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ECM Manufacture Mechanika IV Review (Definitely 5 stars)

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  • ECM Manufacture Mechanika IV Review (Definitely 5 stars)


    HelloAll,

    Ithought I would share my first hand experience of the ECM Mechanika.

    Ibought the machine in early 2013 and was initially a bit hesitant as I couldn’tfind any substantial reviews on the machine.

    Iwas initially choosing between a Quickmill, Giotto and Domobar, albeit, aftermuch research and shopping around I ended up with this machine from a sitesponsor (pricing did it for me at the end).

    Iam not going to get into the whole ECM Italy and Germany break-up as you canprobably read about it elsewhere. However for what it is worth my friend and Iactually compared his Giotto v2 vs my Mechanika and we came to the conclusionthat the quality of coffee from both machines were identical, in fact making acoffee on the Mechanika was a little quicker and easier for him! I know it’sstrange as they are both E61’s, however I think it’s the actual layout of themachine that makes it slightly easier to navigate around.

    Todate I have not had one single problem with this machine and that is frompulling about 20 coffees a week (usually lattes or cappuccinos).

    Youneed at least 20 minutes warm up time to operate the machine, however I justuse a timer in the mornings before I wake up so that it can get a good hour torun flawless.

    WhenI bought the machine, the site sponsor gave me a little Lelit to start me off –it didn’t take me long to upgrade to a Mazzer mini and I must say if you arebuying a combo this is the perfect match up.

    Theonly critique I do have is the filter baskets itself, it definitely pays to getridgeless VST (e.g. a nice 18gm basket) as the standard double basket you getwith the ECM is a bit ordinary .

    Fromwhat I have been told the Mechanika and Technika are exactly the sameinternally with the main difference being the cosmetics (steam and water handles/switchesand cup warming plate).

    I will upload a picture of how the set up looks like in a domestic environment soon – I mustsay it looks absolutely beautiful and the quality and taste of the machineis certainly just as good!

    Ifyou have any questions on this machine I am happy to answer as this machine is definitelyan unsung hero!

  • #2
    Since there doesn't seem to be too many ECM Mechanika IV owners, I guess ill chime in as well.

    I purchased mine around mid 2013. It was a toss up between the VBM, Giotto and ECM (I posted why I went with the ECM in this thread)
    http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-eq...a-tea-due.html

    So 6 months on, Im still really happy with it.

    The only changes Ive done is change the tip from the 2 hole to the 4 hole. With the 2 hole, i felt the steaming was a fraction behind a Silvia. With the 4 hole, it feels about 3 times faster.
    (ok, its probably not 3 times, but it feels as fast as something that cost that much should be)

    I only have one thing to nitpick about.
    I use the hot water spout to warm up my cups and also to purge some of the water thats been sitting in the boiler.
    Its happened twice where Ive been pulling a shot and halfway the pump decides to refill the boiler.
    When this happens, it seems that the pump only works to refill, not to continue with the shot.
    Its a little unscientific as this has only happened twice in the whole time ive used it, so ive never been able to observe it carefully.

    I also never really tried the standard baskets as I already had a synesso basket to use (and now a VST).

    Other than that its all positives.
    Ive left the machine on for hours and it has never required any kind of cooling flush
    Its very consistent and easy to make a coffee
    Steam is powerful and fast. Hot water is hot (very hot!)
    I still love the chrome accents on the portafilter and lever
    I like the overall aesthetic of it. Its a big hulking shiny appliance that you cant miss in the kitchen.
    I have the non profi version ie knobs. It wouldve been nice to spend a bit extra on the levers.

    The Technika is the same internally, but it has a folded stainless cup tray guard as well as a hinged water opener.

    Im surprised that its not more popular but possibly because it looks like the pricing is higher now?
    A couple of vendors Ive seen has it at a higher price point than a Giotto, whereas when I purchased it was quite a bit cheaper.

    But as a coffee machine, its been absolutely flawless since day dot.
    I give it a big 2 thumbs up!

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks for the reviews, invaluable in helping others make purchasing choices.

      Comment


      • #4
        No worries, tiddler 2.

        Locosam - I have not thought about changing the tip, I might do that. Thanks for tip.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by hazram1 View Post
          HelloAll,

          Ithought I would share my first hand experience of the ECM Mechanika.

          Ibought the machine in early 2013 and was initially a bit hesitant as I couldn’tfind any substantial reviews on the machine.

          Iwas initially choosing between a Quickmill, Giotto and Domobar, albeit, aftermuch research and shopping around I ended up with this machine from a sitesponsor (pricing did it for me at the end).

          Iam not going to get into the whole ECM Italy and Germany break-up as you canprobably read about it elsewhere. However for what it is worth my friend and Iactually compared his Giotto v2 vs my Mechanika and we came to the conclusionthat the quality of coffee from both machines were identical, in fact making acoffee on the Mechanika was a little quicker and easier for him! I know it’sstrange as they are both E61’s, however I think it’s the actual layout of themachine that makes it slightly easier to navigate around.

          Todate I have not had one single problem with this machine and that is frompulling about 20 coffees a week (usually lattes or cappuccinos).

          Youneed at least 20 minutes warm up time to operate the machine, however I justuse a timer in the mornings before I wake up so that it can get a good hour torun flawless.

          WhenI bought the machine, the site sponsor gave me a little Lelit to start me off –it didn’t take me long to upgrade to a Mazzer mini and I must say if you arebuying a combo this is the perfect match up.

          Theonly critique I do have is the filter baskets itself, it definitely pays to getridgeless VST (e.g. a nice 18gm basket) as the standard double basket you getwith the ECM is a bit ordinary .

          Fromwhat I have been told the Mechanika and Technika are exactly the sameinternally with the main difference being the cosmetics (steam and water handles/switchesand cup warming plate).

          I will upload a picture of how the set up looks like in a domestic environment soon – I mustsay it looks absolutely beautiful and the quality and taste of the machineis certainly just as good!

          Ifyou have any questions on this machine I am happy to answer as this machine is definitelyan unsung hero!
          Hey Hazram

          I have a question for you about your machine... how many turns of the steam knob do you have to make before the steam is at full pressure?

          Thanks

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Kiwicrus View Post
            Hey Hazram

            I have a question for you about your machine... how many turns of the steam knob do you have to make before the steam is at full pressure?

            Thanks
            I have the profi version with the levers and the steam is instant.
            Had mine since 2012 I think, no problems.
            Have bought a matching ecm naked portafilter to match the others plus some baskets.
            Have a mazzer mini manual and quest m3 roaster, no urge yet to upgrade any of it, very happy .

            Comment


            • #7
              On my mechanika, its about half a turn after the wand has been purged of the condensed water

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by locosam View Post
                On my mechanika, its about half a turn after the wand has been purged of the condensed water
                Thanks locosam.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Since I couldnt find too many videos with the Mechanika, I decided to make my own.

                  Using a Super Jolly and a 20g VST

                  Dont crucify me for for not having the perfect shot

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Hi all, Can anyone enlighten me as to the difference between the ECM Mechanika IV and the Mechanika IV Professional?
                    Cheers.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      The profesional, or Profi, has levers for steam and hot water instead of knobs.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Yep. It obviously doesn't affect the quality of the coffee but it's a really nice feature of you spring for it

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by locosam View Post
                          Yep. It obviously doesn't affect the quality of the coffee but it's a really nice feature of you spring for it
                          I have had my Mechanika IV for about 9 months now. Pretty happy with the machine but it hasn't been 100%.

                          First issue was the steam wand stopped working completely after about 6 months. Got it repaired under warranty said it was probably just bit of loose metal blocking it.

                          Current issue (9 months after purchase) is the boiler pressure gauge now only goes up to 0.7 bars when fully heated up (use to go to 1.25 bars). Everything still seems to work fine, so most likely just cosmetic, but still..... very annoying with how much you pay for the machine. I will have to take it in again to get it sorted at least while its under warranty still.

                          Anyone else had similar issues?

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Follow up:

                            I ended up taking in the machine for repair again and the diagnosis was a faulty heating element. Glad took it in before the warranty runs out.

                            Originally posted by DeathRider View Post
                            I have had my Mechanika IV for about 9 months now. Pretty happy with the machine but it hasn't been 100%.

                            First issue was the steam wand stopped working completely after about 6 months. Got it repaired under warranty said it was probably just bit of loose metal blocking it.

                            Current issue (9 months after purchase) is the boiler pressure gauge now only goes up to 0.7 bars when fully heated up (use to go to 1.25 bars). Everything still seems to work fine, so most likely just cosmetic, but still..... very annoying with how much you pay for the machine. I will have to take it in again to get it sorted at least while its under warranty still.

                            Anyone else had similar issues?

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Hello sir
                              im planning on buying the ECM TECHNIKA IV i think its the non plummable version it sell here in Dubai for around 1400$ i will be migrating in U.S in the near future do you think its advisable to bring it in the US.though i need to use a transformer in order for it to work there. I check the market in the US the model that i mention is not available there the nearest model i can compare it to is the ECM plummable version w/c cost around 2300$.also the vendor here is offering me a lot of freebies worth 200$. Any advise will be greatly appreciated

                              Comment

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