’re extracting is a bit of a game changer. There are a lot of machines that will let you change your pressure, but few (other than the Bianca) that let you adapt in real time.  

How does the MaraX3 help you get the most out of a coffee during the dialing-in process?

With the ability to control the pressure live during extraction, you can manipulate what is extracting and when. With most machines, there is either no pre-infusion, or a standard set pre-infusion that you can go in and change in the settings menu. With this machine, you can change to low pressure (light flow rate) to create as long of a pre-infusion as the coffee requires. These longer (or shorter) low pressure pulls effectively increase the “bloom” or pre-infusion of the espresso. It gives you a little more control when changing between different countries of origin and roast styles. While adding this pressure profiling is just another variable we can change to dial in, it actually makes the dialing in process simpler from coffee to coffee. 

The Pagaia paddle gives you more control over extraction. How have you been using it, and what differences are you tasting in the cup?

Using pressure profiling is something that I’ve been using to test the bounds of how coffee changes throughout the shot. At the moment, my personal favorite is a long, low pressure (like 1.5 bars) soak followed by a quick, high pressure (9+bars) extraction to finish with a pretty high ratio (1:3 or 1:3.5). Shots with the long low pressure time at the front trend with more complex florals and acids, while the quick finish with larger ratios end up balancing out that delicacy with a pleasant sugar structure. These pulls change from coffee to coffee, but a manual machine will give you the ability to react to such changes. 

Is there a particular Madcap coffee you've especially enjoyed on the MaraX3, and what made that pairing work so well?

Juliana Sidra has been knocking my socks off. As a pour over, this coffee hits light, candy-like red fruit notes. In an attempt to mimic that profile, a long, low-pressure pre-infusion helps capture those juicy notes and a quick, high bar extraction to finish out the shot helps round out and balance it. As one of our coffees with a lighter body, the impact that the pressure profiling has on the finishing mouthfeel is undeniable. With this machine, Juliana Sidra tastes like raspberry sorbet. 

For someone looking to elevate their home coffee ritual, what makes the MaraX3 a machine you'd confidently recommend?

I could confidently recommend this machine to anyone who is interested in trying many different types of coffee from many different types of roasters. For me, personally, I love to get down to the nitty gritty of brewing and extracting coffee. This machine gives me a good mental image of how a coffee is extracted and how I can change it to achieve my perfect shot. I like to taste lots of different roast styles and growing regions and a machine like this gives me the opportunity to change back and forth without having to start from square one. If you’re looking to delve further into the land of coffee and extraction, the MaraX3 is phenomenal. If you tend to like to set up your machine for one coffee that you make the same every day, it might be a few more bells and whistles than you might prefer.

Interested in bringing a Lelit machine home? Madcap proudly offers select Lelit espresso machines, along with support to help you feel confident dialing in your setup and getting the most from every coffee. Every machine purchase includes a complimentary 2 lb bag of coffee to get you started.

Experience two exceptional variety separations from Juliana Guevara's Finca La Terraza in Huila, Colombia. Showcasing both Java and Sidra varieties July 10-12 2026, these washed coffees highlight the remarkable influence of cultivar, elevation, and meticulous processing through vibrant expressions of citrus, florals, and tropical fruit. Available in our cafes as espresso, filter, or as a tasting flight featuring both coffees side by side.