Any successful experiences with Rancilio Silvia 2009? - Page 2

by **TheJohnNewton** on Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:06 am

I know some more skilled and patient than I have success with temp surfing but IMO a PID really should be a standard part of a Silvia.

by **andrewpetre** on Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:16 pm

+1 PID. With knowledgeable people talking about significant discernable differences in (coffee taste) output from 198-203, How can anyone expect to guess-surf their way to success? Maybe if you can find blends that are far less sensitive to the temperature changes?

by HB on Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:42 pm

-1 PID.

It's a pity the 2009 model doesn't address Silvia's Achille's Heel - poor brew temperature control. Instead Rancilio increased the price for largely cosmetic improvements. While I understand the desired price point makes a stock PID too costly, there are surely better thermostats / solutions than its el-cheapo stock one.

by **blueface** on Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:32 am

To Rancilio Silvia's owner, is there a time limit for the steam switch to left in the ON position?

by **TheJohnNewton** on Sun Jun 14, 2009 12:44 pm

Dan - Better temp control via a better thermostat would certainly be an improvement. Being able to actually set the temp to my liking though has completely changed the machine for the better IMO. Night and day for me. Like I said above this may not be as big a factor for those with more skill than I but for me it made the machine usable. If they could add a PID from the factory and sell it for a price that would be viable I have no idea.

by HB on Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:07 pm

blueface wrote:...is there a time limit for the steam switch to left in the ON position?

As long as the heating element is covered, no problem.

TheJohnNewton wrote:Like I said above this may not be as big a factor for those with more skill than I but for me it made the machine usable.

No doubt that's true.

As an aside, to my knowledge, owners of espresso machines like the Gaggia Classic and Solis SL70 aren't clamoring for PID control like so many Rancilio Silvia owners do. As a forum observer, it appears to me they also suffer far less difficulty learning how to use them. Despite this and their lower cost, the Rancilio Silvia seems more popular. I understood why years ago when it was priced competitively, but today? I don't get it.

by **blueface** on Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:03 pm

HB wrote:As long as the heating element is covered, no problem.

What do you mean? Can be more specific? Thks.

by HB on Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:05 pm

Er, the boiler doesn't refill automatically?

by **blueface** on Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:16 pm

HB wrote:Er, the boiler doesn't refill automatically?

By normal operation, should automatically refill right? If yes, not a problem to leave it ON for a longer period due to steaming a few pitchers of milk right?

by **cksaurus** on Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:28 pm

Looks like the discussion now has diverted from its original topic. Perhaps I should start a new one and make a more specific title for a more focused discussion.


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