ECM Mechanika VI Slim PID Exclusive Line – Heat Exchanger with Shot Timer
The ECM Mechanika Slim PID is a heat exchanger machine 25 cm wide, with PID control and a small display above the drip tray. During extraction the display shows the brewing time (shot counter), alongside pre-infusion, ECO mode, temperature unit and an empty water tank.
According to ECM, it offers all the features of the Mechanika VI Slim and adds this display. The rotary valves carry deep blue valve inlays. ECM lists it in the Exclusive Line, which is sold only through selected specialist dealers. Coffee Coaching Club is ECM's partner in Switzerland, with showrooms in Bern and Zurich.
Features of the Mechanika Slim PID
Heat exchanger with low-noise vibration pump
A stainless steel boiler of approx. 1.9 l supplies steam and heats the brewing water via a heat exchanger. This lets you prepare espresso and milk foam at the same time. ECM specifies the vibration pump as «low-noise».
PID control for the boiler
The PID control regulates the boiler temperature for steam and espresso extraction.
Display with shot counter
The display shows the duration of the extraction, whether pre-infusion and ECO mode are active, the temperature unit (°C or °F) and an empty water tank. When you switch, the selected boiler temperature appears.
Toggle switch with several options
Using a toggle switch underneath the machine, you select one of three boiler temperatures (120, 124 or 128 °C) and switch pre-infusion and ECO mode on or off.
Very compact design
250 × 445 × 395 mm without portafilter.
Classic rotary valves with blue valve inlays
You operate steam and hot water via retro-style rotary valves, whose valve inlays are deep blue on the PID version.
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 three boiler temperatures result in approx. 90–93 °C (position I), 93–96 °C (II) and 96–99 °C (III). ECM recommends I and II for espresso and III when more steam power is needed.
Flush before extraction
With a heat exchanger, the water in the heat exchanger can be too hot after a pause. A short empty flush without the portafilter rinses it away and cleans the shower screen. The length of the flush influences the temperature of the following extraction.
Pre-infusion
Pre-infusion moistens the coffee grounds before the actual extraction so that they swell evenly. ECM has tuned it to 16.5 g in the double basket; it is off by default. When it is active, the display first shows a 5-second countdown and a 3-second pause, after which the shot counter starts.
ECO mode
Active by default: after 90 minutes without extraction, the machine switches off the boiler heating and the display then shows a running light. Pulling the brew lever or the switch wakes it up again.
Adjustable brewing pressure
Under the cup tray sits an adjustment screw with which you set the brewing pressure between approx. 8.5 and 12 bar. Two pressure gauges on the front show pump and boiler pressure. In operation, boiler pressure is approx. 1.0–1.25 bar.
Easy to access
The expansion valve is easy to reach and the cup warmer tray is removable. An anti-vacuum valve vents the boiler during the heat-up phase.
At a glance
| System | Heat exchanger |
|---|
| Control | PID, display with shot counter |
|---|
| Brew group | ECM brew group with stainless steel bell |
|---|
| Pump | «Low-noise» vibration pump |
|---|
| Boiler | Stainless steel, approx. 1.9 l |
|---|
| Boiler temperatures | 120 / 124 / 128 °C (toggle switch) |
|---|
| Brewing pressure | adjustable, approx. 8.5–12 bar |
|---|
| Water tank | approx. 2.8 l |
|---|
| Valves | Rotary valves for steam and hot water |
|---|
| Pressure gauges | Pump pressure and boiler pressure |
|---|
| Heat-up time | approx. 25 minutes according to the user manual |
|---|
| Power | 1500 W, 230 V / 50 Hz |
|---|
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 250 × 445 × 395 mm without portafilter |
|---|
| Weight | 20.2 kg |
|---|
| Colors available from us | Cream, Black, Chrome |
|---|
| Included | Portafilter with 1 and with 2 spouts, single basket (7 g), double basket (14 g), blind basket, tamper, cleaning brush, user manual |
|---|
| ECM item no. | CM100006-00 |
|---|
Who the Mechanika Slim PID is made for
For everyone looking for a heat exchanger that takes up little space and who wants to read the extraction time directly on the machine. A heat exchanger is not only for milk drinks: if you mostly drink espresso, you will also find your routine here with the flush and three temperature levels. We explain how single boilers, heat exchangers and dual boilers differ in our deep dive into heating systems.
We dose by weight. We grind fine, start at 14.5 grams and work our way up from there, usually to 17 grams, at a ratio below 1:2. The shot counter helps with comparing, the scale remains the reference. You will find more models in the ECM Collection. If you are unsure which machine suits you, the advice tool helps.
In the comparison workshop you can test machines and grinders side by side for an hour. A free consultation appointment narrows down the choice. Both are an option, not a requirement. You will find the conditions for the introductory course with a machine purchase further down this page. Financing available.
What goes with it
For everyone who wants an affordable and precise grinder: the Varia VS3 from the Varia Collection or, by hand, the Comandante C40. If you want more room to play with burrs and speed: Varia VS6 or the EG-1 from Weber Workshops.
For everyone who wants a compact and reliable scale and puck preparation: the Normcore Collection with scales, tampers and puck screens. If you want an app, Bluetooth and flow rate display: the scales in the Acaia Collection, plus tampers and puck screens from Weber Workshops.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from the Mechanika VI Slim?
According to ECM, the Mechanika Slim PID offers all the features of the Mechanika VI Slim plus a display with shot counter and indicators for pre-infusion, ECO mode, temperature unit and empty water tank. The rotary valves carry deep blue valve inlays. Dimensions, boiler, pump and weight are the same.
How do I order an Exclusive Line model?
Online sales of Exclusive Line machines are not permitted by the manufacturer. We advise you personally in the Zurich or Bern showroom and hand over the machine there.
How long does the machine take to heat up?
According to the user manual, approx. 25 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature. ECM bases the stated brewing temperatures on a heat-up phase of 30 minutes.
Can I connect it to the water mains?
For the Mechanika Slim PID, ECM specifies a water tank of approx. 2.8 l. ECM does not list a fixed water connection for this model.
Which temperature level should I use for espresso?
ECM recommends positions I and II for espresso and III for more steam power. More important than the level is that the coffee tastes good to you.
Can I see the product before buying?
That depends on whether the Mechanika Slim PID is currently on display. In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) we show a wide selection, but not the entire range. Drop us a short note at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether it is currently on site.
Tip from the roastery: For the Mechanika Slim PID we start with Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight, by weight, at a ratio below 1:2. If you want maximum body without acidity, go for Very Nutty. For the curious, there is the fruity Wild Peach. This is our recommendation, one of many.
