ECM SYNCHRONIKA - German Built By Italian Heritage

LOL!!! Nice passive-aggressive review. How often did you complain about something and then say it is not so bad. Oh my.

Is it heritage?

While I still have no idea how you have (not?) tested your Synchronika, I repeat it without any personal undertone:
There is absolutely no way to pull any drinkable shot from 1st gen Synchronika after just 7-10 minutes of heat-up time. It is at temperature not before * 35 minutes and some flushing ***.

If you want faster heat up time, you need the new Synchronika II. It sports two 200 W extra heating elements in the E61 group an with these (and a lot of energy), 8 minutes are possible.

Nevertheless, E61 remains a thing of the past in my eyes

Are there any machines that don't get hot?

We use one on the cafe I work at. Not this exact model, a simpler one. That tank has served more coffees than it's supposed to. It's on 8 hours a day everyday and hasn't failed once. E61 ECM for life baby!

If only there was a machine that wouldn't waste so much electricity and heat and would be ready in 10min. My apartment during summer is already too hot having no AC, any additional heat is not wanted.

These feel like super high quality versions of old technology. In yhe current world of flow, pressure and accurate temperature control i think the e61 is falling bwhind. Still a great machine if you want to keep it simple though

Just upgraded from a Lucca 53 Mini to ECM SYNCHRONIKA , and yeah, ECM SYNCHRONIKA is a better daily driver; the heat issues you highlighted are WAY overrated.

advice on ECM Sync vs LM Micra?

ECMs are built like tanks. That is a feature of its own worth apreciating. My ECM Mechanika 3 is 17 years old, still looks shiny and stunning and produces excellent results. I spent around 250 € in spare parts (gaskets, pump, isolation retrofit, new lamp, e61 spare part set, new safety valve, finder relais). Some of those parts weren't even broken but the pump and the relais got louder than they used to be due to age. The repairability and availability of spare parts is excellent in Europe.

i have an ecl classika and the build quality is absolutely insane, i cant see a scenario where this machine doesnt last my whole life. the steam can be a bit annoying it being a big single boiler, but it is what it is. to me its not worth the extra money for this machine just for a better steaming experience (rarely steam milk anyways, usually iced coffes or americanos) and i prefer the smaller footprint as well.

I've recently had a small problem with my ECM Synchronika. As soon as I switch the lever, the rotary pump starts to run. However, no pressure builds up. Nothing happens on the pressure gauge. Only after about 5-6 seconds does the pressure finally build up. Does anyone know what the problem is and can help? The machine was operated on mains water for a long time, now runs on tank. Thanks very much

Had a Synchronika for 3 years and it has not caused me any issues. Was advised to removed the 'cool touch' plastic tubing (which I did) from the steam wand so as not impede the pressure in any way. I use the 5 hole steam tip all the time, even for steaming in a 250ml jug.... which is super fast. Forget the hefty extra expense of the pre-infusion assembly - just not necessary in my opinion. Wish I'd had it plumbed in as the water tank empties really quickly particularly if you are also using the service boiler to make tea - the drip tray fills up equally as fast. As an improvement I'd love to see a small window on the front of the unit that shows the current water level of the tank. Also having to wait for the service boiler to start heating AFTER the brew boiler has reached temp is a small negative (it just slows down the whole machine ready time).

I’m using the ECM Mechanika Heeritage such a good & beautiful vintage looking machine. It’s not a double boiler. It’s a heat exchanger, compact and does great shot of espresso and milk drink, and it is in my thought nsh ALLAH, to upgrade to synchronika

Great video! This has been the machine at the top of my list. Which way to go? ECM or LMGS3MP?

Wow they really messed up not letting your keep the Synchronica. That being said, I like when reviews point out the negatives also. So better for us to know.

I have had my 110V Synchronika for about four years, use it daily, and have had no trouble with it at all. I added flow control after the initial purchase, as it was unavailable when it was new. Retrofitting it was not particularly difficult. If I had any feedback for the design team, it’s that I routinely start my day with a latte, followed by non-milk drinks the rest of the day, and just find it generally a nuisance to have to keep taking out the drip tray to turn the steam boiler on and off. Would one additional switch on the front panel ruin the design? I don’t think so.

