DISCONTINUED ECM Barista Switchable Espresso Machine with Rotary Vane Pump
ECM Barista Espresso Machine
with Rotary Vane Pump & Switchable between Reservoir and Plumbed In
Overview
The extraordinary and extravagant design found in this octagonal stainless steel body – this style icon will be an eye-catcher in any kitchen. This hand-crafted professional model is for those who wish for the highest demands and absolute espresso pleasure. The ECM Barista is the lowest priced ECM Manufacture model. It differs from the higher-priced Technika in that the Technika has wider and refined body panels, upgraded portafilters, and joystick controls for the steam/hot water valves – all of which ultimately cost more to produce. However, this is still one fine model to review before purchasing.
Heat exchange system:
- Stainless steel, insulated – The boiler is made of stainless steel which is less susceptible to limescale. Typically stainless steel boilers do not retain their heat as well as copper or brass boilers. This machine compensates that by being wrapped with insulation. The end flanges are also stainless steel.
- Safety valve – Located on top of boiler. This opens if the boiler goes into overpressure, usually due to calcification of the pressurestat pipe.
- Pull a shot & steam milk at the same time – Steam is always readily available. Therefore there is no wait time going from coffee to steam mode. Works well if entertaining a small group of people.
Separate pressure gauges:
- Steam pressure gauge – Located on the top left. Better visibility near the top rather than near the bottom. Measures from 0 to 3 bar. Optimal pressure is between 0.8 and 1.1.
- Brew pressure gauge – Located on the top right. Better visibility near the top rather than near the bottom. Measures from 0 to 16 bar. Optimal pressure is between 8 and 10.
E-61 grouphead:
- Constantly heated – Hot water circulates from the heat exchanger through the grouphead and back to keep the grouphead and your portafilter nice and hot. This keeps the grouphead at a constant, stable temperature compared to other groupheads that have a built-in heating element. With the heat exchanger/thermosyphon system, only fresh water from the water tank is used for the espresso extraction. The water in the heat exchanger flows to and from the grouphead.
- Pre-infusion – The lever next to the grouphead activates a microswitch which turns on the pump to pump water through the coffee grinds. When you pull the lever half way up, it will open the valve to allow water into the grouphead without activating the pump. Please note that true pre-infusion requires the direct water connection whereby the water pressure from the water line creates true pre-infusion.
Rotary vane pump:
- Quiet operation – Rotary pumps are necessary for direct connect capable machines since vibration pumps cannot handle the incoming water pressure. The main benefit that you will experience is that they are a lot quieter.
- Adjustable – No need to remove the body panel to access. The adjustment screw is accessible underneath the machine.
Water tank / direct water connection:
- Easy transition – After hooking up the water line (included) to your machine, all you need to do is activate the switch located behind the drip tray on the left side. Turn to the “1” position.
- Magnetic float in water reservoir will power off the heating element when the water level is low. The removable water reservoir should be manually cleaned every two weeks with non-abrasive dishwasher detergent.
Steam & hot water wands:
- Rotational knobs – Allows for easier control of the intensity.
- Multi-directional – Allows for more movement and flexibility
- 2-hole steam tip – Allows for a slow gradual build-up of microfoam.
- Grips on wands to protect hands from heat while full-size steam wand allows greater steam power over no-burn wands.
Construction:
- Body made of polished stainless steel.
- Removable drip tray and grate made of polished stainless steel.
- Removable cup warm tray has nice high rails so cups do not slide off when removing. Please remember to tilt back when removing so the cups do not slide forward.
- Low profile black feet allow lowest height capability.
- The best in class overpressure valve (OPV) to release excessive brew pressure.
- Full-size Sirai pressurestat properly configured vertical and away from boiler top.
- Dual safety thermostats in case one fails during a potential overpressure situation.
- The highest quality electronic brain unit, Gicar, is situated internally near the bottom of the unit away from heat. It refills water to the boiler after steam or hot water is dispensed.
