Review: ECM Technika V Profi PID Espresso Machine 

Hi Scott, Thanks for your patronage and your comment - we do our best and have a great team of passionate coffee pros! Decisions are tough! Technika V is a fine machine. I'd offer an opinion but not sure what the "SS" machine is you're considering. Marc

Hi KC, Thanks for sharing your experience with the Technika V. She is a beauty for sure! Marc

Hi Andrew, Thanks for watching and for the feedback. We do our best to include as much info as possible in the videos! As is the case ECM products in general the Technika stands out from the rest in quality workmanship. Marc

Hi Chris, Thanks for the kind comment! Marc

Hi Nigel, You arer welcome and thank you for the comments! Marc

J Luforge HI, thanks for the comment. Yes very similar aside from boilers, steam pressure and ease of opening the Synchronika! Marc

Hi Rob, Thanks for the comment. Personal installation can be arranged for a (not so) small additional fee :) Marc

Hi OB, You are welcome and thank you for taking a moment to leave your comment! Marc

@Buysome Bitcoin yes.

Hi t, Thanks for your kind comment, sharing your experience and thoughts. Happy to hear you have no regrets! As you have found multiple back to back drinks are no problem on the Technika V. Sounds like you went to a four hole steam tip? As mentioned in the video the stock 2 hole tip is what I call balanced meaning it can steam continuously while maintaining boiler pressure. Go to a tip with more or larger holes and you'll get more initial steaming power but faster drop in boiler pressure and longer pressure recovery times. Steam tip selection is a personal preference. I know those who are newer to manual steaming often prefer a little less steam power as it gives them more time to froth while those with more experience/skill can handle more steam. I was a little surprised the drip tray is not pre-drilled and the machine does not come with a collection cup. The drip tray does have the dimple for drilling and frame rails under the tray are pre-drilled for collection cup mounting. I 100% agree with preference for the kit coming with bottomless over single spout. That's something we are pushing manufacturers to do. Marc

Hi MR, You are welcome and thanks a whole latte for the comment!

Hi Sierra, Glad you liked it and thanks for the comment!

Hi SB, ECM is a nicer build quality - beautiful machine! Not sure where you're coming across rotary pump jamming issues. I've been working with both vibration and rotary pump machines for more than a decade and never had that issue. Very unlikely you'd ever have to replace a rotary pump in a home use machine. They have higher reliability than vibration pumps. Marc

Hi gary, Happy to help and thanks for taking a moment to let me know I did and the kind comment in regards to the videos. When making espresso timing is generally the same for singles, doubles, triples. Keep in mind timing is the most basic method of determining grind size. It's as far as many will go. But, if you want to go next try brew ratios - I have a bunch of videos! Marc

Hi AA, Thanks! Marc

Hi N, Thanks for the comment. I'd love to narrate audio books. I'm currently listening to Capsized. It's the true story of 4 guys who spent 119 days drifting in the South Pacific on an overturned trimaran and survived. Keep thinking I could do it better than the guy I'm listening to. Marc

Hi m, Thanks for the kind comment and question. We do our best to be thorough! I can't stand inaccurate and glossy reviews whose sole purpose is affiliate links. We aim to educate! Both the Technika V and Synchronika can brew and steam at the same time. No effect on brew pressure when steaming. Big difference between the machines is boiler type. Dual boiler in the Synchronika and heat-exchange boiler in the Technika V. In dual boiler machine one can control steam pressure (the in boiler temp) for frothing without without effecting brew temps. The Synchronika has best in class steaming power - up to about 2 bar of pressure in the boiler. You need to have your frothing technique down to take advantage of all that pressure. But you can turn down the steam temp in the Synchronika if needed while learning. Marc

Hi AT, Thank you for the kind comment and question. I'd likely go with the Technika. I hate filling reservoirs and prefer a rotary pump machines. Technika has more detail in the finish quality. IMO only reason you might consider the Pro 600 is if you're willing to give up plumbable rotary for higher steam power. Pro 600 has best in class with ~2 bar. Marc

Hi neil, You are welcome and thanks for your kind comment. All 3 machines are very good so I understand the confusion! IMO the ECM Technika V stands out in overall quality and detail. I prefer it's angled PF, extra touch with side angle of E61 group, extended functions available through a well integrated PID and gauges up high for easy visibility. Marc

Whole Latte Love guys! I bought this one! You’re right I think it the best of the bunch, that and my wife decided she preferred the look, so then it was done! Haha getting used to it and have a breville pro grinder but feel I’m going to need a sette 270wi or one of the eureka ones!

