Our Favorite Mid-Range Espresso Machines of 2023

We've compared the Profitec Pro 400, Lelit Mara X, and the ECM Mechanika Slim VI.
For more knowledge on all things espresso, check out our blog: clivecoffee.com/blogs/learn
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[@chrismccannIRL]

ECM Mechanika Slim VI Heritage … best looking machine about. I just wish they did one of their dual boilers in the same brushed finish with copper accents. Stunning

[@clivecoffee]

We agree!

[@clemensappenroth3505]

Hi, can you compare the steam power of the Ecm slim with the classika pid?

[@amac8487]

I love my profitec 400. Had it over a year now and it’s been solid!!!

[@dejedejsson]

What a sad comment, I hope you get to feel real love in your life instead of a machine!

[@esdeathchan4354]

Gorgeous machine

[@larsthorwald3338]

He reads the script well.

[@cssc939]

My home coffee journey... Used French press with freshly roasted beans for 6 years, Then to Aeropress/V60/Clever Dripper for the past 3 years, Now I am thinking about an espresso machine (like the beautiful ECM) but scared to take the jump because I am worried about the... 1. Learning curve 2. Will I notice the improved quality for the big price? 3. Maintenance if I accidentally break it What is driving me forward is the 5 or so times out of 100+ visits to coffee shops when the espresso tasted out of this world (like an amazing food). And if the learning curve is just too tough I am thinking to forget the manual journey and get a Jura automatic. Please advise.

[@clivecoffee]

please reach out to us at [e-mail], call us, or chat us on our website! we’d be happy to help your find your dream espresso machine.

[@JaspervanderKamp]

Great video! And love the room where it is filmed, very high quality footage ;) Doubting between Lelit and de ECM Mechanika 6 Slim or even the Profitec pro 400/500. Help me please hahah. Which one shoudl I get. I mostly drink milk-based drinks, around 3 or 4 cappuchino's a day. Soo perfect milk frothing and learning Latte art is what I really appreciate.

[@clivecoffee]

I would go for the Lelit Mara X. The best steaming experience out of all three.

[@JaspervanderKamp]

@@clivecoffee thanks, nice to get such a quick response of you😁ready to see more of your videos

[@clivecoffee]

@@JaspervanderKamp Cheers!

[@BadCatCafe]

I would like to see actual brew group temps after repeated shots on the different settings, i.e. low, med, high switch - especially after say 3-4 shots to see if the temp actually remains in the sited temp range. Once they get hot, you're bound to be stuck with that high temp, right?. And are any of them true E61 or are they E61-like, with the bell shape built in around the shower screen? Does the lever do anything at the half-way up point? I've had an ExpoBar Office Control for about 10 years and now a Nuova Simonelli Oscar II for 7 months (prior to that, incredible single boiler machine that lasted 23 years) and I think I'm done with Hx machines because of lack of temp control for different roasts and extremely limited pre-infusion capabilities. I'm still worried that even with these newer machines, reliable temperatures needed for the different roasts just aren't there. I don't think it's physically possible, is it? My brain hurts from research and I just don't have he income to support dropping 2-3K on one that has all the bells and whistles. Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone could magically tell you, "X brand/model is the one you want! You'll love it and you can afford it!" Yep, would be awsome... sniff. Gonna go have a cry and an espresso now... thanks for letting me whine! 😅

[@clivecoffee]

They are all true e61 machines. You're going to get a little bit more options in terms of brew temperatures, but it's not going to be back to back accuracy like a dual-boiler with a dedicated brew boiler and PID temp control. Accuracy is not the function of HX machines. They're meant to pump out milk drinks and have a more hands on feel when it comes to espresso. Go for a dual-boiler instead.

[@BadCatCafe]

@@clivecoffee After more research, I understand now. I'm pretty sure I know what I want to go with but need a hands on demo and questions answered, so I'll be making an appointment for demo time at the showroom soon. Thanks so much for all the informational videos you guys put out and especially taking time to answer questions like mine!

[@clivecoffee]

Looking forward to seeing you!@@BadCatCafe

[@user-pr8uy9bw8y]

​@@BadCatCafe Same situation here.. my head is like a balloon from searching.. which one did end up getting please 🤔

[@BadCatCafe]

@@user-pr8uy9bw8y I didn't. I decided to mod a Gaggia Classic Pro with PID, flow control, etc. and install an OPV in my Nuova Simonelli Oscar II. I'll end up selling both and by then, I'll have enough saved to get a dual boiler that will tick all the right boxes. I'm having fun now, and I can wait a little longer, for sure.

[@stefan6097]

I'm considering to get either the Mechanika Slim V or the Profitec 400 since the price of the Mechanica Slim VI is beyond my budget. I love the ECM design, but I'm wondering if the Slim V is still up to date and comparable to the profitec 400. Would you personally choose it over the Profitec 400?

[@clivecoffee]

The V Slim doesn't have the 3-way switch or auto-pre-infusion. that's the main difference other than aesthetics.

[@tesilab994]

At 1:30 in this video the narration confuses accuracy with precision: "While this is not as accurate as a dual boiler with a PID", the he means to say it is not as precise. Low, medium, and high, are not as precise as degree by degree control. The question of accuracy is how much variation there is in the actual temperature for any of those three settings.

[@dejedejsson]

On an e61 it is an illusion that you get the set temperature on the Pid, ​​more honestly to have 3 different temperature ranges. Most people don't notice a difference in taste at 3c difference in brew temp!

[@asabaniam1]

Plz review home dual boiler espersoo machines

[@clivecoffee]

We will!

[@thomasneddon]

How do the Ascaso offerings compare?

[@clivecoffee]

the main advantage of the Ascaso Steel Duo over these three is its incredible heat up time from a cold start (around 5 mins) and the easy to access side water reservoir.

[@missinglink_eth]

I don’t care about steaming milk. I just want a great espresso. What do you recommend?

[@EthanMerbaum]

I was in the same camp. Look at the profitech go. Also if you will brew absolutely milk drinks, look at the ecm puristika.

[@ForeverLearningAnaes]

Ecm puristika

[@clivecoffee]

I would check out the ECM Puristika-clivecoffee.com/products/ecm-puristika-espresso-machine

[@LorenzoNW]

A Cafelat Robot will make the best espresso, offer the most control, be the most trouble-free, and be your least expensive option. And if you don't already own a grinder for espresso, check out the Turin DF64 (electric) or a Kinu (manual).

[@missinglink_eth]

Thanks everyone for the advice

[@bisem433]

I like the video but why don't you ever look at the camera to your left? As a viewer it makes me feel like you are avoiding me.

[@clivecoffee]

Glad you liked the video!