ECM Synchronika II Espresso Machine with Flow Control

Its actually pretty good but I'm still getting past what I need to do to make it work.

I have had other machines around this level. Rockets. Have also had a Rancilio Sylvia. But what I particularly like about this one is a fit and finish. It’s tighter it’s closer just giving it a much more solid feel and sturdy stance. But it doesn’t just stop it being a good looking machine. I like the gauges being at the top so when you’re brewing, you really see your gauge is better. The OLED is amazing. So I always know the temperature of my steam and my boiler water for the shots. It’ll even tell you the temperature if you have your supplemental heat at the group head on. I like the smoothness of the handle when you engage your shot. I love the toggling of the water nozzle and the steam wand. That toggles really great because when you’re steaming your milk, you can instantly stop it without having to spin the knob to turn off the water. So that’s about a month in not even. And I’m loving it.

I really love this espresso maker! It is a joy to use! I also like the flow control. For those who like options it is great. My first machine had a few issues, and Clive came through and replaced it. I was extremely happy as this is an expensive machine but once in awhile things happen. The customer service was stellar and I have recommended Clive to others. They are all knowledgeable, friendly, and great to deal with. I would not hesitate to purchase from them again!

They should’ve used the ECM flow control valve instead of the Luca valve. The Luca valve makes the machine look mismatched and less aesthetically pleasing. If you buy from WLL, they’ll install the genuine ECM valve for you, which gives the machine a much cleaner, factory look.

I love the machine & the whole espresso process. It very therapeutic!

I LOVE this machine!!!
Heat up time is super fast
Lots of steam power for milk based drinks
Makes a yummy espresso!!!

Really nice machine. Absolutely loving it so far and Clive has been fantastic to work with.

I've had my ECM Synchronika II for about a week now and it is an absolute dream to use. I was a little intimidated at first as I'm graduating from Breville Barista Express and used it's built in grinder, but after a couple days it is second nature. The coffee I'm extracting out of it is so good and the steam wand is incredibly powerful. I have zero regrets about this machine

In top of how fantastic this machine is, I want to acknowledge how excellent the entire Clive purchasing experience has been from start to finish. Kelly has gone above and beyond and has answered all of my questions before, during and after the purchase of my machine. Would recommend Clive to anyone!

I took a big step up with the machine. Your team did a great job helping me understand what I was getting into, the benefits and tradeoffs, and possibility for much better coffee. I am happy that I listened and took the leap. Delivery and support has been great.

Most amazing espresso I have ever made!

I have had this machine for about 2 months now. It is as good as I hoped based on the positive reviews I read before purchasing. I love it! I have got it pretty dialed in with our preferred espresso and that took me about 4-6 tries based on adjusting grind (using a Eureka Mignon weight-based grinder), pre-infusion settings, boiler and steam temp, etc. I have not yet played around with Flow Control, and doubt that I will use that much as the programmable nature of this machine allows you dial things in pretty comprehensively. I don't think I would spend the money on flow control if I had to do it over again. If there is a downside to this machine it would be that it is a bit intimidating to operate for those who want a simple way to make a coffee drink (ie: those who have become accustomed to the simplicity of pushing a single button and watching as the machine does all the work to provide you with what I consider to be a compromised cup of espresso). I purchased the all chrome version of this and the machine is beautiful and easier to keep clean than I expected. The steamer and steam boiler are fantastic and the group head heats up even faster than expected. I have brew temp set to 195 and it takes my machine about 4-5 minutes to reach that temp. I do use the automatic timer for my morning brew and that is a fantastic feature as I know each morning when I get up, my machine is ready and waiting for me, as opposed to the other way around. With admittedly little time with this machine, I would rate it incredibly high and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the process, appreciates the aesthetic and a great cup of espresso.

The ECM Synchronika II is the best espresso machine I have ever used and is an absolute beauty to look at. The heat up time and performance of this machine is second to none. Add to it Clive's customer service and quick shipping, I could not be happier!

I LOVE this machine. I was looking at this v the La Marzocco and I came to the conclusion that this has more control if you love the art and it’s easier to source parts over a lifetime. Also, CC customer service is S tier. It doesn’t get better than this. And the support after you buy is primo. Thanks!

We will spend days trying to figure it out. Who knows what the coffee will taste like.

