ECM Technika VI Espresso Machine: User Manual

Please read carefully before operating your dual-boiler rotary pump espresso machine. Check out our website for specifications for the ECM Technika VI Espresso Machine, including accessories and other details. For setup information, please refer to the setup guide.

Getting Started: Water

Espresso machines have specific water requirements. There are two primary considerations: filtration and hardness. Please read about the importance of water in espresso to understand how it affects your espresso machine.

Note: It is essential to test, filter, and soften your water to reduce it to 35-85 ppm. Water in this range helps prevent scale and protects your machine over the long term. Reverse osmosis and distilled water lack sufficient mineral content and can cause issues with your machine.

Setup and Initial Start-Up

Place the machine on a stable, level, water-resistant surface that can support its weight. Plug it into a grounded 15-amp outlet. Fully unwind the power cable and do not use extension cords or power strips. If you have any concerns about your outlet or circuit, consult a certified electrician.

Before your first shot, prime and rinse the machine:

Fill the reservoir with fresh, softened water, or connect the machine to your water line if plumbing in.
Switch the machine on. When the "Fill" icon appears, place a container under the group head and move the brew lever up all the way for at least 30 seconds until water flows steadily from the group.
Return the brew lever to the starting (down) position. The steam boiler will then fill automatically. Wait until the pump noise stops.
Let the machine heat up. When your set brew temperature appears on the display, the machine is ready.
In reservoir mode, rinse the machine through 2 to 3 full reservoirs of fresh water before pulling your first shot. In plumb-in mode, run about 5-8 liters of water through the machine before your first shot.

Technical Details

Please see the spec table on our product page for a complete list of technical details.

When you are ready to start pulling shots, check out our Espresso 101 section to learn about steaming milk, latte art, our suggested starter espresso recipe, grinder dial-in tips, and much more.

Understanding the PID Display and Navigation Buttons

The PID on the Technika VI is operated using the two navigation buttons beside the OLED display.

To open the main menu, press and hold both navigation buttons together for about 3 seconds.
In the menu, use the left button to navigate submenus, and the right button to open a submenu or confirm a selection.
To change a setting, press the left or right button until the desired value appears, then wait about 5 seconds. The setting is applied automatically, and the display returns to the previous level.

There are also three shortcuts you can use while the machine is running, without opening the menu:

Press and hold the left button for 3 seconds to switch on ECO mode.
Press and hold the right button for 3 seconds to activate or deactivate pre-infusion.
Press the right button once to switch the steam boiler on or off.

Adjusting PID Settings

From the PID menu, you can adjust the brew temperature, steam boiler on/off, steam temperature, active and passive pre-infusion, ECO mode, cleaning reminders, filter change reminders, a daily on/off schedule, the clock, tank versus plumb-in mode, temperature unit, temperature offset correction, and fast heat-up.

A few defaults and ranges worth knowing:

Brew temperature is set to 92 C by default and is adjustable.
Steam temperature is set to 128 C by default and can be set between 115 C and 134 C.
ECO mode is on by default with a 90-minute countdown, adjustable up to 600 minutes in 30-minute steps. When ECO mode activates, the heating function turns off and the display goes dark while the machine stays powered on.
Coffee Offset Correction compensates for the small temperature drop between the boiler and the group head. It is set to +8 °C by default and can be adjusted from-10°C to +10 °C.
The temperature unit can be switched between C and F in the Advanced User Settings.

Note: The clock, schedule, timer, tank mode, temperature unit, offset correction, filter reminder, and fast heat-up all live under Advanced User Settings, which are hidden by default. To access them, open the main menu, select Advanced User Settings, and set it to ON.

Pre-Infusion

Pre-infusion gently moistens the coffee puck before full pressure extraction begins, which helps promote an even extraction. At the start of the shot the pump builds pressure for a set number of seconds (active phase), then pauses for a set number of seconds to let the water soak the puck (passive phase), before extraction continues at 9 bar. Both durations are adjustable in the Pre-infusion menu.

