Lelit group head gasket 57 mm – MC047/SIL for Anna and Anita
The portafilter turns in smoothly again and stops halfway, right where it belongs. Not a drop runs down the edge.
A group head gasket works under heat and pressure, every day, for years. At some point the silicone hardens and loses the elasticity that pulls the portafilter tight against the group.
How to tell a gasket has hardened
Two things stand out first. One you can see: during a shot, water escapes at the edge of the portafilter, or the handle travels further and further until it barely gets tight. The other you can taste: when part of the water bypasses the puck, the espresso loses exactly the pressure that shapes the aromatic window. The body gets thinner, the sweetness flatter, the finish shorter.
Because different compounds dissolve at different points in the extraction, even a small loss of pressure shifts the whole picture. That's why such an inconspicuous part can make so much difference.
This gasket is the silicone version for the 57 mm group of the Anna and Anita. The Grace PL81T also has a 57 mm group, but needs a different gasket with its own item number – we stock it separately. Same diameter doesn't mean same part here.
At a glance
| Type |
Group head gasket |
| Group head |
57 mm, EM series |
| Material |
Silicone |
| Item number |
MC047/SIL |
| Brand |
Lelit |
| Compatible with |
Lelit Anna and Anita series (PL41EM, PL41TEM, PL42EMI, PL42TEMD) |
| In the box |
1 gasket |
| Distinction |
Not for the Grace PL81T – it has its own 57 mm gasket with a different item number |
Who this gasket is for
For anyone with an Anna or Anita whose portafilter locks in too far or leaks water at the edge. The change takes a screwdriver and a little patience – after years the old gasket sits tight, and the new one goes in with a bit of pressure.
Whether your machine is one of the more affordable ones in the range or not makes no difference here. Every setup deserves the same fresh part, and every way of making coffee is valid.
What goes with it
When the group is open, it's the right moment for the whole package. We stock the shower screen and the shower plate O-ring separately, also to fit the 57 mm group. Powder and brushes for backflushing are under machine and grinder cleaning.
The choice of basket fundamentally changes the aroma profile – if you're changing the basket while you're at it, you'll find the selection under precision baskets and filter baskets.
And because an evenly compressed puck has the same effect as a well-sealed group: for anyone who wants an affordable, precise tamper, the spring-loaded one from Normcore is our recommendation. If you want more feel in the hand and more manufacturing depth, go for Weber Workshops.
Frequently asked questions
Does this gasket fit my machine?
It's specified for the Lelit Anna and Anita series with a 57 mm group, i.e. PL41EM, PL41TEM, PL42EMI and PL42TEMD. The Grace PL81T is also 57 mm, but needs a different gasket. If you're unsure, send us the item number or the rating plate of your machine at [email protected] – we'll check the fit before you order.
How does it differ from the gasket for the Grace?
Both are 57 mm in diameter, but they have different item numbers and are meant for different machines. This one is MC047/SIL for Anna and Anita; the other is 8700018 for the Grace PL81T. They are not interchangeable.
How do I know the gasket has hardened?
Two signs: the portafilter turns in further and further and barely gets tight, and water escapes at the edge during a shot. In the cup, it shows as thinner body and a shorter finish, because part of the pressure bypasses the puck.
How often should a group head gasket be changed?
That depends on use and temperature, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It makes more sense to watch for the signs: a portafilter that keeps travelling and water escaping. Regular backflushing – daily without detergent, roughly every fifty shots with detergent, about five minutes – keeps the group in shape for longer overall.
Can I see the product before buying?
Yes. In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) you can see the part in person and go through with us whether it fits your machine.
How long does delivery take?
2 to 4 working days to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich Oerlikon is also possible.
Roastery tip
When the pressure goes fully through the puck again, the body comes back. Dense roasts show this most beautifully: Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight from our coffee roastery, with caramel, chocolate and nuts. If you want maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. And as a side note for the curious: Wild Peach, fruity and lively. That's our recommendation, one of many.
Questions about fit: [email protected] – by phone during business hours
Showrooms to see it in person: Bern, Gerberngasse 44 and Zurich Oerlikon, Hagenholzstrasse 50b
Delivery: 2–4 working days – Switzerland and Liechtenstein
