This is my 2 year update owning the ECM Synchronika Espresso machine. If you have any questions please leave a comment and I will answer them!! Thanks for watching!!
TIP: Whenever shooting a video with a highly reflective surface always remember to be conscience of any image that may appear in the reflection... like reaching to scratch your pubes at 1:55 ;)
Got mine in Nov 2020 so just over a year of ownership. The vacuum 'T' valve completely disintegrated behind the group head, probably after only about 5 months of use. This lead to the drip tray filling/overflowing if I didn't keep an eye on it on a daily basis. Replaced the valve thinking this would solve the issue, but the drips were still occurring as well as a hissing/gurgling sound every couple seconds from the top of the steam boiler. Vacuum breaker valve had to be rebuilt with a new O ring , i wasn't able to find a high-temp replacement part locally so had to order from Clive Coffee (which was backordered). Hopefully this is the last of the surgery I need to do on the machine for a while, not too excited about the prospect of doing this every year. I'm also getting a fairly loud buzzing from the pump / motor areas when the brew handle is initially raised, and it's not due to anything rubbing or touching the metal side panels.
Nice to see that in two years all you needed to do was tighten a few screws says alot about ecm quality, glad your enjoying daily usage, nice update thanks
I think a Wemo switch is a great programmable auto on/off option. If works with a wide range of machines, allows for multiple times of day for days of week. Allows on demand control. Voice control from smartphones.
Well that was interesting. I have exactly the same machine and accessories i.e the 30lb tamper, the two milk jugs and the TP Link wifi switch. The screws on my machine were all tightened but it looks like some dude at the factory forgot to tighten the small steam value located at the front below the group, it’s just hanging there loose. It’s not easy to get at the nut either, may have to pull out one of the boilers. My machine isn’t plumbed so for the first year I was removing the tank and filling until one of the small plastic valves sprung a leak from constantly removing the tank, now I use a dedicated jug to fill it. Like you this is a machine for life, absolutely love it.
Nice.. I will post an update as I had to do a large repair. Defective brew boiler leaked and I had to replace it, and replaced a few other parts while I was at it. The vent at the bottom you mentioned, has a t-connector which is plastic and totally disintegrated. I replaced that with a lead free brass one. Also upgraded the PID also along with a 4 hole steam tip. Can steam milk now before the shot is done, and the 4-hole tip helps make foam more consistently. Glad you enjoy your machine as much as I have enjoyed mine.
@@hagar852 Great, when you do your review it would be interesting to hear about any challenges you had replacing the boiler (if any). Did you have to pay for the new boiler, and did you look inside of the old boiler for scaling. What was the problem with the defective boiler. Looking forward to your next review.
@@HigherInfluence yes, I have pictures of what went wrong. There was a bad weld, and contaminate from the welding process rusted through. My machine was out of warranty, but after the speaking with customer service from where I bought it, and the pictures proving it wasn't scale, but infact a bad weld, they agreed to work with me on the replacement cost. The biggest challenge, was making sure the seal for the heating element seats correctly, and the tightening pattern to use while putting it back in. I actually ripped my first replacement gasket as it seemed to have shifted while I was tightened it unbeknownst to me. Thankfully after 4 years of running the defective boiler showed no scaling inside, I will talk about that in my update and how I filter my water. I will try and get this posted this week.
Good review - thanks for sharing your 2yr update. I'm in Australia and just yesterday ordered my ECM Synchronika from a local reseller. I get it at the end of next week - so I'm looking forward to many years of service from it.
@@Smirnoff44 Really good! I've had it a month now and I am making some stellar shots with it. I've upgraded from the standard ECM shotbaskets to VST shotbaskets, and I've also got a Pullman Bigstep tamper that should arrive in the next couple of days. The ECM tamper leaves about a 0.5mm gap when used in the VST shot basket and I've been fighting channeling. So the new tamper should help sort that out. For the machine itself - just awesome! Top quality build, it looks beautiful in the kitchen, warmup time is 15min (but I have it on a smart plug so it's hot and ready to go when I get up each morning). Oh...one thing - I upgraded to a 4 hole steam nozzle but am still running the standard 1.5bar of steam pressure. The 4 hole at 1.5bar gets a really nice microfoam. Once I start getting better at controlling it, I'll play with upping the steam pressure. Recovery time for the machine is also very fast. Not so much if you make a cup of tea for someone and empty out the steam boiler (that can take a minute or two to bounce back), but I can crank out coffee after coffee no problem when several people come over.
