Overview
The ECM Puristika is a single-boiler espresso machine that reimagines the relationship between home and barista. Super compact and eminently stylish, the Puristika features many of the same premium components and materials found in ECM’s flagship Synchronika like its PID controller and anthracite housing. In a first for ECM, the Puristika is an espresso only machine with no steam or hot water capabilities. Its unique design features a multi-position glass water tank, allowing for more flexible placement on the counter. It’s other distinguishing trait is the front mounted expansion valve knob for easy adjustment of brew pressure.
Features and Benefits
With its espresso-only design, the Puristika has been outfitted with everything it needs to pull consistently excellent shots. Amazingly the Puristika is an E61 machine and the smallest of its kind we’ve ever seen. The ubiquitous group helps maintain consistent brew temperature thanks to the active circulation of hot water from the 0.75 liter stainless steel boiler. Combined with a PID controller which actively regulates the brew temperatures, the Puristika is incredibly stable and allows you to fine tune conditions for your extractions.
Further refinement of your espresso can be achieved through the front mounted brew pressure valve which can set the expansion valve between approximately 8.5 and 12 bar. Located opposite the gauge on the top left of the machine is the stylish brew pressure gauge which matches the knob with a cool navy blue face with white lettering.
Until you see it in person, it’s hard to overstate just how compact the Puristika is. At just 7.7” W x 13.7” D x 12.4” H, it edges out the Casa V as ECM’s single smallest espresso machine. That said, this was achieved by separating the 2 liter reservoir into a standalone component that connects to the back of the machine. The 4.75” diameter reservoir plumbs in with braided steel hoses and is made from beautiful crystal clear glass.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | HFC-2023060086 |
| Boiler Configuration | Single Boiler |
| Number of Boilers | 1 |
| Brew Boiler Auto-Fill | Yes |
| Brew Boiler Heater Location | Internal |
| Brew Boiler Insulation | Yes |
| Brew Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brew Boiler Orientation | Vertical |
| Brew Boiler Volume (Oz) | 0.75L |
| Brew Unit Material | Chrome-Plated Brass |
| Brew Unit Type | E61 |
| Three-Way Valve | Yes |
| Back Flush Capable | Yes |
| Brew Group Size (mm) | 58mm |
| Brew Boiler Wattage | 1000W |
| Recommended Application | Home / Residential |
| NSF Certified | No |
| Display Type | PID |
| Pressure Gauges | Brew |
| Housing Color | Anthracite, Stainless Steel |
| Housing Material | Stainless Steel |
| Depth (Inches) | 13.7″ |
| Height (Inches) | 12.4″ |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight (Lbs) | 29.5lbs |
| Width (Inches) | 7.7″ |
| Bottomless Portafilter Available | Yes |
| Filter Diameter (mm) | 58mm |
| Portafilter Handle Material | Bakelite Plastic |
| Portafilter Material | Chrome-Plated Brass |
| Number of Portafilters Included | 1 |
| Ground, E.S.E., Pod and Capsule Compatibility | No |
| Portafilter Type | Commercial Style |
| Portafilter Weight (lbs) | 2lbs |
| Portafilter Diameter | 58mm |
| Adjustable Brew Pressure | Yes |
| Pump Pressure (Max. Bar) | 12 Bar |
| Pump Type | Vibration |
| Warranty Service Provider Email | [email protected] |
| Warranty Service Provider | HARFAN COFFEE |
| Warranty Service Provider Phone Number | +62-838-9755-1917 |
| Manufacturers Warranty Period | 3-Year Parts and Labor |
| Water Reservoir Access Location | Top |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 2 Liters |
| Water Reservoir Features | External, Multi-Position |
| Water Reservoir Material | Glass |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
Zétény Biró –
From the moment I took it out of the box it was impressive. The heft, the fit and finish were perfection. What I did not realize was the impressive upgrade in flavor and profile over my previous Rancillo Silvia of 15 years. With the optional flow control and PID temperature control, I should be able to dial in any coffee.
Áron Kozma –
This is not a long term use review. These are simply observations made during the first two months of ownership. We brew 3-4 espressos a day, every day. We prefer medium and dark roasts and have owned two espresso machines since 1985: Baby Gaggia and Rancilio Silvia.
After owning the Silvia for 16 years, we wanted a machine that was at leRead more about review stating Exceeds Expectationsast as capable, as durable and with features that would allow some exploration. It had to be a machine that didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
I had read about the recently released Puristika and it appealed to us because it doesn’t have a steamer (we hadn’t used the Silvia’s steamer in years) and ECM has a good reputation for design and durability. It also has a very compact footprint which, for our small galley-style kitchen, was a big plus. It can also be ordered with the optional ECM flow control kit installed. It’s not an inexpensive machine and there’re a lot of alternatives including machines that have steaming capabilities that cost a little more or less than the Puristika. But, for us, the Puristika appeared to tick off nearly all the “want list” boxes nicely.
Having never used a traditional E61 group before was a potential downside. Also, there was a known hardware problem in the first run of Puristika with the thermosyphon inconsistently heating up. But, I felt up to the challenge of using an E61 group (after all, we’d used a Silvia for 16 years) and the flow control capabilities would help us explore light and medium roasts. harfan coffee and ECM had clearly stated up front that new shipments of the Puristika would have a hardware fix installed for the thermosyphon problem.
We received the Puristika in April with the flow control kit installed. The first month I brewed espresso without using flow control. Now I consistently use flow control for light and medium roasts and occasionally for dark roasts. The E61 group and flow control has worked exceptionally well for me and helps brew coffee that my spouse and I like to drink. There have been no problems whatsoever with the thermosyphon or other hardware.
So far, I have nothing but good things to say about the Puristika. Like the Silvia, it appears to be built like a tank. Its’ design cues successfully combine (to my eye) an industrial look from the 50’s and a minimalist aesthetic (yes, there’s a lot of polished stainless steel and chrome but the anthracite shell does a lot to tone all that shininess down). And the external water reservoir has won me over.
Does it make better coffee than the Silvia? Does the Puristika’s E61 group make any better coffee? Honestly, I can’t say that it does on either count. But if you’re looking for a machine that does one thing really well, which is brew only espresso, and with the option of more finely controlling the brewing process, the Puristika may be exactly what you’re looking for. It has been for us.
Milán Balla –
I love this machine. I use it at work where steaming milk would be a logistical nightmare, so not having that capability is totally fine. If I had to complain about something it would be the very small drip tray. I feel like it could have been a little deeper without sacrificing the compact size of the machine. As it stands, I need to empty it aboRead more about review stating Very Goodut every 3-4 shots. That’s me though, maybe you use less water to flush the group and filter. I love how easy it is to fill the reservoir. And the machine is every bit as handsome in person, if not more so.