Tom, List members -- I currently have a starbucks estro vapore espresso machine and was considering upgrading to the machine that Tom is currently offering. I was wondering if any of the knowledgeable folks out there could offer any comments as to the differences between these machines. Thanks Bill |
Just make sure you budget for a good grinder to go with it. More than half the battle in making good espresso is the grinder. Without a good one it is darn near impossible. Also if you want to research espresso machines, grinders etc, a good place to start is coffeekid.com. Isabel |
as the guru, do you think the Silvia's really the only machine woth getting (under $400), or is there a less expensive machine that will do the same thing? Will a Bunn commercial grinder feed a Sylvia the right size grind or will I need to change that also? Is there anyplace to get refurbed or other discounted Sylvias? Thanks! Bob C. rcantor homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
This is a question you might ask on alt.coffee. Chances are good that someone there will have tried every possible machine/grinder combo and be able to tell you what to expect. I personally own the Silvia and a Mazzer Mini. The results I get are better than any coffee shop in town. Probably better than most in the region. Isabel homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
I've been looking at espress machines myself, lately. The Silvia is popular, but it's brew temp isn't all that stable - some people report a drop of over 15 degrees as the shot progresses when they're careful to time things perfectly, and a drop of 30 degrees if not. Still the Silvia is probably the most highly recommended machine on usenet - certainly in its price range. Maybe, if 4 of us are interested, or if we can get our host interested, we could take advantage of Salvatore's offer to get 4 machines for the price of three.http://www.salvatore-espresso.com/homemach.htmlI'm more interested in a heat exchange model because of the more consistant temp. I'd be open to other ideas. I spoke to Wendy at Salvatore's and she said the temp was set on 180 on older models and now is set higher, but the temp is user adjustable, so it may be the ideal machine. I'd go for the home model with knobs to have better control over the steam. It is a lot of money, but at least you get what you pay for. To me a $400 machine should have a stable temp, but the fact is, none of them seem to. sigh... Bob C. rcantor |
Bob, By using the "temp surfing" technique established by Greg Sace(?), you can achieve a very stable temp on the Silvia. More info can be found on Randy G's web page as well as on Chris(europa's)page... As to the Salvatore "deal", Zabar's was recently (still?) selling them for about $800-900...You might want to check it out.. Ciao, Angelo <Snip> homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
At 11:08 PM 9/8/2001 -0500, you wrote: <Snip> Gee, that's not my experience at all. I've done some pretty exhaustive measurements on my Silvia's temperature stability and it stays within a degree or so. The report I posted on the measurements is archived somewhere on alt.coffee. It's entitled "Temperature study of my Sylvia (long)", or something to that effect. What is true about Silvia and prolly other single boiler machines that use thermoswitches to activate the heater is that the brew temperature can vary from shot to shot, depending on when you pulled the shot in relation to when the heater circuit turned on. This is because thermoswitches turn on when the temperature drops to a lower threshold value and then turn off when the temperature rises to the upper threshold value (dead band temperature control). Based on the results of the first set of stability measurements that I made, we developed a method of timing when to pull a shot based on when the heater circuit became active. It's archived on Randy G's website athttp://www.quiknet.com/~frcn/Coffee/HowToTemperature.htmlUsing this technique, one can achieve very consistent temperatures from a Silvia (within a degree or two) and consequently consistently great espresso. The Silvia is highly regarded because it is built like a tank and gives consistent, excellent results. It's certainly an excellent choice as an espresso machine if one is not jonesing for the ability to steam and brew simultaneously. -Greg Scace homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
Greg, I have a question about the method outlined on Randy's page. Does it make a difference whether you run the water from the steam wand or the brew switch? What I do now is to put the empty portafilter on and run the water through it into the cup(I make cappas and use the direct fill method). This heats up the PF and the cup. When the light comes on I start my timer, put the basket in the PF, empty the now hot cup, wait for the beep and start my shot.. I've done it the other way(using the steam wand switch), but I prefer this sequence... Is there any disadvantage, temp-wise, to doing it this way? Thanks, Angelo <Snip> homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