Accessories included with the ECM Barista:
- Portafilters – Single spout portafilter and a dual spout portafilter. The filter heads are solid brass.
- Filter baskets – 1-cup filter basket which holds approximately 7 grams. 2-cup filter basket which holds approximately 14 grams. Blind filter basket which you can use for backflushing. All baskets are 58 mm in diameter.
- Tamper – A cheap plastic tamper, common for most espresso machines to keep overall selling price of machine low. We recommend upgrading to a better tamper.
- Scoop – A simple plastic scoop if you are going to use ground coffee.
- Backflush detergent – A starter packet for cleaning out the oils in the grouphead.
- Instruction manual – Written in both German and English. The instructions also work for the Technika.
For more ECM Manufacture products, please visit our ECM Manufacture brands page. If you have any questions, please reference the Q&A tab on each product page.
| Brand | ECM Manufacture |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 16, approximate |
| Width (inches) | 13, approximate |
| Depth (inches) | 17 |
| Weight (pounds) | 49 |
| Wattage (watts) | 1200 |
| Voltage (volts) | 115 |
| Boiler capacity (liters) | 2.1 |
| Portafilter size (mm) | 58 |
| Tank capacity (liters) | 3 |
| Country of manufacture | Assembled in Milan, Italy, Designed in Germany |
Espresso Machine Warning:
- ELECTRICAL WARNING: To avoid electrical damage to this espresso machine which is not considered a manufacturer's defect, please acquire and install a single-outlet surge suppressor rated at 1080 joules or higher. the lack of the recommended surge suppressor, the espresso machine can be damaged at the power switch, the electronics, the heating element, the pressurstat or the wiring inside.
- WATER WARNING: To increase the useful life of and not damage your espresso machine, please use softened water. Softened water is water without calcium and without magnesium, but still has other minerals for espresso extraction. Do not use distilled water, purified water, nor reverse osmosis water as these types of water create oxidation with the metals and cause the same damaging effects as limescale.
- DESCALING WARNING: We do not recommend descaling unless there is an issue with the espresso machine. The reason is that too much descaling can eat away at the metals and gaskets inside an espresso machine.
- Top rails: The rails on the top of the machine can be removed with an Allen key. This will take 1.75" off the overall height of the machine.
- Expansion valve access: Please note that due to 1st-line's custom design requests for the rotary vane pump, there is no access to the expansion valve (OPV) underneath the cup warmer like units that may be available in Europe.
- Stainless steel boiler: As of this writing, our ECM Germany Barista machines have a stainless steel boiler. This may be different than that listed on ECM Germany's web site which produces machines for other countries that may require or decide to have a copper boiler.
- Steam nozzle: As of July 5, 2013, ECM Germany has confirmed the steam nozzle has 1/8" inner thread. Please note that ECM, like most manufacturers, can make changes without prior notification. Therefore, please check your machine before ordering any steam tips.
Customer reviews
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Please ask follow up questions as a new question. Submitted questions will be first reviewed, answered, and lastly publicized.
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The ECM Barista that I purchased from you in 2016 has developed a stiff, sticky dispensing lever. Would the lubricant on your website help solve the problem? Is a cleaning brush a good idea? Any thoughts on how I should proceed?
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Q The ECM Barista that I purchased from you in 2016 has developed a stiff, sticky dispensing lever....... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 25, 2023 11:32 amAnswered by the admin
Petrol-Gel is considered to be a great lubricant. We just used some yesterday on a 10+ year old VBM espresso machine.
I need to order a replacement water tank plus adapter for an ECM Germany Barista Commercial Espresso Machine that I purchased from you in December 2012. Could you please let me know specifically what I need to order?
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Q I need to order a replacement water tank plus adapter for an ECM Germany Barista Commercial Espre...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 18, 2023 2:16 pmAnswered by the admin
Please use the contact us page on our web site. Unfortunately, your machine can have one of 2 water reservoir tanks.