I ordered my ECM Synchronika 11 months ago. In making my decision, Hannah B from Clive's team was friendly and very helpful. Ongoing support for questions after purchase was excellent.

This is my 3rd espresso machine. The purchase was driven from a need to replace my prior machine which failed and could not be easily serviced. Since full replacement was the only viable option, I decided to purchase a high end consumer machine, which would perform well and could be serviced.

My machine came in great condition, and ready for quick setup and use. Instructions and support videos and reference materials are very good, as is their Coffee School. Using the Synchronika is easy and satisfying.

I upgraded from a Pro700 and love this machine! The flow control is a game changer. My Eureka Atom Specialty 75 grinder has made me feel like Superman. Thank you, CLIVE!

I've had my ECM Synchronika with Flow Control for about a month and a half, and I'm having an absolute blast every single morning! I got the chrome version with black Bakelite handles and knobs. It's gorgeous, and I don't regret not getting the wood accents which might weather as wood tends to do. This machine replaces a 13-year old Alex Duetto II dual boiler that served me very, very well for 13 years straight. The Synchronika is a definite upgrade in terms of fit, finish, and the quality of my shots--not exactly sure why--but my shots taste noticeably better than they ever did with the Duetto, even without Flow Control. The Flow Control gauge and valve takes the fun and shot quality to a whole another level. Whether it's pre-infusing and then ramping up the pressure or ramping up and then dropping the pressure to mimic a lever machine, it's all fun, and the resulting espresso is outstanding. I'm sticking with the two-hole steam tip, as it generates near perfect micro-foam for me as quickly as I'm capable of making it (does a much better job of steaming for me than the Duetto ever did). I love the joy stick valves, and any fear I had that there'd be too much "all or nothing" pressure disappeared the first time I steamed milk. I am a huge fan of E-61 machines, because they are such a joy to use, even if a more expensive "push button" fool proof commercial machine could deliver more consistent shots. I used my purchasing credit to get the bottomless portafilter, and glad I did, but the standard curved double spout portafilter is also awesome, as it lays perfectly flat on the pad for tamping (and declumping with portafilter funnel and tool). I was a bit concerned about the "auto-off" "Eco Mode" feature that puts the machine "semi" to sleep after it's been on awhile, but I actually like it. If I wait too long before making coffee and it goes into Eco Mode, I just quickly pull the lever, and the machine heats back up within a couple minutes. Also, if I forget to turn the machine off, no big deal, it just goes into Eco Mode. As I live in a super soft water area out West, I just keep a filled Brita filter on the side (sunshine takes all the chlorine out in a few hours), and use the pour over tank which is super, super convenient and easy since it drains from the bottom, and the lid just flips up on hinges--filling the Duetto was a chore as I had to use a funnel, and had to remove the entire top cup warmer tray. I know the Synchronika costs a few hundred more than most other dual boiler E-61 machines, but I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever, and I truly believe this machine will still be gorgeous and cranking out exceptional espresso for 15-20 years with minimal maintenance. As far as Clive Coffee goes, these folks are class acts from start to finish. I have nothing but accolades for everyone associated with this company.

Awesome machine! This is my first espresso maker and I could not be happier. Very easy to use and it built to last. It also looks great! Clive Coffee has been wonderful and very responsive. Cannot say enough about the service.

I love my ECM Synchronika. But if I were to do it over I would not have gotten the flow control. Perhaps as I master the art of proper grind size which varies depending on one’s bean choice and consistent tamping pressure it may or may not be something I use. Getting the bottomless portafilter is something Im happy I purchased along with a scale, a WDT tool and a dosing funnel. I’d also get a 10oz or a 12oz cup to pull my shots directly into rather than the shot glasses since I pull by weight. Very Happy with my purchase.

Using it daily for a minimum of three doppios and absolutely pleased. Steve at the Hawthorne store was a terrific help and your tutorials on line are a boon. I’m grateful for everything.

The machine itself is great. However, everything that Clive added or modified has needed replacement or thinkering from my part. The flow control pressure gauge was upside down, and needed an extra gasket to correct. The flow control handle had to be replaced as the original could not hold onto the valve stem. I had ordered the walnut joysticks, and the steam side cannot be fully opened as the joystick is too long and interacts with the valve housing before reaching its fully open position.

Great build quality and fantastic espresso!