ECM Mechanika Max Overview
The ECM Mechanika MAX is a PID controlled smart heat exchanger espresso machine with a rotary pump. It introduces a number of firsts for ECM including the ability to program the PID to regulate the boiler based on the temperature at the brew group. It’s also the first with programmable weekday and weekend on/off timers so you can have the MAX ready to brew whenever you need it. Equipped with a plumbable rotary pump and <11" wide the Mechanika MAX will have no trouble fitting into any home espresso bar.
Features and Performance
Underneath its housing the Mechanika MAX brews with a miniature rotary pump and a PID regulated 1.9L stainless steel boiler. Unique to the MAX is its group temperature regulation which allows the PID to monitor and control boiler temperature based on the temperature at the brew group rather than simply within the boiler. Temperature can be programmed in 1 degree increments and the PID doubles as a shot timer when the brew lever is engaged. As a result, it is the only smart heat exchanger espresso machine with the precision control to regulate brew water temperature. For more traditional operation, the MAX can also prioritize steam for milk drinkers while providing a cooling flush reminder if the group is hotter than your designed temperature.For such a compact display, ECM has packed a huge amount of functionality within the PID controller. To help with keeping up on maintenance, the MAX can be set to remind you when it’s time to backflush or when you need to replace your water filter. To save energy the ECO mode will power the machine down after a set period of time and in a first for ECM you can also designate up to two unique on and off times per weekday/weekend day to have the MAX on and ready to brew when you need it most.From a design standpoint the Mechanika MAX shares a good amount of DNA with the Mechanika VI Slim with the same cup railings, similar wrapped body panels, and ECM styled E61 group. The steam and hot water valves have received a notable improvement, having been upgraded to spring-loaded chrome tipped joysticks found on the ECM Technika V and Synchronika espresso machines. Similar to those machines, the inclusion of a rotary pump means whisper quiet brewing and allows the machine to be connected directly to a water line.In the box, the ECM Mechanika MAX includes the following accessories:Single Spout Portafilter, Double Spout Portafilter, 7g Single-Shot Basket, 14g Double Shot Basket, Backflush Disc, Tamper, Group Cleaning Brush, Water Line
Why You Should Get It
The ECM Mechanika MAX is the most compelling smart heat exchanger alternative to a dual boiler espresso machine we’ve ever seen. Its compact design, flexible water sources and lower price point make it far more accessible to aspiring home baristas without sacrificing the precision temperature control that is the cornerstone of specialty coffee. Coupled with its clean and elegant design, the Mechanika MAX has made ECM’s midrange even more exciting.PID Regulated Smart Heat Exchanger System: In a first for PID controlled smart heat exchanger espresso machines the Mechanika MAX actively monitors brew group temperature in addition to the boiler temperature. As a result, the MAX can offer two modes of operation designed to ensure proper brewing temperature. A basic flush reminder can be toggled to alert you to perform a cooling flush prior to brewing. For more active control you can also designate the temperature controller to use the group temperature to dictate heating to ensure stability. When entertaining this mode offers a “steam boost” feature to provide extra pressure as needed. Programmable On/Off Time: A sought after feature in home prosumer espresso machines, the Mechanika MAX features programmable on/off times that can be scheduled for weekdays and the weekend. Proper heat-up time allows for more consistent extractions, giving the temperatures of the E61 and portafilter time to normalize before brewing. Up to two unique on and off times can be set per weekday or weekend, allowing flexibility for work and play schedules. In conjunction with the Clock feature, the schedule can be programmed by the hour within 10 minute increments. Compact Design: The Slim is <11" wide with a streamlined design. For added convenience the rotary pump allows the MAX to be connected directly to a water supply, eliminating the need for refilling and making the machine a more permanent fixture on your countertop. This also allows for direct connection to inline water filtration to improve the flavor of your espresso and extend the longevity of your machine. In-Depth Programming: In addition to upgrading the PID for more accurate brew temperature control, ECM has included a bevy of features to aid with both maintenance and espresso brewing. The ECO function allows you to designate an automatic shutoff time to save energy. CLN and FLT can be set to remind you when it’s time to backflush your machine or to change your water filter. The MAX also features two pre-infusion modes, active and passive which allow you to either program a pause after an initial dose of water, or allow water line pressure to gently saturate the puck before extraction.
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