Best step by step guide to Rancilio Silvia use?

by **jonbauer** on Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:41 pm

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

by **miKe mcKoffee** on Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:58 pm

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

by HB on Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:20 pm

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

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.

by **erics** on Wed Dec 13, 2006 12:56 am

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.

by **miKe mcKoffee** on Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:30 am

erics wrote: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.

by **2xlp** on Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:23 pm

Cheating Miss Silvia

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

by **Everman** on Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:18 pm

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.

by **jonbauer** on Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:25 pm

Everman wrote: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

by HB on Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:32 pm

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

by **jesawdy** on Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:44 pm

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.


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