ECM S-Automatik 64

Kevohere

Hi fellow Cremas.

I have found myself in the market to upgrade my Mazzer Mini and was seriously keen on a Macap M4D.

One retailer suggested I look at the ECM Automatik 64.
Quote: "The ECM S-Automatik 64 has better specs than the M4D (64mm burrs versus 58), looks better (IMHO) and so far, every blend and SO we have put through it has had better

Koffee_Kosmo

I once owned a Macap M4D and found it a capable clean grinder After a while I used it on manual as programming didn't keep up with my bean changes Sorry I haven't seen the ECM so can't advise I have a Bezzera Strega as well and a BNZ MD74 conical to feed it Result is superb coffee KK

samuellaw178

No direct experience with the above two grinders. But there're some videos on Youtube. ECM grinds faster and less clump, but tends to dose to the front of pf. Macap grinds slower and had a tendency to clump (don't believe it affects taste though). Macap seems to have a good track record in Aussie, and so probably a better resale value in case you want to upgrade again. ECM is the new kid I believe. Between the two I'd probably go for Macap for the mentioned reason. If you're in for the taste upgrade, I just did a Rosco Mini(38mm conical) to K6 (64mm flat) to K10(68mm Conical). Worth it in my opinion and I can definitely taste the difference. The jump from Mazzer Mini to another flat is mostly on the ergonomics side, if that's what you're up to then you're on the right track. Note if you're getting big grinder like the BNZ or K10, you gotta do the chute-brushing or be ready to purge about 10g of coffee to rid of stale grind. I brush the chute because I don't like purging (waste). The rentention is pretty low(0.1-0.4g) when I do it this way. If it's for milk drink, then forget everything I said. Lol. The subtleties will mostly be covered by the milk so the 'advantage' of ECM is a moot point anyway.

steve82

I have an M4D, I would say that it tastes pretty similar, (slightly brighter) to any other flat burr grinder I have owned. Still, more bass and less high notes and clarity than a large conical (from my own personal experience). Its very quick and I love the electronic dosing, very accurate at spitting out the same dose (within half a gram) until you change beans or different blend ect and it will need a slight adjustment. Reading the specs of ECM, the M4D still looks like it might be ever so slightly faster grinding speed. Would you taste extra $$$ 64mm flat verses 58mm ?? definitely not in milk, maybe in an espresso diluted to long black. Blind? In the end they prob are very similar, so go with what ever floats ya boat more.

conikal

If you are seriously looking at 1.3 -$1.4k grinders, this is a lot of choice beyond those two.

cosmic_couple22

Lots of happy M4D owners out there, and lots of great feedback on other forums. All grinders have some retention and this debate is always blown well out of proportion IMHO. Quick purge = what 10cents money well spent for a great coffee. Tried and tested or the little less known? ECM are not a bad company when I checked out their commercial equipment but still not quite there yet was my final decision. 1 vote for the M4D, what about a Kony E perfect no more upgrades needed home grinder :stir >😃 Chester

Jetblack_Espresso

I'll "out" myself as the source of the original quote. We've been testing this new grinder for a month now and it does everything ECM claims. It's fast, clean, quiet, retains very little coffee in the ground coffee path and for all of the different coffees we've put through it, it really shines. For anyone considering a Mazzer Mini Electronic or Macap M4D put the ECM on your short list and give it a run. We've got all 3 on our demo bench for those nearby, charlie

Kevohere

Thanks to ALL that have aired their views and ideas on this subject. Funnily enough, I posted a similar message on the other forum about an hour before this one and up until now, the response has been nil, zilch, zero. THAT situation certainly tells me something! :head: Charlie at JB it seems, is well clued up on the performance and results of the ECM that he has conveyed to me. I am thankful for that and ATM prefer the ECM based on his and other (web) info I've sourced. :thumb: Like all things expensive, I do like to "shop" for advice and info before taking the plunge. Out of all this, it seems karma may have smiled upon me with a "nice" opportunity presenting itself via this site. I will reveal all, if and when it it comes to fruition. ;D Again all, Thanks for the input folks.

Brett_H

Well now we need pictures when exciting things happen!! I like the impartiality of this forum... Glad it helped Kevo!

noidea

Kevohere wrote:

Funnily enough, I posted a similar message on the other forum about an hour before this one and up until now, the response has been nil, zilch, zero. THAT situation certainly tells me something! :head:

I hang out at the other site and had just read your post there, All that it tells me is that like most things there if it hasn't been blessed by one of the chosen few there then it can't be any good. But saying that they only seem to bless what they sell.......

conikal

That other site is odd...it seems to use a unique language that can only be understood if you read between the lines, and ignore normal logic. But I believe you get a translation course if you buy a Rocket espresso machine ! :thumb:

Brett_H

conikal wrote:

That other site is odd...it seems to use a unique language that can only be understood if you read between the lines, and ignore normal logic. But I believe you get a translation course if you buy a Rocket espresso machine ! :thumb:

I think you're very astute!

Kevohere

Pardon me for mentioning "that other site"! :🙂 :🙂 As I see it there can be personal issues with ANY forum, including this one. Doesn't take much here to get off topic. We're all human and unfortunately when dealing with humans, there can and will be "issues". :doh: :head: Our mission in life is to accept that. Acknowledge the good, ignore the bad and get on with it I say. :coffee2: Getting things back into perspective. I have overlooked both the Macap and ECM to procure a BNZ just posted on "that other site". Pick it up Monday morning. That "nice opportunity" I had mentioned in my last post was for a BNZ from a Crema member referral which almost came off with only the distance and the emerging of the closer deal, swaying my choice. ^-^ Many thanks to all Crema members for their input here and PMs. :thumb: Kevo

steve82

Kevohere wrote:

Acknowledge the good, ignore the bad and get on with it I say. Getting things back into perspective. I have overlooked both the Macap and ECM to procure a BNZ just posted on "that other site". Pick it up Monday morning.

Awesome, let us know how you enjoy the overall more enjoyable grind of a large conical. Personally I think if you can only have one grinder for the home make it of this variety. Much better upgrade and noticalble difference than the proposed sideways movement.

cosmic_couple22

Fantastic Kevohere, much better as stated above a true upgrade and along the lines of my kony suggestion. I love my BNZ its just such a stable grind across a variety of different beans when I use it. I'm a quick purge with a few beans- dose out the waste - then a weighed 21 grams dropped in close the chute and grind away for the 22gram vst basket. Only charge up the Robur E if we have a big group coming for coffee visitor list. Congrats again Chester

Brett_H

I have a big conical and I have no use for my other grinders (save for locational reasons). Great choice Kevo!

Kevohere

Thanks for the encouragement Steve, Chester and Brett. Time to end this thread by declaring the BNZ is here, on the bench (in the garage be it may) ready for a strip, check and clean. ;. I will jump across to the LCGOC thread soon with details and as I expect, possibly some questions to the experienced as I tune in this monster. :🙂 Kevo