Same! I don’t know which one I should get, like Rocket Chronometro R’s design, but maybe Mitica and ECM has better quality.

Hi Harvey, Thanks for the comment. Yes there are spot welds near the top edge of the tray. They are far more finished than in other machines. I see plenty with raw spot welds low in the corners of drip trays of other machines. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage just got mine absolutely 99.9% perfect a beautiful machine all round

@@jimmyhorgan1905 Thanks for feedback! Marc

Hi Francisco, Thanks for the comment on the video and I agree on the ECM quality! We hope to have upgrade kits available in the future. Personally I'd wait for ECM PF but this bottomless Bezzera PF will fit ECM E61 groups and is available now: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/portafilters-and-filter-baskets/products/bezzera-bottomless-portafilter-for-matrix-and-duo-mn Marc

Hey marc, Sure, here's my video on the ECM Mechanika Max - the smart HX: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UfEysGSVEd8.html Hope that helps! Marc

Hi OM, Thanks for the comment. The Synchronika with flow control is the best of the bunch if you can swing it. While the flow control can be installed and work on the Technika we do not offer it that way. Marc

Hi q, Thanks for the comment and question. There are 2 screws underneath the machine on each panel. Before you remove those there are 4 screws on the top of the machine, 2 exposed toward the front and 2 underneath the reservoir lid. Take those out then loosen the screw underneath. Inside the machine are a couple of screws holding the panels to the frame. Fairly easy. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you very much!

Hi AK, Yes it could use ECM's flow control device. At this time due to supply/demand we do not have individual flow control upgrades available. Marc

Hi u, You are welcome and thanks for the question. Yes it is a no-burn wand. That and more details here: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ecm-technika-v-profi-pid#product-specs Marc

Hi Johnny, I'm sorry! Thanks for the comment! Marc

Hi Rakesh, Both of the machines you are considering use HX boilers and have PID temp control. Beyond aesthetics, the big difference is pump type. The Pro 500 uses a vibration pump fed by water reservoir and the Technika uses a rotary pump fed by reservoir or can be plumbed direct to waterline. For espresso quality and taste, no huge difference. Rotary pumps are quieter, come up to pressure faster and can flow brew water at a slightly higher rate than vibration pumps. There may be a slight benefit to a rotary pump if always using a darker roasts. Marc

Hi Michael, Thanks for the comment! As long as no delays at ports, then we should have them on / around June 4th.. due to Memorial day I hope there is no delays. Marc

Hi FM, Thanks for the kind comment and question. You are right although I find temperature stability of brew water similar between the machines! Pro 600 does have best in class steaming power - if you want to make use of that you need the frothing skills to do so. Big steam power means frothing mistakes happen fast and there's little time to correct. Of course on the Pro 600 you can turn down service boiler temp/pressure to match your skill. On the Technika you'll have decent steam power and time to work the milk. If you want more power down the road you can switch out to a steam tip with larger or more holes for faster steaming. Marc

Hi TJ, You are welcome and thanks for the comment and questions. ECM has more detail and higher level finish quality. Some other things it has the Pro 500 does not: Rotary pump, plumb to waterline, visible PID controller w/shot timer, lever operated valves, angled portafilters, real tamper included, ECO mode, backflush reminder, gauges up high. If given the choice, I'd go with the ECM Technika V. While I love the Pro 500, I hate filling reservoirs, I appreciate angled PFs and I do not mind visible PID displays. Hope that helps! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks Marc - this looks to be an updated version from the profitec with the shot timer etc , I’d like to see and touch both but right now that’s not so easy to do. I don’t think I’d regret buying either machine ! Thanks again

