Descaling the Rancilio Silvia

Gail shows us the ins-and-outs of descaling the Rancilio Silvia, also discussing descaling in general for single boiler & heat exchange espresso machines.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• espresso machines
• maintenance
• rancilio silvia
• descale

[TheEspressoKid]

one more thing, Gail said if you use a chrome spoon (to mix) that the descaling liquid will "etch" it, aren't most portafilters made of chrome plated brass?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheEspressoKid If she said chrome, I think she meant stainless steel; that's where we have seen the discoloration - Kat

[TheEspressoKid]

So I see that when you are running water through the brew head that you have the portafilter in, is that important to do? Can I run water through the brew head without the portafilter?

thanks!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheEspressoKid Either or will work, really; if you have harder water, you might notice some scale buildup in the basket or PF, but commonly you don't. It's your choice. - Kat

[theseriousaccount]

1 person never descales thier machine.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@theseriousaccount Hahaha -- true :) - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@brownedirt Yeah, I don't really have the time to cross reference all 400-odd of our videos these days so you'll just need to use the power of search! :) - Kat

[brownedirt]

Might I suggest that cross-reference your related videos in all clips? The maintenance clip includes urls to descaling and back flushing; it'd be handy to have urls in all places. Thanks!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@damndoggy Yes- definitely - Kat

[damndoggy]

do you remove the in-tank water softener before descaling Silvia?