I bought this machine in 2018 and it has developed some pinhole leaks in the boiler. I searched the boiler part number in your website but got no hits. Can I purchase a replacement boiler and insulation cover from 1st line for the repair?
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Q I bought this machine in 2018 and it has developed some pinhole leaks in the boiler. I searched t...... Read more answer nowAsked by on March 27, 2023 2:47 amAnswered by the admin
Hi,
This would be a special ordered item. We will contact the manufacturer for availability and price and then email you.
Answered by the adminHi,
Here is a link to the part: c277700250
I have an older ECM Barista that is not heating water. I traced the problem to the electrical connector to the heating element on the boiler. There is a small thermal cutout on the connector which is opening and cutting off power to the boiler. The cutout can be reset, but it trips again when the boiler reaches full temperature. In the Barista part diagram, this appears to be part number C199901550. However, my machine has two of those connectors and there is only one shown in the part diagram. It is also not clear to me if the part is simply a connector or if it is actually the heater element with integral electrical connections. Can you please tell me 1) Is part C199901550 simply a connector or is the heating element; 2) Do some ECM Barista's have two heating elements; 3) Is part C199901550 available; and 4) if available, what is the price? Thanks for your help.
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Q I have an older ECM Barista that is not heating water. I traced the problem to the electrical con...... Read more answer nowAsked by on January 9, 2023 5:00 pmAnswered by the admin
1) Is part C199901550 simply a connector or is the heating element;
A1. This is a safety thermostat.
2) Do some ECM Barista's have two heating elements;
A2. Older machines had one safety thermostat, and newer machines had two safety thermostat.
3) Is part C199901550 available; and 4) if available, what is the price? Thanks for your help.
A3 and A4. It will tell you if available right on our web site when you search for the part number on our search box. Current price is shown as well.
Sorry for the poorly-worded question. I should have mentioned that it stopped working as a safety device. The orange light is always on and even if the tank is low on water the heating element does not shut down. Removing the tank will not shut the element off either. The magnet is free to slide but has no effect on how the machine runs. Except for this it runs great. I’m hoping it’s the magnet as that appears to be the easiest and cheapest repair.
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Q Sorry for the poorly-worded question. I should have mentioned that it stopped working as a safety...... Read more answer nowAsked by on December 27, 2022 11:55 amAnswered by the admin
Please check the switch behind the drip tray and make sure it is set for tank mode.
I purchased an ECM barista from you several years ago. The low water safety alarm has stopped working. I've cleaned the tank and the magnet seems to move freely. I guess that means that I need the corresponding electrical part that I can't seem to find. Can you please help? (If I put the empty tank into the machine with the magnet in the down position nothing happens.)
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Q I purchased an ECM barista from you several years ago. The low water safety alarm has stopped wor...... Read more answer nowAsked by on December 19, 2022 5:05 pmAnswered by the admin
"Stopped working" in that it stops powering the heating element at all when the magnetic float is in any position, or
when the magnetic float hits bottom, the heating element is still powered, or
there is no power light at all?
Unfortunately, "stopped working" is not descriptive enough.
If you are getting no power when the magnetic float is floating in the reservoir, it may be a faulty heating element, faulty pressurstat, wiring issue, faulty brain unit or faulty relay (if it has one). It could be a faulty magnet as well.
There's a leak coming from near the "delivery lever" and I'm not sure what would be the most likely issue. I suppose if I take it apart, I should order all of the potentially worn parts. But, is that just the (2) o-rings? Or, should that include everything else in the parts diagram? (parts 50-54 or whatever the unreadable number is for that assembly?).
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Q There's a leak coming from near the "delivery lever" and I'm not sure what would be the most like...... Read more answer nowAsked by on November 13, 2020 5:39 pmAnswered by the admin
This portion of the grouphead needs to be removed and examined for the cause of the leak. It could be a simple tightening of the holding nuts or bad seals.
