In the crowded landscape of prosumer espresso machines, where tradition meets innovation and aesthetics blend with engineering prowess, one machine has emerged as the pinnacle of e-61 design: the
ECM Synchronika II.
This latest iteration of ECM’s flagship dual-boiler espresso machine is not just an incremental update: It’s a bold statement that e-61 machines can still evolve and lead in performance, refinement and user experience. For discerning home baristas who demand excellence without compromise, the Synchronika II stands tall. Our opinion is that no manufacturer currently does it better.
Build Quality: A Masterclass in Craftsmanship
From the moment you unbox the ECM Synchronika II, it’s immediately clear that this machine is built with uncompromising attention to detail. The
mirror-polished stainless steel housing,
seamless welds and
subtle branding all reflect ECM’s design philosophy: modern minimalism rooted in German engineering precision.
The Synchronika II elevates this tradition with
refinements in internal layout, improved thermal insulation, and a newly designed
integrated PID display that blends seamlessly into the body. The chassis has been subtly updated to enhance access to internal components, making maintenance and part replacements far more straightforward than in previous versions – or in any competing e-61 machine for that matter.
This is a machine you proudly display in your kitchen or home bar, not just for its performance, but because it looks, feels and delivers in the cup like a precision instrument.
e-61 Group Head: Tradition Perfected
The e-61 group has been the cornerstone of espresso culture since its introduction in 1961. Its enduring popularity is due to its
thermal stability,
pre-infusion capabilities and the
satisfying mechanical action of the lever. While many manufacturers incorporate the e-61 group into their machines, ECM takes it further by
manufacturing their group heads in-house, ensuring tighter tolerances and better temperature control.
In the Synchronika II, this classic component is elevated through integration with modern technology. Thanks to
enhanced PID temperature control, the e-61 group achieves more consistent temperature—something that was once a known limitation of traditional heat exchanger machines and even early dual-boilers. This group brings lots of smarts: including inbuilt cartridge heaters which allows the machine to produce outstanding espresso in little more than 5 minutes from power on.
In particular, fine user-programmable control of active and passive preinfusion results in more consistent extractions, better flavour clarity, and reduced channeling – especially important for users dialling in light-roast single-origin beans that demand temperature stability and shot precision.
Dual Boiler Design: Quiet Power, Unparalleled Stability
The Synchronika II features two insulated stainless steel boilers: a 0.75L brew boiler and a 2.0L steam boiler. This configuration ensures simultaneous brewing and milk textuing with no performance compromise: Non-negotiable for the serious home barista.
What sets the Synchronika II apart is
its whisper-quiet rotary pump which draws from an internal tank or directly from a plumbed water line. The silence is not just a luxury; it’s a testament to ECM’s dedication to crafting a machine that enhances the user’s experience at every level.
Temperature control is governed by a redesigned
PID interface with advanced control features, including brew and steam temp settings, a
shot timer and an
eco mode. While PID control has become common in prosumer machines, ECM’s implementation in the Synchronika II is more intuitive and unobtrusive. The UI is clean and avoids clutter, a welcome departure from the “feature creep” we see in less refined competitors.
The
OLED interface on the
ECM Synchronika II represents one of the most substantial usability upgrades over the original Synchronika, and arguably the most sophisticated integration of digital control in any traditional E61 machine. Unlike previous generations that relied on basic PID displays with limited feedback, the Synchronika II’s OLED interface is a
central command hub offering granular control, real-time information, and automation features—all while preserving the elegant aesthetic ECM is known for.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the OLED interface offers:
🎛️ 1. Dual PID Temperature Control (Brew & Steam Boilers)
The OLED interface allows independent, precise temperature control of both the brew and steam boilers. This enables users to:
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- Dial in brew temperatures by the degree (in °C or °F) to suit different roast profiles.
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- Adjust steam boiler temperature for more or less pressure, depending on your preferred steaming speed or milk type.
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- Benefit from real-time feedback with boiler temps displayed constantly and updated live.
Unlike older PID controllers, the OLED gives these readouts in a modern, easy-to-read font with a clean layout, making adjustments faster and more intuitive.
⏱️ 2. Shot Timer Integration
Gone are the days of external timers or watching the seconds tick on your phone. The Synchronika II includes:
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- A built-in digital shot timer that starts automatically when the brew lever is engaged.
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- Clear display of shot duration in seconds, right on the OLED screen.
