Technika IV Profi Switchable

$5k budget and a manual grinder? The grinder is an enormous factor in ease and consistency. The new ECM Technika IV not released but due any day. Bombproof construction. Don’t want to wait, get a Synchronika II. Then I’d find a grind by weight grinder you like. Pull the trigger and live a happy life after you learn to operate them and generate a quality shot. But the gear won’t be a limiter. Quick google search says Mexico is very similar with the same outlets as the USA. But I would follow up with the mfr of each device you want, to confirm. I wouldn’t trust a retailers opinion.

I have an ECM technika profi IV, used daily (usually left on 6+hrs a day) had it 10 years, it still works and looks like new.

For maintainability, base quality… Micra. I had an ECM Technika wtm which broke due to a bad design decision on material choice. With LM you know there are plenty of repair centers around. When I was looking for a machine I did have a few alternatives ECM Synchronika Profitec 700 drive (even a Move would have similar features to a Micra) Lelit Bianca I’d stay away from very young trendy brands with crazy features.

I would say next step up is something like a ECM synchronika or Profitec Ride, then à la Marzocco micra before the mini

Don’t forget you have to budget for a grinder too. A poor grinder and great machine will always produce inferior shots to a great grinder and less expensive machine. That being said, you have a very good budget so something like a ECM synchronika II , profitec pro 600, profitec ride, lelit Bianca , ECM technika, Rocket R58 For grinders there’s the Mazzer Philos , or you could go for the Lagom p80 /01 , or one of the eureka grinders. My recommendation is the Philos …… I have the Philos and am delighted with it. There are 2 sets of burrs ; i200d for clarity and lighter roasts and then the i189d for more traditional espresso. I have the former and I can now separate flavour notes and my coffee is more lively and bright without losing much body and texture (if you want the latter get the i189d burrs or get both and you can switch it up !) IF you are interested in the philos, get it from bailies coffee roasters and subscribe to their newsletter. You’ll then get it for £963 including postage which is INCREDIBLE as it can be as much as £1400 on certain websites here. They’re back in stock so after research and if you want to go for it keep an eye out whether stock is still available. Good luck !!

OP: Aha ok so you can ignore what I said about grinders as you have a niche zero …… however if you ever wanted to upgrade your grinder I would go for Philos Now you don’t immediately need a grinder you are absolutely in decent DE1 or La Marzocco territory so I would be looking at those in addition to the ECM/Profitec/Lelit suggestions above

My ECM technika (made in Germany) has been going strong for over 15 years The only thing I replaced is a worn steam valve.

We have an ECM from idrinkcoffee. Their store/showroom is in Milton for anyone in the GTA. They're awesome.