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From: SeattleCoffeeGear
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  • Hi - I just bought this baby; I have it placed so that there is some limited space directly above the unit, and I'm afraid that I will accidentally spill water on it while refilling the water container - there is actually not enough space to lift out the water container (in which case I would have to move the whole unit...which is sort of a hassle).

    Short version: what happens if I accidentally spill water on the unit (and while plugged in) - is it safe?

  • @illextreme A little water here and there won't hurt it, but I'd try to refrain from more than a few drops if possible - Kat

  • Silvia w/ pid vs crossland cc1.....Which is the better performer..I really want to order something in the next few days!!

  • @rickthaler CC1 has more programming functionality and a different water source method, but Silvia has a longer rep, so it's kind of your call. Both are great performers - Kat

  • @SeattleCoffeeGear What sort of water source does the CC1 have compared to the Silvia?

  • @Gig103 I answered this in your other comment, but will repeat here :) It pulls water from the reservoir, to the boiler and then into a thermoblock when it's steaming, continuously filling the boiler so you don't run the risk of boiler burn out. - Kat

  • @SeattleCoffeeGear Thanks Kat, I guess I figured out the answer to this somewhere in between my posts, and forgot to delete this comment.

  • Really like your vids. I am just about to buy a Silvia v3 with a Rocky grinder and a stainless base and if I was in the States I would definitely buy from you guys - unfortunately I am in the UK so don't have that option. Sorry :-(

  • @s1914 That's a great setup -- enjoy it ! :) - Kat

  • I mean if you leave it alone for a day, the weekend, a week or even a month. I've watched your video about storing it over the winter, but that was a bit longer than I was gonna leave it. :)

  • @ersia87 It's kind of your call, really; I might empty out the reservoir if I wasn't going to use it for more than a week. - Kat

  • I have a question! I have recently got a rancilio silvia for home usage. How importaint is it to empety the water reservoir and pipes inside the machine if you're gonna leave it for a while, to prevent algea to build up?

  • I'm about to pull the trigger and get a Silvia V3, although not quite sure if I should really get a grinder to go with it. I'm used to both pre-grounds (acquired taste), Illy and Lavazza Qualita Oro, which are pretty decent and consistent pre-grounds, at least to the touch-and-feel and naked eye. What's your take on using these pre-grounds on the Silvia or would you still recommend the grinder? - Alex

  • @alexmbg1 Yes, a grinder is a must for any machine that is doing a non-pressurized, traditional extraction. It doesn't matter how finely the original pre-ground coffee is, you need to be able to calibrate it to the machine and even if it works for a day or two post grind, it's going to dry out over time and your shots will be affected. We have a video called 'Pre Ground Coffee Aging' where you can see how it degrades even with coffee that was ground with a dialed-in grinder. - Kat

  • My Rancilio Silvia steam wand is alot louder than any of the demos you did with yours. I think there may be something wrong with it because it does not seem to steam well and the noise is outrageous. Is there any advice you can give to figure out if I am doing something wrong or if it is just not working properly?

  • @AQucsaiJr Have you been descaling regularly? Also, if you aren't getting the technique in the milk just right on this machine it will be crazy loud and messy, so maybe it's a pitcher tilt one way or the other to change how the tip engages with the milk? Not really positive but those would be my best suggestions :) - Kat

  • Basically, it is that the steam wand goes of on its own (or as soon as I push the coffee button) and that I cannot turn the steam handle at all or do anything to stop it. I was able to turn the handle in the beginning. The only thing I did with the machine is to follow start up instructions: Open steam tap, press main switch and coffee switch at the same time. Close the steam tap when water starts running. Repeated it a few times.

    Then all of a sudden my problem started...

  • @amorbavian

    When I switch the main switch on, the steam wand starts pouring out water...then it turns to steam..it stops after some minutes..then I tried to make an espresso..but again it runs water through the steam wand...the coffee puck barely got wet..no coffee ran through the filter (and I did not press it THAT hard)..WTF?

    I am getting desperate here..

  • @amorbavian I can't really troubleshoot this on YouTube; if you purchased it from us, give us a call and our support crew can talk you through/troubleshoot it. If you didn't purchase from us, contact your retailer and they should be able to help you resolve. - Kat

  • @SeattleCoffeeGear

    Thanks for the response, Kat. I would have enjoyed purchasing from you (as I have enjoyed your videos) but I live in Sweden so it was not really an option. :) I will contact my retailer. Can you at least comfort me and confirm that the problem is solvable without me sending the machine back (as I ordered it from Italy)?