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- Automatic reset after extraction, so you’re always ready for the next pull.
This is especially useful for dial-in sessions, letting you consistently correlate
brew time, yield and taste without additional gadgets.
⚙️ 3. Programmable ECO Mode
Energy conservation is built into the Synchronika II with a programmable
Eco Mode, accessible via the OLED:
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- Users can set the machine to power down or enter standby after a custom-defined idle time.
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- This feature helps reduce energy consumption when the machine is left on for long periods—ideal for home users who only brew a few times a day.
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- ECO mode can be toggled on or off at will and the timing can be fine-tuned through the interface.
🧠 4. Smart Alerts and Diagnostic Feedback
The OLED interface also acts as a diagnostic assistant:
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- Water reservoir alerts: When the tank runs low, the screen displays a warning before the machine shuts off.
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- Boiler fill notifications: After draining for maintenance or first setup, the system confirms when boilers are refilled properly.
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- Service reminders: It can prompt users to perform periodic maintenance based on usage hours.
These smart features reduce the chance of user error and help extend the machine’s longevity.
🌡️ 5. Temperature Unit Selection & Calibration
Within the settings menu, users can:
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- Switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit to match their regional preference.
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- Adjust PID calibration offsets if needed, to fine-tune readings for even greater accuracy.
🔧 6. System Configuration and Customization
The OLED interface opens access to several deeper configuration options, including:
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- Boiler on/off control: You can disable the steam boiler if you’re only pulling espresso, allowing faster heat-up and reduced energy use.
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- Pre-infusion delay setting (depending on configuration with flow control kits)
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- Auto-on timer: Schedule the machine to start heating at a specific time each day, so it’s ready when you are.
Why This Matters for Prosumer Users
For the advanced home barista, these features mean:
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- You spend less time managing variables manually and more time dialling in flavour.
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- You enjoy modern tech conveniences without sacrificing the tactile, mechanical charm of lever-operated espresso brewing.
Best of all, ECM has managed to keep this digital integration subtle—there are no garish LEDs or clunky menus. The interface feels
intuitive, restrained, and purposeful, echoing the machine’s overall ethos.
Steam Power: Commercial Performance at Home
Steam performance is often the Achilles’ heel of e-61 machines. In the Synchronika II, the steam boiler’s capacity and recovery time are truly impressive. With a dedicated 2.0L boiler and 2-bar steam pressure, this machine produces
dry, high quality steam that rivals that of full commercial setups.
Whether you’re texturing milk for microfoam cappuccinos or practicing latte art with alternative milks, the Synchronika II provides ample steam power with precise control. The
joystick-style steam and hot water wands—a significant ergonomic upgrade over traditional twist valves—offer lightning-fast operation and greater comfort for daily use.
The cool-touch wands are another ECM hallmark, are elegantly designed and reduce the risk of scalding while minimising milk residue, making cleanup quick and simple.
Workflow & Usability: Designed for the Home Barista
The Synchronika II is clearly built for the serious home barista, but it doesn’t punish the user with unnecessary complexity. The
PID interface,
manual brew lever, and
quick-recovery boilers combine to make every aspect of workflow—from warm-up to extraction to cleanup—a joy rather than a chore.
Upgradeability and Longevity
One of the most compelling reasons the Synchronika II earns the title of “best e-61 ever” is its
modular, upgrade-friendly design. ECM anticipates the needs of the evolving home barista: the frame is designed to accommodate
flow control kits.
Unlike cheaper machines that age quickly or become obsolete, the Synchronika II is built for
decades of service. Parts are widely available, ECM’s local support network is strong, and the machine’s internal design facilitates easy service.
Who Is It For?
The ECM Synchronika II is not an entry-level machine, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s for the prosumer who has likely spent years perfecting their technique and is now ready for a machine that offers
complete control,
flawless reliability, and
a touch of luxury.
If you’re upgrading from a single-boiler machine, a heat exchanger, or even an earlier-generation e-61 dual boiler, this is the final machine in your espresso journey. It competes with and often surpasses other premium E61 machines like the Profitec Pro 700, La Marzocco Linea Mini, and Rocket R58 Cinquantotto—particularly when it comes to build quality, steam power, and long-term serviceability.
Final Verdict
The ECM Synchronika II is more than just an espresso machine—it’s a statement piece for the serious coffee enthusiast. It takes the beloved e-61 design and redefines what it means to be “prosumer-grade” in 2025