Wow. I saw your original video 2 years ago and it's terrific to have an update. The Synchronika is at the top of my list. Besides the loose screws what about cleaning and maintenance?
Cleaned at "normal" intervals.. once every 200-300 shots.. well that is what I do. I did have to lube the brew lever for squeaking because I used too much cleaner and it washed all lube away. Was an easy fix and used food grade lube. Been fine though.
I was sad when you poured the two shots into a cup. The gold oil is in the shot glasses. But thank you for the update. I’ve had my Rancilio Silvia V3 for 10 years and it’s time to upgrade.
Thumbs up! I really appreciate your update / review of the Synch and all your equipment and I TY for it. = ) If I could ask you just 1 question... How long does it take for the machine to fully heat up to pull a shot after turning it on? Thanks in advance for your response back.
It takes roughly 10-15min, I never officially timed it, but it basically ready in about that time. The steam boiler takes most of that time, as the brew boiler heats up first, so to just pull a shot could be in less time that that, but I usually wait for the machine to be fully warmed.
@@hagar852 TY Rock. I appreciate your response back and that important (for me) info. I had seen a video review by a company selling the machine that it takes about 45 minutes for it to heat up and pull a shot. I was stunned! So you as a machine owner telling me it's about 15 mins is a huge help. So TY again for that. = )
@@getreal3336 Yes.. 45 min I can say is not accurate. in 15 min, the portafilter (while on the brew group) is also heated adequately to go ahead and pull the shot. A few times, the machine didn't turn on(wifi smart switch issue with power loss) and once flipping it on, it was ready to go in 15min no problem.
@@TheCobboc can you share with us your machine's heat up time? They say if you purge water couple times, the brew head will get heated up quicker, does it make any sense?
I use the smart plug to turn the machine on and off per a schedule. I am not aware of the newer version of this machine has an ECO mode, but the smart plug works great and is rated properly for the amps the machine can draw.
Excellent video, really appreciate your input. I bought the same machine 1 year ago but with the V-titan grinder. It’s been a real pleasure to learn how to make a shot on this machine since it was my first espresso machine. I have no complain so far but my portafilter is not perfectly straight once tighten. I don’t know if this would make a big difference to have it perfectly align, maybe you know how to adjust it? Thanks again
Hello Jean, my portafilter isn't straight either once it is tightened. Not a big deal, been like that for 2 years for me now. There is a rubber gasket in the group head, and depending on its thickness will cause the "off-center" portafilter once engaged. Mine maybe on the thicker side so there isn't much travel for the portafilter to "lock-in" to the group head. A thinner gasket would allow for further travel and may give you the centered portafilter, but if it is too thin then it would take more travel to tighten the portafilter up thus being off centered once again. After 2 years of using it everyday, it really hasn't changed its position, but as much as it bothers my OCD, I haven't bothered getting it perfect because the machine hasn't had a problem pulling shots.
I will be posting another video soon as I have a MAJOR updates to go over. The biggest to mention is I needed to repair the machine, and while I had it apart I did update to the newer PID (along with 2.5bar safety valve) that allows higher steam temp for 2bar pressure. To go along with the higher pressure, I also upgraded to 4 hole steam wand tip. Once I get everything back in order, I will be making this video soon.
Ive been using my synchronika for about 6 months now and now while Im pulling a shot pressure goes to 9 then at about 10 seconds of pulling shot pressure drops to like a 2, then it goes back to 9 after a few seconds. have you experienced this? Im trying to figure out what it is..
Nice review. Always good to do research for quality products. Save your money and buy it. Then pay the credit card off each month. That's how you get 800 plus credit score. You'll need that when you buy a new car or your next home. Thanks for sharing.
Not plummed in. As for filtration, I have whole house filtration, plus osmosis filter under the sink I use for the machine. I have very bad water so that filtration is necessary.