Sync or Micra

Syncronika is G.O.A.T. Seven years use.. zero issues. Sexy AF too... One of my prized possessions...

love the dramatic footage with the steam open! lol

i also own a syncronica for a few years now..
no complains.. and its literarily build like a tank.. expect to have it many years 🙂

We just got a Technika Profi V. It's intimidating for us noobs, but worth it I think.

Would you get this or Lelit Bianca V3?

You merciless complain when the Synchronika machine gets hot from all the boiling water. You FAILED to explain that all the high end dual boiler machines like Lelit, Rocket R58, Profitec Pro 700 and Bezzera Matrix DE, etc get hot. Your other whining complaints are without value. On balance, your opinion and judgement is far from credible or valid.

I'm on my second ECM machine. The first, a Giotto, still works after 18 years and was easy to DIY-fix when parts went faulty. The second, a Technika, is a great upgrade with rotary pump, PID and flow control. I can make espresso that rivals cafes in Rome! And living in the sticks of Japan without a cafe within two-hours drive, my daily espresso needs are fulfilled. Thanks to the internet, fresh roasted coffee and parts (if needed) are easy to get. Thanks for the review, it's a great machine that makes wonderful espresso.

Shot heat up time is about double the one you mentioned. Don’t forget the e61 group head needs to get on the right and stable temp too for a properly temped shot, not just a brew boiler. There are couple of tricks to speed these up a little but are minuscule in comparison. You’re looking at about 25-30 min shot-heat up time even on a dual-boiler e61 machine. Cheers.

Always look forward to nerding out Friday evenings with another great video! Thank you for the content and honest evaluations! Loved the Gaggia VS Mini, the strange double boiler with a vibe pump… really vibe pump!?! Rancilio machine and grinder … last weeks also great .. (could new mini be my upgrade?!).

I’ve owned the Quick Mills’ HX Brazilian model -Andreja for 2.5 yrs (yes with a vibe pump) and have learned how she works, no PID, flow control or integrated shot timer but consistently great complex shots, love the retro look and yes the E-61 can burn you raw once in a while lol. - I also roast weekly (but not on a aillio bullet)

My video requests idea:

Please review Clive Coffee’s M58!! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one!!

I’d love to see a video nerding out regarding different roast levels, temps, how to pull out flavors ect. and “final thoughts” regarding what a overall good temp is for different roast levels and why

Thx always!

By the end of this review I had a headache from your voice and my line of sight kept straying to your male pattern baldness. Maybe a hat would be less distracting. Whole Latte Love does a much better job.

Thanks a lot for your great review! I am considering to buy it, but have one consern about the height with opened tank lift.

I am planning to set it up under the cabinet, so have limited space, what is the heght of Synchronika with opened tank lift?

3 year daily user of the machine. Over all I am very happy with the machine. The limits of the machine are way beyond my needs or ability. My machine is plumbed with a BWT filter. This makes the higher cost a bit more justified. I would recommend the machine to any serious espresso maker.

I love it when you said you dont know the long term durability, most reviewers wet their pants talking about all of the positives and the negatives which are all subjective but they never ever mention in their channels about the long term reliability. To me, all those reviewers are getting kick back but not you and 'project farm,' both of you guys give a objective view with no biases, thank you!

Owner here, e61 is OG i dont understand why ppl like the mini, it looks like a small fridge to me but to each their own, its been reliable in the 3 years ive had it and thats why i bought it.

How would you rate the ECM Synchonika against the Quickmill Vetrano 2B Evo, Lelit Bianca and La Marzocca LM? Looking to upgrade from my Rocket Cellini.