Thank you Greg for answering the question (Silvia temp control) I've been wanting to ask! Now maybe I also can get better than just acceptable shots. Anthony To get your own FREE ZDNet Onebox - FREE voicemail, email, and fax, all in one place - sign up today athttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast">http://www.zdnetonebox.comhomeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
Not that I can tell particularly, although you have to fill and tamp pretty quickly. I'm a pretty picky filler and tamper and I prolly take more than 30 seconds to accomplish these tasks. So I used to preheat my cup by running water thru the empty pf, remove the pf, fill and tamp, then replace the pf and hit the hot water switch until the thermoswitch tripped. But my way ain't the only way fer sher. The key is to time the beginning of the shot from when the thermoswitch comes on. How you get the switch to come on is up to your individual artistic expression. -Greg <Snip> homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
Wow, THE Greg Scace, on the homeroast list. Hi! The numbers I gave were from alt.coffee, too, but I don't have a citation. The boiler surf and PID mods are in my bookmarks, even though I don't own a Silvia. Bob C. rcantor |
I'm thinking of upgrading my Solis SL70 to a new machine. Looking for recommendations. I've read on the SM site the accolades accorded to the SL 90. On this list, the Rancilia Sylvia seems to be a favorite. Looking forward to all your responses. Michael A. Roaster of Vienna, Va. |
I don't believe going from an SL70 to SL90 would be an upgrade, just semi-automatic to automatic shots. You'd still have undersized PF etc. As usual, I suggest spending time reading machine reviews on coffeegeek.com. Two years with Missy and I'm satisfied with the performance of Miss Silvia given her temp limitations, ie. the need to surf each shot which isn't that big a deal. When doing back to back shots it's just part of the rhythm and doesn't take any more time. First shot (after warm-up) I just pull a blank through PF 'till heater light comes on, load PF, pull when heater light goes out. If you do, or plan on doing, lots of milk based I'd suggest looking at HX or dual boiler. Waiting for boiler temp to go up for steam then down for shot is a "pain", especially if you're not the most patient type:-) Same for any single boiler non-HX machine. Lots of good espresso machines out there. Kona Konnaisseur miKe mcKoffee MCSE (Maniacal Coffee Systems Engineer/Enthusiast;-) URL to Rosto mods, FrankenFormer etc.http://mdmint.home.comcast.net/coffee/Rosto_mod.htm |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. I adopted the Rocky and Sylvia combo about a month and a half ago and am = incredibly pleased. Great shots, rock solid and very easy on the eye. Kelly email: kwilsonhttp://www.olemiss.edu/working/kwilson/kwilson/UniversityWebPage/Kelly%20=Wilson.htm "One draught of Lethe for a world of pain? An easy bargain; yet I keep the thorn, To keep the rose." John Erskine (1906) |
I have read that the Gaggia machines tend to corrode due to the aluminum boiler. How does everyone rate the Capresso machines compared to Gaggia? Tom S |
I don't know about Capresso, but I had boiler problems on three out of
five Gaggias over the years. Finally went to Silvia with brass
boiler.
Jim Gundlach
On Nov 1, 2004, at 8:53 PM, Tom Starustka wrote:
<Snip> |
At 8:53 PM -0600 11/01/04, Tom Starustka wrote: <Snip> Since aluminum won't corrode when only exposed to water, I am dubious about this claim. I had the Coffee Gaggia (or whatever their low end machine was 17 years ago) for 10 years with no problems and my brother has had one for over 10. The pump eventually gave out on mine (after 10 years of use). If you can afford a Silvia, I would go for it. But I don't think that you will find a better espresso machine for around $200 than the Gaggias and you will probably get many years of use out of them. Best, Edward |
On Nov 1, 2004, at 11:50pm, Edward Spiegel wrote: <Snip> Except that most water has a lot more in it than just water. However, although I don't have any experience with aluminum boilers, my suspicion has always been that people were always more worried about the supposed (controversial at best, possibly bogus) Alzheimer's risk than that the water would corrode a whole through the boiler wall. John Blumel |
On Nov 2, 2004, at 8:18am, John Blumel wrote: <Snip> Make that, "... a hole through the boiler wall." John Blumel |
<Snip> John, I did some cursory research on this a few years ago. The Alzheimer's link has been disproven. However, AL consumption is still cautioned for pregnant women (or perhaps soon to be pregnant women). And, the safe daily limit for AL is very, very low. So low, that using an aluminum boiler espresso machine for a couple of cappas a day might put you over the limit. One of the problems is that you get a good deal of AL from general exposure anyway. If this strikes people as strange, just note that mineral supplements don't add AL. So, since we have options, why not take the least risky one? Dan |