  • @amorbavian It sounds like your steam knob is stuck open; it sounds like the valve was open all the way, it heated up and then got stuck. To resolve, take the top off, get machine up to steam temp (put something under the wand), grab the valve inside (where the knob slides on) with a pair of vice grips and twist clockwise to break it free; then once it's free, replace the knob and you'll be good to go. But call your retailer; confirm they're cool with you doing this first. - Kat

  • @amorbavian It sounds like your steam knob is stuck open; it sounds like the valve was open all the way, it heated up and then got stuck. To resolve, take the top off, get machine up to steam temp (put something under the wand), grab the valve inside (where the knob slides on) with a pair of vice grips and twist clockwise to break it free; then once it's free, replace the knob and you'll be good to go. But call your retailer; confirm they're cool with you doing this first. - Kat

  • In general, try not to open the knob all the way when steaming, just a few turns is enough to get the right amount of steam and opening the valve completely runs the risk of this issue. But, again, if your machine has a warranty on it, make sure whoever supports that is cool with you performing the suggested actions so that you don't void that warranty. Hope this helps! - Kat

  • In general, try not to open the knob all the way when steaming, just a few turns is enough to get the right amount of steam and opening the valve completely runs the risk of this issue. But, again, if your machine has a warranty on it, make sure whoever supports that is cool with you performing the suggested actions so that you don't void that warranty. Hope this helps! - Kat

  • Hi Gail and Kat,

    What would you say the average lifespan of the Rancilio Silvia is? I'm considering purchasing one, but it's a big investment so I'm wondering how long it will last me.  For instance, how does the lifespan compare to a more economically priced machine such as the Saeco Aroma?

    Thanks for the help!

    Michael

  • @michaelarthurhill We have seen them as old as 10 years and they are still going; but the same can be said for those lower end machines like the Aroma or Via Venezia, the biggest factor is how often you use it and then the care/maintenance. The more you use it, the more you'll need to pay to keep it alive; same so for the less you maintain it :) - Kat

  • Hi there. great videos but the more i look the more i am undecided on which machine to get. I am interested in the Ascaso Dream UP and this Rancilio Silvia. Do you have any videos comparing these two machines? Apart from the stunning red rocket looks of the Ascaso, which would be the best for an entry level machine (and husband proof),

    Is the Silvia much heavier and taller than the ascaso? Can you use PODs in both?

    Hope you may be able to help, cheers, Mel from OZ

  • @melameli1 Hi Mel; the Ascaso Dream UP is more pod friendly than the Silvia -- but check the specs on the models available in Oz; I know that they modify them for the US market to be pod-friendly so you may need to purchase additional baskets for them to be so in Oz. The Silvia can be adapted for pods but performs very poorly and we don't recommend it for that. They are similar in height; both of them perform pretty similarly as well. We don't have a comparison video, though -- will do. - Kat

  • gaaahhh what a dilemma - one of these, a Francis! X1, or an easily sourced gaggia classic (i'm in the UK!).... any ideas? please help!!

  • @mnewstead I vote for Silvia or Gaggia, I think they will be your best bet, long-term - Kat

  • LOL! :)

  • Apparently, from his tweets, CoffeeGeek has been spending some time with Silvia Rancilio these days...

  • @joeldamianicigan Who hasn't? She's pretty easy ;) - Kat

  • Great videos. If you ever need coffee stuff from Brazil just let me know.

    Cheers,

    Jovi

  • @akitadf Thank you!! If you have any favorite Brazilian coffees that you'd like to share, we'd love to taste them :) Feel free to message me - Kat

  • Love the car alarm

  • Great job on these videos! It convinced me to pick up a Miss Silvia from you guys (though Amazon.com). I also picked up a Rancilio Rocky Doserless grinder directly through your website along with a few other accessories. Thanks!

  • @bam5107 Great to hear! Let us know if you need anything once you get your setup :) - Kat

  • I need help Kat! On all of the espresso forums the people on there make it seem like its almost impossible to get decent shots out of the silvia without adding a PID. Are the shots that you get if you temperature surf on the silvia really good and consistant or.....?  Basicly is the silvia a good machine without adding a PID? Also is the doserless Rocky the better option for me if I'll be drinking coffee by myself most of the time? Or does the doser help break up the clumps ?

  • @ryanland1 I think you can get a good shot from the Silvia without the PID, but I am definitely more of a shoot-from-the-hip kind of gal than the majority of the folks who frequent espresso forums ;) So take that into account, please. I think, when you get your technique down, you can pull consistent shots with it and we have a large number of customers who do so without a PID. The doser/doserless is a tough call; you might want to go with the former for your purposes. - Kat

  • Have you guys had a quick mill silvano in for testing?  Are you planning on selling them? I really need to decide on a new machine soon so I don't wase so much time watching your videos! I began watching to learn how to descale my machine but now I have the idea in my head that I need a new one.

  • @ryanland1 We had the first version in and decided not to carry that model but they have improved it so we'll get the new version in for testing and see how it goes, then decide if we will carry. So, jury's still out. - Kat

  • @SeattleCoffeeGear Sorry I have one more question! Can you guys install a PID on the Silvia if I were to order one? If so how much would that cost? It just seems to me that the Silvia is a proven machine and the other single boilers that offer a PID I guess excluding the Alexia are kind of new on the market.

  • i took your advice and got myself a syliva, finding it impossible to use the single shot basket. Did you find a similar problem, have you done any videos on a single shot with this machine ?

