ECM Synchronika II Espresso Machine

Great machine, even as a stand in for pour over coffee

This was supposedly a small upgrade from my 15 year old Alex Duetto, also a dual boiler, PID, E61 group head. Both direct plumbed. What's to like? 1. The increased clearance means I can pour directly into the cup along with a scale of coursed. 2. The PID is easy to adjust, so I do espresso at 198 F and 202 F for my pour over coffee stand in. (More below.) I learned that the lower temperature for espresso reduces bitterness. 3. I've begun doing preinfusion using 2 bar line pressure rather than the pump. Why? See below. 4. Using a single dose grinder works well for my processes. 5. With a coffee leveler and blind portafilter I'm getting virtually zero channeling 6. I'm able to get consistent results steaming milk, although it took some adjusting. Alignment of the steaming wand angle seems to be crucial. Making it look like the steaming wand runs parallel to the left side of the drip tray, with the wand pulled fully out towards the user has worked best for me. (Hard to describe with words. A video would help.) So I'm using the Synchronika to make ~pour over coffee and am loving it. It takes around 5 minutes for a cup rather than 10 and is simple to do. The coffee is light roast and I can use the same grind setting as for espresso. I do preinfusion until coffee starts coming out of the portafilter, then turn the flow control almost off. It takes about 20 seconds to pull 50 g of strong coffee to which I add hot and cold water. So all in all, a great machine.

It took two other machines to finally arrive at this perfect solution. I was replacing a 15+ year old Rocket r58 and other machines felt less solid and well made, also prone to leaks or other issues. This machine is a dream. Easy to use, perfect shots and built like an old Volvo! Solid, heavy(yes, it weighs 70 lbs) and built for use! And thanks to the Clive staff for gracious and no argument help!

Great machine! Excellent coffee