No less than 15min-20min. I do have a wifi smart plug so I can have it turn on automatically in the AM before getting up. After 15-20min it is ready to go.
I think that shot ran quite fast, especially considering it wasn't a particularly light roast. Filling two shot glasses to that height (even assuming they're 1oz glasses when they appear to be 2oz each) in 28secs like threatens some mighty sour espresso.
The default in the PID is 27degrees offset between PID reading and temp in the boiler. The PID reading is meant for water temp to the portafilter, but I have not measured this myself.
Nice vid. I see you don’t subscribe to the, don’t drink from the steam boiler… I feel like if you have a water filter setup like you ought to with this machine it’s no different.. maybe purge some of what’s been cycling in the machine, but I don’t see why the steam boiler is any different.
@@BensCoffeeRants Yes it does, but a newer version is now available that raises the steam boiler temp to 272. That also requires a new pressure release valve.
@@hagar852 ah I see. I think there's plenty of steam power at the default setting of 253f but I only do one small cappuccino at a time with about 4oz or 110ml of milk.
@@BensCoffeeRants yes, you should because the water overheats while it's circulating. I have the Elektronika version and I do a flush before every shot.
I had a $700 Rancilio Silvia for over 10 years. Never had to tighten anything. It seems ECM and Profitecs are notorious for loose screws that require periodic maintenance. Makes you wonder what else will come loose in due time.
There is some vibration created by the pump. Chances are the screws weren't fully tightened either from the manufacturer or the distributor who tested it before shipping. Not a huge deal, but an annoyance to your point. I recently checked my machine over and the screws were still tight after over a year of running the machine. So it would seem they may not have been fully tightened out of the box.
@@hagar852 I think you're more optimistic than I am. I've heard from another user that the cup rail on his Profitec 700 - which is the unglamorous version of the Synchronica - won't stay screwed. I just got my Profitec 700 today, so I expect to be tightening screws on a regular basis.
Actually, yes I have.. it froths quite well and obviously doesn't bother me all that much. But I generally keep away from dairy regardless, but I will indulge from time to time.
Great video man! I am currently researching this machine against La Marzocco Linea Mini and can't find good enough reasons to spend the extra $2K. Check out my channel when you get a chance.
Great review. So you do maintenance every 200-300 shots...is that also about how many dishes you let pile up in the sink before you decide to shoot a video? 🤡🍽
Great review thank you for posting.
Thanks! Great review!
thanks for the review
TIP: Whenever shooting a video with a highly reflective surface always remember to be conscience of any image that may appear in the reflection... like reaching to scratch your pubes at 1:55 ;)
oof
thanks buddy.. this made my day. I am sitting here laughing.. like for real. that was too good to miss :D
@Elton Noway. Artie Lang making French toast in Road Trip comes to mind thanks!
Hahaha...
lol
Got mine in Nov 2020 so just over a year of ownership. The vacuum 'T' valve completely disintegrated behind the group head, probably after only about 5 months of use. This lead to the drip tray filling/overflowing if I didn't keep an eye on it on a daily basis. Replaced the valve thinking this would solve the issue, but the drips were still occurring as well as a hissing/gurgling sound every couple seconds from the top of the steam boiler. Vacuum breaker valve had to be rebuilt with a new O ring , i wasn't able to find a high-temp replacement part locally so had to order from Clive Coffee (which was backordered). Hopefully this is the last of the surgery I need to do on the machine for a while, not too excited about the prospect of doing this every year. I'm also getting a fairly loud buzzing from the pump / motor areas when the brew handle is initially raised, and it's not due to anything rubbing or touching the metal side panels.
Nice to see that in two years all you needed to do was tighten a few screws says alot about ecm quality, glad your enjoying daily usage, nice update thanks
I think a Wemo switch is a great programmable auto on/off option. If works with a wide range of machines, allows for multiple times of day for days of week. Allows on demand control. Voice control from smartphones.
Well that was interesting. I have exactly the same machine and accessories i.e the 30lb tamper, the two milk jugs and the TP Link wifi switch. The screws on my machine were all tightened but it looks like some dude at the factory forgot to tighten the small steam value located at the front below the group, it’s just hanging there loose. It’s not easy to get at the nut either, may have to pull out one of the boilers. My machine isn’t plumbed so for the first year I was removing the tank and filling until one of the small plastic valves sprung a leak from constantly removing the tank, now I use a dedicated jug to fill it. Like you this is a machine for life, absolutely love it.
