Rancilio Silvia - shot time

[jinx]

If you have the patience to wait, look for and buy a used Silvia, they exist for cheaper than you may think.
Mine was sub 400, now, it needed some work, but that was simply a matter of digging into it. I replaced the OPV, due to high pressure, and then a new steam wand assembly, and a pid.
Get this - my good friend just bought a broken silvia for less than $100. Knowing that the parts, all of them, are available, you just diy it. Judging from your posts about cost analysis, harbor frieght and modding your grinder, I am assured that you can get one working for under 500.
It turns out that the broken silvia needs a new boiler base plate, which is one of the most expensive parts of the machine at $150ish. But, it is still worth what he paid.

Grinder: I too learned the hard way with a Gaggia mdf. I was angry that it was poorly engineered. I now have a Precisio from Baratza. Just awesome since day one. This is where the money should be spent, not necessarily on the extraction machine.

My shot times are more about volume yield and blonding points, rather than time constraint.

[barnz008]

I have a V2 with a Dwyer PID: http://www.dwyer-inst.com/PDF_files/E_90_BPC.pdf

I didn't install it, but from just looking at how it's wired up in the machine, it can't be that difficult.

I also put a V3 steam wand kit on it and did a few other mods, so it's basically a V3 in fit, function and style. So I'd say find a used V2 and mod it up.

OP: You're only going to be as your grind. I've only owned one grinder [stepless Macap M4] so I cannot give comparative advice, but don't try to cut corners here.

With Monkey Blend roasted to FC, I usually pull 16 g shots in 25 seconds and yield around 1 ounce or so. I suppose I error on the long side cause I'd rather get all of it including a little ash rather than under shooting it and getting hot coffee liquid nonsense.

[Madurodave]

With Monkey Blend roasted to FC, I usually pull 16 g shots in 25 seconds and yield around 1 ounce or so. I suppose I error on the long side cause I'd rather get all of it including a little ash rather than under shooting it and getting hot coffee liquid nonsense.

That's a lot of coffee for a 1 oz single shot! I use my double basket and (have not weighed yet, guessing for now) probably around 16 - 18 grams. Pull a double shot (2 oz) in 25 seconds.

[spro745]

I pull my doubles on the shorter side as well, gives a sweeter/more intense extraction. Too much volume can give a diluted/unbalanced extraction.

[w0fms]

I didn't think it worth starting another thread so I'll mention it here in the latest updated thread-- maybe looking for the "parts" Silvia will be in my future.

It appears that the MyPressi Twist & Twist V2 is now a "collector's item." I guess I need not worry about the warranty anymore, since I used 10% of it!

They announced "no more US Distribution" and "no warranty support and no support". I.E. Out of business, though it doesn't quite say that on their site which doesn't resolve anymore as of today. Maybe they are looking for a buyer of the design?!?

If they went to refillable cartridges like paintball, it might be a good deal. Those 8g ones and the O-rings were/are a PITA.

Unfortunately, it produced great shots if done correctly, but it was highly inconvenient.. It kinds a worries me that I'll have no warranty and no spare parts ability. Maybe I should wait a few months and try to sell it on e-bay for more than I paid!

But yeah, that option is no longer. I suppose a used or new Silvia will eventually be the way I need to go if I want to have Espresso. It's a pity that my wife decided she didn't like it. It'll be harder for me to justify, especially in this economy!

Well, I killed off another small company by buying their product!

I still figure that the Gaggias were the only other option on the low end and off line more than one person whom had been using them convinced me otherwise due to issues they had. I suppose I'm probably done with Espresso, especially if my "toy" breaks. Bummer. Moka Pot and Aeropress are more tempting all of the time.

Maybe I'll find a cheap lever machine someday?

Fred

[spro745]

FWIW Gaggias are more than capable... a bit of skill and equipment knowledge goes a long way. I never read product reviews just for that reason, because I could care less what problems others have as I never seem to. User error is to blame more often than not. Most always want to blame the machine, grinder, etc. I read it all the time. Those that slam brands think if they upgrade they will achieve better results, but they usually have problems with higher end equipment just the same because the equipment ISN'T the underlying issue. Those people are usually on other forums asking for others to hold their hand and guide them because they don't have a damn clue.

[w0fms]

Well, it's just one of those things.. a Gaggia is probably only $150-200 off of a Silvia, and the Silvia is very easy to get parts for and is built like a tank. So.. well.. maybe I will get one of those. Probably be Christmas time, though.

Espresso is interesting as it's always "it's $200 more" for the next level. The rest of my coffee equipment maxes out at $200. I'm not sure Espresso is worth it, really.

Fred

[spro745]

Most consider a $200 bump more of a lateral move. $800-1,000 would be a move ahead to some.

Surely there becomes a point of diminishing return(s). I have watched newbies on some forums start out by asking all sorts of questions while steadily buying "better equipment" at the advice of others, only to realize it's not all it cracked up to be for them in the end. They become burnt out, sell off some stuff and pretty much go back to where they started.

[EricBNC]

FWIW Gaggias are more than capable...

+1

My Gaggia Coffee Deluxe operates like new even though it is far from it. The Silvia looks nice and seems well built under the hood, but my Gaggia is no slouch either.

Take the price difference between the Gaggia and the Silvia and add this amount to your grinder budget - this makes more sense than buying a more expensive yet similar SBDU espresso machine to me.

[w0fms]

Yeah, I can afford a $1000 machine, but I don't know if I love Espresso that much. And with the economy as it is I would feel terribly guilty if I subsequently lost my job, which is a possibility now. I do have a large family to take care of and that's a lot of money for a toy.

I impulse bought a DeLonghi EC702 this week because I got it new at Costco for $124. That and the MyPressi for when I'm serious (i.e. not when I'm in a hurry to get to work in the morning, but on weekends when I have time) I think will have to do for awhile.

I need to find a "normal" double basket (or even better two of them) that fits the EC702 though as it's an oddball 52mm size. But for the time being I've already figured out how to depressurize the basket that comes with it (interesting design). If it seems like it'll work out for a month or so, I'll modify the portafilter handle to go "blind" and PID it since I have stuff to do that with.

For something to hack up, it seems like an okay starter unit. And if I need a "god shot" I can do that with the MyPressi.

And if it's terrible, I can return it in the first 90 days.

Fred