Search found 8 matches

by jdefontes
November 5th, 2010, 10:53 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 13
Views: 3100

Used Rancilio Silvia+Rocky, previous model a good buy?

I've had both the older and newer model Silvia, and they are functionally the same. The updates are mostly cosmetic. The swivel steam wand on the newer model is slightly better. The results in the cup are the same though. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an older model if it's in good shape
by jdefontes
March 5th, 2009, 4:08 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 8
Views: 12146

How to Protect Cabinetry From Heat?

Our kitchen has cheap mdf cabinets from Ikea. A year or so of having Silvia on pretty much all of the time has totally ruined the door on the cabinet above the machine. The finish is cracking off and the "wood" is clearly swelling. At this point we're just going to leave it until we move out (which ...
by jdefontes
February 17th, 2009, 4:58 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 3408
Views: 306712

The craziest %#*$ing thing I've seen all day...

{image} The Michael Jackson Auction A Brevetti Gaggia espresso and cappuccino machine. Two tone metal featuring polished chrome with bands of repousse; and reticulated brass. Tank bears a Neverland plaque, is flanked by decorative Turkish tea vessels and is crested by an eagle finial. {link}
by jdefontes
October 4th, 2007, 11:33 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 7
Views: 596

Bottomless portafilter for Rancilio Silvia -- recommendations?

I got the one from EspressoParts. Can't imagine it makes much difference since you're just buying a hole that the coffee never touches. I finally started playing with mine today. Watching the pours is loads of fun, and the triple basket definitely increases your dosing options. Lots to learn
by jdefontes
September 27th, 2007, 9:30 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 3408
Views: 306712

The craziest %#*$ing thing I've seen all day...

The Replica is pretty hot: {image} I'd love to the see that as a one-group
by jdefontes
September 26th, 2007, 12:44 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 13
Views: 1638

My wife likes Starbucks mochas

I went through the same thing trying to satisfy my favorite mocha addict. Apparently Starbucks has a special chocolate syrup made for them (or so they say), and they won't sell it. The best approximation we found was "Hershey's Lite Syrup", the one that says 50% less sugar on the label. It is defini...
by jdefontes
September 20th, 2007, 10:19 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 110
Views: 33361

Hall of Shame: ''What I did when I was a newbie...''

I did the research a year or so ago but when I realized I didn't have the budget for a serious kit I wound up doing the Krups toy/pre-ground Illy thing. After choking that down for a year (and thinking I was loving it) I got the inkling that maybe there was something more. Now I'm a month or
by jdefontes
September 20th, 2007, 10:00 pm
Forum: Coffee Brewing
Replies: 6
Views: 848

Recommendations for French press / drip only grinder

I picked up a Maestro Plus to feed my Aeropress at work and I'm pretty happy with it. I did get razzed for running a woodchipper in the office the first time I fired it up (followed by lots of Fargo jokes), but I'd say the noise level is on par with my Rocky, though I haven't run them side