Next Level Replacement for Rancilio Silvia

[jffhn]

I'm looking to replace my Silvia and need a recommendation for a 'next level' home machine. My requirements are fairly straightforward: should be of approximately the same size (slightly larger is OK), should be reliable, relatively quiet, plumbing is optional (not preferred), constant group head temperature, etc. I make espresso almost exclusively--5 to 6 doubles per day (no, not all for me!). The need for milk steaming/frothing is not at all important. Have I missed anything? I'm leaving price aside, just to see what comes out on top. I grind with a Mazzer Mini.

[cappadoc]

Just curious, if you only drink espresso, why exactly are you looking to upgrade? HX's make steaming easier, but they do not necessarily make better espresso. Double boilers are nice, but very expensive if you don't steam.

Maybe consider a PID? Or you could consider the Fiorenzato Colombina at 1st-line as a more temp stable single boiler.


In other words, more info please.


Jeff

PS Welcome to HB

[jffhn]

I probably do not need a machine change. But I am definitely interested in temperature control (I believe I have a modicum of control over other parameters, i.e., grind, tamp, water quality, etc.). Is there a particular PID installation that you could recommend? Looks like there are quite a few mods out there.
J

[HB]

Is there a particular PID installation that you could recommend?

Murph's Silvia PID Page is well written and easy to follow. I used it as a guideline when PIDing an Isomac Amica (see Modifications on the Resources page for other links).

[jffhn]

To refresh this thread, what I want in my next machine includes:

Quiet operation (quieter than Silvia, please)
Choice to plumb or not plumb
No requirement for PID
Footprint can be a little larger than Silvia

I'd rather not PID and timing my machine ('surfing') isnt' that much fun.

Sounds like I may need to take a trip to Chris' Coffee.

[ANDERSON]

Hi -

Let's see... plumb or no plumb and quiet.. have you checked out the Izzo Alex? It sounds about right although its a bit big.

[Kristi]

Look for a used (true) E61 with lever machine.

[luca]

HX's make steaming easier, but they do not necessarily make better espresso.

Most of the HXs that I have tried made better espresso more easily than I could on my silvia at the time. Of course, it was not PIDded and not pressure modified. YMMV. It's certainly true that there are differences amongst the quality of espresso from different HXs.

Seems like the Izzo Alex is the only thing that can switch between plumbed and not plumbed. The ECM Veneziano will do it too, but I presume that it will be a lot more expensive.

Cheers,

Luca

[erics]

Well, assumming you are halfway between Hazlet, NJ and Albany, NY, you could try out the machine Cappadoc mentioned - the Fiorenzato Colombina at 1st-line and then head to Albany and try out the Alexia at Chris Coffee. Both of these machines appear to be natural step-ups from Silvia for one who does exclusively (or almost exclusively) espresso.

Either one of these reputable vendors might have a return from someone who does mixed drinks and did not like the steaming wait. The Alexia is available with an optional PID controller built-in which makes fine tuning of temperature fairly easy.

Eric S.

[CGP4]

You've got to think hard and get specific on the size issue. Everything that's a "step-up" from the Silvia is significantly bigger, especially in terms of depth. I went through a similar exercise and was hard pressed to find anything that was less than 16" deep (the Silvia is 11-3/8"). I found that the smallest HX machine out there is Paquini's Livia 90, which is not an E-61. Just about every E-61 design is at least 16" or more deep.

[jffhn]

Now, two years since my original post, I am happy to report that I've recently purchased the Quickmill Alexia (from ChrisCoffee). Fantastic machine and wonderful espresso. The extensive review on this site convinced me to pull the trigger. What surprises me the most is ease of use. The Silvia does not come close to the Alexia in ease of operation or consistency and quality of espresso.