

ECM Classika PID Espresso Machine
Overview:
Above all, the atmosphere of an Italian espresso bar at homemade for the smallest of kitchens. The ECM Classika PID is perfect for small spaces considering it is a single-boiler machine. It satisfies the highest demands, perfect espresso preparation, and absolute espresso pleasure. Further review this timeless, elegant classic in clear, stainless steel design.
Single boiler system:
- Stainless steel boiler – 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.
- Short heat-up time – Approximately 20 minutes which is faster when comparing to a heat exchange system.
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.
- 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.
PID controls / pressure gauge:
- PID temperature programming – This comes with an upgrade gray PID Display. This Allows you to program the boiler temperature for different coffee blends.
- Pressure gauge – Measures pump/brew pressure (0 – 16 bar) and should only be looked at while extracting espresso or adjusting the OPV with a blind filter in the portafilter inserted into the grouphead. This gauge has no meaning at any other time.
Vibratory pump:
- Efficient – 41 watts, rated up to 15 bar with air valve bypass. You only need 9 bar to extract perfect espresso, and wattage has no correlation to longevity.
- Cost-effective – Pumps will degrade in performance over time. Replacing a vibration pump will cost less than a rotary vane pump.
Steam / hot water wand:
- Rotational knob – 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.
- The grip on the wand protects your fingers from heat while the full-size steam wand allows greater steam power over a no-burn wand.
Construction:
- Stainless steel body: Polished to a mirror finish. Black enamel-painted steel frame.
- Passive cup warmer on the top: Heat from the boiler rises and heats the top panel. Just like other espresso machines, it can take up to two hours to preheat your cups. Therefore, it is better to flash heat the cups from hot water from the grouphead or steam/water wand.
- Three-way solenoid valve: Allows quick removal of portafilter after the espresso extraction and immediately prepare for the next extraction.
- OPV (over pressure valve): Easily adjustable. Located underneath the cup warmer tray (8.5 – 12 bar).
- Rocker switches and indicator lights: For the “On/Off” function and for steam and hot water.
Accessories included with the ECM Classika PID:
- Portafilters – Dual spout portafilter. The filter head is solid brass and 58mm diameter.
- 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 – It now comes with an upgraded stainless steel tamper.
- Cleaning brush – Used for cleaning the grouphead. Ergonomically designed with an angle for easier usage. The neck has special ridges to keep hot water from dripping to your hand.
- Scoop – A simple plastic scoop if you are going to use ground coffee.
- Water tank hose – Water feeds through a hole at the bottom of the water tank. You can connect this hose and fit a particle filter or a water softener on the other end.
- Instruction manual – Written in both German and English.














David B –
How do you beat the control and artistry of this machine? YOU DON’T! PID control of brew temp. PID control of steam temp. Easy to change the pump pressure to experiment with max flavor, crema and shot timing! Stainless steel insulated boiler – none in this class. No leaching of copper (with lead percentage in it) or teflon or other boiler materials that put undesirable elements into your coffee and your body. Stainless will not scale up as easily. PID shot timer is not unique but is a great added bonus that helps you adjust your pours to maximum flavor. (not all PID machines have a shot timerS) Stainless hoses inside in many key areas. REALLY heavy duty and beautiful portafilter. Looks great and combined with E-61 grouphead, there is much less heat loss from the shot, and more consistent and more flavorful shots. There is NOTHING in this price range (and very few in much more expensive machines) that give you all this control. Yes, because it is a single boiler machine, it is a bit of a ritual and takes time to get the steam ready. When it is ready however, it is powerful and creates great creamy milk, microfoam, or light airy froth – whatever you want- you can do it with this steamer. The hassle is a small price to pay for the best espresso maker in its price range and even probably better than machines that cost twice as much. Add to that stainless boiler – and stainless hoses – better for health and longer lasting. Can pull a shot within 8 minutes of startup, but I recommend at least 20 minutes warmup time for the grouphead to heat up as well. Then you get that awesome temp consistency and shot pulling consistency. Final bonus – ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND SOLID BUILT MACHINES OUT THERE! Diane was great to work with in choosing this machine. Very patient with hours of my questions. Why would anyone not buy from 1st Line? Why would anyone not buy this machine if you want quality, looks, performance, and price? !!
Steve M (verified owner) –
Stunning looking and performing. I love that you can control the temperature as I like my espresso extra hot.