La Marzocco Linea Mini vs ECM Synchronika

Want to know whether you should pick the La Marzocco Linea Mini or ECM Sychronika?

You’re on the right page. In this guide, we’ll be comparing and contrasting the La Marzocco Linea Mini vs ECM Sychronika.

Keep reading, and you’ll learn:

• Aspects the Linea Mini and Synchronika share and what they mean for you
• What differs between these machines and how they affect you
• Pricing information to help you with your decision
• What else you should determine to help you pick the right espresso machine

Quick Summary

La Marzocco Linea Mini

 

A massive 3.5-liter steam boiler makes the La Marzocco Linea Mini the king of homemade lattes and cappuccinos. If you want to make tons of milk-based drinks from home, this is the one for you.

ECM Synchronika

As an optional direct-connect or pour-over machine with cool touch steam wands, the ECM Synchronika is particularly forgiving for novices. This is the perfect espresso machine for those just getting into the world of espresso.

Similarities

Double Boiler Systems

If you want to make a lot of milk-based drinks from home, you’ll most likely want an espresso machine that can brew your shot and steam your milk at the same time.

Simultaneous steaming and brewing makes sure your milk and espresso are as fresh as possible when they’re combined. This is simple to achieve with either the Linea Mini or Synchronika, which have double boiler systems.

Within both these espresso machines, you’ll find one steaming boiler and one brewing boiler. One of the greatest things about this design is that it means you’re getting a lot of steam power.

Neither of these espresso machines will shy away from continuous milk frothing when you need to make a few drinks in a row.

Rotary Pumps

Have you ever had to shout your order over the counter top at a coffee shop because of the loud equipment?

You won’t have this issue with the Linea Mini or the Synchronika. Both of them use rotary pumps which are notoriously quiet.

On top of that, they’re extremely durable. Repairs on these rotary pumps will be few and far between.

Metal Tampers

If you’ve ever been pleasantly surprised by little bonuses coming with your purchase, you’ll love the metal tampers that the Linea Mini and Synchronika come with.

For starters, these tampers look good. They round off the shining metallic appearances of the machines well.

Beyond that, the tampers are incredibly solid. You’ll easily be able to apply the proper pressure for tamping your grounds.

Cup Warmers

You may have seen baristas pouring hot water into empty cups before.

The reason they do this is to keep the cups heated prior to pouring in your drink. Otherwise, if you pour a drink into a cold cup, it cools down much more quickly.

You’ll be able to prolong the warmth of your drinks at home by using the Linea Mini’s and Synchronika’s cup warmer shelves. On top of both the machines, you’ll find a flat shelf.

In addition to heating your mugs, this shelf functions as a storage space. You can store a few of your favorite mugs right on top of your espresso machine, opening up room elsewhere.

Semiautomatic Machines

The Linea Mini and Synchronika are semiautomatic espresso machines. This is the machine type often preferred by espresso experts.

Why? Simply because of the amount of control they grant their users.

Those using a semiautomatic espresso machine get to start and stop the extraction process on their own. Since the duration of the extraction has a huge impact on flavor, this lets you exert total influence over the flavor of each shot.

Aside from control, using a semiautomatic machine is perfect for growing your own barista talent. Once you master a semiautomatic espresso machine, you’ll be making drinks with the best of them.

Stainless Steel Construction

Do you like the look of gleaming stainless steel?

Then you’ll love the way the Linea Mini and Synchronika look. With shiny stainless steel cases, these machines each exude a polished feel that would blend in to just about any kitchen.

Of course, the stainless steel is also durable to promote their longevity. You can rest assured that either the Linea Mini or the Synchronika will be long-lasting.

Differences

Appearance

Although the Linea Mini and Synchronika are each constructed from stainless steel, there are still marked differences in their appearances.

The Synchronika has straight vertical side panels that give it a sturdy, square profile. Its face is constructed entirely from gleaming stainless steel, with slender steam and hot water arms on either side giving it an air of elegance.

With side panels that slant inward, the Linea Mini has an especially sleek and slimmed-down look. Its paddle calls to mind a classic kind of style that would look great in kitchens with a vintage aesthetic.

Water Tank Size

Since both the Linea Mini and the Synchronika can be used as pour-over machines, you’ll need to consider their water tanks.

When the water level runs low, you’ll have to add more to the tanks. If you’re planning on using your espresso machine a lot, it will be better for you in the long run if you don’t need to refill it constantly.

Sporting an ample 2-liter reservoir, the Linea Mini won’t require water too often.

But the tank on the Synchronika is 50% larger, with a 3-liter capacity. If refills wouldn’t be constant on the Linea Mini, then you’ll have to worry about them interrupting you even less frequently here.

Boiler Sizes

Generally speaking, the larger your boiler, the more powerful your espresso machine.

When it comes to steam power, the Linea Mini beats the competition in this comparison. Its steam boiler is an amazing 3.5 liters, while its brew boiler is .17 liters.

On the other hand, the Synchronika’s steam boiler is 2 liters, and its brew boiler is .75 liters.

If you’re a fan of milk-based espresso drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, you’ll appreciate the Linea Mini’s massive steam boiler. However, the Synchronika’s boilers are also more than sufficient for the average home.

ECM Synchronika No-Burn Steam and Hot Water Arms

No-burn steam and hot water arms on the ECM Synchronika are built to guarantee your comfort no matter how long you use the espresso machine.

