DISCONTINUED ECM Mechanika Profi IV Switchable Espresso Machine
Check out the Mechanika V Slim.
ECM Mechanika Profi IV Switchable Espresso Machine
Overview:
The Mechanika Profi IV is yet another example of ECM Germany’s reputation for creating commercial espresso machines of excellent build quality and prosumer performance. This is the “Profi” or professional, version of the Mechanika. What do you get with this title? A heftier stainless steel E61 grouphead for temperature stability, a rotary vane pump for quieter operation, and the ability to direct plumb the machine if desired. With the Mechanika Profi, ECM allows the home barista to feel like their kitchen is a professional coffee shop!
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.
- 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.
Separate pressure gauges:
- Steam pressure gauge – Located on the left. Measures from 0 to 3 bar. Optimal pressure is between 0.8 and 1.1.
- Brew pressure gauge – Located on the right. 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.
- 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.
Switchable from a water tank to 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.
Steam & hot water wands:
- Joystick handles – Easily pull in any direction for quick activation. Both joysticks will lock in any position for hands-free operation.
- Multi-directional – Allows for more movement and flexibility.
- “No burn” – Both wands are insulated to allow you to touch anywhere on the arm. However, the tip and connection are still hot. Please also note that after very long periods of steaming or pouring hot water, the arm will be too hot to touch. We recommend to only touch the rubber grips on each wand.
- 2-hole steam tip – Allows for a slow gradual build-up of microfoam.
Accessories included with the ECM Mechanika Profi:
- Portafilters – Single spout portafilter and a dual spout portafilter. Both handles match the style of the grouphead lever and are ergonomically designed with an angle for easy operation to lock into the grouphead.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hose – Stainless steel braided. For connecting to a water line.
- 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) | 12, approximate |
| Depth (inches) | 18, approximate |
| Weight (pounds) | 50 |
| Wattage (watts) | 1400 |
| Voltage (volts) | 110 – 120 |
| Boiler capacity (liters) | 2.1 |
| Portafilter size (mm) | 58 |
| Tank capacity (liters) | 3 |
| Country of manufacture | Assembled in Milan, Italy, Designed in Germany |
| Approvals | CE |
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.
Housing – Mechanika
Water Cycle
Boiler
Brew Group
V Series Valves
IV Series Valves
Electrics / Parts&Accessories
Be the first to review “DISCONTINUED ECM Mechanika Profi IV Switchable Espresso Machine”
Ask a question
Please ask follow up questions as a new question. Submitted questions will be first reviewed, answered, and lastly publicized.
-
I purchased my ECM Mechanika expresso machine from 1st line on 1/30/2018 (invoice # 11024B). We use it daily and get great enjoyment and satisfaction from it. It is on an automated switch, so it clicks on at 5 am and has always been ready to brew by the time I get up. . .until this morning. The machine is powered on. The orange light (indicating that the boiler should be on) is lit as is the green power light. There is water in the tank. Nothing coming from either the steam or water wands. When I turn on the brew head, water comes out at just pump pressure (and the pump does kick on). The group head is warm to the touch, but is not hot, like it usually is. I've not opened the machine but wanted to get your advice first. What would be the best way to proceed? What additional information can I provide?
-
Q I purchased my ECM Mechanika expresso machine from 1st line on 1/30/2018 (invoice # 11024B). We u...... Read more answer nowAsked by on November 3, 2020 8:39 pmA Sounds like your pressurestat. Remove the reservoir and top cover. The black, plastic box on the right has a little lid/side that can pop off by just pulling up. You should see three sets of connections, but only two in use. I normally take the corner of the lid and open the switch a couple of times. Replace the lid/reservoir (no need to screw it back just yet). If you hear the boiler fire up, the presssurestat was the culprit. Try looking at which of the connector pairs was most worn and move them to the empty slots. I'm in this state right now, waiting on 1st line to re-stock the pressurestat so I can replace it.
Do you carry a Flow Control Valve for an
ECM Tecknika IV Professional
Is it in stock ?
How much does it cost ?
-
Q Do you carry a Flow Control Valve for an ECM Tecknika IV Professional Is it in stock ? How much d...... Read more answer nowAsked by on June 11, 2020 6:48 pmAnswered by the admin Sorry, at the time of this writing, ECM Manufacture has limited their distribution of their flow control device. Unfortunately,we have no control over their business decisions and you should inquire with ECM Manufacture directly. We do sell the Lelit version which works, but the extra mushroom and gasket needs to be purchased.
