Rancilio Silvia: With or Without PID?

by **caffe1nated** on Sun May 01, 2011 11:32 am

I was just about to invest in a real nice Italian espresso machine, the Rancilio Silvia. I have decided to get the Rancilio Rocky (doserless) over the Baratza Preciso for my grinder. However, I am still wondering whether I should invest and wait for a PID to be installed. My question is: Do PID's really make a huge difference? Can't you just temperature surf? Is it worth the investment/wait?

Thanks in advance!

by **samuellaw178** on Sun May 01, 2011 1:19 pm

If you can afford it, definitely go for it! I'd just installed a PID on my Gaggia recently and I thought it was more than great improvement! True, it does nothing to the intrashot temperature stability (especially with the small boiler of Gaggia), but the consistency was increased dramatically. With same routine for temp surf, I cant seem to nail the right temperature every time. Plus,with PID, you can experiment with different temperature for different blends. Definitely a go from me

by **caffe1nated** on Sun May 01, 2011 3:21 pm

Thanks for the advice!

by **cafeIKE** on Sun May 01, 2011 4:22 pm

April fool was a month ago.
You seriously want to buy a mediocre grinder and a machine that is none too cooperative?
Ten years ago, maybe.
Today, no way

by **asicign** on Sun May 01, 2011 4:40 pm

cafeIKE wrote:You seriously want to buy a mediocre grinder and a machine that is none too cooperative?

Not all of us can afford equipment that can produce a decent shot without reasonable preparation. At the price/point of a PID'd Silvia and Rocky, you really aren't going to do much better. My advice to the OP would be to get the PID on the Silvia up front: It really makes a big difference.

by **caffe1nated** on Sun May 01, 2011 4:50 pm

Thank you for the advice instead of just saying what I was purchasing was worthless. (who would do that? :roll:

)

by **cafeIKE** on Sun May 01, 2011 4:51 pm

A Mazzer Super Jolly / Macap MC 4/5/MXK / Rossi RR45 / any number of other far more capable grinders from eBay or craigslist will hand Rocky his head.

A Silvia with PID only solves the temperature issue. Put $50/mo aside for 6 months and get something that solves them all.

by HB on Sun May 01, 2011 4:53 pm

asicign wrote:At the price/point of a PID'd Silvia and Rocky, you really aren't going to do much better.

For just a little more, why not a Bezzera BZ02? Less aggravation, can brew/steam simultaneously, and you'll avoid upgraditus in less than a year.

by **caffe1nated** on Sun May 01, 2011 4:59 pm

I already have a Miele CVA 4066 for home, easy coffee and other drinks for entire family. Whats so aggravating about the Rancilio?

by **caffe1nated** on Sun May 01, 2011 5:00 pm

cafeIKE wrote:A Mazzer Super Jolly / Macap MC 4/5/MXK / Rossi RR45 / any number of other far more capable grinders from eBay or craigslist will hand Rocky his head.

A Silvia with PID only solves the temperature issue. Put $50/mo aside for 6 months and get something that solves them all.

$50 to buy what?


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