I am wanting to order an Auber PID Kit for my 6 month old Rancilio Silvia. Here's the problem...I am in no way, shape or form able to install this thing without the possibility of really messing up my machine. Any idea where I can go in Winnipeg, MB, Canada to get help with the installation. I fired off an email to the company who sold me the machine, they also repair most of the commercial machines in Winnipeg. I remember he wasn't a fan of ripping apart the machine.Wish me luck.

There is absolutely no need to "rip the machine apart" - I do realize this was his interpretation of what MAY need to be done. The only panels that need to be removed are the rectangular one just above the drip tray and the top panel supporting the water reservoir (a total of six screws). I would suggest you download the PID installation instructions, show them to your shop in Winnipeg and go from there.

I realize this task may seem daunting but the instructions provided by the two primary suppliers of PID kits for the Rancilio Silvia (Auber & PIDKits.com) are VERY thorough. Depending upon your relationship with the shop, I would estimate 2 hours maximum to install & test.

Thanks a bunch for the encouraging email. 6 screws doesn't seem so bad. I really want to put this on. Great advice!!

Any advice?

Watlow SD3C at $330.00 vs Auber PID Retrofit KIT for Rancilio Silvia w/ pre-infusion $234.00.

Wow, I had no idea that PID control kits for the Rancilio Silvia were approaching half of the retail cost of the espresso machine itself!?! Anyway, the advice offered in Watlow vs. Auber PID controller suggests the Watlow may be higher quality, but the Auber is more than sufficient for this purpose.

Awesome...thanks HB. I know paying $330 plus S&H to Canada seems very silly. Auber wins on price point. I will let you know once it's all installed.

Wow. I also never thought that the PID kits cost so much. The PID that I assembled myself costs less than $100 total. With that much amount of money, I wonder isn't it more worth to sell the machine and upgrade into the next hx level.

Forget the preinfusion option - if nothing else, you could mimic this with the brew switch and, even then, it is not really preinfusion as it could be. That would be a complex mod to Silvia - see here - http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/machinemods/373954
The simplest PID kit is the best - all you are trying to do is dramatically improve the existing stock thermostat.

+1 what Eric said...
Preinfusion, properly done, can be excellent in terms of coffee quality, but it would be interesting to see how the Auber affects that function. If it is merely a timer that switches the brew cycle on, off, then on again, then I would pass. And as mentioned:
$245
+ used Silvia value
A good start towards a better machine.

I am really appreciating all the advice evryone is offering. Here is my issue
1) I will never own a 2-3 thousand dollar machine or even a 1500 machine within the next 2-3 years.

2) I need simple. All I want is to improve my rancilio's ability to control temp. range in boiler.

3) With all the great advice given here it appears my "biggest bang for the buck" is the inexpensive, non-pre infusion PID over the $325. MLG.........yes??