Hi Michael, Thanks for sharing your experience with your Technika IV. Good point on the fresh water in HX machine! I honestly do not know how practical installing a PID retrofit into a Pstat machine would be. It's not something I recommend as it can be very dangerous. Boilers can explode, injuries could happen and of course manufacturers will not support. That said, I know there is a community of machine modder/hackers out there who enjoy tinkering, etc. At the very least you'd need a Scace to asses the brew temps after adding a PID. Machine was designed knowing the boiler temp is going to swing a bunch under Pstat control. If you've retrofitted other E61s you know the in boiler temp is quite different than what you get at the group so you've got to figure out things like PID offsets and flow restrictors in the thermosiphon loop. Practical... perhaps not. Interesting, fun and challenging for someone with the right skills and knowledge maybe. Also know it could be dangerous! Marc

Hi Marco, You are welcome and thank you for the comment and question. Heat up time on the Synchronika will be longer by about 10 minutes. I like about 35 minutes on large dual boiler like the Synchronika. You can turn off the steam boiler on the Synchronika and get faster heat up if you don't need steam or hot water. The main differences between the machines: HX vs. dual boiler, Synchronika is easiest machine to open up - less than a minute to have all the panels off, Synchronika comes ready to add a drain line, Synchronika has best in class steaming power with the service boiler able to run ~2 bar. Max pressure in the Technika is ~1.1 bar. Both machines can do line pressure pre-infusion. In US Synchronika is available with flow control of E61 group pre-installed. Hope that helps! Marc

Whole Latte Love: thank you, Marc! Does that mean Flow Control is not supported/available for the Technika V Profi PID? I also think 1,1 bar should be more then enough to steam good milk. I’m not sure if someone really needs 2bar? Of course it is great :) 👍🏻

@@Marco-mn9sg Flow Control is available as an after-market part, I installed mine in my Technika V some weeks ago and it works flawlessly

nalyeone thank you very much 😊 glad to hear!

nalyeone are you still happy with your machine or would you upgrade to Synchronika?

Hi BF, Thanks for the comment. Who said PID means nothing in HX boilers? I've Scaced a bunch of PID and non-PID HX machines from various manufacturers and it makes a huge difference in brew temp consistency. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Well you know the argument that without accurate brewhead temp with something like Eric's thermometer you're shooting in the dark temperature surfing even with a PID, but this added convective thermosyphon is a game changer. Are there any other single boiler HX's you're aware of with that same feature?

Hi Paul, Thanks for the comment. The ECM stock double basket has the capacity for ~18g. Not sure where you're getting 14g unless you're stating traditional dose levels in Italy. Outside Italian espresso bars most are dosing 17-19g for doubles. If you need more capacity aftermarket precision filters baskets are available in a range of sizes up to 22g: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/portafilters-and-filter-baskets Marc

Hi FM, Thanks for the question. Either machine can do drinks for 5-6 people. Advantages of the Profi PID: Rotary pump, plumbable to water line and nicer finish quality and details. Pro 600 is vibration pump, non-plumbable but has best in class steaming power. Faster at milk frothing if you have the skills to make use of the power. If plumbing machine to waterline is a possibility I'd go with the Profi as I hate filling reservoirs and like in line water filtration to eliminate need to descale. If plumbing is not an option I'd go with the Pro 600. Boiler temps are independently controllable so you can change steam pressure/temp without affecting brew temp. Hope that helps! Marc

Hi simon, Thanks for the question. Odd that you only get the sound when pulling a shot and not when there's a blind basket installed. Most vibration noises come from internal pipe knocking on a case panel or something similar. Common fix is taking machine panels off to identify noise source and bending a component like pipe etc to stop the vibration. Marc

Painting polished stainless is not easy, as you would first have to destroy the polish you have just paid for. Paint will not adhere to the shiny surface. Maybe check out people who have wrapped their machines with automotive vinyl wrap; there is some info online on this if you search.

Hi MA, You are welcome. No other colors I'm aware of. :( Marc

Yes!

Hi Mark, Good choice! Basically the HX version of the ECM Synchronika. It's a wonderful machine - enjoy it! Marc

Hi Francisco, Thanks for the question. The Pro 500 has similar performance and uses essentially the same boiler. Here's a link to a side by side spec comaprison of the machines: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=MTU0NTk5MzY1MDIzNSwyMjIzNzQzNTMzMTEw Major differences between the machines: Technika uses rotary pump, has lever valves, higher mounted gauges, angled portafilter, extra finishing details and is plumbable. Some debate over differences between vibration pump and rotary pump extractions. Some prefer higher flow rate of rotary pumps while others think the slightly slower initial pressure rise of vibration pumps can be beneficial. I don't have any data as judgements on that very subjective. "Worth paying more" is a matter of personal preference. I hate filling reservoirs so plumbing is important to me. I prefer sound of rotary pump to vibration pump. I can rationalize the higher price given probable length of ownership. Hope that helps! Marc

