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FAQ

Questions about the machines and technology

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 a decalcification.

 

With our models with vibration pump you can adjust the machine to your desired brewing pressure. To do this, tension the portafilter with the blind filter inserted into the machine. Please press the brew group lever as if you were preparing an espresso. On the pump pressure gauge you will now see how the pressure builds up to the set value. Turn the larger screw (next to the water tank) "clockwise" to increase the pressure and turn the screw "counterclockwise" to reduce the pump pressure. The pump pressure gauge shows the change.

Machines with a rotary pump should only be adjusted by the specialist dealer. Below the machine there is a hole of approx. 2 cm, in which you can adjust the rotary pump by adjusting the screw.

Please note that ECM firmly discourages you from increasing the pressure on the screw and refers you to your dealer. From the factory the machines are preset to a pressure of 9 bar. If you are using the machine under a direct water connection, please note that the pump pressure is adjusted by the existing pressure. Also here a re-adjustment of the pump pressure should only be carried out by the specialist dealer. 

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 (item no. 89455) for the connection, and we recommend that you use a shut-off valve.

Please note that you cannot connect water filters to the water tank adapters on machines with a rotary pump. Please use water filter pads (item no. 89440) or pre-filtered water, e.g. Brita.

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.

- The water filter was not soaked in the water long enough.

- The water filter should be connected to the silicone hose under water to prevent air bubbles.

- The water filter should be inserted into the water tank.
  If this is not possible, there is still air in the water filter.

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 (see user manual).

The devices differ only by the valves. Technika/Mechanika IV have rotary valves for the steam/hot water dispension. Technika/Mechanika IV Profi have quick steam valves. This can be compared with a "joystick".

Questions about cleaning and repair

ECM recommends a maintenance interval of 3-4 years. Maintenance has to be carried out by an authorised retailer. To ask for a dealer near you you can use our contact form.

 

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 decalcifier PAV9001040.
We recommend to carry out the brew group cleaning every 150 cups with our ECM brew group cleaner PAV9001034.

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

Important!
For espresso machines with rotary pumps, please use only the ECM water filter pad (item no. 89440)!
The ECM water filter (item no. C639900940) is not suitable for the use in rotary pump machines.

Use of the water filter pad (item no. 89440):
Remove the water filter pad from the film packaging.
Just soak under running water
Place the pad in the water tank of the espresso machine.
Fill the water tank with water.
Change the water filter pad every three months.

Use of the water filter (item no. C639900940):
Before use, keep the filter under running water so that it can soak up with water.
Then place the filter in a large container with 1 liter of water for at least 5 minutes. This ensures that all the granules are soaked with water.
The filter is ready for use as soon as it sinks into the water.
Now the filter can be connected to the water tank via the silicone hose (in the machine accessories). To do this, take the silicone hose and connect it to the water tank, let water run through the hose. There must be no air in the hose as air is then drawn into the system. Now connect the silicone hose to the water filter and place it in the water tank.
Remove about 400 ml of water through the brew group. As soon as the water flows out of the brew group, your espresso machine is ready for operation again.
Please renew the filter at intervals of 2 months to ensure proper functioning of your machine.

If the portafilter cannot be locked as usual and/or 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.

Questions about coffee making

The following should be observed before preparation: 

The filling quantity of an espresso is 25-30 ml.
The duration from turning the brew group lever to the perfect espresso is 23-25 seconds.
Use filtered water and a clean portafilter without old coffee grounds.
Grind fresh coffee. As soon as oxygen reaches the grinded coffee, the aromas evaporate.
Start the brewing process immediately after inserting the portafilter into the hot brew group, otherwise the coffee will burn.

The preparation:
Preheat the cups on the cup warming tray. Allow the portafilter to be clamped in the machine during the heating phase.
Fill the portafilter with fresh ground coffee. The coffee grounds should fall "easily and flakly" from the coffee grinder into the portafilter.
Tamp the ground coffee with approx. 15-20 kg of tamping pressure. As a help, you can use our pressure-regulating tamper. Please make sure that the ground coffee is firmly pressed in the portafilter. To measure whether you have tamped properly, you can, among other things, turn the portafilter and the coffee must not fall out.
Preheat the cup by pouring hot water into it.
Empty the cup and allow some water to run through the brew group.
Insert the portafilter, place the cup underneath and prepare the espresso.
The espresso should now run "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.
- Coffee too old

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