Best Heat Exchange Boiler Home Espresso Machines of 2023

[@GeelongVic7140]

Marc, Although not reviewed, I have had an ECM Technika V PID with Flow control, sourced from WLL, for the past three years ,which has been a daily joy to use for our 5-6 espressos/lattes/ cappuccinos daily here in Florida. Your comments about the ECM build quality are spot on. Our Technika V, a heat exchanger machine, has been an incredibly reliable machine only requiring routine backflush cleaning and the occasional E61 group lubrication with Dow 111 when needed. i suspect that the ECM Mechanika Max would give equally great reliable service for any owner. We are strong advocates for ECM/Profitec machines, based on our so reliable experience. Like WLL we replaced our flow control manometer with a Temperature reading group head digital thermometer from Coffee Sensor, a great useful addition for a heat exchange machine.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi victor, Thanks for the comment sharing your thoughts and experience. The Technika V is a real beauty! It's true, sit ECM next to machines from other manufacturers and the build craftsmanship and detail is clearly evident. Marc

[@arturotinajero11]

Hey, Marc! I own the Lelit Mara X in black. It's an awesome piece of a machine. Great espresso and the enhanced steam power for 120 secs after pulling the shot is an incredible feature for milk drink after milk drink. I always keep it on brew mode because of this. Excellent video!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey a, Thanks for the comment and sharing your thoughts on the Mara X! Marc

[@JT-zy2ft]

Same, had mine for almost a year now and really enjoy it. Looking at possibly purchasing the flow control upgrade option which in my opinion looks a lot better than the extremely tiny profitec knob.

[@CarlosVargas-js8qz]

Really enjoy your videos and style presenting coffee gear. All these machines are great. I’ve got the MaraX v2 for about a year now and I love it! Cheers!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Carlos, Thanks for the comment and sharing your opinion on the MaraX! Marc

[@Petercoffeee]

Great presentation and beautiful machines ! Profitec Pro 400 and Lelit Mara X would be my choice due to the compact size .

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Pc, Thanks for the comment and sharing your preferences! Marc

[@JustNel]

I own the PP400 And love it! Especially for the size.

[@Petercoffeee]

@@JustNel that's nice 🙂

[@harpy2602]

absolutely love mt Bezzera Aria PID. It's a dream to use

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey harpy, Thanks for sharing your thoughtS1 Marc

[@kepajamecho5472]

Hi Marc, The Lelit Mara X is the version V2 the switch mode is 1 steam mode, like the brew mode on de Mara X V1 and 0 is coffee mode, the machine run like a SB. The HX mode was cancelled on this version.

[@paengjones8081]

I really hope we get more unbiased reviews. These are great overall but there’s obvious leaning when they say “Whole latte love worked with [brand]” and I feel the other good machines aren’t given enough credit.

[@elchappo1320]

They are a business first

[@crawdaddyy]

Always love your ‘best of’ videos. I hope you do an updated dual boiler video next 🙂

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey tp, Thanks for the love! Of course the dual boiler video is coming soon! Marc

[@crawdaddyy]

@@Wholelattelovepage Marc! Appreciate the reply, looking forward to it!

[@carpNcoffee]

I have a Bellezza chiaria PID leva. Absolutely love it.

[@johnboulanger807]

No Bellezza review? I have Bellezza Valentina V2. Great value machine. External PID with shot timer, Joystick-style steam and hot water valves, programmable pre-infusion. Looks and runs great.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi jb, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the machine! Marc

[@trinianddiana]

Marc, when are you reviewing the new Profitec pro 600? I’m on the fence and would love to hear your opinion.

[@rumar4u]

Pid Pro 500 has been my personal workhorse with up to 3 shots per day. Wish there was an included water temperature reader of the thermo-syphon grouphead to know when it's ready to brew or if it needs a simple flush.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey r, Thanks for the comment. Not included but there's this group thermometer: www.wholelattelove.com/products/e61-group-thermometer-kit

[@benjkim4]

@@Wholelattelovepage is there a product that houses both temperature and pressure for the group head? I have an Aria and I’m curious how accurate the PID temperature is on the device but I don’t want to give up pressure gauge.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@benjkim4 We do not have a simultaneous temperature and pressure whcih can read from the E61 port.