ECM Barista I purchased in March is working great, but I'm trying to connect it to my water lines and having trouble.
The "3/8 BSPP to 3/3 Adapter" that was included (actually a braided hose with different connectors on the two ends) doesn't fit the machine. Both ends of the hose are too large for the connector on the bottom of the ECM.
What is the proper connector for the water inlet on the ECM Barista? Can you give me the precise name of that fitting, since I've learned the expensive way that similar-sounding plumbing fittings are often totally incompatible.
My goal is to run plastic tubing from my existing under-sink BWT filter to both the ECM and a (previously plumbed) Bunn Trifecta, using John Guest connectors throughout. Currently I'm using 1/4" OD hose, but could switch to 3/8" OD if you recommend it.
So ideally you can give me a part number for the appropriate ECM-inlet-to-John Guest adapter.
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Q ECM Barista I purchased in March is working great, but I'm trying to connect it to my water lines...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 15, 2020 8:21 pmAnswered by the admin
It is best to email us pictures of the bottom as well as both sides of the connections of the hose.
"This hose gets connected to the bottom elbow, the button behind the drip tray needs to be depressed for plumbing mode, and the valve on the bottom needs to be redirected for plumbing." The button behind the drip tray - does that need to be on 1 or 0 for mains? And the valve gets redirected i.e. turned so that the handle of the valve points towards the back of the machine? Thanks
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Q "This hose gets connected to the bottom elbow, the button behind the drip tray needs to be depres...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 16, 2020 9:12 pmA The switch will be in the on position for using the rotary pump to bring water into the unit. Switch in off position will allow water from the intra-unit reservoir to enter the boiler instead of from the external water source. If you’re in the US, you’ll likely need a water line adapter to fit the European fitting specs on the unit.
Hi, we are relocating to Europe; can we bring our ECM Barista that we bought through 1st Line, or will it not be possible to adapt it to European voltage? Separately, is there a set of instructions for how to hook the Barista up to a direct line? Thank you
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Q Hi, we are relocating to Europe; can we bring our ECM Barista that we bought through 1st Line, or...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 8, 2020 5:32 pmAnswered by the admin
Usually, it is not worth converting as the pump, brain unit, and heating element need to be replaced.
For plumbing in the espresso machine, a stainless steel hose was usually included on the switchable models (not tank only models). This hose gets connected to the bottom elbow, the button behind the drip tray needs to be depressed for plumbing mode, and the valve on the bottom needs to be redirected for plumbing.
As for the rest of the plumbing, local officials need to be contacted in regards to local code. We do have other recommendations.
I have an ECM Barista. And I have the food-grade lubricant that you suggested. Where on/in the espresso machine do I apply the lubricant?
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Q I have an ECM Barista. And I have the food-grade lubricant that you suggested. Where on/in the es...... Read more answer nowAsked by on March 31, 2020 4:15 pmAnswered by the admin
In the grouphead, the side lever needs to be removed. Take pictures. Then the big nut needs to be removed. The cam needs to be removed. Then, the lubrication needs to be inside the grouphead. Reassemble and test.
A little lubrication can be can be inserted up into the upper section of the wand where it meets the valve. It can be worked in to the ball area with cotton swab to lubricate the gasket that deals that connection.
A few questions: Are the steam and water wands no burn? Are the valves spring sprung valves? Lastly, are the feet/legs stainless steel?
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Q A few questions: Are the steam and water wands no burn? Are the valves spring sprung valves? Last...... Read more answer nowAsked by on February 27, 2020 6:58 pmAnswered by the admin
The steam and hot water wands are no burn. There is still a protective rubber grip on top.
The steam and water valves are soft compression. This means turn them until the steam and hot water stop exiting. This occurs before the knob comes to a halt upon closing.
The feet/legs have rubber and plastic with a stainless steel tube as an overlay. Inside the foot is a hollow space except for the plastic and bolt.
