ECM Synchronika - 2 Year Later Update

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!!

[chrisanderson]

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.

[eltonnoway]

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 ;)

[HigherInfluence]

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.

[Smirnoff]

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

[noelf]

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.

[angelaslaney]

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!

[enyceofnyc]

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.

[CarlosAmaya-nbps]

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

[GuitarsAndSynths]

Would you get this machine or if budget permits the La Marzocco Linea Mini?

[kevinking]

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.

[TommyLuptak]

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.

[tvd]

If you have trouble digesting cow milk give oatmilk a try (like the oatly barrista). I think it tastes amazing

[sdm]

Was it a fast pour because you didn’t flush the group head?

[yubertuber]

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.

[ptpt]

Hey there what's the minimum warm up time needed to pull a shot from cold startup? Thx!

[davidhunternyc]

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?

[MrBahBZ]

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.

[jeangagnon]

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

[heronnavarro]

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.

[SMWTheBar]

Do you need to clean it often to get rid of fingerprints and smudges?