agentzero Senior Member Joined: 12 Feb 2012 Posts: 3 Location: New York Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Feb 12, 2012, 10:27pm Subject: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
I am looking at this package which is one the Holiday Gift List which is currently in my budget range. Just wanted to get opinions before I take the plunge.
Looking to upgrade from my Saeco Aroma with Illy grinds (which I've given up on in favor of driving a few miles to the local coffee shop).
I was going to buy a Rancilio Rocky to help my situation, but I figured I might as well start fresh.
Is the Silvia/Preciso package the way to go?
My profile:
- Newbie who is eager to learn - Budget: Less than $1000 - Usage / Drinks: Weekends only. Cappuccino in the morning. Espresso in afternoon. - Also would like a grinder that I can also use for my Hario V60 pour overs
Welcome to Coffeegeek. The grinder selection is more than capable for espresso and Hario V60 duty. The Silvia has a solid reputation too, but I see a lot of people recommend a Gaggia Classic or Le'Lit since the shot will be similar to the Silvia but will cost less. The Saeco Aroma could likely be coaxed to produce a shot as good as the Silvia too - I have used lesser equipment to accomplish this level of shot.
I am wondering if the upgrade will be all you hope for at the end of the day or if it will feel more like a $700 lateral move with a bit better quality machine but not worlds better results in the cup - you have around $700 left after the grinder - have you considered a Crossland CC1 in this price range?
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
Checked out the reviews section on saeco aroma which at first glance seemed 'less than glowing'. Silvia has solid reputation in SBDU category. I'd agree, there are other options in SBDU category, including lelit and gaggia classic.
Why a CC1? This poster is the definition of someone well suited for a SBDU machine. Sub 1K budget with low output requirements (only on weekends). No more than 1 shot/capp at a time.....This poster needs nothing more than a silvia or equal members of this class machine. IMO of course.
I'd say, ya. Get the silvia and precisio. you could also consider lelit or gaggia classic. We will always argue merits of one over another, but few of us have experience with more than one machine in this class and hard to say one is better than the others. You may choose one in particular because of personal preferences in design, etc or from availability of machines, second hand opportunities, or other reasons. But all should fit the bill nicely. Although you'll always get a little better quality with more money spent on grinder, but the cost/benefit analysis can only be done by you. It seems you have a fairly modest demand for quantity of espresso, but we don't know your demand for quality. Likely you'll be happy with that combination.
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 12:05am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
diggi Said:
Why a CC1? This poster is the definition of someone well suited for a SBDU machine. Sub 1K budget with low output requirements (only on weekends). No more than 1 shot/capp at a time.....This poster needs nothing more than a silvia or equal members of this class machine. IMO of course.
Madurodave Senior Member Joined: 3 Feb 2012 Posts: 141 Location: NH Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Vac Pot: Yama 5 cup Drip: Mr Coffee, perculator Roaster: HotTop B, West Bend Air...
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 3:42am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
I just bought the Silvia with Baratza Virtuoso Preciso grinder package from WLL. I absolutely love it!
I have had it a little over a week, but produce excellent, consistent shots (temperature surfing through my routine only, not by timing specifically). Milk froth is finally great - excellent microfoam!
So I highly recommend it!
Besides, when you figure in the cost of the grinder, pitcher and other add-ins (which I needed all) the Silvia came out to be under $450, which is much less than many other options. It also has the brass boiler versus aluminum in the Gaggia. Even if you install a PID later, it will be less than other options such as the CC1 mentioned above. At your level of use, you can probably skip the PID anyway. Just run a few shots and play with grinder settings until you are satisfied. You should be very happy with the choice!
Dave Harley rider, Espresso drinker, Primo XL grill
agentzero Senior Member Joined: 12 Feb 2012 Posts: 3 Location: New York Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 10:14am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
Thanks for all the advice. I will take a closer look at the Gaggia Classic and Le'Lit. I was not familiar with the Crossland CC1, but it looks like a very nice SBDU.
I am concerned about overpaying for the perceived upgrade from a Saeco Aroma. For this reason, maybe a Gaggia Classic or Le'Lit is a better move since they seem to be about $200 cheaper than the Rancilio Silvia.
Madurodave Senior Member Joined: 3 Feb 2012 Posts: 141 Location: NH Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Vac Pot: Yama 5 cup Drip: Mr Coffee, perculator Roaster: HotTop B, West Bend Air...
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 10:50am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
agentzero Said:
Thanks for all the advice. I will take a closer look at the Gaggia Classic and Le'Lit. I was not familiar with the Crossland CC1, but it looks like a very nice SBDU.