Would you recommend and how do I raise up the pressure to be at 9:00 to 10:00 on my gauge for group head
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Q Would you recommend and how do I raise up the pressure to be at 9:00 to 10:00 on my gauge for gro...... Read more answer nowAsked by on January 20, 2020 7:00 pmAnswered by the admin
This gauge is based on the resistance created in the filter basket.
Hi! What vaccum breaker valve is a replacement for the one in this machine? Can you link me to where i can buy it on your website please. Many thanks!!
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Q Hi! What vaccum breaker valve is a replacement for the one in this machine? Can you link me to wh...... Read more answer nowAsked by on December 2, 2019 9:44 pm
What type of metal is the group head (i.e. Copper, Steel, etc.)?
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Q What type of metal is the group head (i.e. Copper, Steel, etc.)? answer nowAsked by on November 16, 2019 8:29 pmA I can't find this product on ECM's website. Is this product discontinued? If so, why?Answered by the admin
The grouphead is mostly made of brass.
Answered by the adminECM is trimming their lineup of espresso machines. Although the ECM Barista espresso machine shares many components with their other heat exchanger espresso machines, the Barista is being phased out to concentrate production on lesser models.
the diagram for this product does not show how the water tank connects in the bottom to the machine and what parts I would have to order to get that fixed. I'd like some help from you guys to figure what I need to order
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Q the diagram for this product does not show how the water tank connects in the bottom to the machi...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 22, 2019 5:59 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry about that. We did not realize the Barista diagram was for the tank only model. The Profi diagram can be reviewed since you have the switchable version.
We do not always provide exact parts because there can be variations in certain cases, such as yours. Hence, we offer a link to the diagram.
Hi I have this machine from few years ago. Model# ECMG88074. The water was not heating this morning. So I turned off and on few times. That did not work. I figured I'd take out the water tank and put it back again. When I picked up the water tank the water tank started leaking in the bottom. Seems like the attachment in the bottom came off also I see a spring came off from where it attaches to the machine. Can you please let me know what needs to be done in this case?
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Q Hi I have this machine from few years ago. Model# ECMG88074. The water was not heating this morni...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 22, 2019 2:52 pmAnswered by the admin
It really depends if the plastic assembly on the bottom of the reservoir broke, and/or the plastic assembly on the stainless steel platform broke. The diagrams for the ECM Barista espresso machine can be reviewed for the correct part numbers to search on our web site.
Another direct connection. I hooked up the direct connect and all seems to be working fine, but I did notice that the pressure valve on the right front of the machine shows approximately 4 bar of pressure when the unit is off. Is that ok or should I install pressure relief? If a pressure relief valve is recommended, do you offer one? thank you
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Q Another direct connection. I hooked up the direct connect and all seems to be working fine, but I...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 21, 2018 8:55 pmAnswered by the admin
This is your water line pressure and means it is almost 60 psi. Too high as ECM wants 22-24 psi. You will need a pressure regulator. Based on different states with different code requirements, it is best to purchase on from your local plumbing supply house.
The title for this machine says that it has switchable / direct connect capabilities. However below that in the description it says "Please note that ‘true’ pre-infusion requires a direct water connection (not possible on this machine) whereby the water pressure from the water line creates the ‘true’ pre-infusion. " Can you directly connect this machine to a water line?
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Q The title for this machine says that it has switchable / direct connect capabilities. However bel...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 11, 2018 9:01 pmAnswered by the admin
Yes, direct connect means directly connecting to your cold water line.
Included in my order was a braided line that fits perfectly to the coffee maker but does not correctly fit to my water outlet. My water outlet appears to require a 3/8 OD Male fitting. The connector on the line appears to be slightly larger. Is there an adapter that would fit my valve that works with the line that was shipped? Please let me know if you require any additional info. thanks
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Q Included in my order was a braided line that fits perfectly to the coffee maker but does not corr...... Read more answer nowAsked by on August 29, 2018 5:54 pmAnswered by the admin
The stainless steel braided hoses from Europe usually have a BSPP female connection. A special adapter usually works.
