Hopefully this review and its accompanying research notes explains why the E61 group is so popular. Compared with other E61 / heat exchanger espresso machines, the ECM Technika IV is at the top of its class. That said, what may complicate the buying decision for some shoppers is the extra steps heat exchangers require and the uncertainty about the precise brew temperature. To use an automotive analogy, a heat exchanger design is like an manual transmission while a dedicated brew boiler design is more like an automatic transmission. Some baristas think the extra steps a heat exchanger demands needlessly introduce complications, while others prefer the hands-on control. As you consider whether you are fundamentally an automatic or manual transmission type of person, also consider that heat exchangers offer some intrinsic advantages like lower cost (i.e., only one boiler, one heating element, one temperature control unit) or better components than the equivalent double boiler espresso machine. The latter third of the Heat Exchanger vs. Double Boiler Espresso Machines video elaborates on these points around the 19:30 mark.

This review continues the use of this site's streamlined format, which includes a simplified 5 star ratings rather than the 10 point scale of the detailed Buyer's Guide. The ECM Technika IV Profi ratings are as follows:

• Overall:
  Espresso Performance:
  Forgiveness Factor:
  Cappuccino Performance:

The Forgiveness Factor rating captures how well the espresso machine tolerates minor errors in barista technique. The E61 group design has demonstrated its strength in terms of consistent extractions, however the heat exchanger design does require more barista attention, costing it ¼ star over the equivalent double boiler design. Together these factors lead to a solid 4.25 stars for the Forgiveness Factor and 4.0 stars for Espresso Performance.

With practice, it's easy to start the brew cycle and finish steaming milk for a cappuccino before ending the extraction. Those who enjoy large lattes may become impatient with the Technika's slower steam speed of 45 seconds for 8 ounces of milk. On the plus side, the Technika has a very nicely finished no-burn steam wand and convenient toggle valve that opens/closes with a quick flip, earning a solid rating of 3.5 stars for its Cappuccino Performance.

The Overall score considers all the other previously mentioned categories as well as considerations like fit and finish, serviceability, and maintainability. The Technika is based upon the popular E61 group, which means that should problems ever arise, owners have lots of parts suppliers to choose from at reasonable prices and a huge community of other home baristas with similar equipment to solicit for advice. With regular maintenance, you can expect many years of reliable service. If the Technika does need repairs, most can be done at home by the modestly handy owner, with support from the reseller or other owners of similar E61-based equipment in the HB forums. Combining this expected longevity and the solid performance of our blind taste test, the ECM Technika IV earns 4.0 stars overall.

Given the ubiquity of the barista-friendly E61 design, it's an easy recommendation that's resistant to upgraditus later down the road, assuming you are willing to learn the extra steps of managing brew temperature of a heat exchanger.

Acknowledgements

Without the support of HB sponsors, reviews such as this would not be possible. I would like to thank ECM Espresso Coffee Machines Manufacture GmbH for the evaluation equipment. I would also like to thank Counter Culture Coffee and Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea for the test coffees used during this review.