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ECM Technika IV vs Lelit Elizabeth V3?

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  • ECM Technika IV vs Lelit Elizabeth V3?

    Hi,

    I currently have this ECM machine and it has been pretty good,
    however i have read with interest that this new Lelit has a number of
    handy extras that sound great.

    Preinfusion options, temperature stability, dual boiler, fast heat up

    I know the ECM is the more expensive machine but I am
    not sure why these type of hx machines are usually considered to
    be a better machine than the Lelit type?

    If i am a set and forget type of guy, should I sell my ECM and pick up the Lelit?

    Any opinions would be much appreciated.

  • #2
    OK, no responses for a few days, so let me kick off. I have no experience with the Technika. I have around 5 months ownership of the Elizabeth, and so far I am really enjoying the machine. It is not a commercial machine and nor does it pretend to be one. This is a highly capable "prosumer" machine which is easy and enjoyable to use. It has PID control of both brew and steam, and with a little PID tweaking, the initial heat up is relatively fast (about 18 minutes) and the temps are held quite stably. The steam is powerful and plentiful - may not hold up so well if you need to steam multiple large volumes of milk in quick succession (haven't tried, don't know).

    Really easy to keep clean, by the way. Quick once over with a water-dampened microfibre cloth and again with a dry cloth.

    Usual comments about water quality, fresh beans, good grinder apply.

    Hope this helps!

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    • #3
      Great thanks for the review
      Did you compare against any other machines before purchasing?
      I suppose I am curious if anyone has an opinion of it up against an E61 HX Machine?

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by tyler_durdan View Post

        Preinfusion options, temperature stability, dual boiler, fast heat up

        If i am a set and forget type of guy, should I sell my ECM and pick up the Lelit?

        Any opinions would be much appreciated.
        Both good machines but if you are a set and forget type of guy I would keep clear of pre infusion options.
        If anything I’d suggest a volumetric type of machine for you

        just my 2cents

        Comment


        • #5
          I had a look at both these machines recently and ended up going down the Elizabeth path. I suspect the main differences in price point come from 1) the ECM is a rotary pump...quieter, plumbable to the main water supply, and presumably longer lasting than the Elizabeths vib pump. 2) overall aesthetic...high gloss mirror finish vs brushed stainless. 3) E61 vs ring /semi saturated group

          None of these were deal breakers for me. The Elizabeth pump is surprisingly quiet, I had no intention of having the machine plumbed. The ring group is the same size as the E61 so can take all the same portafilters etc, and I prefer the more subtle look of the Elizabeth - personal taste!

          On the plus side with the Elizabeth you get dual boilers. They are small volume but fine for my kind of use (4-6 coffees a day, usually made in pairs). I love being able to see the actual boiler temps on the interface before pulling a shot, thermal stability seems excellent, and shots are consistent. The hot water spout for making long blacks has a very smooth flow, no spluttering. Steam pressure is excellent (up to 4 bar i think! I run at about 3 bar). Programmable (timed) shots for household members who may want less fuss...not perfect but once dialled in with grind produce a pretty consistent shot. And a lot of scope for playing with preinfusion customisation (both under steam pressure or bloom) at different time lengths etc.

          If you haven't already found it there's quite an in depth review here:

          https://sway.office.com/YUuIpMmQlYAFkxIO

          Comment


          • prh
            prh commented
            Editing a comment
            "And a lot of scope for playing with preinfusion customisation (both under steam pressure or bloom) at different time lengths etc."

            And no programmed preinfusion at all is a perfectly viable option. As it is, the pump gently ramps up the brew pressure, so the puck is not being slammed with 10bar immediately.

        • #6
          Thanks DrLuke
          appreciate your review

          Comment

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