I am concerned about overpaying for the perceived upgrade from a Saeco Aroma. For this reason, maybe a Gaggia Classic or Le'Lit is a better move since they seem to be about $200 cheaper than the Rancilio Silvia.
Looks like Gaggia package is about $160 less. Then I read where many people with the Gaggia change to the Silvia steam wand (what cost, I am not sure).
My other concern was aluminum boiler in Gaggia versus brass in Silvia. Supposedly, aluminum is linked to some health issues such as Alzheimer's. I decided to play it safe and stick with brass. Oxidized aluminum looks pretty nasty. Please take this comment with a grain of salt!
Of course, coffee is bad for you in one study and good for you in another, so who knows!
Good luck on your decision though! I am sure you will be happy with whatever machine package you get. I was told by WLL that the Preciso is too much grinder for the Gaggia Classic (I was looking at one too) and too go with the MDF for the classic. The Silvia is more picky with the grind. The MDF is even less money (about $100 less).
Dave Harley rider, Espresso drinker, Primo XL grill
dman777 Senior Member Joined: 26 Dec 2011 Posts: 236 Location: austin Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Silvia- No PID Grinder: Compak k3 touch Drip: french press
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 10:57am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
Madurodave Said:
Looks like Gaggia package is about $160 less. Then I read where many people with the Gaggia change to the Silvia steam wand (what cost, I am not sure).
My other concern was aluminum boiler in Gaggia versus brass in Silvia. Supposedly, aluminum is linked to some health issues such as Alzheimer's. I decided to play it safe and stick with brass. Oxidized aluminum looks pretty nasty.
I had the same fears and aluminum looks nasty besides that. When upgrading the wand on the Gaggia, your spending more money. You can get a Silvia at WLL refurbished for just $520.00. This is how I bought mine. It came in brand new...at least to me....I couldn't find any evidence that it was used.
I'm not sure if Silvia is more picky about grind or not as compared to other machines...I hear conflicting opinions. I got new Blue Jaguar beans on Sat. morning and I only used 2 shots to dial in the grind correctly...which I think is really good. Since then( today is Monday), I have not had to re-adjust the grind yet and had not have any bad shots(about 3 a day.... I should slack off on the caffeine but this hobby is fun). At this point, I am playing with the temp. to adjust the flavor and see what profile can get from these beans.
As far as aesthetics go on pulling a shot, the Silvia can pull beautiful shots consistently before the beans get mid age. Although this does not represent taste, as far as the chart floating around here that shows what a perfect extraction looks like....the shot has everything that shows it 1) Tiger stripping 2) Molted look.
I am using VST baskets which contribute to good crema. But I was getting good crema with the stock basket also. It's basically the age of the beans that is the most important variable for good crema, but it's good to know the Silvia is way capable of producing it when the beans are young.
NOTE: Alot of people will flame me for focusing on Crema. I'm not saying that crema is everything. It just something I personally enjoy looking at aesthetically.
I still haven't tested my crema with course sugar to see if it floats for a minute before sinking. That is one thing I need to do.
I compared a shot from a shot at my local coffee shop La Marzocco using the same coffee(I bought a bag of their Cuvee beans) and shot glass(I asked them to use mine for my shot). In my opinion, the flavors were about 20-30% more bold, 25% clearer from the La Marzocco, and the La Marzocco was about 20-25% thicker. It should be noted I compared my shot 16 grams to theirs which as about 21 grams. So, there you go....a $500.00 machine versus one probably over $10,000.00.
Madurodave Senior Member Joined: 3 Feb 2012 Posts: 141 Location: NH Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Vac Pot: Yama 5 cup Drip: Mr Coffee, perculator Roaster: HotTop B, West Bend Air...
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 11:00am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
dman777 Said:
I had the same fears and aluminum looks nasty besides that. When upgrading the wand on the Gaggia, your spending more money. You can get a Silvia at WLL refurbished for just $520.00. This is how I bought mine. It came in brand new...at least to me....I couldn't find any evidence that it was used.
I read how they do their "refurbs". Very intensive checks and they replace any damaged or broken compinents. Great deal if you just need the espresso maker!
Dave Harley rider, Espresso drinker, Primo XL grill
dman777 Senior Member Joined: 26 Dec 2011 Posts: 236 Location: austin Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Silvia- No PID Grinder: Compak k3 touch Drip: french press
Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012, 11:09am Subject: Re: Opinions on Rancilio Silvia / Baratza Preciso Combo Package for Newbie
Ya, the thing is I don't think it was refurbished at all. There was still white plastic film I had to peel off the aluminum, the box was not re-tapped, and I looked inside of it and all the parts were brand new with that beautiful look things have when they have never been used.
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