On Nov 2, 2004, at 8:23am, Dan Bollinger wrote: <Snip> Well, I'm not exactly arguing in favor of aluminum boilers. I was mainly pointing out that my impression of why aluminum boilers are 'unpopular' had more to do with perceived health risk than with corrosion issues. That being said, overexposure to most (perhaps all?) metals, including the nickel used to line brass boilers, can result in toxic effects. But, the form of the metal has a lot to do with potential toxicity -- for example, the hardened or anodized aluminum used in most cookware today releases almost no aluminum, even in the presence of acidic foods. However, I don't have enough information on the aluminum used in boilers or the nickel plating used on brass to feel that I can make an informed decision about the relative health risks of either type of boiler. On the other hand, it has also been my impression that the main reason for using an aluminum boiler in an espresso machine was cost and, all else being equal, I'd be likely to opt for a brass boiler over an aluminum one on the grounds that the manufacturer isn't trying to cut corners on quality. Of course, I could be wrong. John Blumel |
I don't have a Capresso, only a gaggia. The corrosion problem is directly water related. I have pretty low mineral, non-corrosive water and have not signs of corrosion in the boiler. Sometime around 06:53 PM 11/1/2004, Tom Starustka typed: <Snip> -- John Nanci AlChemist at large Zen Roasting , Blending & Espresso pulling by Gestalthttp://www.dreamsandbones.net/blog/http://www.chocolatealchemy.com/ |
<Snip> I understand what you'd meant. Your post offerred me the best place to insert what I'd learned. <Snip> Granted, and an aluminum boiler isn't going to be anodized. It will probably by cast and cast aluminum is a form of AL that corrodes easily. Dan |
Any one have any thoughts, feelings or experience with the Rancilio Silvia? thanks, Alex ------------------------------ Alex Fitch Alex Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
I love my silvia. I just sort of liked it without the PID, but once I put an auber pid kit on it my wife started accusing me of having a mistress. If you get one, get a PID kit first thing or buy one preinstalled because it really makes a huge difference. It has GREAT steaming power, pulls awesome shots with a little practice and is built like a tank. I have it on a timer so it is hot for me when I wake up (it takes 45 mins or so to heat everything up if you don't do the "cheating Miss Silvia" routine). She has the reputation (deservedly so) for being finicky as hell and will make you nail down your grind and tamp, as well as the temp surfing if you don't have a PID. Before I put the pid on her, I was about ready to trade her in and decided to clean her up and give her one last go for old time's sake and I pulled pretty near close to a God shot (my one and only so far). I had my wife taste it (she's a philistine about her drip coffee but picky as hell about espresso) and all she said was a sort of breathless "oh my". At that point I realized I wasn't going to trade her in at all, so I bought the PID. It takes some time to master her temp surf dance and she can be cranky as hell when she wants to, but the PID tames her quite a bit and takes her into the "I couldn't touch a replacement for her for the price I paid" range IMO. I got my PID from the auber folks, I paid about half what the pidkits people charge and it mounts quite a bit more cleanly (IMO) instead of being stuck out the side like a wing. Personally, for the price I can't imagine a better choice. You *can* get better machines of course, and the single boiler design can be a real PITA if you're making milk drinks for a lot of people, but one or two capps at a time is no sweat. You'll have to pay a lot more money to get a better machine than the Silvia IMO. -- Gary F. Alex Fitch wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Alex, In my opinion, the Silvia is about the best machine is the sub-$1000 category, it's also quite popular, so there is a large pool of net-wisdom on it, and there are lots of tweaks, such as PID temperature control (highly recommended). Mine has kept me from upgrade fever for quite a few years now, (though I feel the urges coming on). That being said, espresso machines are very much like computers... you should always buy the best you can afford at the time, since eventually you will want to upgrade. The more you spend now, the longer it will last before you feel the need to upgrade. --mike On Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 7:38 PM, Alex Fitch wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
I love my Silvia, but agree that she is extremely finicky even when in tip-top condition (which mine no longer is, alas). Because I now not only have to temp-surf but turn her off after an hour and let her cool before firing her up and "cheating" her to temp again*--and because I had been using her solely as a backup to an HX machine from June '05 when I wanted greater capacity until said HX broke down last July and is still being held hostage to an either incompetent or overworked shop (suspect a little of the former and a lot of the latter)--it is time to find myself a working high-quality but nonetheless affordable HX. I may, once I have said e61-equipped HX chugging away on my counter, have Silvia PID'ed, but I will not delude myself into thinking that would give it the same abilities as