I've had an ECM Synchronika for 3.5 years now. It has been a solid work horse. It turns on at 6:30am every day and doesn't get turned off until 2pm. It hasn't missed a beat. I haven't got the flow control add-on and just use it like a normal espresso machine. I think the flow control add-on does up the complexity quite a bit - but you'd only get that if you wanted it and wanted to learn how to use it. Personally I'm just happy to use it like a regular espresso machine and I'm happy with the consistent results I get. Personally I can't see myself wanting to upgrade to any other machine. Your review is fair and tells it how it is.

can you please let us know where did you purchase your ECM Synchronika machine since I chouldn't find the wooden finishing on the side same look as your video showed. Thank you so much!

As an Elizabeth owner, this thing looks like it's built like a tank. Personally though, I don't want to go on 'feel' when I'm brewing, I want a greater degree of precision in an espresso machine.

I have this machine for the past three years, plumbed to water line with filter from Whole Latte Love. I love this machine - it produces amazing espresso and cappuccino every day. I have used it with Baratza W270i and Niche Zero grinders.

I've owned a Synchronika for over 2 years and have used it daily. It's a great machine if you're looking for an E61 design. But I agree with your critique of the shallow drip tray; more than a couple times I've spilled water carrying the drip tray to the sink to dump it 😬

I've never burned myself on any of the hot surfaces (just used to being cautious I guess). I have it hooked up to a smart plug so I have it scheduled to turn on half an hour before I wake up, so it's hot-and-ready to go.

It's performed consistently and I have no major complaints. However, just a couple weeks ago I noticed it leaking from the bottom and discovered that there's a plastic barbed tee fitting connecting the tubes from the boilers's OPVs to a little drain outlet that empties into the drip tray; it became brittle and broke, and it was a bit of a pain to remove it. Replaced it with a stainless steel junction for less than $4 and no more leaking!

Where did you acquire this version, ie wood? Thanks

Hola, buenas noches. Tengo una ECM v, muy parecida a la muestra. Es posible siempre dejarla siempre conectada?. La tengo con un tiempo de descanso a los 30 minutos.

Now compare this to the lidl silvercrest espresso machine😂 would be funny to actually see that video

Love this machine. U like it better than the Linea Mini because it has all the functionality, better price, great engineering, fixable, and looks better by far (my strong opinion)

Hi Spro, any chance of an in depth review on the ECM Puristika? Comments on the E61 group heat up time ready for espresso (not quick) and the lack of a hot water tap for long black/Americano. Overall is this one of the best espresso purist machines available? Good it has a stainless boiler. Cheers Steph.

With the feature of the flow control, can you get the same quality as the Linea mini, please advise me because I am about to buy one of these (ECM flow control or linea mini)

I have had my Synchronica for about a month now. The first shot and every shot since have been perfect. I found the issues that you found negative to be quite trite and of no consequence. This thing is a thing of beauty and the fact that electronically it is perfection explains why all my shots too have been

I was lucky enough to get a 2nd hand ECM Syncronika. Previous owner had it 3 yrs and just cleaned it. Not even has a service and he said he nearly ever had a bad shot. 2 months on and I can get my espresso dialled in quickly.
Yes 15 mins may not seem quick but compared to my previous gaggia this is a lot faster and seems so much better quality (confirmation bias). Love it!

Ps just make a drink and realised your right about it being a bit cramped, my work flow is to first move out to the side both the wands!

I have had one for a little over 3 years now. Had to have the rotary pump replaced earlier this year. Wasn't too bad at $360 installed. Overall happy with it and quality of shots. But would love to know your thoughts vs others including the gorgeous Linea by its side??? Better shots? Easier to use? Have the La Marzocco bug and wouldn't mind "upgrading" if it is. Thanks And as always, enjoy watching and learning.

I really enjoyed your impartial third party assessment of this machine. Watching whole Lotte love review this machine is nothing better than advertisement. I felt like we were getting an honest impartial review and information about this machine. I've been considering this in chronica but after watching your review, I feel like I was getting sucked into the e61 hype. I would enjoy seeing more of this type of videos where you look at different machines that are more consumer oriented but high-end.

A good straight to the point review without any fluffing around. Also there's something about the E61 Group that I don't like and is stopping me from purchasing the ECM Puristika. Thanks.

Really like your content. Looking forward to see you grow and develop a more video forward tone from reading type tone.