Hi Michael, Tough decisions! If you are going to plumb either just know the Rocket machines cannot do line pressure pre-infusion like ECM's plumbed machines. I have not done steaming tests comparing the Technika V to the Rocket machines but they should be fairly close. If you want a real bump in steaming performance have a look at the dual boiler ECM Synchronika which can run at about 2 bar in the steam boiler while the others run at ~1.4 max pressure. Very similar machine to the Technika with the joystick lever valves and you can set the steam pressure/temp to whatever you like without the brew temp changing. When you change temperature to adjust steam pressure in machines with heat exchange boilers you are also changing the brew temperature. Marc

Hi j, You are welcome for the videos and thanks for the kind comment! I'd take the dual boilers out of the mix - kinda sound like you have. To be clear you can brew and steam simultaneously on any of the the machines on your list should you want to. Advantage of dual boilers machines are individual control of brew and steam boiler temps, plumbability and smooth rotary pumps. Unless you love the look of the Rocket I'd take it off the list. If going rotary HX up close to the exterior and under the hood the Techinka is a finer machine. If you don't need to plumb then the Pro 500 is the way to go. Hope that helps! Marc

​@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you for the prompt reply. Yeah, I've just realized it was kind of obvious the dual boilers were out of the equation. You're also right, I was considering the Mozzafiato for the looks. I know the ECM is a finer machine under the hood and it will probably be the one that I go with but my main concern are those joysticks instead of the knobs. A question of preference, I suppose.

Hi FM, Thanks for the question. I suspect one would have similar results on the Pro 700 and R58 but I have not tested. Like HX mchines, dual boilers run the brew boiler hotter than brew temp delivered. The difference is less than in HX machine. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Well, in a DB would the temperature difference be less? would decrease a little less?

Hi b, We hope to have them available in the future. Current supply is very limited. Marc

Hi Edward, You are welcome and thank you for the kind comment and excellent question. Yes, if running from the reservoir of the Technika pre-infusion is a dribble with no real pressure behind it. I regard it as pre-wetting rather than pre-infusion. It may help to reduce channeling and have a slight increase in the depth of extraction but it is not at all comparable to true pre-infusion with some pressure behind it. A very common and productive use of long low flow/pressure pre-infusion is to tame the excessive brightness one typically gets from fresh from roast specialty coffees. If using high-end, single origin, lighter roast coffees it makes a huge difference. If doing more classic Italian style blends then true pre-infusion doesn't buy you much. If you want true flexibility and are considering the Pro 600 get it with flow control: www.wholelattelove.com/products/profitec-pro-600-dual-boiler-espresso-machine-with-flow-control With flow control on the 600 you can run the machine normally or choose to do those long low flow pre-infusions or other flow profiles that can help improve classic bean blends. Hope that helps! Marc

Hi David, Thanks for the comment and question. She is a beauty and the brew temp accuracy is very impressive. The Technika V comes with a 2 hole steam tip which I consider balanced meaning you can turn the steam on and after a short initial drop in boiler pressure it will climb back up and the pressure will hold indefinetly. What a user wants in steam power is a personal preference. I find those newer to frothing prefer less power as they'll have more time to work the milk while users with more experience/skill prefer more. Then there's the mindset that more of anything is always better. For those desiring more vigorous steam switching out to a 4 hole tip is the way to go. You will steam much faster. Of course boiler pressure drops quicker but still plenty to get the job done. It's a conservation of energy kind of thing... Up the number of holes (or size of holes) in the tip and you'll get to finished temp faster using the same energy stored in the boiler. Just gotta have the skill to handle the speed. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Many thanks for the response.