a prosumer HX, having been to the well before. Besides, you all know my aversion to monkeying around inside very expensive electric/electronic machinery. I hire a CPA to do my taxes, a mechanic to change my oil and tune my car, a dentist to scale and fill my teeth, a doctor to perform surgery and tests, a pressing plant to replicate my CDs, and another lawyer to represent me in matters to which I am a party; DIY should be the province of the confidently competent, and should be avoided if there is any doubt or potential to cause financial or physical harm. If I ruin a roast, at worst I've blown the cost of a pound of beans. If I screw up a machine mod or repair, I could be out up to a thousand bucks. No, if I decide to PID my Silvia, it'll be at the hands of an experienced (and proven) pro. * she's having issues with a faulty OPV and probably a leaky solenoid as well On Apr 11, 2008, at 1:07 PM, Mike Koenig wrote: <Snip> Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
"...incompetent or overworked shop (suspect a little of the former and a lot of the latter)" The shop is overworked BECAUSE they're incompetent. - ro Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
More R&R- "she's having issues with a faulty OPV and probably a leaky solenoid as well" Two things failed simultaneously on a fairly new machine? I Doubt it. Even if one caused the other to fail, what was the original failure, and why? I think I'm familiar with the shop- Oliver is the Sorcerer and Stan is his apprentice. If the Imbeciles replace enough parts, eventually they'll get the bad one. The technique is known as "FM." Judging from your original experience after they 'fixxed' it, they're not even sure how it's supposed to work. Scary. I'd like to see these PhD's work on my old doorbell. Next, they'd need a plumber and a laundromat. I patched it with some fiberglass tape, but removed the front button... Cheers, Mabuhay -RayO, aka Opa! On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 1:34 PM, wrote: <Snip> -- "When the theme hits the bass, I dance the Jig!" - -Virgil Fox at the Mighty Wichita (ex- NYC Paramount) WurliTzer- 1976 Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Well I'm surprised I'm the first to say this, but the Silvia is a great machine under certain applications... We need a few details first before we can really suggest it one way or the other. 1) What is your budget? (make sure you have a great grinder first, otherwise Silvia will seem REALLY picky, I would say a Rocky at the least) 2) What kind of drinks are you going to be making? Silvias really aren't that great if you are going to be making lattes and the like, just because of the amount of time it takes for them to get up to steam temp/down to brew temp, so keep that in mind. That 'tis all -bry "It is my hope that people realize that coffee is more than just a caffeine delivery service, it can be a culinary art"- Chris Owens of Cafe Grumpy in NYC. Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.comHomeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
1) About $600 max. As for the Grinder my Dad has Maestro plus (which me thinks is inadequate after hand around here for a few weeks). This will be a gift (and possible a test drive for my next one). 2) He will drink 99% espresso, and on rear occasion make a drink involving milk for someone. He will pull 4-8 a day on average ( his one vise). But at least now you know how I ended up here! Thanks ------------------------------ Alex Fitch Alex On Apr 11, 2008, at 4:38 PM, Bryan Wray wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Actually, I got the skinny from a competitor today (more about that in a moment). According to the owner of Cora Italian Specialties (which services Metropolis and Intelligentsia and from where I just got my new machine), the shop I'd been dealing with suffered a direct hit when several techs quit to seek greener pastures. About that new machine--it's sitting in my car trunk right now, since I'm staying in a hotel north of the city for the night--it's basically an Andreja Premium with a few bells and whistles: bigger drip tray, tank accessible without removing the cover or even the cups, no-burn steam and hot water wands, and big, solid pro-quality steam and hot water knobs. (The owner, who'd been using a Rancilio Audrey, went to Quickmill with his wish-list of features and now uses this machine at home with his Rocky). Won't mention the price, as that's not kosher for a product similar to what Tom & Maria sell; but I will say to be fair to SM's that because of the IL sales tax those of you outside the area would probably still do better buying from SM's (I incurred no delivery charge, because I opted to take it with me, though they would have delivered it free next Thurs., which is the day they deliver to my neck of the woods). This time I demoed a floor model--was tempted to go for the La Spaz S1 but for the direct-plumb/Flojet requirement (I may not be in this big house with a big kitchen in a few years once we're empty nesters) and the disparity in PF diameter--I have all these 58mm accessories. We talked as we let it come up to temp, and then dialed the place's Mazzer SJ into it (using Danesi