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ECM Synchronika or something else for $4k ?

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  • ECM Synchronika or something else for $4k ?

    Hi,

    I'm in the market for a new machine. Currently I have a Breville BES920, which I have had a couple months, but the upgrade bug has bitten and I want something more.

    I've just upgraded my grinder to a Eureka Atom, which I'm quite happy with also.

    We make around 4-6 milk based drinks a day.

    For a while I've really liked the ECM Synchronika for the following reasons.

    1. Nicely made
    2. PID with timer
    3. Great steam on the latest version
    4. Good size
    5. Levers for steam and hot water. (Not that I've had much experience with either, but I prefer the idea of a lever over a knob)
    6. Gauges up high
    7. Can be plumbed and comes with kit.

    For around the $4k mark this seems to be the best fit. However as I probably won't have the luxury of upgrading again for quite some time, I wonder if stretching the budget a little further might get me something more..

    Other machines I have considered are the LM Linea Mini, or a second hand GS3, however they are hard to come by at a good price and the maintenance on something like that concerns me. I live in country SA, so it will not be a easy task to get a machine serviced. I'm hoping I could maintain the synchronika mostly myself.

    The LM Mini seems like a nice choice too, however it is very light on features and wonder if it really offers any real world advantage over a synchonika, other than the name. And it is ~$1k more...

    So, is there anything else I should consider ? Profitec pro700 ( basically the same but with knobs) Saves a few hundred $$.

    Cheers
    Jamie

  • #2
    If you don't mind some bling, a lot of tech and a more modern style, you could try the Bezzera Matrix. The Bezzera Duo is the same machine but with chrome body panels rather than the illuminated panels that the Matrix has.

    It's pretty much identical in spec to the Synchronika if you pick the E61 option. The DE variant has Bezzera's own group head.

    I have a Matrix DE and have been using it for a few weeks. I think I still like the feel of the Synchronika a bit more though, it's certainly more traditional. The Matrix just had some more features that I liked.

    There's some good youtube videos that Seattle Coffee Gear did of the machine, worth having a look at.

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by noidle22 View Post
      If you don't mind some bling, a lot of tech and a more modern style, you could try the Bezzera Matrix. The Bezzera Duo is the same machine but with chrome body panels rather than the illuminated panels that the Matrix has.

      It's pretty much identical in spec to the Synchronika if you pick the E61 option. The DE variant has Bezzera's own group head.

      I have a Matrix DE and have been using it for a few weeks. I think I still like the feel of the Synchronika a bit more though, it's certainly more traditional. The Matrix just had some more features that I liked.

      There's some good youtube videos that Seattle Coffee Gear did of the machine, worth having a look at.
      Thanks for recommendation. I had looked at the Matrix a while back too. Being a bit of a geek the touch screen is very appealing also. My only concerns are that the machine hasn't been out long, and I wonder how the screen will hold up long term. ( although I bought a robot vac 6 years ago, not expecting it to last, but it's still going strong!)

      So you owned a Synchronika as well ?

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Jamie,
        I’m in the market as well and have my short list down to the Profitec Pro 700 and Profitec Pro 600 because they both have 2 bar steam pressure !!! Steam pressure is the main reason I’m looking at upgrading.
        The Synchronica is up there but I prefer the Profitecs for looks and also for the valves for steam pressure control.
        I think the Pro 600 will probably win for me for it’s smaller footprint and also for its looks.
        Cheers
        Grillsy

        Comment


        • #5
          Is there any reason you couldn't turn the steam boiler temperature up to 134 oC on another DB machine to achieve the same pressure?

          Comment


          • #6
            Don’t over think it. This machine ticks all your boxes and is as good a quality as anything on the market. Profitec Pro, Rocket R58 etc all equally good and it’s really only personal preference that differentiates.

            If you like everything about the Synchronika then get the Synchronika. You won’t be disappointed and waste time second guessing yourself.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by wilsonj View Post
              Thanks for recommendation. I had looked at the Matrix a while back too. Being a bit of a geek the touch screen is very appealing also. My only concerns are that the machine hasn't been out long, and I wonder how the screen will hold up long term. ( although I bought a robot vac 6 years ago, not expecting it to last, but it's still going strong!)

              So you owned a Synchronika as well ?
              I haven't owned a Synchronika but a fried of mine purchased a new one and I had a play with it for a few hours. I also had a good look inside and the build quality is, as you would expect, very good.

