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Disclaimer - the Quick Mill Rubino is exclusive to Cliff & Pebble in the United States.
Both are well price, good looking, draped in stainless steel. But which one is better for you? Do you really need PID temperature control? What is it, anyway? One doesn't have a hot water spout - should this matter to me? We answer all your questions below.
| ECM Classika PID | Quick Mill Rubino | |
| Price ($ USD) | from 1,449 | $1,575 |
| Made In | Germany | Italy |
| Height | 15.75 inches |
14.4 inches |
| Width | 9.84 inches | 10.8 inches |
| Depth | 17.75 inches | 17.7 inches |
| Weight | 46 pounds | 44 pounds |
| HOUSING | ||
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Drip Tray | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| WATER RESERVOIR | ||
| Plumbable | No | No |
| Capacity | 3 liters | 3 liters |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Low Water Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| BOILER | ||
| Design | Single Boiler | Heat Exchanger |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Copper |
| Capacity | 0.75 liters | 1.8 liters |
| Insulated | Yes | Yes |
| Heating Element | 1200 W | 1500 W |
| Automatic Fill | Yes | Yes |
| PUMP | ||
| Type | Vibratory | Vibratory |
| Recommended Brew Pressure | 9 bars | 9 bars |
| Adjustable | No | Yes (thermostat) |
| PID Temperature Control | ||
| Equipped? | Yes | No |
| GAUGES | ||
| Steam Pressure Gauge | No | Yes |
| Boiler Pressure Gauge | Yes | No |
| SHOT TIMER | ||
| Equipped? | Yes | No |
Perhaps the biggest difference between these two is the fact that one (Rubino) is a heat exchanger while the other (ECM) is not.
What is a heat exchanger, you ask?
A HX espresso machine refers to the design of the boiler. HX boilers allow that boiler to share heat between the brewing and steaming functions allowing you to perform both functions at the same time. So, on a HX like the Rubino you can brew shots of espresso and steam milk simultaneously saving yourself time when creating those lattes or cappuccinos.
Now, this isn't always something to pay attention to. For example, if you're someone who won't be making drinks with milk and solely prefer straight shots of espresso - a HX isn't necessary. But, if you plan on steaming milk, a HX boiler is a massive upgrade.
Edge to ECM here with the stainless steel boiler vs. copper of the Rubino.
It should be noted that Quick Mill does use T.E.A. coating on all their boilers to reduce leaching (breakdown of materials) severely expanding the lifespan of their boilers.
Other than the above, stainless steel boilers have proven to last longer, and hold heat more efficiently than copper.
Both boiler are insulated to keep the noise level down.
The Rubino, however, has a much larger boiler (more than 2x the ECM). This means less time refilling.
What is PID?
PID allows you to control the temperature in the boiler with the simple touch of a button. If you want to experiment with temperatures and how it effects certain beans, PID is something you want. If you find yourself never using it - don't pay attention to whether or not a machine has PID.
We've found people spend way too much time focusing on PID. I've personally had a machine with it and never adjusted it once. Not one single time. Still, it is nice to have it there and that's the way to think about it. It's a conveniency. Not a necessity. As long as you give the Rubino sufficient time to heat up, PID is not needed.
If you're an Americano or tea lover, scratch the ECM Classika PID off your list. It does not have a hot water spout. The Rubino, on the other hand, does.
Not a huge deal and it actually makes the ECM dimensions slimmer than the Rubino (which is already a fairly compact espresso machine).
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