What is so different and difficult about the Silvia? I've only ever used one, so I don't have anything to compare it to. I guess what really helped me was, I got a free lesson on how to use the Silvia from Intelligentsia, a pound of Black Cat espresso beans and I have strange will power to overcome

I have the Rocky - Silvia w/pid combo as well. I really like it. I try not to let internet forums sway my decision with this purchase. It may be a little more difficult to reproduce high quality shots one right after another, but it has really helped me get into the espresso world. Plus, I

Rainman, That looks pretty slick did you have to do anything special for the chute or are there already screw holes for it?

Has anyone taken the doser portion of the grinder off to make it a doser-less. I've tried searching for info, but haven't had much luck. tia, borny

I've have one of these and they are terribly slow, unless I'm doing it wrong

I'm a newbie to, but I have meet with the training department of Intelligentsia. The recommend a 26 sec pull for a double shot espresso. What I would suggest is to get a timer and work with you grind/dose/tamp technique used to dial in your espresso machine. Make sure you only change one variable at...

Thanks for the link! I book marked it and reading it

I just got a coffee plant today! I didn't pay for it and I know that it prolly won't produce any cherries (live just a mere 600ft above sea level). If it did produce cherries, I'm sure the coffee wouldn't be worth drinking. However, I'm thinking that just for the interest in the hobby, how should I

Not to hijack the thread, but what flavor profile should I be looking for when pulling a shot of Black Cat espresso. I'm a little new to this and originally drank mostly lattes and a mocha here and there. After, jumping in head's first, I bought the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky grinder did I actually l...

Great information for beginners like me! Thanks!