Can I start by saying this is my first post but I have spent a considerable time enjoying browsing the forums. I took on board the advice about grinding your own beans and this has improved my espresso no end.

I do enjoy the occasional flat white( I think that is kiwi for a latte but stand to be corrected) so unhappy with the results from the gaggia wand I fitted the rancilio following the instructions on the net.

The results have been terrible, loads of steam and heat the milk very quickly but does not stretch the milk at all. I have not used steam for over a year so not sure if that is relevant, I have terrible technique or a bum wand.

Any thoughts appreciated.

David

I did the same with mine, this info and video, solved it all

http://silviaschool.com/node/9

I turn my valve open about 1/2 turn to strech the milk til it gets to 100 degrees, I then give it a full turn to heat the milk up to 155-160 degrees

I too have the silvia v2 wand on the Gaggia Classic. At first it was an adjustment, but I can usualy get pretty good microfoam out of it now.

You probably just need a little practice. Watch some youtube videos. They helped me a ton.

To stretch the milk you need to introduce air into it. You do this by holding the tip of the wand juuuust underneath the surface of the milk. You want to hear the Ch--ch--ch--ch sound. Bury the needle around 100 degrees F or once the pitcher gets warm.

Once you get the stretching down, you can just play with the technique until you get it down pat.

By the way, do you have the 1 hole Silvia wand or the 3 hole one?

Jason

Thanks for that, it is the one hole tip that I have. I still have a way to go but the video has helped a great deal so clearly a technique thing.

Cheers,

David

I used this mod on my EC 155. I found that this type of pitcher made the technique easier. All I had to do was place the wand in the middle of the pitcher and the steam would create an upside down mushroom effect resulting in good foam. http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/6243-.a ... Qgod_2UAjg

Like this

http://www.veniacoffee.com/shop/media/w ... iagram.jpg