Synchronika II

People talk about whether you want single or dual boiler and if you make multiple drinks… I have the Profitec Go and though a fantastic machine I predominantly only make milk drinks so I would recommend a dual boiler for sure. After two years of single boiler workflow… just kind of sucks. Not the machines fault but I just ordered a Profitec Ride and cannot wait for it regardless if I only make 2 drinks a day for myself. Also aesthetics are huge for me and though subjective. All that being said when You first pop into the world of Espresso LM always comes up. When I first started my journey that’s what I wanted so bad (beautiful looking and built very well)… but honestly I’m glad I didn’t jump to this right away. Now knowing there’s a lot of machines that are just built with same quality or actually has WAY more features than the LM I would expand your horizon. Here’s a few to look into… if budget isn’t necessarily a thing without spending crazy amount… Profitec Drive, ECM Synchronika II, Lelit Bianca V3 (these are probably the most popular dual boilers at least here in the states and provide flow control if that’s something you want to venture) if you’re looking to spend a little less there are heat exchangers (people hate on these but there’s nothing wrong with them just a flushing work flow) the two I would go for here is ECM Mechanika Max or the Mechanika Slim PID, or Lelit Mara X . If budget isn’t your thing stay away from Single boilers but if you think you’re only going to do espresso the honestly just stick with SB however don’t knock milk drinks… cortados or flat whites is chefs kiss if you ever though lattes were to milky… so yeah double boiler ftw

From the pourer perspective, although I like my ZP6, it's not great on all coffees. I didn't like my Fellow Ode as the grinds went all over. I end up using my timemore 078S for some of my pourovers and it's definitely good to have options-- so keep that Philos! For the prices you got both of the items, I'd advise keeping them unless you know for sure what kind of espresso machine you may want. And agree that you should use both for some time before parting ways. caveat-- unless you absolutely need the money.

that bezzera looks pretty nice... to give you context, I started my espresso journey from a cheap-o <$50 Mr. coffee, then breville barista express, then breville double boiler, then appartamento, and now ECM sync II. would I have appreciated what I have now back then? no-- but now I do, and what you have on hand would serve your future person pretty well, even if you decide to sell it 1-2 yrs from now, you are more than likely to recoup the cost. to me you are investing smartly because you got a great deal on that machine and can net 0 even a few years later. I enjoy pulling shots on some of the single origin "pour-over" beans as it concentrates the flavors, and then I may decide to add water to open it up. I also bought a flair 58 and it's still in the box because the thought of going through the work to make one shot... maybe someday.

all of this was sequential so I can't say for sure. the BBE convinced me to get an external grinder. I couldn't control the total shot time so I got a BDB. but the BDB being button pressing was slightly boring. Appartamento was difficult due to temp (no PID). now with the ECM, it's only myself to blame, or the grinder. :) it's possible to get a good shot from a cheaper espresso machine but it takes more work and then it would also lack consistency. it's also possible to mess up on a good machine, but less so.

If you're always using the same bean, then you can set the target once and never really need to use the app again. But I like to brew a different bean nearly every day, so BBW is more of an inconvenience to my workflow. You'll enjoy everything else about the Mini, though. The ECM is built just as good and probably easier & cheaper to repair (more common parts), so it comes down to your preference on looks.

https://preview.redd.it/46yai2g262ig1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e46ded9ec972d84fae3a84960d7a92ac9a6294ef Manual lever machine makes top notch espresso drinks. All the professionals end up buying a lever machine in the end. But if you want to spend the money, a ecm shynkronica 2 is your choice. Heats up in 5min, dual boiler, premium built. And the rest of the money of 1200 you can get a good grinder.

You need to get a synchronika ii ! The steam want is on the left but its pretty maneuverable. You can definitely steam a latte’s worth with a wall up against the left side. It’s probably easier with the group handle not attached though. Badically does all you asked about and is built like a tank. Looks cool too if you are into e61 styling.

I have all your boxes checked except the oat milk haha. I make 2-3 cortados/lattes/cappuccinos a day. , kids 1/3 like to watch. The synchronka ii is very very easy to use. You set it up once (program the pid and whatnot). It turns on and off automatically and is always warmed up. The only learning curve to it is grind, and ratio, like any other machine. I almost never use the flow control valve. No need. Takes about 15 sec to steam a perfect smooth latte’s worth of foam, you can do it almost endlessly. I also swapped the 2 hole tip for a 3 hole but both work well. If you arent going to plumb it in, dont put it under a cabinet. Its heavy af and a pain to move out every time you need to fill it wich will be once a week to every few days at the rate you are going to use it. I love my ecm and have no interest in upgrading. I also have a eureka libra ap and i like it a lot. I upgraded from a df64ii and the eureka is much better for workflow and better made. Grind is a bit more consistent too.

Though i dont really use the flow that much, my synchronika ii is awesome.

super-automatics don't usually make great espresso. if you want to have a killer setup for under six grand you should look into an ECM synchronika ii and a Mazzer philos grinder. or a similar setup. you can spend less and still have a good setup. i have the ECM and a eureka eureaka 65ap and its also a pretty nice grinder for less than the mazzer. there arent really any good machines that have a built in grinder. buying seperately will be the right move. there is a learning curve to making good espresso and espresso drinks though, so be prepared for that. you will find that the quality of the grinder and the quality of the beans make the biggest difference in the quality of your beverages. a good machine is also important but slightly less so. if you make milk drinks like lattes, id recommend a Double Boiler machine of some kind.

Ecm synchronika ii. Love mine. Cant go wrong.

A dual boiler is kind of unnecessary if you arent doing milk drinks. A single boiler, yes. But the second boiler is for steaming milk mostly. You can make an americano with a shot and hot tap water, or with a single boiler that has hot water on a heat exchange circuit like you said. I have an ecm synchronika and its slightly above ur budget but its fantastic. It can do multiple americanos in a row easily. It can do more too but i doubt uou gain much from that.