Set up my new ECM Synchronika last evening and am already in love! Purchased from Whole Latte Love with the $400 off and flow control. They also threw in a bottomless portafilter. Would appreciate any tips for maintenance or getting started! This is my first dual boiler machine, upgrading from Breville Bambino Plus.
by ktb462
6 Comments
Nice. Fun fact: “espresso machine” is feminine in German. 😉
Yes – if the rotary pump gets loud, it’s probably a fitting hitting the left side of the machine… ask me how I know! Besides that a great machine, warm up time is a bit longer so I added a smart switch so it’s ready when I wake up in the morning. Use good water, rpalvis or third wave makes a difference. Besides that it’s maintenance as usually, descale every once in awhile and lube up some of the moving parts annually. Besides that, end game machine you have there – I have the same and love it 🙂 feel free to ask any questions!
Definitely plumb it in (use in-line filtration as needed to ensure good water). It was a pain drilling the hole in the granite counter top… but other than that it wasn’t too complicated.
No tips from me other than the obvious, use good water. I back flush my machine about once a month with detergent, if the brew lever gets squeaky after you might have to remove it and lube the internal part, very easy to do. I like e61 machines because there are so many resources and spare parts you can get.
I really want a synchronika, but have to wait to get one until we move somewhere with more counter space or a spot to make a coffee bar. My pro 400 takes up enough room as it is. Hopefully someday!
Nice to see OP!
As a current Bambino Plus owner (and only a few months into this hobby) how long before you decided to splurge?
First off, congratulations!
When you backflush your machine, be careful not to use too much Cafiza. This can cause it to lose lubrication and you may have to take it apart and re-lubricate the lever. Some people will say this is easy, but I accidently scratched my machine. I would recommend avoiding the need to re-lubricate.
I use R Pavlis water at 50 ppm at room temperature.
I do not believe you can descale this machine at home (easily). I recommend being very careful with your water so as not to allow scale to build up.