You are welcome! Either the ECM Classika PID with flow control (high-end): www.wholelattelove.com/products/ecm-classika-pid-espresso-machine-with-flow-control Or the ECM Casa V (mid-range): www.wholelattelove.com/products/ecm-casav-semi-automatic-espresso-machine Hope that helps! Marc

Thank you so much 👍

Hi AR, Thanks for the question. I believe my PID was set to higher temp than factory preset which allowed boiler pressure to rise after initial drop when steaming. Even at .75 bar continuous you should have plenty of power for steaming milk. Many competing machines will drop to .5 bar or below when steam is left on continuously. Boiler should recover to full pressure well before it's possible to have more milk prepped in a pitcher for another round of steaming. Marc

Hi Daniel, You are welcome for the video! Yes, I'm set at 120C/248F. I picked my boiler temperature based on my desired brew temp as referenced in the manual at ~6 minutes in the video. At that setting the machine is definitely making steam as it's well above boiling point of 100C/212F and there's plenty of steaming power. I don't have a manual handy for the machine, but must have missed any mention of not enough steaming power below 120C. Keep in mind changing your boiler temp in an HX boiler machine will change your brew temp as well. At 124C boiler temp setting you'll be brewing at 96.2C/205F which is right at the upper limit of espresso brewing temps. You will have more steaming power at the higher temp. If running that hot you'll want to do a cooling flush from the group to reduce the brew temp right before pulling a shot. I doubt there is air trapped in the group. Your initial extraction at 1-2 seconds is likely from overheated water causing excess pressure in brew water section of the boiler. Especially if running at 124C. Lifting the lever releases pressure in the boiler and causes flash boiling. That produces a burst of steam with a bit of pressure behind it onto the coffee. You can fix by doing a cooling flush from the group right before the extraction. Without the PF in place lift the lever and let water flow until the flow becomes smooth. Should only take a few seconds for flow to even out with less bubbles and steam. Then pull your shot. Your other option is to run the boiler cooler. At 120C you will not need the cooling flush unless the machine has been on and idle for an extended period. At 120C your brew temp will be right in the middle of the brewing range of 90.5 - 96C. Hope that helps! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Marc thanks so much for your detailed response, much appreciated. Will reset to 120 c for my morning brew tomorrow!!

Hi CM, Thanks for the question. The Technika V does not come with a drip tray drain. The drip tray is not drilled but does have a dimple in the tray where it would need to be drilled. I don't have a pdf of the Technika parts diagram. But, I do have one for the ECM Synchronika: wiki.wholelattelove.com/images/3/3a/Synchronika_Parts_Diagram.pdf Technica parts are identical. Parts needed for a complete drain install (minus the hose) are shown in drawing 1/table 1. They are in position 7, 8, 25, 26 and 27. Part numbers are in the pdf. FYI - The frame of the Technika is pre-drilled for mounting of the drainage pan (27) which sits under the drip tray. Hope that helps! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage This information is so valuable that it should be included in the product description on your website! Thus far reps are telling me only the Rocket R machines can be plumb drained, but clearly they are misinformed. I am now leaning toward purchasing the Technika V. Would you happen to know where one could order the parts you refer to with a view to plumbing the drain? My web searches thus far have been inconclusive. Thank you so much!

Hi Simone, Thanks for the questions! Know I would never laugh at anyone's machine!!! Yes you can descale an HX machine yourself. We have this video showing you how to do that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yEGfyJkWSqU.html One thing I highly recommend is using water that'll prevent scale in the first place. You want some minerals in the water to support good flavor, prevent over-extraction and protect your equipment. Do no use mineral free water like distilled or zero TDS reverse osmosis water. BWT has excellent water treatment options which use patented ion-exchange technology to replace most of the scale causing calcium with magnesium. Used as directed their filtering options prevent scale in espresso machines. Their Bestsave in-reservoir pad filters are easy to use relatively inexpensive and perfect for someone doing 2-4 shots a day: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter The BWT Penguin Pitcher uses the same technology, filters faster and makes great tasting drinking water as well: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher Steaming power on prosumer level semi-auto machines is much better than what you get on a product like the Barista Express which uses a thermoblock boiler to make steam. It'll be night and day! The Pro 600 is a good choice for your use level. It'll heat up a bit faster than the Technika and with dual boilers you'll have tighter control of brew temps and can adjust steaming pressure without affecting brew temp. It also has even more initial steaming power than the Technika running at close to 2 bar if desired. That 2 bar is as high as it gets in prosumer level machines. Just be aware the Pro 600 is not plumbable and uses a vibration pump. Backflushing with water daily and using a product like Cafiza every week or two is good at your use level. Over doing backflushing with a cleaning product may lead to squeaking of internal group components as it keeps things too clean - kinda want a lite coating of coffee oils on internal components to lubricate and reduce friction. Hope that helps! Marc