O order the ECM Mechanika Profi espresso machine on 12/14/18. I recently moved to a new house (not sure if it would have anything to do with the issue) and the orange light is not turning on. Please advise.
-
Q O order the ECM Mechanika Profi espresso machine on 12/14/18. I recently moved to a new house (no...... Read more answer nowAsked by on December 16, 2019 5:38 pmAnswered by the admin
This could be a water issue. Please do not use distilled, purified, nor reverse osmosis water.
In addition, please check the flotational magnet in the reservoir is in place and floating when water is half full in the reservoir.
Lastly, the two safety thermostats on top of the boiler would need to be reset by pressing the buttons in AFTER the machine is unplugged from the electrical outlet and AFTER removing the top cover.
Hi we purchased an ECM Mechanika Profi from you last year. It recently quit heating up. The pump still operates and if I lift the dispensing lever, it engages and water comes through the portafilter. However, pressure never builds up and it seems that the heating element never engages. I've tested the water level by manually depressing the float and then releasing it. The low water light does shut off and on as expected. Do you have any troubleshooting steps? Perhaps some various points to test voltage to see what's going on?
-
Q Hi we purchased an ECM Mechanika Profi from you last year. It recently quit heating up. The pump ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on March 6, 2019 11:30 pmAnswered by the admin
Thanks for the inquiry. There may be a problem with
a) one or both safety thermostats on top of the boiler, and/or
b) heating element, and/or
c) wiring, and/or
d) brain unit, and/or water tank float (which you already checked), and/or
e) Sirai pressurstat contacts have black carbon build up or needs to be replaced, or
f) some units have the smaller Mater pressurstat that needs replacement.Please unplug the electrical plug from the outlet and remove the top cover. On top of the boiler, you will see the two safety thermostats. Please push in the buttons for each one. After placing the top cover back on, please test.
If it fails to heat and if you know how to use a continuity tester or multimeter, please unplug the electrical plug from the outlet and remove the top cover. Test the 2 safety thermostats for continuity after unplugging one wire from each ONE at a time. You can try to test the heating element for continuity on the right side of the boiler. The safety thermostats or the heating element may need replacement.
Inspect all wires.
If you are skilled and at your complete own risk, you can check for voltage at the heating element wires to determine if there is a bad brain unit. If you need to ship or drop off your machine for repair, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I purchased this machine in Feb and the connection between the reservoir and the machine is leaking. Looks like it's the O Ring (ECM Part: B7496076). Replacing it with a new gasket slowed the leak, but didn't resolve it. Any ideas? Does it need a bigger gasket? Perhaps a DASH 111 instead of 112?
-
Q I purchased this machine in Feb and the connection between the reservoir and the machine is leaki...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 7, 2018 4:07 pmAnswered by the admin
We are sorry to hear about this.
First step, take out the reservoir and fill it with water. Mark the reservoir at the water level and let sit overnight. In the morning, confirm if there was any leaks that occurred by checking the water level to where you marked it. The tank could have a tight hairline crack or the gasket inside would be deformed or worn.
Second step, with the machine unplugged from the electrical outlet, please remove the top cover and body covers. Please check the holding cup under the platform for any cracks. Let the water tank sit overnight with water level marked. Look in the morning from where the dripping is occurring.
A There's no need to do any of those troubleshooting steps. I can see the leak within minutes of placing the reservoir in. I can look through the water and see the water displacement occur one bubble at a time as it rises out from where the reservoir connects to the holding cup. Likely because the seal is no longer air tight, small amounts of air are allowing displacement and the water seeps up and into the compartment that holds the reservoir. It then drips down the openings through the main chassis and out the bottom. If this was an email exchange, I could send you photos.A I took off the panels and inspected the holding cup under the reservoir and it looks ok. No cracks. However, if that's what should be replaced, I'm happy to replace the gasket and/or either/both side of the coupling (reservoir or cup)Answered by the adminPlease do our tests requested. This will determine if it is the gasket or the cup. Just looking at it will not suffice.
Is there recommended maintenance for the steam knob? Over time, this knob points off center when not engaged. Additionally, should the knob be lubed with the McGlauphlin Petro Gel? I have used the Gel on the steam/hot water wand ball joint and that seems to work extremely well. Thank you.
-
Q Is there recommended maintenance for the steam knob? Over time, this knob points off center when ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on April 15, 2018 8:52 pmAnswered by the admin
Yes, Petrogel works extremely well. Another area to lubricate is inside the grouphead cam area where the handle lever attaches into the left side of the grouphead.