Just like their name implies, they stay at a moderate temperature even during extended use. You won’t get burnt no matter how long you spend at the counter brewing and steaming beverages.

Another great thing about the steam and hot water arms is that it makes the machine safer for your home if you have children or animals around that might accidentally touch it. No one will be hurt by the steam and hot water arms on this machine.

La Marzocco Linea Mini Barista Lights

One of the things you’ll need to do to make the perfect espresso is to visually monitor it as it’s being extracted.

If the lighting in the environment is poor or you otherwise can’t see very well, you might need to hunch over a bit to see the espresso. This isn’t the case with the Linea Mini, because it has lights right by the group head.

In addition to lighting your workspace so you can watch the espresso, the barista lights keep you from spilling or making messes as you use the machine, since you’ll always be able to see clearly.

ECM Synchronika Optional Direct-Connect or Pour-Over

Because of its direct-connect convertibility, the ECM Synchronika is an espresso machine that can grow with you.

For situations where it will be extensively used, you can set it up as a plumbed-in machine. When it’s plumbed in, it will resupply itself with water whenever necessary because it will be connected to your water line.

That keeps you from having to deal with refilling the water tank yourself. It’s the ideal setup for beginners who don’t know much about espresso machines and their maintenance.

But if you can’t connect it to a water line, or you need to move the espresso machine, you can use it in its pour-over configuration. Because it won’t be hooked up to a water line then, you’ll need to refill it yourself as it empties.

The benefit to this setup is that’s mobile. Since it’s not connected to a water supply, it can work from anywhere you need it to.

La Marzocco Linea Mini Integrated Group

You can protect your espresso from random temperature fluctuations even more with the Linea Mini.

That’s because of its integrated group head, which is connected to the boiler. Because the water doesn’t have to go far before reaching the espresso grounds, there’s less of a risk of heat being lost.

Accordingly, you get the greatest amount of temperature stability available.

ECM Synchronika Shot Timer

Time is of the essence when it comes brewing espresso, and you can ensure your timing is on point using the ECM Synchronika’s shot timer.

With some other espresso machines, you might need to purchase a separate timer and attach it or keep it near the machine. You won’t need to do it with the Synchronika, as it has an integrated timer of its own.

No more fussing with a separate timer or having to use your smartphone.

La Marzocco Linea Mini Paddle Operation

With most espresso machines, you’ll usually find they’re controlled with buttons or levers. This is where the Linea Mini is truly unique, because it’s operated with a paddle.

Simply move the paddle from left to right to begin and end the extraction of your espresso. In this way, you have total control over the brew cycle.

Moreover, the paddle gives the Linea Mini a classic sort of look you won’t find in many other places.

ECM Synchronika E-61 Commercial Brew Group

E-61 commercial brew groups, like the one used on the ECM Synchronika, are preferred by many because you get two benefits with them automatically,

First, you get an increased level of thermal stability. That’s because group heads in this category continuously circulate water from the boiler to the group head, eliminating any cold pockets.

Second, you’ll have automatic pre-infusion. Automatic pre-infusion increases the overall quality of your espresso by erasing any errors caused by tamping.

Because of this, the Synchronika is a remarkably forgiving machine that could work well for espresso novices.

La Marzocco Matching Milk Pitcher

As an added bonus, you’ll get a La Marzocco branded milk pitcher with the Linea Mini.

It may not make the most difference, but it’s a nice touch that matches with your espresso machine.

Also, it takes you one step closer to making your favorite lattes or cappuccinos without needing to buy a milk pitcher of your own.

Pricing Considerations

Majesty Coffee works hard to offer our customers the most competitive prices online so that anyone can find their perfect espresso machine.

We currently do not have the ECM Synchronika or La Marzocco Linea Mini on our site. You may find them with other online retailers, but please note that the price may differ between various sellers.

Which One Should You Pick?

Either the La Marzocco or the ECM model would be a good fit for a home. So when it comes to picking one of them, you should pause to determine your personal preferences, budget, and how you plan to use your espresso machine.

Would you prefer having the ability to go back and forth between pour-over and direct-connect on your machine? Then the ECM Synchronika will be a good choice, due to its plumb-in convertibility.

Are you going to make a lot of milk-based espresso beverages, like lattes? Consider the La Marzocco Linea Mini’s huge steam boiler, which will make frothing milk a dream.

Think about the style of your espresso machine, too. Because purchasing one is quite an investment, it’s worth getting a model that matches with your decorations at home.

The ECM Synchronika is a fantastic selection here in homes with many stainless steel appliances because of its gleaming face. On the flipside, the La Marzocco Linea Mini is available in numerous color options, so it can blend in to a range of color schemes.

Here’s our conclusion:

The ECM Synchronika is a wonderful investment for beginners who need a forgiving espresso machine. That’s because of its E-61 commercial brew group with automatic pre-infusion and its ability to be used as a pour-over or direct-connect machine.

But get the La Marzocco Linea Mini if you need an espresso machine that can power through frothing milk like nobody’s business. Its humongous steam boiler and barista lights will make putting together milk-based drinks simple.

We do not carry either the Sychronika or the Linea Mini in our store. If you're drawn to the Linea Mini, though, take a look at the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II in our store. It's small, has a dual boiler design, and adjustable volumetric dosing. 

You can also view our complete La Marzocco collection for other La Marzocco espresso machines.