NewRista Senior Member Joined: 18 Nov 2011 Posts: 2 Location: michigan Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 11:20am Subject: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
Hello all. I am just about to purchase my first espresso machine and grinder. I really hope to avoid the upgrade fever....at least for a while! After much research I have (almost) decided upon the Silvano by Quick Mill and a Virtuoso Presiso grinder. I can get both new plus a nice tamper and a 20 oz pitcher for $1275 shipping included. Is this a good deal? Is this a good setup for a "newbie"? I will make both straight espresso and milk based drinks. Have people over quite often but small groups...4-5 usually. Fortunate enough to have great roasters around...but no where to test various machines. Was originally thinking PID'd Silvia and a Vario... All comments are appreciated. Need some guidance before I take the plunge. Thanks much!!
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,661 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 4:50pm Subject: Re: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
You might want to look at the crossland coffee cc1. It has more adjustments and features and costs less. However, it only has one pump so you can't pull and steam at the same time. It does steam with a thermoblock though (like the silvano) so there is no switch over time between shots and steam like on a sbdu machine like silvia.
My personal opinion is that they are much more alike than different and with the lower price, you can get a better grinder for the same total price.
I am on my cell phone so it is hard to provide a link but google seatle coffee gear to see a demo of the cc1
It can't hurt to look!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 5:02pm Subject: Re: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
The Silvano by Quickmill has been everything I wanted from an espresso machine. I don't do much with milk drinks but the machine certainly can steam milk. The Preciso or Vario both will grind fine enough for this machine. If you give Chris or one of his associates a call at Chris Coffee you can describe what you are looking for and they can match you up with a machine you will be happy with. If you want monster steam at this price range maybe the Oscar is a better fit.
At the six minute mark in this Vimeo video review of the Silvano they steam some milk - it takes about 30 seconds.
I wanted the PID and adjustable OPV more than monster steam based on my preferences and wanting to optimize for straight shots but your preferences might be different. Give Chris Coffee a call - you can learn a lot from them.
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?
NewRista Senior Member Joined: 18 Nov 2011 Posts: 2 Location: michigan Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Nov 22, 2011, 6:55am Subject: Re: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
So I placed my order yesterday. Decided to go with the Quick Mill Silvano and the Vario grinder. It just seemed like the best combo to keep me from upgrading for some time. I hope this was a smart purchase. I must say that Chris from Chris Coffee was wonderful. Very informative and also gave me a great deal on the package. One more question for all of you: What water do you use? I've seen the new ZeroFilter commercials and this seems like the way to go....thoughts??
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,661 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Tue Nov 22, 2011, 8:27am Subject: Re: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
Congrats on the purchase, Chris is great to deal with. As to the water, I don't know much about that "filter" system. IF it is one of those magnet things you put on your pipe, well, it sure sounds like a con to me. What do I know, I just am an old fart who is stuck in yesterdays tech. If there isn't a mechanical connection then it is magic how it works!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Tue Nov 22, 2011, 8:38am Subject: Re: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
Congrats on your equipment. Chris ISa fine dealer as well. Welcome to CG! Zero water IMO may remove too many minerals, giving you more of a distilled water, not especially good for espresso. The Britta pitcher should be all you need. I use it and find the taste of the water as good or better than bottled spring water, and no plastic bottles. I save about 600-700 plastic bottles a year.
Posted Tue Nov 22, 2011, 10:08am Subject: Re: Need your advise on my upcoming purchase Silvano/Preciso??
Congrats! I've done basically the same thing in the past 1 1/2 weeks. I got the Silvano at the end of last week, also from Chris Coffee. I decided yesterday to go ahead and get the Vario-W as well. In the meantime, I've been using my Rocky with the Silvano and, despite my reservations about the Rocky, I've been able to get excellent shots.
Chris Coffee sends test strips for your water along with the Silvano. Assuming your water passes the "hardness" test and you're still concerned about water quality, I would just use water filtered in a Brita system or something equivalent.
NewRista Said:
So I placed my order yesterday. Decided to go with the Quick Mill Silvano and the Vario grinder. It just seemed like the best combo to keep me from upgrading for some time. I hope this was a smart purchase. I must say that Chris from Chris Coffee was wonderful. Very informative and also gave me a great deal on the package. One more question for all of you: What water do you use? I've seen the new ZeroFilter commercials and this seems like the way to go....thoughts??
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