ECM Mechanika Max Espresso Machine with Flow Control
ECM Mechanika Max Overview
The ECM Mechanika MAX with Flow Control 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. Combined with an E61 flow control device, the Mechanika MAX offers incredible precision when controlling extractions. 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 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.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | HFC-2023060098 |
| Recommended Application | Home / Residential |
| NSF Certified | No |
| Display Type | PID |
| Controls and Additional Features | Programmable On/Off Time, Programmable Brew Temperature, Programmable Steam Temperature, Backflush Reminder, Water Filter Reminder, Eco Mode, Pre-Infusion Mode |
| Pressure Gauges | Brew and Steam |
| Type of Controls | Brew Lever, PID |
| Cup Warmer Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cup Warmer Size (L-in x W-in) | 10.5 x 9.5 |
| Cup Warmer | Passively Heated |
| Drip Tray Capacity (oz) | 35 fl-oz |
| Drip Tray Cover Material | Stainless Steel |
| Drip Tray Material | Stainless Steel |
| Removable Drip Tray | Yes |
| Portafilter Baskets Included | Single, Double, Backflush |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Housing Color | Polished Stainless |
| Housing Material | Stainless Stainless |
| Maintenance Alerts | Yes |
| Recommended Descaler Type | Durgol Swiss |
| Recommended Water Filter | BWT Bestmax Premium, BWT Bestsave M |
| Depth (Inches) | 17.5 |
| Height (Inches) | 16 |
| Weight (Lbs) | 51.8 |
| Width (Inches) | 10.8 |
| Bottomless Portafilter Available | Sold Separately |
| Filter Diameter (mm) | 58mm |
| Portafilter Handle Material | Plastic |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Portafilter Material | Chrome Plated Brass |
| Number of Portafilters Included | 2 (Single and Double) |
| Ground, E.S.E., Pod and Capsule Compatibility | No |
| Portafilter Type | Commercial Style |
| Portafilter Weight (lbs) | 2lb |
| Portafilter Diameter | 58mm |
| Pump Type | Rotary |
| Warranty Service Provider Email | [email protected] |
| Warranty Service Provider | HARFAN COFFEE |
| Warranty Service Provider Phone Number | +62-838-9755-1917 |
| Manufacturers Warranty Period | 3-Years Parts and Labor |
| Volt | 110/120V |
| Steam Boiler Auto-Fill | Yes |
| Steam Boiler Heater Location | Internal |
| Steam Boiler Insulation | Yes |
| Steam Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Steam Boiler Orientation | Vertical |
| Steam Boiler Volume (Oz) | 1.9L |
| Steam Wand Features | No-Burn |
| Steam Tip Hole Count | 2 |
| Steam Wand Material | Stainless Steel |
| Steam Wand Movement Type | Fully Articulated |
| Steam Wand | Commercial Style |
| Water Reservoir Access Location | Top |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 3 Liters |
| Water Reservoir Features | Removable |
| Water Reservoir Material | Plastic |
| Water Source | Reservoir or Plumb |
| Maximum Incoming Water Pressure (PSI) | 2 Bar |
Gulzar Raj –
This machine is exactly what I wanted while still compact enough not to take over the whole counter. The new shiny chrome and overall look of this machine is perfect for my taste.
I love the flow control which I didn’t think that I needed. The two things that compelled me in selecting this machine were the rotary pump, and being able to plumb Read more about review stating Just What I Was Looking Forthe water directly.
Though I have a lot to learn my first espresso and first latte were amazing. I went from a 15 year old ECM Giotto to this Mechanika Max Espresso Machine.
Now for the bad:
I started directly by plumbing the machine and putting the flow valve in the direction to face the inside of the machine as shown in the directions.
The directions said to make sure that the tAn setting was on off. It didn’t matter what buttons I pressed, or if I held the two buttons down simultaneously for minutes, I couldn’t change the display so I gave up on that. The pump never pumped water. So I played with the valve thinking there was something wrong with that until I heard water going into the container. I figured that is the way it must be, just short of pointed completely towards the supply. Problem is that yes the machine was working but after a while I had a flood to deal with.
Turned off the water supply and started back from step one. No way to change that display and terrible instructions about that in the manual.
I turned the machine on and off and still couldn’t get the display to change so I tried turning it off and on while holding the two buttons depressed. That worked. Learned a lot trouble shooting computers in my life 🤣. You then press the left button until you see tAn followed by the right button to select off for the NO TANK setting. The machine still wouldn’t work until I turned it off and back on.
After that, everything was perfect, except that I had to deal with the mess from flooding the under the counter.
I’m sure that there is a defect with my machine which didn’t allow for setting adjustments until I turned it off and on while pressing both buttons but since I did the install on a Friday evening I wasn’t about to call service at HARFAN COFFEE for advice.
All is well that ends well, and I LOVE this espresso machine. Looking forward to many fantastic coffee drinks.
Munaf Malpani –
20 years ago I bought a Gaggia classic and it has serve me well. I have been on the sidelines, watching machines develop over the last few years. I have been searching for the perfect combination of pump and features and reservoir and all things espresso machine, hoping that one would come along that had everything I wanted for under $3000. As sooRead more about review stating Unbelievable!n as I read the specs on the max, I decided to purchase it along with a libra grinder. in addition, I ordered flow control which has been an amazing feature. It is a perfect combination of features price. ECM has created a tremendous value and a near perfect espresso machine the libra grinder, and the max ended up just a touch over budget but it is well worth it and highly recommend it. It has been a learning curve and I have watched many many videos on YouTube about profiling about timing about dose and this machine is a perfect tool for making an amazing espresso. I was concerned that heat exchange machine wouldn’t be adequate and really thought I needed two boilers but that is not correct. This machine easily handles everything that I needed it to do and I am exceptionally happy. There is a learning curve, but it can be a quick one if you practice. If you were looking for a machine, that was an amazing value, and that easily can last for a decade, this is your choice. The libra grinder is amazing as well as you can dial in the dose, which makes learning and consistency very easy.
Hetan Mathur –
Having tried different coffee brewing methods, I started getting into espresso and the proper technique behind a good extraction. Purchased a Ceado grinder since my earlier burr grinder died and couldnt be happier with the purchase and with whole latte love for their expert tips and videos. When they released this model, I was immediately floored Read more about review stating Espresso Lovers dreamwith all the features available and having ordered it, couldnt be happier with the quality and finish of the product. I have yet to test flow control but am able to dial in my shots with different beans and love this machine. Truly enjoy the process of making a latte with this in the mornings and evenings and cant wait to experiment with the flow control as my comfort level increases every day.