ECM Technika VI Espresso Machine: Setup Guide

Please read through the entire setup guide before using your machine. If you have any questions, contact our team at Clive Coffee. Additional information can be found in the ECM Technika VI User Manual.

Step 1: Inspect the box and the machine for damage

Remove the machine from the box and place it on a stable, level, water-resistant surface. Because of the machine's weight, it is best to lift it with both hands from underneath, and easier with two people.
Before adding water and turning on the machine, inspect for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If you notice any damage, contact us immediately.
Save all packaging in case of returns or repairs.
Confirm that all accessories are present: two portafilters (single and double-spouted), single and double baskets, the blind filter, tamper, cleaning brush, drip tray and grid, and the braided metal line for plumb-in use.

Step 2: Water quality and filling the reservoir

Before introducing water to your machine, it is essential to test it to ensure it is adequately soft, in the range of 35 to 85 ppm (parts per million). Water in this range helps prevent scale and protects your machine over the long term. To learn more about our recommendations for water quality, check out our blog post, The Importance of Water and Your Espresso Machine. Do not use distilled or reverse osmosis water in your espresso machine, as it lacks the mineral content the machine needs to operate correctly.
Open the water tank lid on top of the machine, lift out the reservoir, and rinse it. When you reinsert it, orient it so the magnetic float point faces down and the valve sits at the bottom right, then seat it so the edges rest flush against the housing.
Fill the reservoir with filtered, softened water and close the lid.
Please note that you may need to refill the reservoir after the initial boiler fill phase.

Step 3: Turning on your machine and filling your boilers

Your machine is set for use on a 110V outlet. Before starting, check that the steam and hot water levers are closed (in the middle position), the machine is off, and the drip tray is inserted correctly.
The machine is defaulted to reservoir mode. See Step 6 for changing your water source to plumb-in mode.
Plug your machine directly into a grounded outlet (do not use an extension cord or power strip) and switch it on. The LED power indicator will illuminate. If you have any concerns about your outlet or circuit, consult a certified electrician.
Fill mode will now commence, indicated by the "Fill" icon on the display. Place a container under the group head, move the brew lever into the drawing position, and allow water to run from the group head for at least 30 seconds or until water begins to flow steadily. Then return the brew lever to the starting position. Once this process is complete, the "Fill" icon disappears and your machine begins heating.
Note: You may need to refill your water reservoir during or immediately after this process.
After the brew boiler has been filled, the steam boiler is automatically filled with fresh water. As soon as the steam boiler filling is finished, you will no longer hear any pump noise. After the boilers are filled, the machine starts heating.
Before your first shots, rinse the machine through 2 to 3 full reservoirs of fresh water. Place the portafilter in the group head between rinses to help it reach temperature and stay there.

Step 4: Fast heat-up mode and pulling your first shots

Fast Heat-Up mode briefly overheats the machine to bring the E61 group head up to temperature quickly, getting you ready to brew in roughly 11 to 13 minutes from cold. Without it, a full heat-up can take 30 to 35 minutes, depending on room temperature. Fast Heat-Up can be turned on or off in the Advanced User Settings.
Because Fast Heat-Up overheats the boiler, the machine will prompt you to perform a short flush to bring the group back down to your set brew temperature. When the "Flush" icon appears, place an empty container under the group head and move the brew lever into the drawing position. When the "Ready Go" icon appears after about 6 to 7 seconds, return the brew lever to the starting position. You have about 60 seconds to complete this flush.
The Technika VI is ready to make espresso once your set brew temperature is shown on the display.
With coffee dosed and tamped in your portafilter, lock it into the group head and move the brew lever into the fully up position to begin pulling espresso. Return the brew lever to the starting position (all the way down) to stop your shot once you reach your desired yield within your desired timeframe.

Step 5: Steaming milk

The steam boiler reaches pressure in roughly 18 minutes and is then ready to steam milk and draw hot water. The steam boiler must be switched on and up to its set temperature before you can steam or draw hot water.
To draw steam, place an empty pitcher under the wand and briefly open the steam lever to purge condensation, then close it. Submerge the tip just below the surface of the milk and open the steam lever to begin steaming.
After steaming, close the lever, remove the pitcher, briefly open and close the lever again to purge the wand, and wipe it clean immediately with a damp microfiber cloth.
You can turn the steam boiler on or off from the menu, or use the shortcut of pressing the right navigation button once during operation.

Step 6: Operating the machine in plumb-in mode

Ensure that you use the provided braided metal water supply line. Do not reuse an old water hose.
Line pressure must stay between 1 and 2 bar. If your supply can exceed 2 bar, install a pressure regulator and add a shut-off valve within easy reach.
We highly recommend installing a filtration and softening system with a pressure regulator between your machine and your water source. For most home users, our single-stage filtration and softening system is sufficient. For home users with very to extremely hard water, the two-stage commercial water softening and filtration system is a better choice.
Follow the steps below to use the Technika VI in plumb-in mode:
1. Connect the braided line to the water connection nozzle on the underside of the machine, then connect the other end to your water supply.
2. Turn the rotary valve on the underside of the machine so it points outward.
3. Enable Advanced User Settings, open the Tank Mode menu, and set it to OFF to switch the machine into plumb-in mode.
4. Run roughly 5-8 liters of water through the machine before pulling your first shot.
If you are unsure about your plumbing connection, have a qualified professional install the machine.

If you need help dialing in your equipment or pulling shots, check out the articles below or contact our team of coffee experts and technicians. Our phone consultations and post-purchase dial-in support are here to help you get the most out of your machine.