ECM Mechanika VI Slim – heat exchanger with vibration pump, 25 cm wide
The ECM Mechanika VI Slim is a heat exchanger machine in a stainless steel housing, only 25 cm wide, with three selectable temperatures, pre-infusion and ECO mode.
ECM describes it as an all-round machine with a retro look that needs only little space: high-gloss polished stainless steel housing, classic rotary valves, heat exchanger system with vibration pump. Espresso and milk foam can be prepared at the same time. Coffee Coaching Club is a partner of ECM in Switzerland.
Features of the Mechanika VI Slim
Compact design
250 mm wide, 445 mm deep and 395 mm high. According to ECM, this makes it particularly suitable for smaller kitchens or a narrow side table.
Heat exchanger system with «Low-Noise» vibration pump
A heat exchanger in the 1.9-litre stainless steel boiler heats the brewing water indirectly, and circulation runs via a thermosiphon system. This way, brewing water and steam are available at the same time. ECM calls the vibration pump «Low-Noise».
PID control
A PID controller regulates the boiler temperature for steam and espresso extraction.
Toggle switch with three temperatures, pre-infusion and ECO mode
Using a toggle switch on the underside, you select the boiler temperature of 120 °C, 124 °C or 128 °C and switch pre-infusion and ECO mode on or off. ECM recommends a lower brewing temperature for darker roasts and a higher one for medium and light roasts. In our experience, slightly cooler brings out more aroma in the bean, slightly hotter more body.
Rotary valves with a retro look
Steam and hot water are opened via classic rotary valves. Two gauges on the front show boiler pressure and pump pressure.
The details in everyday use
Brewing temperature per switch position
According to the user manual, after 30 minutes of heating up and a short flush, the boiler temperatures result in a brewing temperature of approx. 90–93 °C (position I), approx. 93–96 °C (II) and approx. 96–99 °C (III). ECM recommends positions I and II for espresso, position III for more steam power. How long you flush affects the temperature of the following extraction.
Pre-infusion
Pre-infusion moistens the ground coffee before the actual extraction so that it swells evenly. ECM has tuned the duration to 16.5 g of coffee in the double basket. It is deactivated ex works.
ECO mode
The machine is delivered with ECO mode activated. After 90 minutes without use, it switches off the boiler heating and an orange indicator lamp flashes. The lever or the toggle switch wakes the machine up again.
Adjustable brewing pressure
With an adjusting screw under the cup tray, you set the brewing pressure between approx. 8.5 and 12 bar, readable on the pump pressure gauge. ECM describes the expansion valve as easily accessible.
Anti-vacuum valve and cup warmer
An anti-vacuum valve vents the boiler during heating up, so manual boiler venting is not necessary. The cup warming surface is removable, and underneath it sits the water tank with approx. 2.8 litres.
At a glance
| System |
Two-circuit system (heat exchanger, thermosiphon) |
| Pump |
«Low-Noise» vibration pump |
| Brew group |
ECM brew group with stainless steel brew bell |
| Control |
PID |
| Boiler temperature |
120 / 124 / 128 °C selectable |
| Brewing temperature |
approx. 90–93 / 93–96 / 96–99 °C (according to the user manual) |
| Boiler |
Stainless steel, approx. 1.9 l |
| Water tank |
approx. 2.8 l |
| Brewing pressure |
adjustable approx. 8.5–12 bar |
| Valves |
Rotary valves for steam and hot water |
| Displays |
Boiler pressure and pump pressure gauges |
| Power |
1500 W, 230 V / 50 Hz |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
250 × 445 × 395 mm, 565 mm deep with portafilter |
| Weight |
20.2 kg |
| Heat-up time |
approx. 25 minutes according to ECM, depending on ambient temperature |
| Scope of delivery |
Portafilter with 1 and with 2 spouts, single basket (7 g), double basket (14 g), blind basket, tamper, cleaning brush, user manual |
| Item no. |
CM100005-00 |
Who it is made for
For everyone who has little counter space and wants to prepare espresso and milk drinks at the same time. A heat exchanger is one design among several; our deep dive into single boiler, heat exchanger and dual boiler explains the differences. Our advice tool narrows down which machine suits you, or a free advice appointment. Anyone who wants to test several machines and grinders side by side can book the comparison workshop in the showroom, an option, not a requirement.
A machine goes with a grinder. For everyone who wants grinders that are affordable and precise: Varia VS3, Comandante or Timemore as a hand grinder. Anyone who wants more: Varia VS6, Weber Workshops EG-1 or Option-O Lagom. For everyone who wants scales that are compact and precise: Normcore. Anyone who wants an app and flow rate display: Acaia. Tampers and puck screens are also available from Normcore or Weber Workshops, and more grinders in our coffee grinders.
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days, Click & Collect in Bern and Zurich. You can buy the ECM Mechanika VI Slim in Switzerland directly online, financing available. You will find the conditions for the introductory course with a machine purchase further down this page. We answer questions by email at [email protected] or by phone during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mechanika VI Slim a heat exchanger or a dual boiler?
A heat exchanger with a vibration pump. A heat exchanger in the boiler heats the brewing water, and espresso and steam can be drawn at the same time.
Can I connect it to the water mains?
For the Mechanika VI Slim, ECM only mentions the water tank with approx. 2.8 litres; ECM does not mention a fixed water connection.
How long does it take to heat up?
According to the user manual, usually approx. 25 minutes, depending on ambient temperature. It is ready for use when the boiler pressure gauge shows approx. 1.0–1.25 bar.
Which temperature setting should I choose?
ECM recommends positions I (approx. 90–93 °C) and II (approx. 93–96 °C) for espresso, position III for more steam power. Slightly cooler brings out more aroma in the bean, slightly hotter more body.
What is included in the scope of delivery?
According to ECM, two portafilters (1 and 2 spouts), single basket (7 g), double basket (14 g), blind basket, tamper, cleaning brush and user manual.
Can I see the product before buying?
In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) we show a wide selection, but not every model is set up at all times. Write to us in advance at [email protected] and we will check whether the Mechanika VI Slim is on site.
Tip from the roastery: For Cozy Chocolate, Nutty Delight and Very Nutty we start at position I or II, grind fine, begin at 14.5 grams and work our way up from there, usually to 17 grams, at a ratio below 1:2. In our experience, a higher temperature brings more body, a lower one more aroma. For the fruity Wild Peach, position II is worthwhile. That is our recommendation, one of many.