Hi E, Here's link to filter and pressure gauge: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestmax-premium-filter-package-w-besthead-flex Filter capacity depends on the hardness of water being treated. For relatively soft water with total hardness of 4 German degrees (72ppm total hardness) the filter is good for 1,875 liters. At 13 degrees/232ppm capacity is 520 liters. For very hard water at 21 degrees/375ppm capacity is 290 liters. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Yeah I have seen a 3M filter that is good for over 2000ltrs

@@Elfin4 What does it filter? Does it reduce hardness?

Hi Manderson, From your comment it's not clear if you are using a Pro 500 or Technika but assuming a Pro 500. From Profitec here are their recommended boiler temp settings to get specific brew temps: Excuse the decimals as temps are converted from Celsius 240.8 = 193.8 242.6 = 194.7 244.4 = 195.6 246.2 = 198.1 248 = 200.1 249.8 = 201 251.6 = 202.6 253.4 = 203.9 255.2 = 205.2 Keep in mind that ambient temps and other variables can affect actual brew temp. Things like the machine being on and idle for long periods and leaving the PF in place in the group (you should) when idle will change brew temps. I'm guessing if you set the PID to 258 you'd likely get some flash boiling out of the group if the machine is fully warmed up and idle for a bit. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Hi Marc! Thanks for the reply. I recently purchased the Technika from you guys, I was just referring to the PP 500 as it seems like information is easier to come by. I am noticing some “gurgling” after item at the group at anything over 250, with it lasting longer the higher I go. I guess I was just wondering if there was any updated guidance on PID temp’s based on testing, and if I could go off of recommendations for the 500 due to similarities in design.

Hey Dark, A PID setting of 255F/124C results in a brew temp of 201F/94C

Hi DL, Thanks for the question. Yes it does! Marc

Hi Chen, Thanks for your patronage! The Eureka Silenzio is capable of serving the Technika. If you have not watched already here's a video featuring the full lineup of espresso focused Eureka Mignon grinders including the Silenzio: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wfhaD9OPqd8.html The Silenzio and some of the other Mignon grinders come in a variety of colors if that's important to you. The Silenzio use a 50mm burr. Some of the other Mignon grinders in the video step up to a 55mm burr. Bigger burrs generally produce a better grind quality and grind faster. You might also consider the Ceado E6P. More info and videos on that grinder here: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ceado-e6p-electronic-dosing-grinder-v2 The Ceado E6P features 64mm burrs and a beautiful fluffy grind distribution. While the Eureka grinds are built very well, Ceado grinders up the quality a bit with higher quality machining. Hope that helps and congrats on your new machine! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think the Eureka design will fit in with the kitchen better. The Eureka Mignon XL was released not long ago with the bigger burr. Any idea when you guys will start carrying that ?

Hi Ralph, You are welcome! In my experience, ECM stock double baskets have a capacity of 16-18g. Capacity depends on coffee used. Lighter roasts tend to be denser. Marc

Hi 0, It's all about tip position relative to the surface of the milk when you start steaming and when to make a move a little lower. Here's the best video on frothing with some graphics and multi-camera angles which demonstrate the technique: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4PSCsv7kcKA.html Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks Marc, I'll continue practicing!

Hi Rony, Flow control will work on any ECM or Profitec machine with E61 group. The flow control units are popular so supply is limited. At this time we can only offer FCD upgrade kits to customers who purchased a machine from us. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thank you so much Marc. I wanna get a machine in very near future. Can't decide which way to go. can you please give me advice. I'm undecided between technika v and Crem one duo v. I know Crem is duo boiler and technika is not but there are basically same price. I usually make 4-5 coffees per day. Most of them milk base. Thank you so much for your input.

