D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,191 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013, 3:49pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
DaninMaryland Said:
if i go with the PID'ing the Silvia, do you think it is worth it to pay an extra $35 for steam control? the single control is only $150, so not as much as i thought.
I started with a PID for Gaggia Classic and did not use steam on the controller. I had the 1/32 DIN SYL 1512 and used PID for brew/idle temperature and the alarm to add heat with pump run. I explain that as to why I did not have steam run by the controller. I realized that the steam control is convenient and can actually give more steam power than allowing the steam stat to control. I then bought a 1/16 DIN PID with PID + 2 alarms. Yes, I think steam is a great addition. You can do similar by surfing the steam temperature, but again not convenient. If you are going to pay for a PID then pay for steam control also. Steam pressure is fairly directly related to temperature. The OEM stat has a wide range of deadband, or large temperature swing. The steam alarm temperature can be set 1 degree F deadband and will oscillate around that. the mean steam temperature and pressure will be higher with PID, unless you are really good surfing and measure the temperature. See chart for what 20F difference in mean temperature makes in pressure.
You can save about half of that by DIY, and the difference is obtaining supplies making the wires, already discussed. You install either way. You probably get most of the value back in a few years if you sell. Up the price for the PID or remove the PID and reuse or sell.
darkow Senior Member Joined: 31 Dec 2012 Posts: 104 Location: Wisconsin Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Nuova Simonelli Oscar Grinder: Vario W Drip: Breville YouBrew
Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013, 4:57pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
DaninMaryland Said:
huh? when i read all the time about how much better/easier the Silvia with PID and how much it is always recommended on this forum, not sure why i seem to be getting negative feedback on this thread (not necessarily from you, just in general)...also, since when is spending money on upgrades/bling to machines frowned upon on this forum, lol!
just trying to make things easier and better for myself
MJJ Senior Member Joined: 2 Jan 2013 Posts: 22 Location: Montreal Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia PID Grinder: Baratza Vario Drip: Hario V60
Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013, 8:53pm Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
I have the Auber PID with steam control and pre-infusion and have no regrets. I felt like it enabled me to bump things up to the next level with the new found control. This model has the shot timer too, I got the best price direct from Auber's website. I like having the timer and steam control but they aren't really necessary. With the non-steam control model you will still be able to see what the steam temperature is so you can choose when to start steaming. But in the long run the extra $75 to have steam control, timed pre-infusion and timed shots was worth it for me. It's fun to have those extra functions and if you plan on using your Silvia for a few more years you won't notice the $75.
not true, i had my mind up i wanted PID control, but like i said wanted input to add to my existing machine or buy a new machine with it already on it.
DaninMaryland Senior Member Joined: 3 Jan 2013 Posts: 79 Location: US Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: V2 Silvia Grinder: Vario-W
Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013, 5:19am Subject: Re: PID my Silvia, or go CC1?
MJJ Said:
I have the Auber PID with steam control and pre-infusion and have no regrets. I felt like it enabled me to bump things up to the next level with the new found control. This model has the shot timer too, I got the best price direct from Auber's website. I like having the timer and steam control but they aren't really necessary. With the non-steam control model you will still be able to see what the steam temperature is so you can choose when to start steaming. But in the long run the extra $75 to have steam control, timed pre-infusion and timed shots was worth it for me. It's fun to have those extra functions and if you plan on using your Silvia for a few more years you won't notice the $75.
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