Nice.. I will post an update as I had to do a large repair. Defective brew boiler leaked and I had to replace it, and replaced a few other parts while I was at it. The vent at the bottom you mentioned, has a t-connector which is plastic and totally disintegrated. I replaced that with a lead free brass one.
Also upgraded the PID also along with a 4 hole steam tip. Can steam milk now before the shot is done, and the 4-hole tip helps make foam more consistently.
Glad you enjoy your machine as much as I have enjoyed mine.
@@hagar852 Great, when you do your review it would be interesting to hear about any challenges you had replacing the boiler (if any). Did you have to pay for the new boiler, and did you look inside of the old boiler for scaling. What was the problem with the defective boiler. Looking forward to your next review.
@@HigherInfluence yes, I have pictures of what went wrong. There was a bad weld, and contaminate from the welding process rusted through. My machine was out of warranty, but after the speaking with customer service from where I bought it, and the pictures proving it wasn't scale, but infact a bad weld, they agreed to work with me on the replacement cost. The biggest challenge, was making sure the seal for the heating element seats correctly, and the tightening pattern to use while putting it back in. I actually ripped my first replacement gasket as it seemed to have shifted while I was tightened it unbeknownst to me.
Thankfully after 4 years of running the defective boiler showed no scaling inside, I will talk about that in my update and how I filter my water.
I will try and get this posted this week.
@@hagar852 Awesome, looking forward to it.
@@HigherInfluence The video is up.. It covers the repair I had to make.. I will be doing one on the upgrades I made to the machine also.
Good review - thanks for sharing your 2yr update. I'm in Australia and just yesterday ordered my ECM Synchronika from a local reseller. I get it at the end of next week - so I'm looking forward to many years of service from it.
Good luck with the new machine!! I am sure you will love it!!
How's your machine doing noel?
@@Smirnoff44 Really good! I've had it a month now and I am making some stellar shots with it. I've upgraded from the standard ECM shotbaskets to VST shotbaskets, and I've also got a Pullman Bigstep tamper that should arrive in the next couple of days. The ECM tamper leaves about a 0.5mm gap when used in the VST shot basket and I've been fighting channeling. So the new tamper should help sort that out. For the machine itself - just awesome! Top quality build, it looks beautiful in the kitchen, warmup time is 15min (but I have it on a smart plug so it's hot and ready to go when I get up each morning). Oh...one thing - I upgraded to a 4 hole steam nozzle but am still running the standard 1.5bar of steam pressure. The 4 hole at 1.5bar gets a really nice microfoam. Once I start getting better at controlling it, I'll play with upping the steam pressure. Recovery time for the machine is also very fast. Not so much if you make a cup of tea for someone and empty out the steam boiler (that can take a minute or two to bounce back), but I can crank out coffee after coffee no problem when several people come over.
@@noelf3127 thanks for such a detailed response ;)
I have a similar set up with a TP Link plug. I can say 'OK Google; switch on the coffee" while driving home and have the machine turn on!
Yeah it works very well, definitely a must have with a machine like this!
This is a very nice review , I will be buying the Synchronika in the next few days. I think the investment in this machine will be worth it. thanks
It has been for us.. been 3 years now with this setup and it is used EVERY day.
Wow. I saw your original video 2 years ago and it's terrific to have an update. The Synchronika is at the top of my list. Besides the loose screws what about cleaning and maintenance?
Cleaned at "normal" intervals.. once every 200-300 shots.. well that is what I do. I did have to lube the brew lever for squeaking because I used too much cleaner and it washed all lube away. Was an easy fix and used food grade lube. Been fine though.
@@hagar852 molykote every backflush!! =]
If you have trouble digesting cow milk give oatmilk a try (like the oatly barrista). I think it tastes amazing
Yes thanks, I have already switched to oak milk and it froths up quite nicely as well!
I was sad when you poured the two shots into a cup. The gold oil is in the shot glasses. But thank you for the update. I’ve had my Rancilio Silvia V3 for 10 years and it’s time to upgrade.
