ECM PURISTIKA REVIEW: THE PURIST’S ESPRESSO MACHINE

The ECM Puristika is a unique addition to the prosumer market, making it an exciting machine to test and review.

Is your passion for espresso and only espresso? Why pay for a milk frothing system if you have no interest in a latte or cappuccino? That was ECM’s thinking when they designed the Puristika.

This sleek and stripped-down machine has exactly what you need to pull cafe-quality espresso shots with specialty coffee beans – and nothing more. It’s a smart way to cater to a particular audience with an affordable and compact design.

I’ve been testing the Puristika for several weeks now, and here are my honest thoughts on this machine. While it has plenty of charms, I can’t recommend it unreservedly.

The Full ECM Puristika Espresso Machine Review

Released in 2021, the Puristika is a relatively new ECM machine. So I’ll start by explaining what it is and why it’s so unusual before getting into the details of my experience – and how it stacks up against the competition.

How I Rated It

• Brewing Capability
• User Friendliness
• Build Quality
• Value For Money

4.1

• see on whole latte love

What Makes The ECM Puristika Unique?

The Puristika is a single boiler espresso machine with a 0.75-liter stainless steel boiler, a 1000-watt heating element, and a vibratory pump. It relies on the classic 58mm E61 group head, a popular choice for over 60 years thanks to its fantastic temperature stability (1). 

This machine is most notable for what it lacks – any kind of milk frothing system. There is no steam wand or hot water tap. It’s designed for the home barista who’s an espresso purist.

PID Temperature Control

The Puristika uses a PID for temperature control, a hallmark of higher-end models and an absolute necessity given its target audience.  It provides a more accurate and stable brew temperature than a pressure stat – a game-changer in the espresso world (2).

That level of control probably isn’t warranted if you’re brewing the same espresso blend every day, but this is a specialty coffee lover’s espresso machine. Adjusting the brew temperature is crucial to optimize the extraction of unique single origins, different bean varietals, and various roast levels.

Modulating Brew Pressure: Two Options

In an ingenious design decision, ECM parked the OPV expansion valve adjustment knob right on the front of the machine. Typically, it’s hidden beneath the cup warmer, behind the drip tray, or even deeper in the machine – requiring tools to access. 

By making it so accessible, the Puristika invites you to explore changing brew pressure to optimize extraction (3). Again, this indicates that this machine is targeted at specialty coffee fans.

The Puristika doesn’t come standard with flow control, but ECM developed an aftermarket flow control device suitable for any E61 group. It is easily added to this machine, which many sellers will do at no extra cost.

Using the ECM Puristika: Pros And Cons

Pulling a shot of espresso with the Puristika is identical to any semi-automatic prosumer machine with an E61 group. If you’re upgrading from a home espresso machine like a Breville or DeLonghi, there is a short learning curve, but it’s pretty straightforward.

The hardest part is preparing the portafilter. You’ll need to dial in the ideal grind size, distribute the grounds evenly in the filter, and tamp with the appropriate pressure – as with any espresso machine.

You can adjust the brew temperature, if desired, using the PID controller at the bottom left. It’s easily done with the two buttons. You can tweak the brew pressure using the adjustable expansion valve at the top right.

Then it’s as simple as inserting the portafilter and lifting the lever on the side of the group to start the shot. The display automatically converts to a shot timer as the pump kicks on. Lower the lever about 25 seconds later to stop the extraction.

New Faster Heat-Up Time!

E61 groups are notoriously slow to come to temperature, but recently, Profitec and ECM have added a fast heat-up system to many of their machines, the Puristika included. What it does is drastically overheat the boiler to heat the group faster. Once the group is hot, which takes about 10 minutes, the display prompts you to perform a cooling flush to lower the boiler to the ideal brew temperature.

I have to say, I’ve been incredibly impressed with this update. When I tested the original Puristika, it took about 20 minutes to be ready to brew. Now it takes 12 minutes, provided you perform the flush when requested.

Cleaning and Maintenance Needs

The cleaning and maintenance are the same as for any E61 espresso machine, and if you treat it right, your Puristika will far outlast the average kitchen appliance.

Use filtered water to keep the boiler and internal plumbing clean and ensure the best-tasting coffee. Daily, you need only keep the water reservoir topped up, empty the drip tray, and wipe down the exterior.

Less frequently, E61 groupheads all require regular maintenance, such as backflushing and greasing gaskets. This is detailed in the user’s manual, which I suggest you follow to enjoy a long life with your Puristika.

Premium Build Quality, Unique Design

Espresso makers by ECM are known for build quality, which is why they tend to be more expensive than similar models from other brands. Combining Italian tradition and German engineering, every component of the Puristika is thoughtfully designed. 

It is beautiful to look at and built to last. Most components are stainless steel, including the casing, frame, drip tray, and boiler, and it even comes with a high-quality metal tamper. The deep blue pressure gauge, rounded corners, sleek silver PID display, and anthracite housing are gorgeous and set this machine apart from the crowd.

Separate Water Tank

The Puristika is one of the most compact prosumer espresso machines on the market, measuring just 12.4” high by 7.7” wide by 13.7” deep. 

I thought it might be unwieldy having an espresso machine in two parts, but that is only the case if you’re moving it around a lot. Otherwise, the 2-liter external tank is more practical for refilling and allows more flexibility when arranging your space.

No Cup Warmer

The only design flaw is that the Puristika lacks a cup warmer. While the top gets warm from the boiler below, the surface is small, the edges are rounded, and it lacks rails. So you take your chances balancing mugs up there.

Is The Puristika Overpriced?

The price is my only real sticking point with this machine. I would love to say that by removing the option of milk steaming, ECM has created a super-affordable machine, but that’s hardly the case. At around $1600, it’s the same price as the ECM Classika, which also sports a PID, E61 group, and 0.75-liter boiler – and has a steam wand.

To make the Puristika a good-value buy, you need to (1) be certain you’re never going to want a milky drink and (2) intend to take full advantage of the OPV knob. And you probably want to be fond of its lovely design and unique separate water tank. 

I won’t say this machine is bad value because you’re definitely getting a premium piece of equipment for your dollars, but I will say that it has a very specific target market.

Don’t Buy the ECM Puristika If…

• You occasionally make milky drinks: Even if you’re mostly an espresso drinker, I’d still recommend a single-boiler, dual-use design if you think you might occasionally crave a cappuccino. The aforementioned ECM Classika PID is the obvious choice.
  
  Of course, if you regularly make milky drinks, it’s probably worth upgrading to a machine that can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously. Take a look at the heat-exchanger ECM Technika or the dual boiler ECM Synchronika.

• You want something more affordable: You pay a premium for ECM’s quality and design. If you’re looking for similar specs at a lower price, I’d steer you towards the Bezzera Unica (which also has a steam wand). 

Alternatively, I think the Profitec Go is one of the best machines under $1000. You lose the E61 group but keep the PID controller.

• You want something easier to use: If you’re looking more for a plug-and-play appliance than a scaled-down commercial-style machine, Breville is the go-to brand. The Breville Bambino Plus features a similarly compact design but offers automated dosing, milk frothing, and cleaning cycles – for about a third the cost.

The Verdict

The unique ECM Puristika is a fantastic choice if your priorities start and end with making the best espresso. This is an espresso machine for specialty coffee lovers. With impeccable control over brew temperature and pressure, you can optimize extraction for any exotic coffee that crosses your path. The fact that it’s beautifully engineered, tidily compact, and stunningly good-looking is just the cherry on top.

SEE ON WHOLE LATTE LOVE