IN ADDITION from the importer recommendation to inspect the machine for shipping damage I like to add for everyone else that did not purchase a machine from us the following:
after you turn the switch to position "one" and the autofill is done filling up the steam boiler BEFORE TURNING THE PID ON LIFT THE GROUPHEAD LEVER AND WAIT UNTIL WATER WILL COME OUT FROM THE GROUP THEN AND ONLY THEN TURN THE PID ON
Only thing noteworthy so far during first inspection is a small amount of rubber 'schmutz' inside the aerator, it was thin red while the washer is standard aerator black, so folks may want to inspect and clean their aerators. ;) My 'sticker' cover came off easily, with no film left behind...just shine. Simply gorgeous machine...my reflection in it looks great too! :p
Made my first shot this morning and it will take a little getting used to. Steam wand is on the opposite side of my Silvia. First impression…..my grind is a little loose…..
Ok, seriously, first shot was a little fast so I will need to adjust my grinder accordingly, pressure seems a little high but again, just a small adjustment. It will steam, make no mistake about that. After waiting 1-1/2 – 2 minutes for Silvia to get to steam temp (PID to 260) and take in excess of a minute to steam 10-12 ounces of milk this thing is a monster. My first pitcher almost got away from me, it was that quick.
As I mentioned, I had a hose leak at the pump (pin-hole) and had to take the cover off. Very tidy inside with good sheet metal work though the edges are a little sharp from the shear so one must be mindful when handling the top and side sheets. There is an additional cover over the boilers under the top tray and it seems that it would be easier to adjust the pressure if removed.
I loved my Silvia, we had a couple of great years together but this is the machine that I have been waiting for. I was going to purchase the GS/3 but at that price point, I will send my son to college instead.
Biggest complaint seems to be a lack of steam & lots of talk about the size of the brew boiler vs steam boiler. Personally I'm not impressed with what I've seen or read but I'm very happy with what I have so I'm not a potential customer.
Only thing noteworthy so far during first inspection is a small amount of rubber 'schmutz' inside the aerator, it was thin red while the washer is standard aerator black, so folks may want to inspect and clean their aerators.
I saw that on mine as well, but figured it to be a washer that just got squeezed inside the aerator from overtorquing. I don't have a rubber wrench to get the aerator apart and hesitate to use a pliers (even with padding), so the red stuff is still in there!
Made my first shot this morning and it will take a little getting used to. Steam wand is on the opposite side of my Silvia. First impression…..my grind is a little loose…..
Ok, seriously, first shot was a little fast so I will need to adjust my grinder accordingly, pressure seems a little high but again, just a small adjustment. It will steam, make no mistake about that. After waiting 1-1/2 – 2 minutes for Silvia to get to steam temp (PID to 260) and take in excess of a minute to steam 10-12 ounces of milk this thing is a monster. My first pitcher almost got away from me, it was that quick.
As I mentioned, I had a hose leak at the pump (pin-hole) and had to take the cover off. Very tidy inside with good sheet metal work though the edges are a little sharp from the shear so one must be mindful when handling the top and side sheets. There is an additional cover over the boilers under the top tray and it seems that it would be easier to adjust the pressure if removed.
I loved my Silvia, we had a couple of great years together but this is the machine that I have been waiting for. I was going to purchase the GS/3 but at that price point, I will send my son to college instead.
My first few shots this morning came after a troubleshooting round. :| I, too, have a few leaks...the first one was a loose nut atop the boiler itself, which connects the grouphead line. It was outright loose, and required a disassembly of the autofill stand/cover to gain access. A tightening of the nut sealed that leak. Next leak is much tricker, and I'm not even sure it's worth troubleshooting, or if it's even a problem: the steam boiler has a what appears to be a pressure-relief on top, and water was initially escaping this fitting, although it has since sealed up with full heating. If this is indeed a pressure-relief (I can't imagine what else it could possibly be!) then I see this as normal...Vibi *could* add this observation in their manual. ;)
First shot was after running a half load of water through group and testing steam and water wands for proper behaviour, leaving the single-shot PF/basket loaded for pre-heating. Prepped a dose of MM with 4 days rest, WDT/Stockflethed, locked and lifted lever. Observed the pressure building and the shot began to flow. Single dark stream with noticeable striping, then half-way through began blonding. I was impressed, as shot tasted surprisingly smooth yet strong for an overextraction. Decided WTH, and loaded and pre-heated the double PF, stock double basket, and ground/prepped another shot for a double. Lifted lever and was almost instantly blond-SINKER! (my first sinker in a LONG time!). Tightened up Maz a notch, and just pulled again, still very blond almost instantly, so apparently single and double grinds will be significantly different, moreso than Silvia. Off for another pull or three before heading to work. :) I'm afraid to put everything back together just yet...thinking a few cooldown/heatup sesssions to ensure leaks are resolved may be in order. Lastly, the cycling noise..is that the pressurestat? My wife may not like that too much, so I'll have to convince her it reminds us that Vibi is on and ready for us. ;)
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