Re: silvia vs imat mokita
I believe that the two machines under consideration have 3-way valves for rapid operation and similar boiler volumes (300 ml), and both are brass boilers. The real differnece is that the Silvia uses a commercial 58 mm portafilter, and so can use aftermarket filter baskets. But this may never be a concern. The Silvias portafilter is also heavier. As for the steam wand, the Silvias is probably the best in this class of machine. Contact Mal on this forum about the steam wand, as he has a Mokita.
Otherwise, read the reviews of these machines and their plusses and minuses here:
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/july2002.html
and here,
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/comparison.html
Thats about as much information as anyone is going to give you.
The Silvia is clearly the more robust machine with a very good resale value. However, you really do need a grinder capable of grinding fine enough and uniformly enough for good espresso. A good domestic grinder comparison is found here,
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/september2002.html
I use a Gaggia MDF, which does the job quite well. I do want to upgrade, but not because the grinder is not capable, but for other reasons that dont affect the coffee. The MDF can be had for $250 if you can drive a bargain, which is the same price as the Lux. Generally, you can find a suitable grinder for around $300.
I believe that the two machines under consideration have 3-way valves for rapid operation and similar boiler volumes (300 ml), and both are brass boilers. The real differnece is that the Silvia uses a commercial 58 mm portafilter, and so can use aftermarket filter baskets. But this may never be a concern. The Silvias portafilter is also heavier. As for the steam wand, the Silvias is probably the best in this class of machine. Contact Mal on this forum about the steam wand, as he has a Mokita.
Otherwise, read the reviews of these machines and their plusses and minuses here:
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/july2002.html
and here,
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/comparison.html
Thats about as much information as anyone is going to give you.
The Silvia is clearly the more robust machine with a very good resale value. However, you really do need a grinder capable of grinding fine enough and uniformly enough for good espresso. A good domestic grinder comparison is found here,
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/september2002.html
I use a Gaggia MDF, which does the job quite well. I do want to upgrade, but not because the grinder is not capable, but for other reasons that dont affect the coffee. The MDF can be had for $250 if you can drive a bargain, which is the same price as the Lux. Generally, you can find a suitable grinder for around $300.

to imat owners on the score of the steam pipe. I guess the steam pipes as fitted to each are different, it’s not every day you go unscrewing turbofrother attachments to have a look inside…thanks for your input on the imat Maurice.
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