I have been lurking a bit, I confess. I have returned to home roasting after a very long hiatus. I have enjoyed reading the posts and learning more than I ever have about home roasting. I am anxious to purchase a new espresso machine as my 20 some odd year old Italian machine has died. I am considering a Pasquini or Silvia, but I am open to recommendations. I notice a few of you use a Solis. I am looking for a non automatic as I would like to have as much control as possible over the final product. I just love to tinker with the grind, tamp and timing of a perfect espresso with a great head of crema. Thanks for your help. -- Sherry Morrison homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
on 7/14/01 11:21, Sherry at macmania wrote: <Snip> Based on this I would go with the Silvia at the $400 price point. I own the SL90 and love it but would have got the Siliva had i not wanted a more forgiving machine my girlfriend could also use. Keep in mind you can use the SL90 as a manual machine quite easily. The big difference I feel is in the portafilter and the Siliva having the 3way solonoid etc. john homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
on 7/15/01 6:23 AM, John Roche at jroche wrote: <Snip> I too have the SL90 and if I were the only one in my house to make espresso, I would have gone with the Siliva. The other three who use the machine do much better with the automatic. Jim Gundlach Roasting over a pecan fire in Shorter Alabama And looking for my air nibbler so I can build the BBQ roaster. homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
You should also take a look at the Gaggia Classic. - al r. John Roche wrote: <Snip> homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
If you entertain with any regularity have a coffee drinking family, or sometimes have milk-based coffee drinks, the Pasquini Livia is the easily the better choice. If you drink straight espresso and don't need to produce a lot of 'em in a short period of time, the Silvia will work essentially as well and save you some money. No proof but I think the durability nod must go to Pasquini. The Pasquini is in a different league with respect to both price and for production of steam, turn over and quality build - but a properly produced shot will taste about the same in either.(Toyota vs. Benz is a good analogy - both are reliable and will get you there; heft and looks come down to personal value). The Pasquini knock-box (double drawer) is a great addition - if overhead space isn't a concern. Also gives you space to place your grinder and ties the unit into a sharp very looking group. Mazzer grinder (Mini) is the finest piece of coffee equipment of all - and I think may still be obtainable from "White Eagle" for a very good price. |
Sherry, I recommend the Silvia without reservations. It is an excellent machine, solidly built, with plenty capacity in the key areas (pressure, steam). You can clean it by backflushing; it has a solenoid valve. It responds very well to variations in grind, tamp, etc. (meaning you learn a lot because you see the effect of varying these important variables). I've had mine for over two years now and I couldn't be happier. If you get one, plan on getting a really good grinder, otherwise your investment will not pay off. I have a Rocky and I think it is great; other people here swear by the Solis 166 or 177 (check the archives). Good luck! Regards, Rafael |
<Snip> Many will scoff, but I am very happy with my La Pavoni Europiccola. It suits my needs well and I find it very easy to use. What kind of grinder do you have or plan on getting? With espresso, the grinder is at least as important as the espresso machine. Seehttp://espressosavant.tripod.comfor more of my muddled thoughts on espresso and the Pavoni.homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
<Snip> <Snip> I don't think too many will scoff. This is supposed to be the finest way to make an espresso, if you want to practice the "art" yourself without a net. It's not automated at all, but once you master it (I never had the patience), it's supposed to provide you with perfect espresso. There are entire websites dedicated to the love and use of this machine. -- garyZ homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
We looked at the PR11 while giving serious consideration into entering the coffee business - decided I'd rather put the money into a new car - about the same price. Talk about green eyes - I could become an assassin for one of those! |