[@Bryan-eg7si]

Would love to see mara x

[@andrewford5201]

I bought the ECM Max back in March and am incredibly pleased with the performance and depth of the menu. I have seen other coffee channels using a scace device for measuring brew temp saying the temps are not as stable as hoped. Have you found similar results?

[@woxiduswoxidus1167]

yeah marx looks like the most unstable product. v1 v2 v3 came out in short time... "tomorrow" v4 is coming...

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi andrew, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Max. For temp stability a lot depends on when measurements are made. ECM has the sweet spot of stability at 25-35 minutes from power on. Most any E61 HX machine will see some rise in temp with long idle periods. Like on and idle for 90 minutes might be 2 degrees high. As you likely know the Max has 3 BC control modes. Using the one that best fits your usage pattern helps a lot. If you find you're consistently hot or cold in your typical usage pattern or due to ambient conditions you can use the E11 setting to adjust the temperature offset between measured and displayed. Marc

[@andrewford5201]

@@Wholelattelovepage thank you Marc, I use BTC2. Thank you for the reply, love your channel.

[@GlenEdwards]

Pricing here in Australia is a bit stupid, the price of your top 3 picks is almost the same as for the Lelit Bianca. For just a couple hundred bucks more a dual boiler is the go, but that’s over here. I have the Mara X and love it. Although the controller box sometimes doesn’t give me the good steam boost for as long as it should and I run low on steam before finishing my little jug of milk, it’s a bug in the programming I guess, shame it’s not an easy fix.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi GE, Thanks for the comment and sharing your thoughts! Marc

[@lockedout8643]

I have the same problem with my Mara (also in Aus) Sometimes the steam pressure stays up and other times it loses it quickly and you finish steaming at .5 bar.

[@angelomannino2412]

I own a royal falcon la Valentina for 10 years I bought one then based off a video from whole lotta love & still makes great espresso shots How do you think it compares to today’s newer espresso machines ????

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey angel, Thanks for your patronage. Sounds like you've taken good care of your machine! I think the important thing is your machine still makes great espresso shots so is servicing your needs. Newer machines have available features like PID temperature control for more accurate brew temps - especially in dual boiler machines. Also assorted pre-infusion methods available and things like flow control of E61 group machines for custom extractions. Marc

[@nicoparcejoux7516]

hello, why not consider the Izzo Alex PID with firing timer, Italian machine made in Italy? All stainless steel, bodywork, frame, 2.3l stainless steel boiler with drain cock, e61 group mushroom even the nozzle and the solenoid valves are made of stainless steel. Rotary pump, access to pressure settings from the outside. works on tank or directly on water network straight out of the box. It quite compares to the ECM Mechanika. thank you for all your videos

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi nico, Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@nelsonnicklebee]

Great video! I’ve steered away from HX machines due to the cooling flushes. It seems that there is some good technology to fix this on some of these machines. Does the BZ13 require cooling flushes for accurate brew temp?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi n, Thanks for the comment and question. Yes, the Mechanika Max and Mara X have modes which control boiler temps based on thermosiphon loop temps so cooling flush generally not needed. The BZ13 is less likely to need a flush but variables like brew temperature setting, idle time and ambient temperature play a roll. Marc

[@lalalizah]

So glad i found you! I am looking to buy my first nice espresso machine. I am stuck between Profitec 400 and ECM Mechanika Vi Slim. Please help me in the best direction. Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey lala, The Pro 400 and the Mechanika VI Slim are very similar machines. They are in fact manufactured by the same parent company. Both have the 3 way control of brewing temperature. At the end of the day machines capabilities are essentially identical so no real performance advantages in either choice. It really comes down to aesthetics, which look you prefer. The ECM does have angled portafilter which I prefer over the straight handles which come with the Pro 400. Hope that helps! Marc

[@lalalizah]

thank you for responding :) basically cannot go wrong@@Wholelattelovepage

[@TheJannik532]

Hi! Whats your take on the new rocket appartamento? Is there a reason why you didnt include it in the comparison?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey TJ, I have the Appartamento TCA in for evaluation. It's not available for sale in the US yet so not included here. The new look to the E61 group is cool. Seems like lever lifting and flashing light programming will take some time to get use to. Marc

