Well I got my Silvia/Rocky. Yey!!
Even though Im nowhere near a perfect shot, not only does it taste a million times better than my Saeco Magic, it also produces a lot stronger coffee! I used to make two double shots every morning from my Saeco, for my breakfast, now one double shot tastes a lot better - I think two of those would make me stand on my head! ;D
Now I have some very newbie questions.
1. After experimenting for hours, still can’t get my dose/tamp right. I have finally managed to get a 60ml shot with 15gr coffee in 25 seconds, (using the double filter) but the puck is not dry although the screw impression left in the puck is clearly defined. Not sure what that means? Too fine, too coarse? The sites I’ve found telling me that a wet puck is a bad thing, (not that I didn’t already know that :
) don’t really offer a solution. Sometimes, but not every time, water comes running off the sides as well. This, btw, was happening to the coffee shop owner who sold me the machine, as he was demonstrating it with his machine. He thought it was caused my too much coffee, but I use the same amount every time.
This brings me to my next (or same? :-X) problem. I get the dose right, make my shot and drink it, feeling very proud of myself. ;D Next time, using the same grind and amount (yes, I actually weigh it – hopefully I will get used to the right quantity by sight eventually!
) the result changes. Way more than the 60ml shot, usually.
Again, a connected question. Having Googled Silvia, I read all these differing opinions. One site says that leaving the machine on overnight (although not good for one’s electric bill ;D and will lead to faster deterioration of the group gasket) definitely improves the shot. Another site says NEVER to leave it on for longer than an hour! I haven’t left it on overnight, but definitely have for longer than an hour. Am I killing my Silvia??? :-/
2. The Coffee shop guy told me it is better not to take the water tank out – take the water to it. Shouldn’t one empty it and fill it with fresh water once a day or so?
3. While on the subject of water. He warned me not to wet the grinder. I thought he must think I’m and idiot.
However, now that I’m using it… Every time I do the preheating thing (letting water run out without coffee in the portafilter, water splashes everywhere, including the side of the Rocky. (I have one of those drawers they sit on) Is there a trick on how to stop it from splashing? I am trying to think where to get some kind of plastic shield from, to shield the Rocky, but surely, there must be an easier way?
Oh, another thing on water. I have noticed that sometimes water runs out from somewhere. It seems to collect under the left side back leg of the Silvia – great big puddle of it. I think it happens when I fill up the tank, maybe I overfill it? I did fill it close to the top, but certainly not completely to the top.
4. Another thing I’m a bit confused about: is Espresso Cleaner the same as descaler?
PS. In case youre wondering, Im not using the Silvias plastic tamp, I have a s/s one.
PPS I also read somewhere (by Alan Frew, now cant find it) something about switching it on for 3 seconds, turning it off for 5, then start the shot. Thats the only place Ive seen that. Any thoughts on that?

Now I have some very newbie questions.
1. After experimenting for hours, still can’t get my dose/tamp right. I have finally managed to get a 60ml shot with 15gr coffee in 25 seconds, (using the double filter) but the puck is not dry although the screw impression left in the puck is clearly defined. Not sure what that means? Too fine, too coarse? The sites I’ve found telling me that a wet puck is a bad thing, (not that I didn’t already know that :

This brings me to my next (or same? :-X) problem. I get the dose right, make my shot and drink it, feeling very proud of myself. ;D Next time, using the same grind and amount (yes, I actually weigh it – hopefully I will get used to the right quantity by sight eventually!

Again, a connected question. Having Googled Silvia, I read all these differing opinions. One site says that leaving the machine on overnight (although not good for one’s electric bill ;D and will lead to faster deterioration of the group gasket) definitely improves the shot. Another site says NEVER to leave it on for longer than an hour! I haven’t left it on overnight, but definitely have for longer than an hour. Am I killing my Silvia??? :-/
2. The Coffee shop guy told me it is better not to take the water tank out – take the water to it. Shouldn’t one empty it and fill it with fresh water once a day or so?
3. While on the subject of water. He warned me not to wet the grinder. I thought he must think I’m and idiot.

Oh, another thing on water. I have noticed that sometimes water runs out from somewhere. It seems to collect under the left side back leg of the Silvia – great big puddle of it. I think it happens when I fill up the tank, maybe I overfill it? I did fill it close to the top, but certainly not completely to the top.
4. Another thing I’m a bit confused about: is Espresso Cleaner the same as descaler?
PS. In case youre wondering, Im not using the Silvias plastic tamp, I have a s/s one.
PPS I also read somewhere (by Alan Frew, now cant find it) something about switching it on for 3 seconds, turning it off for 5, then start the shot. Thats the only place Ive seen that. Any thoughts on that?
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