Best step by step guide to Rancilio Silvia use?

#1: Post by **jonbauer** » December 12th, 2006, 8:41 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

December 12th, 2006, 8:58 pm

Here's a start: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine Review

#3: Post by HB » December 12th, 2006, 9:20 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.

#4: Post by **erics** » December 12th, 2006, 11:56 pm

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.

December 13th, 2006, 12:30 am

Just be aware mentioned surf timings are based on the old 110c tstat not the newer 100c tstat.

#6: Post by **2xlp** » December 13th, 2006, 12:23 pm

Cheating Miss Silvia

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

#7: Post by **Everman** » December 18th, 2006, 9:18 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.

December 18th, 2006, 9:25 pm

Rancilio says that you should never backflush the Silvia... They say that it can be damaged...

- Jon

#9: Post by HB » December 18th, 2006, 9:32 pm

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

#10: Post by **jesawdy** » December 18th, 2006, 9:44 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.