[@chrismccannIRL]

Excellent overview as always Marc. I'm trying to short-list my choice at the minute and finding it really hard. Being predominantly Espresso focused and using reasonable medium roasted beans that are always fresh, I really want a machine that will make fantastic espresso but also be able to do milk when I want. These machines all look great and my list is narrowed down to Profitec P400, potentially Profitec P500 PID, Lelit Mara X V2, and ECM Mechanika Slim VI (possibly Heritage). I'm open to other choices but really I want stable temp (via controllable or non-controllable PID), quality build, pre-infusion ability and cold touch wands. I also quite like having dual gauges and a stainless brushed finish but not critical. I was also considering the Rocket Apartmento TCA but it think whilst it was upgraded there is no PID even on pre-sets which I think might be an oversight (unless you tell me the temps are stable enough). Any advice or thoughts is really appreciated. Thanks.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi cm, Thanks for the kind comments. They are all built very well. Best overall finish and build quality is ECM closely followed by Profitec. Mechnika Slim VI and Pro 400 have near identical capabilities w/3 temp PID control. I do like the look of the Heritage version. Pro 500 PID has long been a favorite of mine. If you want more precise temp control that's the way to go. Also suggest going with flow control on the E61 group machines if you want to finesse flavor of you extractions. Be aware the Pro 500 with visible PID and shot timer is only available in US/Canada from Whole Latte Love. I have the TCA in-house attm for testing. So far, I'm not a huge fan of using power switch and E61 lever toggles to change temps etc. and would prefer a brew pressure gauge to boiler pressure. Much prefer the 3 position switch of the 400 and Mechanika VI. Hope that helps! Marc

[@chrismccannIRL]

@@Wholelattelovepage amazing help as always. Unfortunately I’m not in US or Canada so I’ll have to find Irish supplier. I completely agree the Rocket TCA is hugely complicated and the Pro 500 PID is probably best. I showed my wife the choices and she only likes the look of the ECM Mechanika Slim VI heritage so that’s the one we will order. Thanks again. Incidentally I went back and looked at your review of the Eureka Mignon Zero from Feb-23 and placed an order for it as well. Think it will be perfect for now with the slightly larger burrs. If I was in America I would definitely order from Wholelattelove - one of the most informative resources for coffee lovers around. Cheers

[@masteroli47]

Great video! I'm just wondering how come there is no Rocket Mozzafiato / Giotto while there is 2 Bezzera and 2 Profitec in this review ? Aren't they same category / quality of the rest of these?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi m, Thanks for the comment and question. We carry many different HX boiler machines including Mozzafiato and Giotto in both rotary and vibration pump versions. They are excellent machines which tend to be more $$ for similar features.

[@diasone]

First, thank you for your valuable content ! I'm searching for a single boiler espresso machine with a PID, but I prefer one without aluminum or plastic components inside, except for the water tank, which can be plastic. I want to avoid any plastic coming into contact with hot water, as well as aluminum in the boiler or tubing. Can you recommend a machine meeting these criteria and suitable for lighter roast ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi d, you are welcome for the content! Sounds like the ECM Classika PID is a perfect fit for your requirements: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ecm-classika-pid-espresso-machine-with-flow-control It features PID, stainless steel boiler and has flow control to help customize your extractions of specialty grade lighter roast coffees! Marc

[@diasone]

Thank you ! I spend 2 days searching the internet and came to the same conclusion : ECM Classika PID !! I feel more comfortable now. Thank you

[@carlinos9440]

Me encantaría que su tienda estuviera en España, mucho para poder elegir e informar, gracias por sus revisiones.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Translation: I would love for your store to be in Spain, a lot to choose from and inform, thank you for your reviews.

[@mariuswolter8555]

Did you review the Quickmill Rubino and the new Rocket Ap. TCA in comparison to those tested? Would be nixe to have them compared aswell 😊

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey mw, Thanks for the suggestion. I have a TCA in for evaluation not available for sale yet. Marc

[@dodo21x55]

I have Jura Z10 but I'm looking for machine to use over the weekends, when I have more time to prepare my coffee. After hours on KZbin I think I will go for Mara X. Now another xx hours to find the grinder.

