FAQ

Before preparation, please note the following:

• The filling quantity for an espresso is 25–30 ml.
• The time from pressing the brewing lever to the perfect espresso is 23–25 seconds.
• Use filtered water and a clean filter holder without old coffee residues.
• Grind the coffee fresh. As soon as oxygen comes into contact with the ground coffee, the aromas evaporate.
• Start the brewing process immediately after inserting the filter holder into the hot brewing unit, otherwise the coffee will burn.

The preparation:

• Preheat the cups on the cup warming tray. Leave the portafilter locked into the machine during the preheating phase.
• Fill the portafilter with ground coffee. The ground coffee should fall from the coffee grinder into the portafilter in a “lightly fluffy” state.
• Tamp the ground coffee firmly with approx. 15–20 kg of pressure. You can use our pressure-regulating tamper to help you do this. Please ensure that the ground coffee is tamped down evenly in the filter holder. Water seeks the path of least resistance. You can check whether you have tamped down correctly by turning the filter holder upside down and ensuring that the ground coffee does not fall out.
• Preheat the cup by filling it with hot water.
• Empty the cup of water and let a little water run through the brew group.
• Insert the portafilter, place the cup underneath, and extract the espresso.
• The espresso should now flow “like oil” from the machine into the cups.

The correct grind of the coffee is the basic pre-requisite for a good espresso. This decides, apart from the coffee blend, the quality of your espresso. The coffee should be a little coarser than flour. You can also recognise the correct grind if the ground coffee forms fine lumps. If the espresso flows too fast out of the portafilter, the coffee grounds are too coarse. If the liquid flows too slowly or possibly not at all, the degree of the grind is too fine. You can reach the right grind after a few trials.

• The brew group is not yet warm enough.
• The machine is calcified.
• The portafilter was not clamped during the heating phase and could not yet take over heat via the brew group.

•  Adjust the grinding degree.
• Increase the tamping pressure.
• Check how old the coffee beans are.

The optimum pressure during coffee brewing is between 9 and 11 bar.

The task of a PID temperature control is to control the temperature of the two boiler. The temperature is kept at the programmed value with minimum deviations of 1°C. PID stands for “proportional – integral – derivative”. The temperature plays an important role in the preparation of coffee.

Please empty the boiler(s).

• To empty the boiler with a single boiler machine, you must let the machine heat up and then drain the old water through the brew group. A complete emptying of the boiler is not possible (see instructions).
• In case of a heat exchanger system, empty the boiler by means of hot water extraction.
• The dual boiler machine is emptied via the brew group and hot water extraction.

We recommend to carry out a brew group cleaning and, if needed a decalcification.

• The connection may only be carried out by authorised specialist dealer personnel. You are welcome to use our contact form to contact a specialist dealer.
• You need a pressure reducer 3/8 for the connection, and we recommend that you use a shut-off valve.
• Please note: You can fit the water filter cartridge in the water tank or use pre-filtered water.

The temperature of the machine can only be modified for models with PID control. For all other models this must be adjusted by an authorised specialist dealer.

Please note that our machines are factory-set to the optimum brewing temperature of 88-95°C.

• Water shortage.
• The swimmer in the machine is not sitting properly. The correct position of the float can be found in the user manual.

Above the water tank is a large adjusting screw, turn clockwise to increase the brewing pressure. You can find details on this in the user manual.

• An ECM machine should be serviced depending on its use and operating time. Maintenance can be carried out either by one of our specialist dealers or directly by ECM. Please use our contact form to find a dealer.
• Please note that you should use the original packaging and insert to avoid expensive transport damage.

• Descaling is recommended depending on the degree of water hardness. Please decalcify the appliance every 3 months, otherwise every 6 months. We recommend our ECM descaler.
• We recommend to carry out the brew group cleaning every 150 cups with our ECM brew group cleaner.

• The blind filter is required to measure the actual pump pressure of the machine.
• The blind filter is required for group cleaning.

• If the portafilter cannot be locked as usual.
• When water runs over the portafilter.

• Only from one of our authorised dealers. We will be happy to inform you about the dealers next to you. Please use our contact form
• Please note that independent repairs on your machine are at your own risk. ECM does not provide telephone assistance or remote diagnosis. No liability can be accepted for consequential damages caused by incorrect installation or reparations made on your own.