@@rony05gmail So it's a tough choice but easier if you can define what's most important to you in a machine. The ECM is extremely well finished - really among the best quality finishing on the market. It's HX boiler but with rotary pump so a bit quieter than the vibe pump Crem Duo-V. The Crem has more features like the on/off by day of week, ability to turn boiler off if desired, brew boiler drain, shot mirror, easy Eco mode and individual temp control of both boilers. Upping PID temps on the Technika for more steam power does change your brew temp. That's not the case with the Crem. IMO both are equally capable of making excellent espresso. If you're into the classic elegance then probably the ECM. If you'd appreciate additional features and less refined finish then the Crem. Hope that helps! Marc

Hi Ye, Thanks for the question. With PID control boiler is held at a very constant temp. Much more stable than HX machines using a pressurestat to control boiler temps. The PID stability combined with proper engineering of the E61 thermosiphon loop produces accurate and predictable brew temps. The E61 thermopsiphon dumps heat to the E61 group which acts as a heat sink and reduces temps in the HX section of the boiler. For this to work well the portafilter should be kept in the group when not in use. Not only is that SOP with espresso machines but the mass of the PF adds to the heat sink. Marc

Whole Latte Love Thanks!

Hi Bill, Thanks for the question. We are not selling with the flow control installed. But if purchased from us we can sell flow control upgrades to customers who have purchased ECM and Profitec machines. Do check with our customer support if you'd like to do that. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Awesome. Thanks Marc. Love your videos. I like the rest of your subscribers am an espresso nut. I have a super automatic now but am itching to get a semi automatic once this one goes on the fritz per my wife. Doing a ton of research for that day and only want to hopefully buy once. I am hoping to purchase from Wholelattelove. Have an amazing day! Bill

Hi cm, Thanks for the question. Specified pressure is fairly low. Should be under 1.5 bar equal to 22psi. Here's this from the machine's user manual: "Make sure that the fixed water connection of your machine is connected to a potable water supply having an operating pressure ranging between 0 and 1.5 bars. We recommend to use a pressure regulator and a shut-off valve in case the operating pressure exceeds 1.5 bars or frequently fluctuates." Here's a link to the Technika V user manual for more info: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4404388430099/ECM_Technika_V_Profi_PID_User_Manual.pdf Hope that helps! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you.

Hi 2969, Total height with the reservoir lid open is 19.5"/49.35CM. Of course if you plumb the machine in you will not need to access the water reservoir on a regular basis! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you Marc! I already ordered this beauty - assumed that total height would be under 50 cm. Pfiuuu, your answer was a relief :D Keep on making these great and informative videos! Best regards from hot and sunny Helsinki, Finland

Hi Ron, Thanks for the comment and question. Variables like your boiler temp setting, ambient temp and idle time may change the need for a cooling flush. If you run this machine for a brew temp of ~199F typically do not need a flush unless machine has been on and idle for an extended period. A major factor is design of the thermosiphon system flow restriction. With the thermosiphon flow rate properly controlled the group bleeds off enough heat so brew water is at proper temp without a flush.

@@Wholelattelovepage I had not considered different manufacturers setting their thermosiphoning at different rates, makes sense.

Hi Ahmet, Thanks! Marc

Hi PB, Thanks for the comment and question. I was using one of my favorite classic Italian style bean blends Maromas Orphea: www.wholelattelove.com/products/maromas-orphea-whole-bean-espresso It's one of our top sellers and best reviewed coffees in that variety! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thx Mark. I will have a look. Do you supply European market?

@@MrBlacksford Sorry, we do not :( USA/Canada only at the moment. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage I see. Thanks anyway. Keep up good work.

Hi MC, Of the 3 machines the ECM has the best overall build quality IMO. Steaming performance is similar for these machines. As they are HX the boilers tend to operate at lower pressures than dual boiler machines. If you have excellent frothing skills you could be wanting more pressure. On the other hand less pressure gives you more time to work the milk. If you want more vigorous steam from an HX machine you can switch out to a steam tip with larger or more holes. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thank you very much, may I ask what’s the steaming pressure for EMC technika V? I know R58 around 1.4 bar, and EMC synchronika is around 2 bar.

@@MC-tl2mt you’re welcome! Pressure in Technika depends on temp setting. Around 1.1 at middle brew temp setting

@@Wholelattelovepage Hi, I’m looking between Technika V and synchronika. But I’ve heard about ECM synchronika steam is strong but wet and very hard to get nice foam, could you please recommend one machine have best steam performance?Thanks😄

@@MC-tl2mt not sure who told you that, Synchronika is about the best steamer available in its class. Marc

Hi C, yes display can be switched between C and F. Marc

Hi ee, Machine is designed for home use.