[@dodo21x55]

Will I taste the difference in terms of espresso coming from Z10 ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi d, Semi-auto is capable of making better espresso if you put in the effort and have a good grinder. Marc

[@dodo21x55]

@@WholelattelovepageI have picked the machine but I’m lost in terms of grinder.

[@dannners]

Hi Marc, I know it's not included in this video but what's your thoughts on the Pro 300 db model for milk drinkers. Typically have 2 cappuccino's at a time!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey d, The Pro 300 is one of our value picks for best dual boiler of 2023. It's a more basic machine than higher priced DBs but with boiler over ring group design it heats up a lot faster, about 10 minutes compared to 20-25 for E61 DB machines. Brew temps are accurate. The steam boiler is pressurestat controlled so it's more difficult to adjust steam pressure than on machine's with PID control of that boiler. Unless you're making exceptionally large capps the machine can easily handle 2 at a time. Hope that helps! Marc

[@Maybaby1959]

Marc can I still adjust pid in btc mode or when I set btc mode I should not adjust pid after setting btc mode- example 1,2,3 Or turn off btc mode and then I can adjust for any temp- steam boiler brew head ? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey May, You can adjust the brew temperature PID setting at anytime. BTC mode does not need to be off. Marc

[@itsjrbro]

Waiting for the Profitec Jump! Any release date?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi its, sorry no release date for the Jump at this point. I am currently working with the Drive which is replacing the Pro 700. Marc

[@Bowser558]

Which one has the best Peformance to size ratio?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi 54, Really depends on what "performance" metric is important to you. If you want a small package the Lelit is compact, quick heat-up the Bezzera BZ13, Rotary pump/flow control and full PID Bezzera Aria. Marc

[@gyulaengel6993]

Hello, I really like the Bazzera Aria, but noticed the boiler is made out of copper. Does that really matter , is SSteel any better ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi g, Copper was the default boiler material for decades in espresso machines. There's some thought limescale is less likely to attach to SS. But, use water that does not cause scale in the first place and that's not a concern. Marc

[@gyulaengel6993]

@@Wholelattelovepage thank you!

[@shaunoelofsen5136]

Bezzera Aria or ECM Mechanika Max. Which to choose and why?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey shaun, Depends on what you are looking for. The Max is perhaps the most advanced HX boiler available. It has programmable active and passive pre-infusion, with 2 PID temp probes it can run in standard HX mode and advise when a flush is needed or run in brew temperature control mode for accurate brew temps without a flush. Also has time of day programmable on/off times. If you're likely to go to hobby level use then the Max is a good choice. Just be sure you're willing to dive into the programming functions. If you want a simpler experience the Aria is a likely a better choice. With flow control, it can still do high-end extractions but it's simpler to operate. Both machines are excellent with rotary pumps and can be plumbed direct to waterline. Here are my full review videos for each machine Mechanika Max: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5eoqqZ9iLt4mpo Bezzera Aria: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV6xmnyQgdl_etk Hope that helps! Marc

[@mr_knight4701]

Why is the ecm of most machines a lever? Do lever machines have better extract quality than automatic machines?

[@randomstoragespace]

Thanks for the comparison Marc I am stuck between the ECM Mechanika Max and the Lelit Bianca V3. In the UK they are the same price. Which would you take?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi rss, You are welcome! Both are excellent machines but I prefer the higher finishing quality of the ECM. The Bianca is a dual boiler so will do better for higher volume use. Hope that helps! Marc

[@randomstoragespace]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks! Was leaning towards the ECM for the same reason

[@francoisbergeron-proulx2324]

Is it normal that after waiting on the phone for more than 15 minutes, during your business hours, it just says "There are no available agents at this moment" and it just drops your call?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi fb, Apologies if that happened to you. Definitely an atypical experience.

[@mccrory]

What home coffee machine do you have?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey m, I'm lucky with access to anything we have. My current daily driver is a Profitec Pro 600. Before that it was a Bezzera BZ13. Also have a Jura ENA 8 bean to cup at home for the wife who prefers convenient long coffees. Marc

[@YoloSwegs]

Kurig

[@princediesel1]

Where is the rocket ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi pd, Rocket has been in our best of HX list in past years. Marc