Originally posted by 647076766C60677062626464050 link=1217076577/49#49 date=1242565488
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Where do I start??
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Re: Where do I start??
NVM. Ive figured out how to steam with the 3 holes Silvia.. I moved the wand to side to early and was using too much angle. Works with the Breville but not on the Silvia mean steam machine.
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Re: Where do I start??
Benny, how you going with milk frothing? ... Im struggling pretty bad to get micro form with the silvia.. I can easily it with my old Breville but so much harder with this 3 holes wand.
, let me know if youve found the sweet spot..
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Re: Where do I start??
An hour later and barely 1/3 of those guides read, I have a long way to go. But some good information in there - the idea of centre cutting is interesting. I like the graph of the espresso colour space - this helps my understanding.
http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-guide_files/espresso_color_space.jpg
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Re: Where do I start??
Fantastic stuff - Im printing out the lot to read before I go to bed tonight.. Im looking forward to producing microfoam milk as a nightcap.
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Re: Where do I start??
They look OK from here "bh"....
It really doesnt come down to the "look" so much, more about how the espresso tastes and this should be your guide.
The aim, as always, is to practise your technique to ensure consistency so that the only variable you need to play with is the grind setting. Once youve got that sorted, adjust the grind setting until you can achieve shots that consistently fall within the ideal of the so-called Golden Rule. This a guideline of course but so long as your within the ballpark, you should notice the quality of your shots improve.... So long as youre using high quality, freshly roasted coffee that is.
More important than the specifics of the Golden Rule (30/60ml shots poured within 25-28 seconds for a Single/Double) is the colour and consistency of the shot stream. Stopping the shot before or at the first signs of the onset of Blonding is probably the most important thing to do. Some great info about all of this can be found here... http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-guide-skills.html Have a read through this and then practise the methodologies referred to....
All the best,
Mal.
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Re: Where do I start??
My first two cups after a few unsuccessful at using the machine - I suspect I did not have it in tight enough (water coming down the side) and some uneven tamping going on.. I used a scale to measure 15kgs of pressure with the grinder just over setting 10 as calibrated at Cosmorex. First two attempts here..
http://s671.photobucket.com/albums/vv71/helpmeobeonekenobe/Coffee%20Machine/
I am not satisfied with the crema on the first and was left with a distinct bitter taste, I suspect the tampering was uneven and draw too long.
http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv71/helpmeobeonekenobe/Coffee%20Machine/17052009227.jpg
Second cup - same thing... The brown crema is not a good sign? Any baristas out there who can offer some guidance?
http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv71/helpmeobeonekenobe/Coffee%20Machine/17052009228.jpg
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Re: Where do I start??
Congratulations "bh".... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Who ever said "Everything comes to those who wait." must have been talking about you mate. The journey to great coffee begins.
Happy brewing... ;D
Mal.
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Re: Where do I start??
Got it, after all this time!! Thanks to all on the forum! Got this from Cosmorex today - did the calibration and demonstration... Cant wait to make my first cup of coffee tomorrow morning (too late at night now - however tempting!)
http://s671.photobucket.com/albums/vv71/helpmeobeonekenobe/Coffee%20Machine/
My year long quest make progress! I will update the photo album and Youtube with pictures and images of my quest to barista perfection and will seek feedback on my technique from forum members..
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Re: Where do I start??
If you look over at the Jet black site ( http://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/s...nder-packages/ ) their Silvia/Rocky combo is on special for just over $1200. There probably will be a price rise soon with the 2009 model coming out (new look Portafilter + different steam tip)
P.S. It would definitely be worth getting the calibration as silvias generally come from the factory with way too high a pressure.
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Re: Where do I start??
About $1400 through one sponsor here for the combo.. Sound about right? I suppose that will require a tamper, etc so $1500 is what I should be bracing my wife for.
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Re: Where do I start??
Hi Benny,Originally posted by 23242F2F3829282D2D410 link=1217076577/38#38 date=1239011100So how much should I budget for a Rocky Grinder / Sylvia combo? This seems to be mentioned often in the CS forums so I am making an assumption this combination is something worth aiming for. I agree that support is required although I am willing to undertake a day barista course if that is sufficient to get me started.
Try your local sponsor. Many/most will be happy to throw an hours training and the bits and pieces youll need such as coffee, cleaner, blind filter basket, deep double filter basket into the package.
If youre going to shell out for a training course, you might find the numbers make sense and that you get a whole new level of support.
2mcm
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Re: Where do I start??
So how much should I budget for a Rocky Grinder / Sylvia combo? This seems to be mentioned often in the CS forums so I am making an assumption this combination is something worth aiming for. I agree that support is required although I am willing to undertake a day barista course if that is sufficient to get me started.
There are a tonne of sponsors to go through - any recommendations on a good value sponsor?
And am I on the right track with the Rancilio / Rocky combo?
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Re: Where do I start??
Hi bennyhill,Originally posted by 293E2E39282F3E295B0 link=1217076577/30#30 date=1217380293Bennyhill
WARNING: the ebay prices quoted for new SILVIAs are pretty much retail, despite the fact they suggest you are getting a better price.
Secondly, coffee machines combine high pressure, hot water and electricity and require a good understanding [skills] to get the best out of them.
Spend a bit of time browsing these forums and you will realise that our site sponsors give very good advice, support and backup.
You do need this with espresso machines.,,,will you get it from ebay?
Thirdly:
As a CSer you will get discounts from our site sponsors so you probably [ch65533]pay less than ebay too.
Many CS sponsors sell the Silvia and Rocky. All will provide you with a fair price and more importantly provide you with aftersales support as well.
You have clearly found the CS site helpful. CS sponsors provide the funds to keep the site running. Perhaps you might consider sending a little back their way? :-?
You will also receive a real tax invoice and there will be someone to support you if you should require warranty service. Keep in mind that you will generally get what you pay for. Dont just buy a box. A few $$ more might well be money well spent. It might be worth using the email all sponsors button over <<<<<<<< and at least give it a shot?
2mcm
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After putting my plans on hold for 9 months I now have the $$$ to get something and this looks good - what do you think? This forum convinced me that I would be better off waiting 9 months to get the funds to get something worthwhile than rush in to it. There is a 2008 model on eBay from coffee-a-roma combined with a Rocky Grinder for $1,220. But the 2009 model (naturally) looks better.
How much would Coffee Snobbers pay for a 2009 model Sylvia and Rocky Grinder?
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