Brousing this web site is expensive, it just cost me $639, but for that i got a shiny new Rancilio Silvia (Mocopan). So my first question is (the manual is pretty useless), do I need to empty the boiler everytime I switch her off, and if so, how? Next, I was thinking of complimenting my Miss Silvia with a Iberital Challenge grinder. Any opionions on this choice? The Rocky just seems too expensive. Gotta go, my wife is demanding more Caffeine. More questions to follow.
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
Glad to see we have you tempted to spend your money!
Keep the boiler full, ESPECIALLY if you are keeping her on a timer. Get into the habit of refilling the boiler every single time if you are steaming. Its not really an issue if you are just pulling shots.
As for the grinder, we upgraded from a little Russell Hobbs bur grinder to a Solis 166 when we got our silvia and we were sorry that we didnt just put that money toward a rocky sooner, we wouldve saved ourselves $195, both grinders went to good homes though.
Cheers
Rich
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
Cafeoholic,Originally posted by cafeoholic link=1096021673/0#2 date=1096027346Thanks for the tips. The manual often prompts you to refill the boiler, but its not clear on how to do this. What do you recommend? Sorry for the basic questions, I really am a beginner!
What I do is run hot water into a jug for a few seconds (maybe 5-10) at the end of every session. This way I know the boiler is full and leaving it on for any period of time won’t be a problem.
Welcome to the fold.
Ed
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
Without BLOWING my own trumpet... I like my Tamper more,,,,lol
http://www.coffeesnobs.com.au/cgi-bi...num=1091580521
Cofeoholic... you wanted a good excuse to give to the wife..(Ministress of Finance) tell her that it basically guarantees a 50% better result in coffee. why...because it does. Tell her FrenchBean says so, and hes a good bloke...hehehehe
as Ed said welcome to the fold, indeed you are welcome.
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
The Iberital is a fine grinder - better than the Rocky in some ways (infinite grind settings, less grinds left in doser for those versions, usually more stable burr carrier). The Rocky is more solidly built but for domestic use, that shouldnt matter. The Rocky can be easily tweaked to overcome these issues (toothpick wedging for adjustment, sweeper extensions to doser vanes, teflon tape on upper burr carrier) but it does cost more.Originally posted by cafeoholic link=1096021673/0#0 date=1096021673I was thinking of complimenting my Miss Silvia with a Iberital Challenge grinder. Any opionions on this choice?
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
You really need to run water through the steam wand of a dual purpose boiler machine to ensure that it is filled properly. This is because the boiler gets filled from the bottom while steam is taken from the top and group water is taken from the middle area (through a tube) so an air pocket will not be cleared through the group.Originally posted by CoffeeSnobs link=1096021673/0#4 date=1096028243Either run water through the group or run water through the steam wand which also has the effect of cleaning it and filling the boiler.
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
Thanks for all the help. The story so far.......the coffee is much better than the first attempts, but I am still struggling to get 2 good strong cups from a double shot, using the double basket. I havent invested in the grinder yet (very soon), but have tried a few different "shop" grinds. I have also concentrated on getting the tamp right. My first improvement (on the plastic job) was to use a flat bottomed drinking glass. A vast improvement. I have taken a leaf out of FrenchBeans book, and gotten myself a huge lump of brass. Its now 58mm diameter, 110mm long and weighs in at 2.1Kg, and I can see my reflection in one end (uugh!!!). I havent had time to test it yet, but will report back soon. Next question....am I expecting too much in terms of coffee strength, should I persever in prefecting my technique, or splash out on a Morzocco 14g or 18g basket?
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
It doesnt. Gas that is above the level of the tube feeding the group head will not be cleared this way. Only by priming through the steam wand will the boiler be completely filled.Originally posted by CoffeeSnobs link=1096021673/0#14 date=1096536374Running water through the group has the same effect of filling the boiler plus rinsing the shower screen.
You wont get consitent improvements without a decent grinder - it is as important as the machine.Originally posted by cafeoholic link=1096021673/15#15 date=1096632924Next question....am I expecting too much in terms of coffee strength, should I persever in prefecting my technique, or splash out on a Morzocco 14g or 18g basket?
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
I pulled the top off my Silvia for a look. Except for about 3mm either method of filling the boiler will do the trick.It doesnt. Gas that is above the level of the tube feeding the group head will not be cleared this way. Only by priming through the steam wand will the boiler be completely filled.
So long as you run water through something you cant go to far wrong.
The important thing is not to leave the boiler empty.
Rich
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Re: Miss Silvia questions
So the feed to the group head comes from that far up the boiler? I thought the cold water inlet would start feeding directly to the group if it was that close. Oh well, as long as the heating elements arent exposed, then things will be fine.Originally posted by CoffeeMugs link=1096021673/15#17 date=1097498210
I pulled the top off my Silvia for a look. Except for about 3mm either method of filling the boiler will do the trick.
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