beans) till we got a couple of perfect ristretti. It is substantial enough that I can lock in the PF with one hand--good thing, as that e61 group can get pretty toasty; and I got the hang of using that lever (really a device for pushing a spring-loaded button) pretty quickly. Can't wait to haul it upstairs tomorrow afternoon (or wait for my son to do it) and fire it up. Too bad I will immediately have to spend the rest of the day faxing stuff to our tax accountant. So I finally have a grownup machine! (Will ask the other shop for either my broken Livia back and eventually have Cora fix it and I'll sell it, or a reasonable sum for parts). Will also have Cora take a look at Silvia to see if anything is leaking or (shudder) broken. On Apr 11, 2008, at 2:34 PM, raymanowen wrote: <Snip> Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
1) About $600 max. As for the Grinder my Dad has Maestro plus (which me thinks is inadequate after hand around here for a few weeks). This will be a gift (and possible a test drive for my next one). 2) He will drink 99% espresso, and on rear occasion make a drink involving milk for someone. He will pull 4-8 a day on average ( his one vise). But at least now you know how I ended up here! T ------------------------------ Alex Fitch Alex On Apr 11, 2008, at 4:38 PM, Bryan Wray wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Sandy, congrats on getting a new matcheen! Sounds wonderful! Hopefully this is the happy ending to all of the machine drama! Congrats bill On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 5:32 PM, Sandy Andina wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
You misunderstand, Ray. That's *my* assessment based on posts here as well as on CoffeeGeek; and my Silvia was purchased in January '05, hardly "fairly new." She's been "rode pretty hard 'n' put up wet" ever since Livia went to sick bay. Now that I have that new HX machine, I will probably have Cora take a gander at Silvia to see what if anything is wrong with her. On Apr 11, 2008, at 3:06 PM, raymanowen wrote: <Snip> Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
"...several techs quit to seek greener pastures." It's all clear now. The Finger points to the Asylum's manager. Mr. Dithers thinks the techs are all his and will kiss the blow hole for the privilege of working for him. Maybe not- Metropolis on the 16th St. Mall at Stout in Denver needs competent service. He might have already been visited by Stan and Ollie before they went east to the Asylum. If you get incompetent service, the techs could even be Orangutans. The Finger still points at the manager that can't provide honest service, and still collects a King's Ransom salary. Unfortunately, you happened to talk to his friends, who were blowing smoke. You used to have to bake the mechanics a cherry pie to get them to work on your Corvair. Even then, they couldn't do it. where do they get off thinking they can foist incompetence on espresso machine owners? Cheers, Mabuhay -RayO, aka Opa! Got Grinder? On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 5:32 PM, Sandy Andina wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
If 'twer me, I would 1. buy a good grinder - say a Rocky, or a Mazzer used; 2. Add a Gaggia of some sort, and then start saving for an upgrade Espresso machine.... Brett On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 6:52 PM, Alex Fitch wrote: <Snip> -- Regards, Brett Working for personal balance Family - Faith - Friends - Coffeehttp://www.xanga.com/rockinjava9Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Hey, Brett, welcome back! I second your advice, now that it appears that Gaggia has started phasing in stainless steel boilers in place of the aluminum (well, at least on its new boiler+thermoblock "Twin" and maybe on its new Espresso line, which contains a semiauto in black or stainless and an auto--i.e., volumetric dosing--in colors). If these latter <$500 single-boiler Gaggias indeed no longer have aluminum boilers, they constitute a viable alternative to the Rancilio Silvia, and perhaps more beginner-friendly--and with a long owner-satisfaction curve prior to upgrading to an HX or dual-boiler (if ever). On another note, I unpacked my new Quickmill "La Cora" and after an unbearable (the first time is always the most agonizing) wait for it to heat up, pulled my first breve on it. Using Monkey on day 4 post- roast (the sweet spot), I filled the triple LM basket that comes in its double PF....and promptly choked the machine. Oops. Backed off a couple of notches on the Mazzer, filled the PF only level this time, and ooh-wee: gorgeous amber dribble into my shot glass. Darn near killed me to have to pour it into the cup to receive the foam. As to foam, the fat no-burn steamwand with 2-hole tip and heavy-duty steam knob gave me power and control--was able to get microfoam out of 4 oz. of half-and-half (!) in a teeny 12-oz. pitcher in under 10 seconds, but not so fast that it got away from me like with the Livia. Haven't tried the hot water tap for an Americano yet (it's getting awfully late in the day and I haven't any roasted decaf on hand) but I may sacrifice some Monkey (and later some sleep) for the cause of science. Getting