I have had my machine for a few years now. Over the last 3 months, the machine has started to not release all pressure from the grouphead after a shot has been pulled. Another indicator of poor pressure relief is indicated during my weekly backflush cycle, the Cafiza detergent does not release through the relief spout. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you.
-
Q I have had my machine for a few years now. Over the last 3 months, the machine has started to not...... Read more answer nowAsked by on April 15, 2018 8:45 pmAnswered by the admin
Please descale through the grouphead as it seems a little limescale built up inside somewhere. Please run the descaler solution through the reservoir for about 10 ounces, let sit for 20 minutes. Repeat.
Rinse reservoir and fill with water. Run about 20 ounces through grouphead. Test.
What is the difference between the EMC Mechanika Profi Switchable and the Technika Profi IV?
-
Q What is the difference between the EMC Mechanika Profi Switchable and the Technika Profi IV? answer nowAsked by on March 20, 2018 6:27 pmAnswered by the admin
To our knowledge, only the body style is different.
Can you confirm this is the ECM Mechanika IV profi switchable? I didn’t see the “IV” on the product page and just wanted to be sure.
-
Q Can you confirm this is the ECM Mechanika IV profi switchable? I didn’t see the “IV” on the produ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on March 19, 2018 4:12 pmAnswered by the admin
Yes, it is IV Profi.
I just received my brand new ECM Mechanika IV Profi a few days ago and have been loving it! The machine is everything I hoped for and more.
I do have a quick follow up question: I researched these machines pretty heavily before purchase and I even read the manual carefully to make sure I got everything set correctly before I turned it on and used it for the first time. I am starting out by using the water reservoir, but hope to eventually plumb the machine (thus my purchase of the "profi" model).
Before I turned the machine on (after having washed out and filled the reservoir), I set the valve under the machine to the "draw from the reservoir" setting. I also also made sure the rocker switch behind the drip tray was set to the "reservoir" position. On my machine, that is switched toward the left, with the "O" side down and the "line" side up. This switch position matches the "reservoir" symbol on the sticker above the switch. I switched the machine on. I heard the pump kick on but no water was being pulled from the reservoir. I made sure the reservoir was properly seated (pushed all the way down. . .it was), but still no water was being pulled in. I flipped the valve under the machine 180 degrees and could then hear "suction" from the valve underneath the machine (pulling in air from the 'line in" inlet), so that wasn't the problem and I flipped that back to the forward (reservoir) position. Finally, I switched the rocker switch under the drip tray to "draw from water line" (switched toward the "faucet" symbol, toward the right and with "line" side down). Oddly, when I turned the machine back on after making this change, it began to draw from the reservoir.
According to the instructions (and the pretty obvious sticker above the rocker switch) I am pretty sure this switch is in the "wrong" position to be drawing from the reservoir, but the machine is working like a champ. The most obvious explanation is that the wires that go from this rocker switch got placed on the wrong terminals. Have you all seen this happen before? Is there something else that I am doing wrong or need to check? If it's a simply wire flip, I can live with it this way. But, just in case this needs more looking into, I wanted to check it with you all. If, indeed, these wires were switched, it does raise some quality control concerns (e.g., what else might be wrong), but, again, at this point, the machine seems to be otherwise working perfectly.
I have some pictures (which I attached to the initial email that I sent about this issue) but I was referred to this page and cannot attach them here. I'd be happy to email them if needed.
-
Q I just received my brand new ECM Mechanika IV Profi a few days ago and have been loving it! The m...... Read more answer nowAsked by on February 13, 2018 10:14 pmAnswered by the admin
First, thank you for selecting 1st-line! We only sell the Profi model because it offers our customers a higher resale value to a greater audience looking for used gear.It is great you hand washed as most items on European espresso machines are not manufactured for the harshness of a dishwasher.
The valve under the machine rotates to pull the water either from the reservoir or the direct plumb connection. Upon start up, there can be some air suction at first.
The switch behind the drip tray is not for the source of the water. The switch is to turn off the sensor for the reservoir. You can have the valve under the machine in both reservoir or direct plumb mode. The rocker switch in faucet mode will only shut down the water tank sensor. In water tank mode, you an potentially run out of water in the reservoir and cause damage to the boiler's heating element. Hence, it is important to set this switch to reservoir mode when the valve on the bottom is for reservoir mode. With the bottom valve in direct plumb mode, the rocker switch has to be set to faucet mode - otherwise, you will need to keep water in the reservoir for the machine to operate. The premise to shut the water reservoir sensor off is based on that the plumbed-in water line will continuously flow in water to the machine.
We hope this makes sense. If not, please do not hesitate to ask here again.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.