I have an older ECM Barrista which I purchased from you about 7 years ago. It's been descaled fairly regularly. Recently when turning on the machine both the power and water lights come on but sometimes it will not start heating. Other times the water light will click on and off. Other times it will start heating up and get to temperature then when you turn the group head on, nothing will happen. Turning it on and off at that point usually solves the problem. In the morning when it is first turned on this on and off situ will happen several times until it will finally catch. Once it catches it operates normally. I've cleaned the water tank removed the magnet and clean it and the area in which it is contained. I would suspect it has something to do with this auto switch on the reservoir but just guessing at this point. I want to order some other items so if there is a part I can simply replace I would like to purchase it. I've a lot of mechanical experience and was a profession race mechanic at one point so I know my way around a bit unless this requires special tools or diagnostic equipment to determine the cause.
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Q I have an older ECM Barrista which I purchased from you about 7 years ago. It's been descaled fai...... Read more answer nowAsked by on August 28, 2018 8:09 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry to hear about this! Unfortunately, it can be a number of issues. It can be one or more parts causing the issue - brain unit, heating element, either or both safety thermostats, pressure regulator, wiring, magnetic float in the water reservoir, and/or the sensor for the magnetic float.
Some parts can be checked with a multi-meter for continuity, but other parts need the simple old school replacement to see the situation corrects itself.
HI.
I bought the ECM Barista from 1st line, but there's too much pressure so the coffee brews too quickly even when the beans are at their most finely ground. Am I correct in thinking the yellow button is the pressure adjustment? (It's on the small black box and accessible by removing the warming tray). It has a +/- sign, but it moves so freely that I thought maybe the yellow button is just covering a screw head. Thanks for the help
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Q HI. I bought the ECM Barista from 1st line, but there's too much pressure so the coffee brews to...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 31, 2018 5:52 pmAnswered by the admin
Thank you for the inquiry. The yellow button is only the steam pressure adjustment for temperature. It has no direct relationship to the brew pressure.
Please insert a blind filter into the portafilter and engage it into the grouphead tightly. Left the lever for 30 or more seconds and see what the maximum brew pressure reading is. If 8 or higher, then the problem relates to your preparation - grind fineness, amount of coffee in the basket, or the tamp pressure. If less than 8, there may be a pump problem or blockage inside the machine.
ECM Barista - I need the gasket for the grouphead, as well as the shower screen for the grouphead, please send a link to those parts, I can't see them on the parts listing
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Q ECM Barista - I need the gasket for the grouphead, as well as the shower screen for the grouphead...... Read more answer nowAsked by on November 29, 2017 5:07 pmAnswered by the admin With all the manufacturers using Faema E61 groupheads on their espresso machines and each with the same part, we consolidated the codes: F15 for the grouphead gasket and F277 for the dispersion screen.
1. I need the valve that screws into the bottom of the water tank for the ECM Barista machine. The thread snapped as in the attached photo. See the attached picture of the broken part.
I have looked in the parts section of the website and I can only see a stainless steel version not the plastic version.
2. Is there an adjusting screw to adjust the boiling point of the water- like there is on the Vibiemme that I also bought from you. I'm using the machine at 10,000 ft altitude so the boiling point of water is 193 deg vs 212 at sea level.
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Q 1. I need the valve that screws into the bottom of the water tank for the ECM Barista machine. Th...... Read more answer nowAsked by on November 23, 2017 1:34 amAnswered by the admin
The adapter under the water reservoir is only available in stainless steel as of this response.
To adjust the boiler pressure (temperature), the top cover needs to be removed and the black box (similar but a little smaller than the Vibiemme version can be adjusted in the same way.
3 reviews for DISCONTINUED ECM Barista Switchable Espresso Machine with Rotary Vane Pump