As a general guide, active pre-infusion is recommended when running in reservoir mode, since reservoir pressure alone is not enough to fully soak the puck. When plumbed into a water line, passive pre-infusion is recommended because line pressure is sufficient to moisten the puck on its own.

Fast Heat-Up Mode and the Flush

With Fast Heat-Up enabled, the Technika VI is 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 briefly overheats the machine to warm the group head quickly, so a short flush is needed to bring the group back down to your set brew temperature before pulling a shot:

When the "Flush" icon appears, place an empty container under the group head.
Move the brew lever into the drawing position. The display shows the flush duration in seconds.
When the "Ready Go" icon appears after about 6 to 7 seconds, return the brew lever to the starting position. The machine is now ready to brew.

You have about 60 seconds to perform this flush. If you do not, the machine lowers the boiler temperature on its own and the display will alternate between the "Flush" icon and the current brew temperature

Tip: Leave the portafilter locked in the group between shots so it stays hot. If it cools, warm it with a quick flush before your next shot, without coffee in the basket.

Using Flow Control

If your Technika VI is equipped with the E61 flow control paddle, the paddle has a full range of motion from fully closed on the left to fully open on the right. With the paddle fully open, the machine brews at normal 9-bar pressure. Do not push the paddle past the point where it stops against the machine's frame. If you are installing or recalibrating the paddle, please follow our flow control installation instructions.

Switching Between Reservoir and Plumb-In Mode

The Technika VI can run from its internal reservoir or be plumbed directly into a water line. To switch modes:

Enable Advanced User Settings, then open the Tank Mode menu. Set it to ON for reservoir mode or OFF for plumb-in mode.
Locate the rotary valve on the underside of the machine near the water connection nozzle. Point it toward the connection nozzle for reservoir mode, or toward the outside of the machine for mains water.
For plumb-in, connect the included metal hose to the water connection nozzle with the supplied gasket, then connect the hose to your water supply.

Line pressure must stay between 1 and 2 bar. If your supply can exceed 2 bar, a pressure reducer is required, and a shut-off valve should be installed within easy reach. We highly recommend filtration and softening between your machine and your water source. For most home users, the single-stage filtration and softening system is sufficient. For homes with very hard water, the commercial water softening and filtration system is a better choice. If you are unsure about your plumbing, have a qualified professional install the machine. For more on water quality, see our guide.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Daily: Rinse and wipe the portafilters, baskets, drip tray, grid, and cup riser with warm water and a soft cloth. Do not put these in the dishwasher. Wipe the steam and hot water wands after every use so residues do not dry on. Empty and clean the reservoir.
Every 4-6 weeks: Empty and refresh the boiler water by drawing it off through the hot water wand.
Every ~90 to 140 shots: Backflush the group head with the blind filter. Insert the blind filter, add an espresso machine cleaning detergent, lock the portafilter in, and run the brew lever into the drawing position until the gauge reads 9 bar. Repeat the cycle several times until the water runs clear, then run a plain water flush to rinse any detergent residue. Use only a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
The machine can remind you when it is time to clean the group head or replace the water filter. After completing either task, remember to reset the reminder in the Reset Reminder menu. For a deeper walkthrough, see our cleaning and maintenance guide.

Note: Backflushing too often with backflushing detergent can prematurely dry out the group head gaskets, causing squeaking. From time to time, backflush with the blind filter with plain water only, without cleaning powder, to clear coffee residue without over-degreasing.

Resetting the Machine

If the machine stops responding to inputs, you can reset it. Note that a reset clears all your custom settings, so you will need to run through the initial start-up again afterward.

Switch the machine off.
Press and hold the right navigation button.
While holding it, switch the machine back on.
Wait until the "Reset Done" icon appears, then release the button and switch the machine off.

Additional Resources

If you need help dialing in your equipment or pulling shots, check out the articles below or contact our coffee experts and technicians.