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Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

Rancilio Silvia - How to

Step by step guide for easy brewing and steaming with the Rancilio Silvia
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Yggdrasill
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Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Location: Seattle
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Mon Jun 11, 2012, 11:08am Subject: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

We have a Saeco Magic Cappuccino machine that is about 5 years old and the pump is losing pressure. I'm considering upgrading to a Rancilio Silvia because it seems like the top choice in that category. It will be a bit of a rocky road getting to know it, but I hope that will go smoothly. My wife doesn't like change! ;) We're using a Bodum Bistro grinder that is MUCH better than the Saeco it replaced (the latter just fell apart). However, I've read that the Silvia is particular about its grind and I have no idea if the Bodum will do it. If not, what would folks recommend as the cheapest acceptable alternative? We're stretching our budget as it is, even just getting a refurbed Silvia.

jakeapeters
Senior Member

Joined: 3 May 2012
Posts: 5
Location: Cambridge, UK
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Rancilio Silvia v3
Grinder: Mahlkonig Vario
Vac Pot: Aerobie Aeropress

Posted Mon Jun 11, 2012, 2:02pm Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

I haven't actually received my Silvia yet, but I've been googling stuff along those lines for quite a few weeks now! Seattle Coffee Gear tested the Bodum Bistro here - they thought it was unsuitable for the Rancilio as it doesn't grind fine enough! I'd look at grinders like the Baratza Virtuoso as a minimum if you're on a budget... (I'm sure someone will be able to correct me here though)

Yggdrasill
Senior Member

Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Location: Seattle
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Mon Jun 11, 2012, 2:18pm Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

Thanks for the reply. I'm curious if it will work with the mod described here: http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/grinders/521694

Posted Mon Jun 11, 2012, 2:23pm Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

That mod certainly looks promising. You may have problems with uniformity of grind, and speed, though (I'm not familiar with the Bodum grinders so I can't really comment on that), due to the quality and size of the burrs (I only mention this as most burr sets alone in prosumer models cost more than the Bodum does as a whole unit). But hey, if it's a mod you're happy to carry out, it's gotta be worth a try. If it works, and you're happy with the results, don't upgrade. If it doesn't, look at other grinders! :)

dyno
Senior Member

Joined: 20 Nov 2011
Posts: 41
Location: Burnaby BC
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Oscar
Grinder: Super Mini / Super Mini E

Posted Mon Jun 11, 2012, 5:02pm
Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

Yggdrasill Said:

Thanks for the reply. I'm curious if it will work with the mod described here:

http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/grinders/521694

Posted June 11, 2012 link

I tried it. My burrs can touch - a hair backed off from that, the grind is still not fine enough.

Fine if you use a pressurized portafilter but if you want real espresso, get a good grinder. My main grinder is a Preciso and works very well.

takeshi
Senior Member

Joined: 12 Oct 2002
Posts: 731
Location: Houston
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Silvia
Grinder: Super Jolly
Roaster: Amaya Roasting

Posted Tue Jun 12, 2012, 2:00pm
Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

Yggdrasill Said:

If not, what would folks recommend as the cheapest acceptable alternative? We're stretching our budget as it is, even just getting a refurbed Silvia.

Posted June 11, 2012 link

It would help to know what your budget is if you want recommendations. If you can you should probably allocate more for the grinder upgrade.

Yggdrasill
Senior Member

Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Location: Seattle
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Tue Jun 12, 2012, 2:22pm Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

Takeshi, good question. I don't really have a budget per se. Think "budget." ;) Can we get away with $200 for a grinder? $300? That's why I said "cheapest acceptable alternative." What will meet the Silvia's needs? If it's $500 then maybe we should rethink the Silvia.

wsikes
Senior Member

Joined: 3 Oct 2011
Posts: 396
Location: West Virginia
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Promac MD-64 AT
Drip: Bunn
Roaster: Behmor

Posted Tue Jun 12, 2012, 2:28pm Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

If your budget is tight, might I recommend looking at good "used" espresso grinders?

Bill

gus2134
Senior Member

Joined: 15 Nov 2011
Posts: 6
Location: NYC
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Quickmill Silvano
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso

Posted Wed Jun 13, 2012, 11:27am
Subject: Re: Grinder advice - will my Bodum Bistro do it with a Rancilio Silvia?

Yggdrasill Said:

Takeshi, good question. I don't really have a budget per se. Think "budget." ;) Can we get away with $200 for a grinder? $300? That's why I said "cheapest acceptable alternative." What will meet the Silvia's needs?

If it's $500 then maybe we should rethink the Silvia.

Posted June 12, 2012 link

I have a Baratza Virtuouso that does an adequate job for my Silvano. I've read the Silvia is very finicky, so I can't say whether it would work. Dialing in a grind like people with more capable (and expensive) grinders is tougher with the big steps it has.

Baratza is selling a refurb for $150. Or you can find it new for $225 (I think with the Preciso's burrs). It might be worth the extra $75 to get the Preciso though (which didn't exist when my wife bought me my Virtuoso).

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