Thumbs up! I really appreciate your update / review of the Synch and all your equipment and I TY for it. = ) If I could ask you just 1 question... How long does it take for the machine to fully heat up to pull a shot after turning it on? Thanks in advance for your response back.
It takes roughly 10-15min, I never officially timed it, but it basically ready in about that time. The steam boiler takes most of that time, as the brew boiler heats up first, so to just pull a shot could be in less time that that, but I usually wait for the machine to be fully warmed.
@@hagar852 TY Rock. I appreciate your response back and that important (for me) info. I had seen a video review by a company selling the machine that it takes about 45 minutes for it to heat up and pull a shot. I was stunned! So you as a machine owner telling me it's about 15 mins is a huge help. So TY again for that. = )
@@getreal3336 Yes.. 45 min I can say is not accurate. in 15 min, the portafilter (while on the brew group) is also heated adequately to go ahead and pull the shot. A few times, the machine didn't turn on(wifi smart switch issue with power loss) and once flipping it on, it was ready to go in 15min no problem.
@@hagar852 10min heatup time for an E61? Thanks for the laugh.
Cheers from another Synchronika owner.
@@TheCobboc can you share with us your machine's heat up time? They say if you purge water couple times, the brew head will get heated up quicker, does it make any sense?
Would you get this machine or if budget permits the La Marzocco Linea Mini?
Very helpful video , THANKS !.... so you're using the smart plug as an ECO mode, which is only available in the updated machines right ?
I use the smart plug to turn the machine on and off per a schedule. I am not aware of the newer version of this machine has an ECO mode, but the smart plug works great and is rated properly for the amps the machine can draw.
Excellent video, really appreciate your input. I bought the same machine 1 year ago but with the V-titan grinder. It’s been a real pleasure to learn how to make a shot on this machine since it was my first espresso machine. I have no complain so far but my portafilter is not perfectly straight once tighten. I don’t know if this would make a big difference to have it perfectly align, maybe you know how to adjust it? Thanks again
Hello Jean, my portafilter isn't straight either once it is tightened. Not a big deal, been like that for 2 years for me now. There is a rubber gasket in the group head, and depending on its thickness will cause the "off-center" portafilter once engaged. Mine maybe on the thicker side so there isn't much travel for the portafilter to "lock-in" to the group head. A thinner gasket would allow for further travel and may give you the centered portafilter, but if it is too thin then it would take more travel to tighten the portafilter up thus being off centered once again. After 2 years of using it everyday, it really hasn't changed its position, but as much as it bothers my OCD, I haven't bothered getting it perfect because the machine hasn't had a problem pulling shots.
Please do another update about it.
Yes... You are right. I do need to.. I actually made some updates
I will be posting another video soon as I have a MAJOR updates to go over. The biggest to mention is I needed to repair the machine, and while I had it apart I did update to the newer PID (along with 2.5bar safety valve) that allows higher steam temp for 2bar pressure. To go along with the higher pressure, I also upgraded to 4 hole steam wand tip. Once I get everything back in order, I will be making this video soon.
What is issues problem with machine??
Ive been using my synchronika for about 6 months now and now while Im pulling a shot pressure goes to 9 then at about 10 seconds of pulling shot pressure drops to like a 2, then it goes back to 9 after a few seconds. have you experienced this? Im trying to figure out what it is..
not that I recall.. the next coffee i make will observe the pressure gauge more closely and report back.
Nice review. Always good to do research for quality products. Save your money and buy it. Then pay the credit card off each month. That's how you get 800 plus credit score. You'll need that when you buy a new car or your next home. Thanks for sharing.
Do you need to clean it often to get rid of fingerprints and smudges?
Yes, I often wipe it down to clean up coffee splatter and any finger prints. I would say maybe once every couple of weeks or so..
Did you get your machine plumbed in ? Also are you using filtered water or just tap ?
Not plummed in. As for filtration, I have whole house filtration, plus osmosis filter under the sink I use for the machine. I have very bad water so that filtration is necessary.
@@hagar852 thanks, im looking to setup my Profitec Pro 700 and trying to figure out what to do for water
Hey there what's the minimum warm up time needed to pull a shot from cold startup? Thx!