              I have a few small issues with my Matrix so far, nothing major but mainly do do with operation and display on the touchscreen. Being a first generation is a bit daunting but hopefully it works out ok.

              I also am not a fan of lever taps. I'll be looking to change them out for rotary taps as Iprefer the feel, control and look of them.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Grillsy View Post
                Hi Jamie,
                I’m in the market as well and have my short list down to the Profitec Pro 700 and Profitec Pro 600 because they both have 2 bar steam pressure !!! Steam pressure is the main reason I’m looking at upgrading.
                The Synchronica is up there but I prefer the Profitecs for looks and also for the valves for steam pressure control.
                I think the Pro 600 will probably win for me for it’s smaller footprint and also for its looks.
                Cheers
                Grillsy
                Hi Grillsy,

                I like the look of the Profitec also. Not that different to the ECM really, unsurprisingly! The Pro700 would be cheaper also, however I'm not sold on the knobs and would still rather the joystick levers I think.
                Although with the higher steam capability perhaps being able to throttle the steam back would be an advantage !? However I really want to steam enough for 2 lattes at a time if possible. And I see cafe machines steaming milk in 5 seconds or so. So maybe it is just a matter of getting used to it. More is always better.

                Too bad the 600 has a vibration pump too. I plan on plumbing in.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Hi again.
                  I have tried a GS3 on full throttle and I couldn’t get anything near decent milk and could barely even keep it in the jug but that’s really probably more about my ability than the pressure.
                  Turning valves for high pressure seem to be the way to go so you can adjust pressure as you go.
                  If you like the looks of the Synchronika maybe you can change the toggles over to valves??
                  Grillsy [emoji199]

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Izzo Alex Duetto, ticks a lot of boxes here

                    https://www.casaespresso.com.au/izzo...o-iv-plus.html

                    Antony
                    www.casaespresso.com.au

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Grillsy View Post
                      Hi again.
                      I have tried a GS3 on full throttle and I couldn’t get anything near decent milk and could barely even keep it in the jug but that’s really probably more about my ability than the pressure.
                      Probably is related to pressure (or rather, steam volume and velocity)...
                      Nothing wrong with lowering your Steam Boiler pressure if you mainly want to stretch smaller volumes of milk...

                      Mal.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Grillsy View Post
                        Hi again.
                        I have tried a GS3 on full throttle and I couldn’t get anything near decent milk and could barely even keep it in the jug but that’s really probably more about my ability than the pressure.
                        Turning valves for high pressure seem to be the way to go so you can adjust pressure as you go.
                        If you like the looks of the Synchronika maybe you can change the toggles over to valves??
                        Grillsy [emoji199]
                        The steam boiler temp/pressure is adjustable through the PID LCD, so I could back it off that way if I find it too much. At least until I get used to it. I'd usually be steaming for 2 x lattes anyway.

                        But I can see your point, you can't do that on the fly, unlike with knobs.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Always best to use the Steam Valves fully open, regardless of the amount of milk being stretched...

                          When you use the valve partially closed to reduce flow, this creates a low pressure zone behind the valve that allows the steam to begin condensing from a gas into a vapour and possibly into a liquid. This will diminish the quality of the texturing job you're trying to accomplish. Always best to setup your machine for the volume of milk being textured most often, even if this means that it will be a little bit slower for the less often used larger milk pitcher...

                          Mal.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Casa Espresso View Post
                            Izzo Alex Duetto, ticks a lot of boxes here

                            https://www.casaespresso.com.au/izzo...o-iv-plus.html

                            Antony
                            www.casaespresso.com.au
                            I also had the Synchronica shortlisted but after much research decided to buy the Izzo Alex Duetto iv from a member on this site.
                            I couldn't be happier with the performance.

                            The brew quality from the Alex is superb and milk steaming also gets top marks - with rock solid temperature stability.

                            Where the Alex excels is in its build quality that I judge superior to the Synchronica notably in the areas of all stainless steel construction, ease of pump adjustment and ease of service to the twin boilers for draining.
                            Oh forgot to mention the Alex has large comfortable knobs instead of levers that in my pinion provide more tactility for steam and hot water. It has a quality feel that makes it a pleasure to use.

                            It comes down to personal choice but suggest actually seeing Alex in operation - its hard not to be impressed with the super quiet rotary pump and the quality of the overall package.
                            And most importantly what lands in the cup!

                            My two bobs worth after months of research
                            Last edited by warmtone; 29 August 2018, 06:20 PM.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Dimal View Post
                              from a gas into a vapour

                              Mal.
                              What's the difference?

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