Hi CSers,
Im not sure if Ive posted this topic to the right discussion board, but admins, feel free to move it to the appropriate thread if need be.
Ive been a very delightful owner of the Rancilio Silvia V2 + Rancilio Rocky combo since K. Rudd gave me some money a couple of years back. Been using it everyday, and twice on weekends, filling it with blends from Campos, Merlo, Di Bella and recently, Tobys Estates Single Origins. Just when I thought I was ready to open my first espresso bar, I got myself a Naked PF, only spending the next 3 months re-learning my espresso extraction techniques. I never had any hospitality experience and appreciation of coffee before; therefore, admittedly, Ive came quite a long way from Day 1.
Like every experienced Rancilio Silvia/Rocky prosumers, I am tired of the additional preliminary steps needed on the Silvia like temperature surfing, bleeding water out the steam wand prior to steaming, and waiting for a couple of minutes between espresso shots.
While my Rocky is also bestowed with a Click-Clack hack, there is also traces of grounds in the chute from my previous mornings prep. The doserless does not help with an even distribution, which sometimes cause channeling during my pour.
I know it sounds like Im whinging, but hey, Im ready to step up to the next level. I got myself a Behmor 1600 roaster from Andy over the weekend, and am up for the challenge of coffee roasting. Ive already gotten myself a Bellina TC3-A siphon last year from Sorrentina for my light Single Origins roasts. Now, the next obvious step is a new grinder and an espresso machine for the darker roasts.
Ive been reading the Izzo Alex Duetto II and Rocket Giotto threads, but am still not sure which I should get. The Alex comes with a rotary pump, which is not essential for me since I dont mind the noise (after all, the whole house has lived with a Silvia for years). The PID seems great, especially if I want to play around with the different temperatures with my freshly roasted beans, but is the extra 1k worth it (over the Giotto Premium Plus)? Chris (Talk Coffee) did mention in the Alex thread that it all depends on what we intend to use the machines for.
Based on my coffee habits from above, what do you suggest? Id prefer to go for the Giotto due to price (as I need to pair it up with a good grinder), but am very open to hear the added advantages of the Alex Duetto II.
Which grinder would you then recommend me, if I decide to go either the Giotto or the Alex? From what Ive read from everyones experience, the Macap M4 doser grinder is a perfect combo to the above machines. While the M4 also comes doserless, what other differences does it have with between the Rocky, in addition to the stepless feature? Do I still need the click-clack hack to push grounds out of the chute?
Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to speaking with you all soon.
Cheers,
Darryl.
P/S: Chris, if youre reading this thread, forgive me if I have not replied to your PM yet. Ill request for your CS members-only password after hearing from everyones opinions to make your time worthwhile.
Im not sure if Ive posted this topic to the right discussion board, but admins, feel free to move it to the appropriate thread if need be.
Ive been a very delightful owner of the Rancilio Silvia V2 + Rancilio Rocky combo since K. Rudd gave me some money a couple of years back. Been using it everyday, and twice on weekends, filling it with blends from Campos, Merlo, Di Bella and recently, Tobys Estates Single Origins. Just when I thought I was ready to open my first espresso bar, I got myself a Naked PF, only spending the next 3 months re-learning my espresso extraction techniques. I never had any hospitality experience and appreciation of coffee before; therefore, admittedly, Ive came quite a long way from Day 1.
Like every experienced Rancilio Silvia/Rocky prosumers, I am tired of the additional preliminary steps needed on the Silvia like temperature surfing, bleeding water out the steam wand prior to steaming, and waiting for a couple of minutes between espresso shots.
While my Rocky is also bestowed with a Click-Clack hack, there is also traces of grounds in the chute from my previous mornings prep. The doserless does not help with an even distribution, which sometimes cause channeling during my pour.
I know it sounds like Im whinging, but hey, Im ready to step up to the next level. I got myself a Behmor 1600 roaster from Andy over the weekend, and am up for the challenge of coffee roasting. Ive already gotten myself a Bellina TC3-A siphon last year from Sorrentina for my light Single Origins roasts. Now, the next obvious step is a new grinder and an espresso machine for the darker roasts.
Ive been reading the Izzo Alex Duetto II and Rocket Giotto threads, but am still not sure which I should get. The Alex comes with a rotary pump, which is not essential for me since I dont mind the noise (after all, the whole house has lived with a Silvia for years). The PID seems great, especially if I want to play around with the different temperatures with my freshly roasted beans, but is the extra 1k worth it (over the Giotto Premium Plus)? Chris (Talk Coffee) did mention in the Alex thread that it all depends on what we intend to use the machines for.
Based on my coffee habits from above, what do you suggest? Id prefer to go for the Giotto due to price (as I need to pair it up with a good grinder), but am very open to hear the added advantages of the Alex Duetto II.
Which grinder would you then recommend me, if I decide to go either the Giotto or the Alex? From what Ive read from everyones experience, the Macap M4 doser grinder is a perfect combo to the above machines. While the M4 also comes doserless, what other differences does it have with between the Rocky, in addition to the stepless feature? Do I still need the click-clack hack to push grounds out of the chute?
Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to speaking with you all soon.
Cheers,
Darryl.
P/S: Chris, if youre reading this thread, forgive me if I have not replied to your PM yet. Ill request for your CS members-only password after hearing from everyones opinions to make your time worthwhile.



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