Originally posted by vast524 link=1163732838/0#4 date=1163735782
Just to reiterate what the others have said, this sounds like a good deal if you dont mind the looks.
The silvia leads the pack in the three-digit machines because it:
(a) has a 58mm commercial portafilter, so it holds a decent amount of coffee and you can switch to other commercial baskets if you wish
(b) has a simple, one-holed steam wand without a "froth aider" - thats a plastic attachment that, ironically, makes it almost impossible to get decent milk
(c) is made of simple, high-quality parts that are readily available, so with some parts replacements and TLC there is no reason why the machine shouldnt last more or less for eternity
Points (a) and (b), IMHO, make the silvia a better machine for the money than the napoletana.
Like the others, I also remember hearing that the audrey is more or less internally identical to a silvia, but I cant confirm that. If it is, a second-hand audrey is probably the best value machine that you could possibly buy.
I dont think that its fair to characterise silvias as having "temp problems." Yes, the machine has to be temperature surfed and, yes, thats enough of a PITA that I sold mine, but more or less every single-boiler machine uses the same sort of thermostat, so temperature management should be similar on most similar machines. Its just that people write about it A LOT on the internet when they talk about their silvias. My theory is that the silvia attracts people who like to tinker!
Unfortunately, your grinder probably isnt going to cut it for espresso. Period. The cheapest grinder that I would touch for espresso is the Iberital Challenge.
I hope thats helpful ...
Luca

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