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  • Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

    Hi all,

    This is my first post here (although I have been a long-time observer), after recently getting a brand new Silvia (another happy Di Bartoli customer - I highly recommend their service)! I have a Rocky grinder, though I had this for a few weeks before getting the Silvia. I previously had a Sunbeam Ristretto (I am on a student budget!) with un-pressurised baskets, but the upgrade to a Silvia has been amazing. I have a quick question though, regarding the flow of the espresso out of the group handle spouts.

    When I brew my shots, I extract 30mls in 30 seconds, and the espresso tastes great, although the flow isnt a constant steady stream. For example, every 5 seconds the stream will stop for half a second, and then continue. The flow is exactly the same out of both spouts (so both spouts stop and start at the same time). Is there a simple solution to this problem (e.g. grind finer and tamp less, or grinder coarser and tamp harder)? Or would this be a channelling problem? I do my 30ml shots with the double basket filled right to capacity (no water on the top of the puck when it is removed from the group head, and a nice bolt impression in the puck).

    Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

    Cheers,

    Anthony


  • #2
    Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

    Hi Anthony and welcome to CS!

    That kind of flow isnt a problem, and its actually what many would aim for! At the least it indicates your pour speed is about right. Fresh coffee will sometimes do that I find particularly if the grinds a bit coarse, when you get a fairly thick stream which stops and starts (which I think is due to the rate the gases can escape). But if youre getting the right volume, consistency and flavour, why change?

    Greg

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    • #3
      Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

      Its when the stream gushes out non-stop in 15 seconds you have to worry Caspa.

      --Robusto

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      • #4
        Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

        If it tastes good and the quantity and time are right, then what could be wrong? Most people new to a Silvia would envy you!
        All the best
        Brett

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

          Heh, yeah I guess I am probably overreacting! Thanks for all the replies everyone!

          I was just a little concerned - I am still getting a feel for the right balance between the coffee grind, dose amount, and tamping, and thought that I might be causing something that might be less than ideal for the perfect espresso. I just pulled a shot then with my grind a little finer, and the flow seems a bit more steady.


          Cheers,

          Anthony

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

            Originally posted by Caspa link=1184826905/0#0 date=1184826904
            When I brew my shots, I extract 30mls in 30 seconds, and the espresso tastes great, although the flow isnt a constant steady stream. For example, every 5 seconds the stream will stop for half a second, and then continue. The flow is exactly the same out of both spouts (so both spouts stop and start at the same time). Is there a simple solution to this problem (e.g. grind finer and tamp less, or grinder coarser and tamp harder)? Or would this be a channelling problem? I do my 30ml shots with the double basket filled right to capacity (no water on the top of the puck when it is removed from the group head, and a nice bolt impression in the puck).

            Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
            Are you intentionally pulling a ristretto? Normal output for a double basket/shot is 60ml in 25-30 seconds, not 30ml. If youre intentionally pulling a ristretto then what youre seeing sounds pretty normal.


            Java "Avoids restrictions whenever possible!" phile
            Toys! I must have new toys!!!

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

              Originally posted by Javaphile link=1184826905/0#5 date=1184853941

              Are you intentionally pulling a ristretto? Normal output for a double basket/shot is 60ml in 25-30 seconds, not 30ml. If youre intentionally pulling a ristretto then  what youre seeing sounds pretty normal.


              Java "Avoids restrictions whenever possible!" phile
              Yes I am intentionally pulling ristrettos. In fact, I havent pulled a real double in quite a while, so Ill try that and see if the flow is more normal.

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              • #8
                Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

                Originally posted by telemaster link=1184826905/0#3 date=1184831461
                If it tastes good and the quantity and time are right, then what could be wrong? Most people new to a Silvia would envy you!
                All the best
                Brett
                yep Im envious :-/

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Improving the espresso flow from my Silvia

                  I have recently puchased a Silvia, initially my shots were too rapid and runny, after setting the grinder to a finer setting and getting the tamp right my shots are pouring perfectly now with a good crema on top.
                  It took my a while to get my milk foaming method right, initially going too deep in the jug but now I am getting a pretty good microfoam.
                  Its a a steep learning curve after my Via Venezia.

                  cheers Greenman

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