This is a very well built and high quality machine. I was not aware that the lever had 3 positions to it (off, infuse, on) until after having called WholeLatteLove's customer support staff and getting the education I needed. It's a beautiful machine and works well once you use it correctly!! :)

So finally I got my prosumer espresso machine! I have mostly used Saeco espresso machines with pressurized filter and one super-automatic before. However, I enjoy the procedure of making espresso and cappuccinos so a semi-automatic was the only choice for me. I debated whether I should get the Silvia or go one step up. Since there were no reviews for ECM Mechanika IV, I read the ones for Profitec 500 since they are so similar. It was also a good help for me to watch the videos from WLL with Mark, Morgan, and Todd. So much both practical and technical information.

I make about two cappuccinos a day and have learnt to get a perfect crema. I bought the Rattleware tamper and the ECM tamping station which work lovely. My pucks came out messy at the beginning so I called WLL and they told me to add more coffee into the filter. It worked very well. I had to work on the grind of my decaf Lavazza on my Baratza Vario. Now I have the right amount of 7.1 seconds on grind 4 and tamp only to get a smooth surface, no hard pressure. I pay more attention to the right amount of flow coming out from the portafilter, i.e. a mouse tail and the color of the espresso in the cup comes out perfect: hazelnut. The frothing is a piece of cake. The airflow from the steamwand is so powerful and makes a wonderful foam.

I choose this machine over the Profitec 500 because of the looks. Everything is so sturdy and solid about it. It is quite easy to keep clean with a soft cloth.I keep a calendar, one of those that you get in the mail and put down the dates for backflushing, descaling, and cleaning of the grinder. I wash the tank every week.

I do not think that there is a problem that you have to wait for half an hour before making your cappuccino. You just work your schedule around it like for so many other things. When I put it on, I hear a humming sound when the boiler gets filled with water. When making espressos, the machine is not noisy at all. I am so happy for my decision to acquire this machine. No caf in town can match my cappuccinos. A HX machine is wondeful because you do not have to wait between making your coffee and steaming the milk. Hence, nothing gets cold in the process.

Rate your coffee expertise:
Connoisseur

What do you like best about this product?
It is a solid machine. I also like the inside that Todd explained when he showed the machinery on a video.

Do you have any helpful tips for using this product?
I put feltpads on the feet to be able to slide it on the counter since it is quite heavy.

So finally I got my prosumer espresso machine! I have mostly used Saeco espresso machines with pressurized filter and one super-automatic before. However, I enjoy the procedure of making espresso and cappuccinos so a semi-automatic was the only choice for me. I debated whether I should get the Silvia or go one step up. Since there were no reviews for ECM Mechanika IV, I read the ones for Profitec 500 since they are so similar. It was also a good help for me to watch the videos from WLL with Mark, Morgan, and Todd. So much both practical and technical information.

I make about two cappuccinos a day and have learnt to get a perfect crema. I bought the Rattleware tamper and the ECM tamping station which work lovely. My pucks came out messy at the beginning so I called WLL and they told me to add more coffee into the filter. It worked very well. I had to work on the grind of my decaf Lavazza on my Baratza Vario. Now I have the right amount of 7.1 seconds on grind 4 and tamp only to get a smooth surface, no hard pressure. I pay more attention to the right amount of flow coming out from the portafilter, i.e. a mouse tail and the color of the espresso in the cup comes out perfect: hazelnut. The frothing is a piece of cake. The airflow from the steamwand is so powerful and makes a wonderful foam.

I choose this machine over the Profitec 500 because of the looks. Everything is so sturdy and solid about it. It is quite easy to keep clean with a soft cloth.I keep a calendar, one of those that you get in the mail and put down the dates for backflushing, descaling, and cleaning of the grinder. I wash the tank every week.

I do not think that there is a problem that you have to wait for half an hour before making your cappuccino. You just work your schedule around it like for so many other things. When I put it on, I hear a humming sound when the boiler gets filled with water. When making espressos, the machine is not noisy at all. I am so happy for my decision to acquire this machine. No caf in town can match my cappuccinos. A HX machine is wondeful because you do not have to wait between making your coffee and steaming the milk. Hence, nothing gets cold in the process.

Rate your coffee expertise:
Connoisseur

What do you like best about this product?
It is a solid machine. I also like the inside that Todd explained when he showed the machinery on a video.

Do you have any helpful tips for using this product?
I put feltpads on the feet to be able to slide it on the counter since it is quite heavy.