No less than 15min-20min. I do have a wifi smart plug so I can have it turn on automatically in the AM before getting up. After 15-20min it is ready to go.
@@hagar852 No, it is 25 - 30 min as for all machines with an E61 group head!
I think that shot ran quite fast, especially considering it wasn't a particularly light roast. Filling two shot glasses to that height (even assuming they're 1oz glasses when they appear to be 2oz each) in 28secs like threatens some mighty sour espresso.
Yes correct. Over the past couple of years, I have since found a local roaster. Now I have fresh roasted coffee and my shots now pour consistently.
What's the offset between the boiler(PID reading) and the grouphead?
I am actually not sure, Whole Latte Love sets and tests the machine before shipping. It maybe possible to find that from ECM.
The default in the PID is 27degrees offset between PID reading and temp in the boiler. The PID reading is meant for water temp to the portafilter, but I have not measured this myself.
Nice vid. I see you don’t subscribe to the, don’t drink from the steam boiler… I feel like if you have a water filter setup like you ought to with this machine it’s no different.. maybe purge some of what’s been cycling in the machine, but I don’t see why the steam boiler is any different.
Yeah, I don't see the difference either.
Hey Everyone... Tell me what your experiences are with your ECM or if you are still on the fence for buying one..
@@ernestb4007 Thanks for sharing!! How are you liking the machine so far? Even after 2 years, I don't get tired of using it.
Is the flow control knob on your upgrade list?
Not sure about that one.. I still haven't upgraded the PID yet either. I currently don't have a need to mess around with the flow.
@@hagar852 Upgrade the PID? It has a PID already doesn't it?
@@BensCoffeeRants Yes it does, but a newer version is now available that raises the steam boiler temp to 272. That also requires a new pressure release valve.
@@hagar852 ah I see. I think there's plenty of steam power at the default setting of 253f but I only do one small cappuccino at a time with about 4oz or 110ml of milk.
Was it a fast pour because you didn’t flush the group head?
No, my shot was not dialed in properly.. That has long been resolved.
Do you need to do a cooling flush with an Dual boiler E61 machine?
@@BensCoffeeRants yes, you should because the water overheats while it's circulating. I have the Elektronika version and I do a flush before every shot.
@@matty733500 I'm guessing a small flush.
@@BensCoffeeRants yeah mate, about 6 seconds.
I had a $700 Rancilio Silvia for over 10 years. Never had to tighten anything. It seems ECM and Profitecs are notorious for loose screws that require periodic maintenance. Makes you wonder what else will come loose in due time.
There is some vibration created by the pump. Chances are the screws weren't fully tightened either from the manufacturer or the distributor who tested it before shipping. Not a huge deal, but an annoyance to your point. I recently checked my machine over and the screws were still tight after over a year of running the machine. So it would seem they may not have been fully tightened out of the box.
@@hagar852 I think you're more optimistic than I am. I've heard from another user that the cup rail on his Profitec 700 - which is the unglamorous version of the Synchronica - won't stay screwed. I just got my Profitec 700 today, so I expect to be tightening screws on a regular basis.
@@ultrakwon I can only speak to mine, and went over it thoroughly just the other day, and the screws have stayed tight. Hopefully yours will too.
@@ultrakwon If that is an issue, then I would start using loctite 242 to secure the screws.
Creme is just released co2
Have you tried lactose free milk?
Actually, yes I have.. it froths quite well and obviously doesn't bother me all that much. But I generally keep away from dairy regardless, but I will indulge from time to time.
Hurts to see you use it for americano!! But nice machine!
Did you stop using Starbucks beans?
Yes!! Switched to a local roaster that roasts to order now!!
Djeez do you want some coffee with your water:p
Great video man! I am currently researching this machine against La Marzocco Linea Mini and can't find good enough reasons to spend the extra $2K. Check out my channel when you get a chance.
Try lactose free milk
Great review. So you do maintenance every 200-300 shots...is that also about how many dishes you let pile up in the sink before you decide to shoot a video? 🤡🍽
Those are not dirty, I just washed those... I will be by your place later so we can eat lunch off of your floors 😜
Bulky
too noisy