zedex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 126 Location: B.C Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz v2 Grinder: vario
Posted Fri Mar 1, 2013, 3:32pm Subject: Re: Silvia alternative
I second the CC1. Silvia is past its prime. At one time it was the go to machine. Now its too expensive for what you get. Much better choices. I would also look for a barratza grinder either the vario or the one below it. Walk away from the rocky.
biochemgawd Senior Member Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: BDB Grinder: Vario
Posted Fri Mar 1, 2013, 3:57pm Subject: Re: Silvia alternative
bogeybutler Said:
I have been looking into buy a Silvia along with the Rocky grinder, but have read several reviews about the Silvia and the temperature issues. I was considering buying the Silvia with the PID, but was not sure if that was still the best option for the money. I think I am sold on the Rocky grinder but just not sure if it is worth around $900 for the Silvia with the PID. Should I be considering other options?
Take a close look at the Lelit PL4TEM, which also comes with a PID from the factory and is quite a bit less expensive than the Silvia. I've had both and I liked the Lelit better.
Standard Questions: 1) What kind of drinks do you like/want to make? (This will tell us what you need in terms of a machine's capabilities.) 2) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself needing to make at ay one time? (This will tell us what you need in terms of a machine's ability to work continuously.) 3) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself making in any given week? (This will tell us what you need in terms of a machine's durability.) 4) Can you plumb a machine directly into the water supply, or do you want/need a pourover machine with its own reservoir? 5) Do you have a 20-amp circuit available, or only a (standard) 15-amp circuit? 6) What is your budget for a new machine? Does that also include a grinder? If not, what is your budget for a grinder?
bogeybutler Junior Member Joined: 1 Mar 2013 Posts: 6 Location: Dallas Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Mar 4, 2013, 2:25pm Subject: Re: Silvia alternative
Thanks for the feedback and questions...answers to questions below.
I will be making espresso, cortados and soy cappuccino's for the Misses. I might make a latte occasionally.
Most of the time I will be making 2 drinks back to back...one for me and one for the wife. When we have friends over maybe 4 drinks.
I will probably make between 10 - 15 drinks per week.
I do not have the ability to plumb a machine directly into the water supply so I will need a pourover machine with its own reservior.
This is a good question and will have to double check.
I would like to keep the cost under $1500.
I have seen suggestions regarding this price point recently and a lot of people like the Oscar (wife does not like the look so will have to pass on that). After reading suggestions I am leaning towards the Era Cuadra with the Vario grinder. Is this a sufficient set up for my needs or should I reconsider.
Micho Junior Member Joined: 4 Mar 2013 Posts: 1 Location: San Diego Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 V1.5 Grinder: Kitchenaid Pro Line with... Roaster: Modified Air Crazy popcorn...
Posted Mon Mar 4, 2013, 8:04pm Subject: Re: Silvia alternative
I own the CC1, and highly recommend it for the money. Heck, I think even Seattle Coffee Gear is selling it as a combo right now which includes a Baratza Vario for less than $1000 altogether. You seriously can't beat that. Great espresso machine, built-in PID, decent tamper included so you don't need to buy one at the moment, and an amazing grinder. If you're not pulling amazing shots with that setup, I don't know what to tell you. The only thing extra I recommend you add to that setup is a bottomless PF for training purposes (and to watch all that candy pour down).
That's the best advice I can give you.
EDIT: It looks like the combo now also includes a free bottomless portafilter, so there you go.
Great combo right there, worlds better then paired with the Silvia. Plus it looks good too so wifey will like it lol, I get what she means about the Oscar, great machine but def the ugly duckling of machines. especially in this price range and up. I bet if they offered a metal version option it'd still sell no prob for more $.
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