italiano Said:

I purchased the ECM Germany Tecknika IV tank model from Jim at 1st-Line in September 2012.
It is an extremely well made machine with excellent features and components. It’s very difficult to make a bad espresso from this machine; I have it paired with a mini mazzer grinder. It has excellent temperature stabilization with only an occasional flush of the grew group is required if left unattended for a long while.
The rotary pump is quite and the water tank holds a more than adequate amount of water. The only modification I do recommend is placing isolation between the boiler and the water tank as the heat from the 1.8 liter boiler will heat up the water in the water tank once the machine has been left on for an hour or more.
The cup warmer on this machine is excellent since the machine comes with insulated side panels which direct the heat upwards preventing it from dissipating to the sides of the machine.
The boiler is stainless steel which I prefer over brass or cooper; this in my mind eliminates the leaching concerns of both brass and cooper at high temperatures.  As a matter of fact higher end more expensive espresso machine almost always come with a stainless steel boiler.
The brewing on the machine is controlled by a brew group handle; all coffee extractions are controlled by this arm. The machine does have an E 61 group with thermo siphon and preinfusion capabilities.
But you will be required to perform a certain amount of maintenance to keep this machine in top form.
Every three months or so I disassemble the entire brew group, I then clean and lubricate it thoroughly with petro gel a high heat food grade lubricant. All three internal valves are lubricated as well as the cam and the brew group handle.
I first use a descaler on this machine as well as a good flush with an espresso machine detergent within the brew group before disassembling and lubing all internal components with petro gel.
If you lubricate first then descale and then use a detergent the lubricant will be washed away and you will have issues with the brew group cam and the internal valves. Because every time you use the brew group handle you will be rubbing the internal cam against the internal valves metal against metal without lubrication.  With this type of machine it is imperative that the internal E 61 group components are lubricated and cleaned at regular intervals
Keeping the machine clean and well lubricated is essential to prolonging the life of the machine and obtaining a great shot of espresso.
The machine comes with rotary vane pump , thick walled 1.8 liter stainless steel boiler , HX , OPV valve , Gicar control module , Sirai pressurestat , duel gauges boiler and brew pressure , E 61 group , duel thermostats , and is extremely well made with an excellent polished stainless steel finish.
For a machine in this price range you get better components for your money. I highly recommend this machine from ECM Germany its an excellent machine and makes a great espresso.

Italiano

Posted January 26, 2013 link

slybarman Said:

Has anyone taken notice of the "ECM Germany" product line at 1st-line.com?

http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/ecm/index.htm

They are attractive enough machines. From a price and feature standpoint I guess they are competing with Rocket. 1st line gives an interesting statement as to why they are no longer carrying the rocket line. It says these new machines are designed in Germany and made in Italy.

What do y'all make of these?

Posted May 18, 2012 link

1stline Said:

If the moderators do not mind, the aforementioned link is to our old web site (going away soon) and I would like to provide the link to the new web site here.

Just to note, at the time of this writing, we received a batch of Barista machines that have the upgraded steam/hot water valves as the Technika. This is subject to change on the next batch.

This review was written a few days ago. There will not be many reviews at this time as the brand is fairly new to the US market.

Posted January 26, 2013 link

CSME9 Said:

cuznvin said: If the Barista has upgraded steam/hot water valves, what would be different with the barista then the technika?  

Technika is both tank and plummable, larger case, hinged water tank refill lid and more expensive-other than that i believe the Barista model with upgraded steam/hot water valves would function the same.  

WS

Posted January 26, 2013 link

italiano Said:

Currently since this is a new line of machines from ECM Germany as a result there are not many user owner reviews on Coffeegeek.
I will be posting a very detailed review of this machine very shortly on Coffeegeek.
As an owner of the ECM Tecknika IV I can now tell you that this is a well-made machine with excellent components.
As far as lubricating the E61 group internal valves and brew arm cam this is a very important step in keeping this machine in top working order.
By design if not properly lubricated the brew arm cam and internal E 61 group valves movement are metal against metal  whenever the brew group handle is used to brew coffee. To eliminate metal rubbing against metal it is essential that all internal valves and brew group cam arm be kept cleaned and properly lubricated at all times. This will prolong the life of the internal valves and the brew cam arm within the group.
Definitely use a lubricant that can tolerate high heat, is long lasting and is also a food grade lubricant specifically used for espresso machines.
Owning an E 61 group machine has been a learning process for me since my old machine I simply brewed coffee by pressing a single button.
Having a brew group arm gives you complete control of the coffee extraction process, to preinfusion to the actual length of the extraction.
The machine makes an excellent cup of coffee but should be left on at least an hour to allow all metal brew group components to get to the proper temperature.
Definitely descale the machine at regular intervals every two to three months depending on how hard your water is.
Also flush the machine regularly with an espresso machine detergent to eliminate coffee reside and coffee oils that accumulate within the E 61 group.
All of the internal valves within the E 61 group have rubber washers that are pressed against a valve seat within the group when the brew group arm is used.
Periodically check the condition of the rubber washers and replace as needed to insure a tight seal and also to insure that the valve seat within the group is not damaged.
Everything has some sort of maintance; an espresso machine is no different. This machine is made to last with proper care and maintance you will get many years of use from this machine.
I wanted a machine for everyday use that can also handle a large volume of drinks when necessary.
I definitely recommend purchasing this machine you will not be disappointed.

Italiano

Posted January 27, 2013 link