ECM Classika PID Espresso Machine #81084

I love this machine. It is a substantial upgrade from my old machine (a 2001 Starbucks Barista). The shots are precise with a shot timer. There is a wide range of adjustments the user can do. I have tweaked the temperature, the pressure, the time - all of which I was missing on my dinosaur machine. The milk forthing is on a different level all together for speed and texture. Wow.
That said, I think I would have held out for a dual boiler which was beyond budget. It seems to waste water in transition from brew to steam and back to brew. This is not the fault of the machine. I didn’t think we would be drinking so many mill drinks — but they’re so good…..
It is a well-made machine with polished details. But it is in the expensive end of what you can purchase at this level. There are many cheaper solid versions of what this machine can do, but for a little more (a lot more), you can really get an amazing machine that will do it all.

I live mu new purchase. It is sturdy and good to work with. From time to time, I just stop and take another good look at it... it is good looking, too. The steam power.is amazing, finally I get foam I never had earlier... I am.so looking.for adding a flow.control and wooden accents.. just to make them a true family member.

The ECM Classika is a fantastic addition to our home espresso bar for its sleek look, ease of use and great price point. I recommend this machine to anyone looking to upgrade their home espresso bar. Also, the ESC coffee team was so amazing. They were very knowledgeable about the product and provided a step by step inservice while in store on how to pull a shot. All around great product and service.

I had looked at a number of machines, and had imagined a dual boiler in my life, until I realized I rarely make milk based drinks, because there's not a lot of call for them in my life.

The criteria for a machine were quality of build, level of control to make espresso shots, looks, and would I really love it.

The machine is built in Italy, designed in Germany, is solid, no hiccups at all. You can control pressure, temperature accurately with the PID, and if you wanted to add flow control, you can control the rate of flow. The E61 grouphead is a classic look, but also functionally keeps the grouphead warm, and the portafilter if installed during warmup.

I've had this machine for ten days, pulled a couple of dozen shots, most of which were excellent, and those that weren't were totally on me. The controls ooze quality, and you can dial the shots as you see fit. The PID not only controls the temperature, but on pulling the shot, acts as a timer. I've tested how long it takes to get up to steam temperature, and it's less than a minute. So, on those rare occasions where there is a call for a milk based drink, I'd pull the shot, wait less than a minute, and foam the milk.

I love the machine.