Hi Bern,
It probably depends how the newcomer tries to go about it, and what info they seek (and from whom they seek it). This is just a mug's observation, but it seems to me that a lot of people look for fairly exotic explanations of an ordinary shot, rather learning to grind /dose /tamp in a manner appropriate for their equipment / palate (I think we all do this to an extent...i slip into bad habits sometimes). I don't have a Silvia myself but a friend does, and he did a basic course (using his own machine and grinder) which gave him both the knowledge to dose correctly and the confidence to trust this knowledge. It was his experience in getting up and running and producing great coffee (for me) within about a week (and he only makes 2 a day) that got me interested in the whole shebang.
Cheers
BOSW
It probably depends how the newcomer tries to go about it, and what info they seek (and from whom they seek it). This is just a mug's observation, but it seems to me that a lot of people look for fairly exotic explanations of an ordinary shot, rather learning to grind /dose /tamp in a manner appropriate for their equipment / palate (I think we all do this to an extent...i slip into bad habits sometimes). I don't have a Silvia myself but a friend does, and he did a basic course (using his own machine and grinder) which gave him both the knowledge to dose correctly and the confidence to trust this knowledge. It was his experience in getting up and running and producing great coffee (for me) within about a week (and he only makes 2 a day) that got me interested in the whole shebang.
Cheers
BOSW

I also agree with Barry O'Speedwagon - do a training course. I had completely overlooked this, but it would be of most benefit. Perhaps if you do one at JetBlack Espresso (site sponsor), you can also look at their machines and decide what you're after. They'll train you on a decent machine that'll help you see what kind of features you'd like.
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