ECM Technika VI

The Technika VI is an ECM dual-boiler machine that heats both boilers together, for coffee and for steam: with fast-heating mode on, it is ready in a little over twelve minutes, against a good half hour for a normal start. Pre-infusion is adjustable in both its active and passive stages, and a discreet display shows the settings, with blue gauges on pump and boiler.

Water comes from the tank or, by switching a valve and using the metal hose included in the box, from a fixed water line. Energy-saving mode, on by default, switches off the heating after 90 minutes of inactivity, adjustable up to ten hours; the display also schedules two switch-on and two switch-off times for each day of the week. The brew group is ECM's patented design, descended from the E61.

The group is cleaned with the blind basket and powder detergent, working the lever through the motion a few times; a reminder flags it every 90 to 140 coffees. Even with frequent use, the boiler water is best emptied and renewed every one to two weeks. The group gasket can be replaced by hand, no dealer visit needed, and an optional water filter with its own replacement reminder helps keep scale away. It is for someone who wants a recent dual boiler that heats up fast and is built for maintenance you can do yourself.