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Just ordered my new Silvia... what next?

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  • #31
    The Cafelat GROUPHEAD BRUSH. 58mm is very handy and fast for Miss Silvia or any E-61 Group for that matter.

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    • #32
      Originally posted by Tridoros View Post
      The Cafelat GROUPHEAD BRUSH. 58mm is very handy and fast for Miss Silvia or any E-61 Group for that matter.
      Or simply perform the PF jiggle after every session, cleans things up nicely, particularly if you use a blind filter basket.

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      • #33
        Originally posted by blend52 View Post
        Using a decent digital probe attached next to the working thermostat on a Silvia will show that the temperature can be any where in the range of 85 C to 118C,..and whilst you can "estimate" the actual temp at any given time in the cycle, you will be lucky to get within 5 C of repeatability.
        Why bother "estimating" when for $20 you can see what temp to start brewing.
        The brass group will help stabilize the brew temp somewhat, but a few deg C can be the difference between a great shot and a "bitter disappointment".
        The temperature you're measuring is an external boiler temperature and not the brew water temperature at the screen. Then you can add the portafilter acting like a heatsink if not preheated in the same manner.............

        I use a consistent routine that seems to work for me most of the time. Even when I get a little slack I enjoy discovering the different flavor nuances I get from slight variations in routine and occasionaly discover something quite unexpected. As we roast a variety of different beans, finding what works best for each is an on-going excercise batch to batch, roast to roast...........

        The only thing that really matters in the end is the flavor in the cup and whether it satisfys your needs (I would suggest?).

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        • #34
          Originally posted by MrSnrub View Post
          I also picked up a Breville Smart Grinder from The Good Guys today for $160. Very little negotiation required. See pic sitting next to my old machine that I'm disassembling to fix as a spare (maybe give it to my parents).
          Can you tell me which good guys? my local gave me a bad look when I suggested that price?

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          • #35
            Good Guys, Chatswood (Sydney).

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            • #36
              >>This also explains why I've been seeing breadmakers for sale in the hardware section. I was very confused for a while!

              For Coretto I've used my old breadmaker which had heater blown away. It was programmable so that I did not had to change electrics (just set a program to rotate for 30 mins).
              Used my old heat gun.
              So, it did not cost me a cent to set up a coretto - not until I've added temperature sensor.

              I would not purchase a new breadmaker - get an old one , can find one for free from Pay It Forward

              If you do want to spent money on that - I would rather save and buy the proper roaster later.

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              • #37
                Originally posted by CafeLotta View Post
                The temperature you're measuring is an external boiler temperature and not the brew water temperature at the screen. .
                sure, but there has been endless testing done to establish the temperature "offsett" between the boiler surface temp and the brew water temp at the puck.. Its well understood.

                Originally posted by CafeLotta View Post
                The only thing that really matters in the end is the flavor in the cup and whether it satisfys your needs (I would suggest?).
                Fully agree.
                Temp/time surf vs temperature display?.... Having used both, ..i know which one i find more consistent and easier
                ..and for $20 its a "no brainer".

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                • #38
                  Originally posted by viktor View Post

                  If you do want to spent money on that - I would rather save and buy the proper roaster later.
                  I certainly wouldn't, my Coretto will do everything a "proper roaster" will do and more, in fact after reading through numerous threads it seems to me those that use "proper roasters" have more than their share of problems.

                  The Coretto also handles larger batches.

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                  • #39
                    Lots of good advice here.

                    My two beans worth, I am in full agreement that priority one is dispensing with the plastic tamper which really is unbecoming for Rancilio. (Presumably its hasn't changed from when I bought mine some years back)

                    To PID or not to PID, that is the question .

                    I like gadgets which are both fun and functional. That's why I installed an Auber PID on mine. The thermocouple still has to attach somewhere, probably on the boiler, so the reading will be what the thermocouple senses at that surface spot, not what is emerging at the group.

                    Still worth it in my opinion if you are handy with wiring.

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                    • #40
                      yep, I've also PIDed my Silvia recently with Auber kit.
                      I am ok with wires but have no idea about electronics. Took me three hours of following the instruction (including the cleanup of the machine). Do not need to be too smart and it all works.
                      Since then I have no worries about when to brew, it is really much more comfortable with PID - and I had no misses on espresso quality since then.

                      Temperature sensor is better than surfing - but with PID machine starts heating water as soon as you started brew.
                      So, if PID shows 103 in the beginning of the brew - it might be 92 or so in the end.
                      Temperature sensor on other hand would allow you to pick up correct starting temperature - but still while brewing the temperature will drop by 30 degrees (versus 10-12 with PID).
                      So, if you are handy with electronics - $20 temperature sensor is good to have... but if you are doing a lot of espressos - then PID ($200) is much better option.

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                      • #41
                        Originally posted by viktor View Post
                        So, if you are handy with electronics - $20 temperature sensor is good to have... but if you are doing a lot of espressos - then PID ($200) is much better option.
                        Just to add a little to the above, there are 3 options i have used...
                        Digital temp sensor and display......$15 ..(J Car)
                        Electronic temp controller ( +_ 1 Deg C ) with digital display ..$20 .(.Ebay)
                        Full PID controller with display and SSR ...$30 ( Ebay)

                        If you have the know how and time, its cheap and easy.

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                        • #42
                          Originally posted by blend52 View Post
                          Temp/time surf vs temperature display?.... Having used both, ..i know which one i find more consistent and easier
                          ..and for $20 its a "no brainer".
                          Better get myself one of those new fandangled temperature thingees so I'll really know when I've made a good brew

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                          • #43
                            Just received word that a package arrived at my Mrs' work this morning.
                            Looks like our new baby has arrived! Unboxing pictures and maybe a video of me pulling my first shot to follow this arvo.
                            By the way, I purchased myself a new tamper, back flush chemical and knock box a few days ago. Thanks to you guys for the heads-up on the shoddy plastic one!
                            in addition to this, in the pipeline I'll be having a go at making a home made tamper. My old man is a fitter/turner and wants to give it a go on his lathe (easy job compared to what he used to do).

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                            • #44
                              Originally posted by CafeLotta View Post
                              Better get myself one of those new fandangled temperature thingees so I'll really know when I've made a good brew
                              When you have made a good brew , that " new fandangled temperature thingee" will let you know what temperature you actually used to make it...
                              ..so you can do it again............ without guessing !

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                              • #45
                                As promised, pics (click for bigger)! Video of my first shot was disgraceful. Will NOT be posting that.
                                Enjoy and thanks to all who helped. CafeLotta... I primed, primed, PRIMED!!!


























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