used to the cooling-flush protocol; Livia, because she didn't have an e61 group, needed a briefer warming flush instead. The lever is no different than flipping a rocker switch (Silvia) or pushing a membrane button (Livia). Cora (alias Andreja) and I am gonna get along fine (as long as I remember not to touch that grouphead casing)! On Apr 12, 2008, at 8:15 AM, Brett Mason wrote: <Snip> Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Congrats on acquiring a 'working' decent prosumer machine. Indeed, you learn fast to appreciate the looks AND FEEL of the E-61 group at idle:-) Pacific Northwest Gathering VIhttp://www.mcKonaKoffee.comURL to Rosto mods, FrankenFormer, some recipes etc:http://www.mckoffee.com/Ultimately the quest for Koffee Nirvana is a solitary path. To know I must">http://home.comcast.net/~mckona/PNWGVI.htmKona Konnaisseur miKe mcKoffeehttp://www.mcKonaKoffee.comURL to Rosto mods, FrankenFormer, some recipes etc:http://www.mckoffee.com/Ultimately the quest for Koffee Nirvana is a solitary path. To know I must first not know. And in knowing know I know not. Each Personal enlightenment found exploring the many divergent foot steps of Those who have gone before. Sweet Maria's List - Searchable Archiveshttp://themeyers.org/HomeRoast/ <Snip> <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
BTW, anyone have access to an Andreja Premium owners' manual they can scan and e-mail me as a .pdf? There was none packed in the box that came with my Quickmill La Cora (actually an Andreja Premium), and the Quickmill site won't let me download one unless I log in--and it won't process my registration attempt. Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
I did a quick google on it. One of these URL's should be what your looking for www.caffetech.com/pages/files/Quick%20Mill/Andreja%20Premium/andreja-premium-vendor-instructions.pdf www.bellabarista.co.uk/pdf/AndrejaPremiumcloserlookv6.pdf On Sat, Apr 12, 2008 at 9:31 PM, Sandy Andina wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Wow! Thank you SO much!!! On Apr 13, 2008, at 2:10 AM, R Nepsund wrote: <Snip> Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
Sandy,
I have the manual, scanned it in but for some reason - I haven't
read the manual - I can only make one .pdf file per page. I'll send
you all seven files.
pecan jim
On Apr 12, 2008, at 11:31 PM, Sandy Andina wrote:
<Snip>
Homeroast mailing list
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Thanks, Jim--saved and printed them! Was a little nervous that when I first turned the machine on I didn't shut it off after 30 seconds (but I don't think the boiler took a full 30 seconds to fill before the pump shut off). I do run a little water out the group now when I turn it on. On Apr 13, 2008, at 8:12 AM, Jim Gundlach wrote: <Snip> Sandy Andina www.myspace.com/sandyandina Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
someone mentioned the new stainless boilers on the Gaggia! Yahoo group (see my sigtag), and i agree w/ Robert (Tex)'s line of thinking because: 1. as he mentioned, the group is still chromed brass, and wouldn't the nobler metal still corrode the stainless? this is why i flushed my (aluminum boiler) Carezza and now flush my old style Baby D (volumetric dosing, which i never use) constantly (and the water's never stale that way). 2. stainless is far inferior in terms of heat retention to aluminum (though mine is insulated anyway-thanks again to Alchemist for the Kaowool tip!) i got my (new, but older model) Baby D for $318 w/ free shipping on Amazon from WLL and ripped her open right away. w/ Auber PID and platinum RTD sensor (instead of K, J, T, whatever type thermocouple, so i can read and set temps by tenths of a degree), Silvia steam wand mod, ceramic insulation around the boiler, OPV- and dimmer-adjusted brew pressure mod, and soon perhaps the passive preheat mod mentioned on CG and Gaggia!, she is a force to be reckoned with and for much less than Silvia new. if you don't mind a little tinkering, this may be the way to go (btw, should your boiler ever corrode, gaggiaparts.com (aka partsguru.com) has them for very cheap, much less than Silvia's if the heating element burns out due to empty boiler, which isn't likely if even possible w/ a Gaggia (external heating elements)). Sandy Andina wrote: <Snip> -- http://www.homeroasters.org- homemade roasters, roaster mods, contests, much, much morehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/houstonhomeroasters- homeroasters in Houston, TXhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gaggia/- Gaggia user group, help, maintenance, mods, etc">http://www.sweetmarias.com- the finest green coffee available anywhere coupled w/ amazing cupping notes, plus a wealth of roasting and brewing pointershttp://www.homeroasters.org- homemade roasters, roaster mods, contests, much, much morehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/houstonhomeroasters- homeroasters in Houston, TXhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gaggia/- Gaggia user group, help, maintenance, mods, etc Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures 9upload yours!) :http://www.homeroasting.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |