Bought the ECM Classika PID recently too. Very happy with the machine so far. Originally I was going to go with a Lelit machine but changed my mind last minute. Original review in this thread covers pretty much everything already.
Despite being "just" a single boiler, it's still faster than I am warming up from pulling a shot to reaching steaming temperature, I tend to start cleaning up during this time. Two nozzle wand comes with it, more than enough power to steam the milk for a couple of drinks at once. I'm still getting used to the additional power without spraying milk everywhere. Quite easy to clean, and appearance is satisfactory to the wife "not another square block of metal".
Made an early mistake turning the boiler pressure down, the 10bar it comes at is already just right by the time it reaches the group head. Although I'm already eyeing the gauge and valve upgrade kit, because.
On running the machine for the first time, the water tank empties pretty quick and the low water level magnetic cutoff relay turns the machine off.
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ECM Classica PID - New machine REVIEW
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Yes it’s very fast. It mentions the process in the manual Basically you put the pump switch on and open the steam valve for approx 5 seconds. Just watch the PID to see the temperature come down to your liking.
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Thanks for your post. Do you find the temperature falls quickly enough after steaming milk to pull the shot straight away?Originally posted by Helloflatwhite View PostJust wanted to add my 2 coffee shots worth.
This is a fantastic machine.
I make milk based drinks regularly and it hasn’t bothered me at all that you can’t steam and pull a shot at the same time.
I actually read the first post here before I decided to get this machine (Thank you LauriG !) and thought it was interesting it was only 30 seconds to go from steaming until you were ready for your next shot. This lead me to thinking why not steam first.
My work flow.
During the time the machine is heating from brew temp to steam temp, I grind/weigh/tamp. (I also use the initial water out of the steam wand to make space for the steam to form to make my cup a little bit hotter.)
Steam.
While Im getting machine down to brew temp I give my steamed milk another quick swirl.
Pull shot and then hello flat white.
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Just wanted to add my 2 coffee shots worth.
This is a fantastic machine.
I make milk based drinks regularly and it hasn’t bothered me at all that you can’t steam and pull a shot at the same time.
I actually read the first post here before I decided to get this machine (Thank you LauriG !) and thought it was interesting it was only 30 seconds to go from steaming until you were ready for your next shot. This lead me to thinking why not steam first.
My work flow.
During the time the machine is heating from brew temp to steam temp, I grind/weigh/tamp. (I also use the initial water out of the steam wand to make space for the steam to form to make my cup a little bit hotter.)
Steam.
While Im getting machine down to brew temp I give my steamed milk another quick swirl.
Pull shot and then hello flat white.
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Hey Doubleshot,
Thanks for the question. Steam power is good. I have no comparison with more powerful machines but I've had no problems getting good milk texture fast and consistently, using a 350ml jug. The wand moves freely and is easy to position in the jug. Took some practise to get the workflow right and all the steps made it feel daunting at first but it's part of the hobby. I also have a Rhinoware digital temp for milk steaming. It's very helpful for a beginner for getting the milk perfect (temp alarm), but once I got the idea, I don't use it any more.
I have VST 22gr basket in a naked portafilter (ECM), basic Pullman tamper. My shopping list still includes a matching tamper / basket with Pulman BigStep. I have Brewista scale for measuring shots out and occasional presso coffee. A cheap e-bay 0.01gr digital scale for weighing the ground coffee. https://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/.../dosing-funnel Orphan dosing funnel (I like!) and a Rhinoware dosing cup. I use Profitec T-64 and the dosing cup prevents any mess.
I have zero regrets. Making great coffee every day 22.5g in - 35g out. (Thank's Andy, Brasil Premium Bourbon does it for me).
Hope you find the perfect setup for yourself.
Cheers,
LauriG
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Hey Laurie, thinking of picking one up. Just wondering what other bits you've had to add to the classika? Hows the steaming power for the occasional milk drink?
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I changed my mind! Made a pre-order for this at JBE. Thanks for the recommendation! Here's hoping it arrives quick in early AugustOriginally posted by JetBlack_Espresso View PostHi Chillipaste, The Lelit Mara X might be worth a look - EX with PID, E61 and compact. charlie
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Coming to one year with my ECM Classica, here's an update:
We are no longer using the steam wand, as my wife prefers microwave hot milk rather than foam. As with the original review, making milk drinks requires a little patience.
Our machine hasn't missed a beat. I've put 36kg of beans through the Classica (we drink about 3kg per month) and the machine is delivering consistently. It feels excactly the same as it did a year ago out of the box. Reliable. The pump noise is perhaps a tad worse than before. Maybe I need to look at re-tightening some screws inside. For a black coffee drinker, this would still be my Nr1 choice, so no regrets.
Also, I have ordered a number of bits and pieces from JetBlack and happy to give a full 5-star rating for their customer service and quick processing of orders. Cheers, LG
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Probably for the best, Mara X is sold out :-(
charlieLast edited by JetBlack_Espresso; 29 June 2020, 04:02 PM.
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Thats a solid alternative! Looks like the best bang for buck! Alas, the aesthetics of the ecm is really sticking with me.Originally posted by JetBlack_Espresso View Post
Oh the dilemmna
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Yeah, the 1,000W/0.75ml combination would be a turn-off for me I think.
For that size boiler a 1,400W element makes more sense for a truly responsive machine.
Think I would be looking elsewhere...
Mal.
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Can anyone confirm the 2min wait time between brew to steam? Is that consistent with other classika owners? That does sound a little long.
Classika really hits the sweet spot for e61 PID and a sweet design to boot.
The next level up would be the mechanika slim which is basically paying an extra $800 for instantaenous milk steaming. That's just too much.
The bezerra bz10 is interesting, but hoping to just buy the machine that I'll keep for >10 years. And I fear I'll get FOMO with the bz10, wishing I got an e61 with that "fuller-body" taste, rather than the proprietary bz10 group head.
I'm in a 2-4 cup milk based coffee drinker household. Wife and I. We don't mind steaming seperately and 'taking it all in'
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Very comprehensive review which I'm sure will be helpful to those considering this machine.
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