Hi Chad! Thanks for the question. If sitting on and unused for hours I would do a cooling flush. But depends on ambient temps. If running in a cool environment maybe not much needed. Benefit of dual boiler is independent control of boiler temperatures. Can run the steam boiler much hotter in a dual boiler for more steam pressure resulting in better frothing performance. The ECM Synchronika, Profitec Pro 700 and Profitec Pro 600 dual boiler machines all run at about 2 bar max pressure in the steam boiler. Much higher than the Technika. Here's a link to a side by side spec comparison including measurements of the Technika and the DB machines listed above: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=MjIyMzc0MzUzMzExMCwxNTQ1OTkwODY0OTU1LDY3ODg4NTg2NzUyNTQsNDI5NDMwOTM0NzM4Mg Hope that helps! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Purchased from WLL today. Mary-Ann and Mark (in sales) are excellent. I have called a few times over the last couple years, always helpful. Watched your videos on many products, many times. I wanted a Synchronika, but I could only fit the Pro 700 or Technika height. In the end, I sacrificed the marginally more stable brew temps and the 2x steam power of the 700 for the ECM touch points and to generally look its expense. I am 75% confident in my decision. I recommend Portland location (pls excuse the rampant homelessness/litter/graffiti), so I can be more confident next time. 🤓 Thanks for your response.

Hi mk, Thanks for the question. Flow control will work on this machine. Problem is demand for the device has outpaced supply due to popularity and pandemic related production limitations. Hopefully supply will improve! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks Marc, do you guys sell those machines which used for demonstration? I changed my mind and instead of technica I am looking for a syncronica

Hi GA, Thanks for the question. 1.5 bar is sufficient for pre-infusion. That said, I do run my pressure regulator at 2-3 bar. Manufacturers tend to be a bit conservative. The machine is open to line pressure at all times so I do recommend a shut-off valve if you will be away. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the response. So you think the 2 bar pressure will not damage the machine. You recomend to shut off the valve every day when i go out? Or only if i will leave home for a long time e.g for weekend or holidays??

“In a world where coffee has become commoditized, one man has not had his morning espresso yet... “ 😉

Lol, That or maybe narrate star shows at planetariums? The announcer tracks for those fascinated me as a kid! Marc

hahahahaha!

Hey MEGA, congrats on the new machine! And, you're doing it right with the Bestmax. 2 bar pressure on the line into the machine provides sufficient water flow rate. ECM actually recommends 1.5 bar in the manual. I understand how 1.5 - 2 bar getting to 9 is a little confusing, but it's all about the flow rate. The pump in the machine increases the pressure. The flow rate into the machine, even at 1.5 bar is more than sufficient to provide a flow rate at the group of greater than 11 grams per second which is the typical flow rate of rotary pump machines. Hope that helps! Marc

Thank you for your quick reply and the clarification. I have one more question about my E37SD seasoning I will send it in an hour

Hey New, Synchroinika! It's dual boiler and rotary pump. Marc

Roger

Hi Sam, If big brother is the Synchronika then yes you can! Technika uses a a heat exchange boiler so turning up boiler temp for more steam pressure also increases the brew temperature. Synchronika has separate boilers for steam and brew so turning up steam boiler temp has no affect on brew temps. Max steam pressure on the ECM Synchronika is ~2 bar and that's bets in class! Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks Marc.

Hi TND, Neither machine is commercially rated. That said, The Pro 700 would do much better as it's a dual boiler machine so steaming has no impact on brew temps. But with high volume repeated use brew temps might rise a bit as the group head warms. Marc

Glad you like it! Marc

Hi Benz, Thanks for the question. I'm partial to ECM for overall quality and detail. That said, many like the more in your face branding of Rocket machines. Depends on what is more important to you. Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thank u so much.

Hi Sandy, You are fast! Marc

Hi Marc. 🤩 the right timing is very important! In my experience 27 seconds is best ☕️ Thanks for your awesome videos 👍👍👍

Hey rT, Blank PID is an indication the machine there is not water in the reservoir. Check that the float in the bottom corner of the reservoir is in place and operating properly. Sometimes they get jammed. Here's a link to a video showing you what to check. Video is on a different machine but uses the same reservoir: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xcze59LUg9E.html Marc

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks 🥰