Best step by step guide to Silvia use?

[jonbauer]

I'm new, and want to learn with no "bad habits..."

Do you guys/gals have a guide that you can refer me to that goes over the entire espresso creation process STEP BY STEP that I can follow? Would be cool if it was showing it with a Silvia, but not absolutely necessary...

- Thanx!
- Jon

[miKe mcKoffee]

Here's a start: http://www.home-barista.com/silvia-flash-review.html

[HB]

Silvia really isn't that complicated and the basic techniques you need apply to all espresso machines. Here's my must-read list:

• Home Barista's Guide to Espresso
• Banish Uneven Extractions with the WDT
• Perfecting the Naked Extraction

For HX espresso machine owners, add:

• How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love HXs

These and other noteworthy articles on the web are listed on the Resources page. This forum's FAQs and Favorites rounds out my recommended reading. I realize these how-tos aren't specifically addressing Silvia usage, but they build the foundation of knowledge that will carry you well beyond the early learning stage.

[erics]

Here is a Silvia specific site (almost from soup to nuts) BUT I would go with Dan's recommended reading FIRST.

http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Eric S.

[miKe mcKoffee]

Here is a Silvia specific site (almost from soup to nuts) BUT I would go with Dan's recommended reading FIRST.

http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com

Eric S.

Just be aware mentioned surf timings are based on the old 110c tstat not the newer 100c tstat.

[2xlp]

Cheating Miss Silvia

http://www.coffeekid.com/archived/rancilio/cheatsilvia

[Everman]

Outside of temp surfing I'd say technique is the key factor, this includes mechanics like proper dose amounts. The proper amount of coffee will yield a firm puck with a slight screw indentation after the shot it pulled, this is about 17 grams.

Make sure you keep the machine clean, water backflush at the end of a session is good, chemical backflush once a week.

[jonbauer]

Outside of temp surfing I'd say technique is the key factor, this includes mechanics like proper dose amounts. The proper amount of coffee will yield a firm puck with a slight screw indentation after the shot it pulled, this is about 17 grams.

Make sure you keep the machine clean, water backflush at the end of a session is good, chemical backflush once a week.

Rancilio says that you should never backflush the Silvia... They say that it can be damaged...

- Jon

[HB]

That recommendation has always mystified me. Backflushing is less strain on Miss Silvia than pulling a ristretto.

[jesawdy]

I portafilter wiggle and backflush Silvia with water only after every session. I find myself only using a backflush detergent (JoeGlo), about every 3-4 weeks. Of course it depends on volume... I do wash the basket daily and the portfilter when I detect a smell. Everything gets a detergent soak when I do a chemical backflush.

[tmaynard]

a guide that you can refer me to that goes over the entire espresso creation process STEP BY STEP that I can follow? Would be cool if it was showing it with a Silvia, but not absolutely necessary...

This is a pretty late response to your question, but Whole Latte Love has quite a few videos demonstrating the use and maintenance of the Silvia.

They also sell "Getting To Know ..." CD-ROMS for various machines (I bought one of theirs for my Gaggia) -- I didn't find it within my search tolerance, but if you call them I'm sure they'll tell you if one is available. Plug the disc into your PC (not Linux, alas), and you'll find everything you'll need to know, start to finish.

Good luck!
t++