JasonBrandtLewis Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2005 Posts: 6,100 Location: Berkeley, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -... Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -... Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup Drip: CCD, Chemex Roaster: No, no, not another...
Posted Thu Oct 11, 2012, 11:20am Subject: Re: First Machine - Rancilio Silvia or Ascaso Steel Uno w/PID
Both.
Keep in mind that Rancilio has made very few changes (and those relatively minor) to the Silvia AND the Rocky in (proverbially) "forever." And while they were considered to be the "top" machines for home use, that train left the station "umpteen" years ago. The Silvia still holds its own, remains popular, and continues to get recommendation -- and justifiably so. The Rocky, on the other hand, has long been surpassed by a number of grinders, most notably by the Baratzas . . . .
Both should work well and exceed the Rocky. Look at the Baratza site for refurbs. Preciso refurb has been $239 + shipping of about $10 - 15. Also good Vario refurb prices, subject to availability, mostly Thursday mornings.
Posted Thu Oct 11, 2012, 11:38am Subject: Re: First Machine - Rancilio Silvia or Ascaso Steel Uno w/PID
You can do all your research on the Preciso right here on CG. For consistency and reliability in an espresso grinder, I recommend you look for a grinder with a rigid burr carrier. I've been watching and waiting for the fix from Baratza since the Preciso was introduced.....
RVDave Senior Member Joined: 10 Oct 2012 Posts: 16 Location: Chicago Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Thu Oct 11, 2012, 3:56pm Subject: Re: First Machine - Rancilio Silvia or Ascaso Steel Uno w/PID
Quick update: I went with the Baratza Vario refurb, the price was within my range. I am leaning heavily towards to the Crossland CC1 an dwill probably order shortly.
RVDave Senior Member Joined: 10 Oct 2012 Posts: 16 Location: Chicago Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Oct 16, 2012, 2:58pm Subject: Re: First Machine - Rancilio Silvia or Ascaso Steel Uno w/PID
Just took delivery of a Pasquini Livietta T2. Still waiting on the Baratza Vario, but it should be here thursday. In the meantime, I'll be using the Cuisinart grinder. We'll see how it does!
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 