  • @Johanvideo525 Single shots are difficult on all machines; we do have it on our to-do list to see if we can figure out how to pull a great single shot. Right now we (and everyone we know) pull doubles and toss the second if it's not being used. - Kat

  • @SeattleCoffeeGear ok when you decide to look at this could you please use the sylvia single basket for your testing. i think getting the single shot down to a tea is more imressive than pulling a good double.

  • @Johanvideo525 Agreed, but we are not convinced it's really doable. We spoke with the guys at La Marzocco as well about their thoughts on it so we have a couple of ideas, but they were equally as skeptical as us ;) We'll definitely take it on, though! - Kat

  • hi girls!

    thank to your videos now I going to be a pretty good home barista)))

    I bought a Silvia! first time i wanted to cry! but now all is better!

    now I want to update my machine, I have the standard Silvia with the plastic tamper so I want to buy a new alluminum temper; i want to ask, better flat or curve temper? what different will be in my coffee with one or with the other one?

    also i want to ask, you suggest me to buy a bottomless filter and a La Mazzocco filter?

    thx in advance!!!

  • @sodtheboss We have heard that the curved bases for the Silvia are better because they allow a little more room for the brew head screw, so you might want to try that style for your machine. The LM baskets definitely did give a better shot -- we haven't been able to get our hands on anything other than the demo to sell it, however, but you can find it elsewhere. I think it's one or the other -- either that basket or the bottomless portafilter. the latter will give you a little more volume. - Kat

  • @SeattleCoffeeGear

    thx!!!!!!))))))

    your words are bible for me! I'll do as u told!;)

    sorry only that i can't buy in ur shop, 'cause i live in Italy!(((

  • @sodtheboss that's quite the compliment! :) Let me know if you need anything else :) - Kat

  • i am getting really nice looking shots from my silvia v3 but i am getting leftover grinds in my cup if i move grinder up any more it flows too quick any suggestions please thanks

  • @tonyyuille Hmmmm.....I would move it up a notch and tamp a little harder, perhaps. - Kat

  • I've been wanting a Miss Silvia for awhile now. Your site has really amped up my interest in it plus an acceptable grinder. Would a Maestro Plus be OK?

    I have a chance to get a used 'excellant condition' V2 on Ebay for a decent price but with shipping added to the cost the difference (about $130) between the V2 and the new V3 might not seem as good a value.

    If I bought the Miss Silvia from your store is there a chance I could get a discount? I hear you take trade-ins too.

  • @metaspherz Hi there! The Maestro Plus does not grind fine enough for espresso; you'd need the Virtuoso, at minimum, to get a good grind and particle consistency. These machines can have a good life to them if they have been maintained/used properly, so definitely ask the seller what they've been doing re: upkeep. We do have great machine/grinder combo packages where you get a ton of freebies if you purchase together, but no other discounts on this machine. Sorry :/ - Kat

  • hi!

    I seen many your videos, very very interesting!

    I think that no one better then you can tell me what I would like to ask:

    I want to buy a good machine semiautomatic, I think that Rancilio Silvia il very good... but also I've seen the following: "la pavoni DOMUS BAR - DMB" or "la pavoni PUCCINO" (the last one I can buy for 350.00euro, cheaper than the others, but for me is not a problem +/- 150.00euro, is important a good machine)

    thanks in advance!

  • @VeraBond007 Hi there! Well, I have only used the Pavoni lever machines myself, so I'm not sure how these other models compare to the Silvia. The Silvia is a great machine, however, and definitely a good buy; you might want to poke around on forums to see if anyone is talking about these other machines and how they perform. - Kat

  • Kat, you need to show your face once in a while so we know who's asking the questions!

  • @markpianoman Uh - not going to happen! Sorry, I am camera shy :D - Kat

  • Don't freak out about the PRESSURE. LEAVE it alone. They all arrive set correctly.  What you DO need to worry about is TEMPERATURE

  • @hitechespresso Unless they're going to use the pod adapter, then they will need to have the pressure adjusted. - Kat

  • I was under the impression the new V3 had a new adjustable expansion valve

    (You can now set the maximum brew pressure to your own liking)

  • Not that we know of -- Rancilio did not specify that this was going to change on the machines in the US. - Kat

  • OK - so you could adjust the V2 & the V3 under the hood, they don't have an interface to do it otherwise. You need to do this if, for example, you plan on using the pod adapter kit. - Kat

  • watching your video's made my day!! you both are so fun and if I was close I would be in your shop!! can you sell on line? I want the rancillo silvia!!

  • Thanks! Yes, check out our website (on our profile info). - Kat

  • ~aprox, what is the cost to upgrade the version #2 steam arm/wand to the newer aftermarket version #3 ?

  • It's not possible; the part that the steam arm attaches to on the newer model is much larger, hence the nut connecting it is much larger. We tried swapping them out, but no go -- they aren't compatible.

  • Is it possible to change the steam tip from 3 to 1?

  • It will come standard with a one-hole tip and you can choose to upgrade it to a three-hole tip if you like.

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