Profitec Pro 500 PID vs ECM Mechanika V Slim HX Comparison 

I've been reading a lot about how heat exchangers actually produce a better tasting espresso than a double boiler due to the declining temperature profile. Italians say that brings less hot water and energy to draw the astringents out in the last part of the extraction. I've been researching for so long, at one point I was dead set on a double boiler. Having been to Italy 7 times and never drinking anything close to what I've had there, I would tend to believe there's a reason the Italians prefer heat exchangers. Only in America would we lead the home barista into believing they would need a double boiler. The double boiler was created because barista's in the U.S. are not trained properly so they can pull a more consistent shot with a double boiler. If the Italians are right, and I would imagine they are, you would be better served at home with a heat exchanger unit.

A long awaited comparison not found elsewhere. Good job!

I purchased the ECM, simpler, more compact and less expensive. I added a thermometer to the group and I now know what my brew temp is… no need for a PID.

Great job comparing these two machines. Bravo!

Profitec has my vote, thanks

Nice review Charles. Thank you.

Thanks, great explanation

Hands down the Mechanika V Slim because of limited space. This beats the Appartamento big time!

Have the Mechanika V Slim and love it. Found the steam pressure was a bit high from the factory, turned it down by turning down the pressure stat by 0.5 of a turn resulting in pressure dropping from 1.35 to 1.2 bar. This resulted in less overheated water at start up while maintaining a good steam pressure.

It came down to these two exact machines before I finally purchased and it was a hard pick, both are really awesome kick ass machines. I ended up going for the Mechanica but only because of the fact I was on the fence about the PID on a HX. It's great being able to adjust brew temp electronically on the fly rather than having to adjust the mechanical pressure stat on the inside of the machine, but the PID is another part to wear out and need replacing every 2-3 years. They are easy enough to replace yourself but they do cost about $200-300 a pop (not the cheapest wearing part when in comparison the vibration pump costs $80 and can lasts 10+ years) That considered I don't really change my beans around often enough (at all) so I didn't see the PID function as something i would get enough benefit from. Also the Mechanica was cheaper by $350 when i was purchasing so i went that way. Both are high quality machine made in the same factory, so either one will be very reliable and easy to maintain yourself.

Really amazing pair of machines! I’am in the search of the perfect machine, and I think the best addition to a machine like this is the flow control. Do you recommend installing a flow control device to the Profitec Pro 500?

Beautiful review Thanks 🙏I have the ECM the steam just wow professional

Hi, do you know if there’s going to be a machanika slim with PID soon?

I would like to know if there is a new version of the profitec pro 300 that has eco mode. Thanks

I am going to order the just released updated ECM Mechanika VI Slim machine.

The profitec can come with flow control though right? Is that an advantage?

Appartamento or pro 500?Which one has the most steam power ?

People, in ECM Mechanika V Slim, the V is like roman five (5), not like Victor, there was a Mechanika IV, like in four (4) ....

How about the rocket appartamento between the 3?

can the Profitec create a nice whirlpool in the pitcher? I usually use a small one 12oz I think. can't decide between these.

Which one would you get ? I’m in the market of my first machine under $2k, my sight was originally with appartamento and some one told me to look into ecm and profitec! Profitec 500 PID is on my lead what do you think

From what I understand, since the addition of the PID on the Pro500, the recovery time after pulling a couple of back to back shots has gone up significantly, up. To 10 minutes. Can you explain that?

do they have antiburn steam wand?

How long does it take to heat up each of these machines?

Great video as always. Correct me if I am wrong I thought they were the same company? Like Lexus and Toyota

Not true on flushing the 500. It uses a thermosyphon system with a restrictor, which eliminates the need for flushing.

How much the machine?which is the cheapest one?

Profitec has DIP... end of discussion for me. But should it be?

As long as we are talking about national stereotypes: The weird thing about these machines is that they should be designed in Italy and built in Germany. That would be more assuring. Italians have beautiful designs, but are not exactly known for practicality, attention to detail, and build quality. The Germans are know for precision and engineering. Germans might counter Italian design excess that undermines performance. Seems like the German-design and Italian-construction slogan plays to each culture’s weakness. I’m still buying one, but the current bi-national sales slogan doesn’t move the needle for me.

HX machines all need a cooling flush. MaraX: hold my espresso.

Thank you for comparing. I hope at the end of the presentation you write the differences between them and not just talk