Had my ECM Synchronika for a year now. Zero regrets.

I had a Gaggia Pro for 7 years prior to buying this machine. My first duel-boiler to own. Got tired of waiting for the temp to alter on my single boiler for espresso pulls / frothing milk. Worse when we’d have people come over. And I didn’t do the best descaling at first like I should have. Started to kill my Gaggia. This thing does take about 12 minutes to heat up fully to use. But once it’s heated, I never have to wait making multiple espresso pulls or milk froths. I hooked up a Kasa Smart Home Switch to it, so I can turn it off via my phone before walking into the kitchen. Also have it turn on in the mornings before I get ready for work.

I definitely made sure to install a proper water filter for the Synchronika. Went with BWT. It’s a must imo. Hooking up the filter is fairly easy once you find the correct fittings connecting the French side for the filter fitting into a US fitting for the water line. I used the 3/8 water line behind my fridge.

I did get too large of a BWT Bestmax Water Filter Cartridge, originally got a medium sized (handles about 585 liters). Just replaced the filter with a small sized one. (Filters about 290 liters) If my wife drank as much coffee as I did, the medium is definitely better for two daily heavy consumers.

Also installed a BWT Aquameter to see exactly how much water we’ve used. Over the course of a year, 298 litters (9,840 ounces) went through the filter. About 1,640 cups of coffee (4oz espresso + 2oz water). I usually make 1-2 cups a day. My wife might have a latte 2 times a week or so. And we housed many parties or I’d always make something for people visiting often. The medium filter did a great job for all this combined before still was overkill.

The only thing that I’d had to replace over 1-year was the BWT Water Pressure Reducer. Hard water hits it before the filter does its thing. Our slightly higher house pressure and our hard water just killed it though. Maybe it was defective. Unsure. If it’s the only part I end up replacing each year, I’m ok with it though.

Broke even already with how much money I’d spend buying coffee from the local coffee places though. Been considering getting into roasting my own beans next. Just need to learn more over it and dive in. 🙂

Anyhow, wanted to just give some quick thoughts. Posted a pic with some of my favorite coffees too. Any other bean recommends also much appreciated. Post any questions you have and I’ll answer the best I can.