Any idea when the detailed review will be ready? Don't mean to be pushy :-) but the first look was useful, a detailed review will hopefully be even better!!
Mark...thanks for the video...it is priceless for us new Silvia owners and home espresso beginners. You saved me the $15 or so it would have cost to purchase the WLL Silvia video.
Here's another interested user in the full detailed review. Will this be posted soon? I'm also curious about the 3 hole steam wand adaptor tip for Silvia. Any opinions on these?
For the record, I would still love to see a detailed review. How does Silvia compare to a Gaggia Baby or Classic in shot quality? And why do some former owners now pan the Silvia?
Also, feel free to be 'opinionated', for the most part, that's why I'm reading the article to begin with.
I wrote this on the Ascaso Steel Duo thread, but it equally applies to the Silvia product. Since the new cosmetic changes for 2009 do not appear to change the functionality and usability of the machine by any real regard, I still plan on publishing a full detailed review for this machine.
The Silvia, along with the Ascaso Steel Duo, have been out on the test bench and in the kitchen now for several months, getting a serious working over. I've compiled a lot of tests with the Silvia, and had two test groups in (3 consumers, 2 consumers + two pro baristas) to use the machine (along with the Ascaso)
I was planning on having this as one of the 'launch' Detailed Reviews for the new CoffeeGeek site, but since the ETA on that is still at least 3 months away, and possibly longer, I'm toying with the idea of publishing it sooner.
The problem is, if I do that, I'll have to write up two complete Detailed Reviews - the new website's new DR format is going to be different from the current one. We have an archive system in place for older Detailed Reviews, but I'm hesitant to write a new one right now, knowing that things will be changing somewhat.
I'm looking for feedback here. My obvious preference is to a) post some updated comments in this thread, and b) post the Detailed Review with the new website. But if there's an overwhelming demand for the Detailed Review now, I'll get working on that.
So, which can you "settle' for? ;) I'll be posting this in a few other First Look threads as well. Please feel free to post your thoughts in each thread. Also note, the Silvia's a much more "known beast" than the Ascaso Steel Duo is, so I can sort of see a preference going to the Ascaso for the current DR treatment.
First time poster here, and I will say, your first look, and more importantly the 'Shot Walkthrough' has been a tremendous help.
I received my equipment last night, got it all primed (per your instructions on the first look), and pulled one quazi-successful double out of my first 5 tries. Job not so terribly well done...
In any event, realzing I have zero clout on this forum, yet answering your call for opinions, frankly, I'd love to see a detailed review like tomorrow...if that's not too much to ask? :) In all seriousness, I'd be extremely excited and greatful to see some more information, particularly in managing brew temps (if there's more to it than what you did in the video already), and moving from brewing to steaming, and/or steaming to brewing...All in all, just how to get the most out of the machine, recognizing the machine is only one part of the equation of course. My guess is the Silvia is more apt to showcase my flaws than fix them...
Thanks again, your first look really is a great resource, I look forward to any new information as it comes out.
Yes the old Silvia is a known beast, but the new one? My guess is there are still many more prospective Silvia buyers than Ascaso, but if the Ascaso matches up well then perhaps a 'heads up' to your audience is more deserved.
I would love to see a new video if you've changed your routine due to pressure modification or whatever. For the record I bought the Silvia and Lelit grinder in December from 1st line. I've been playing with the pressure a little. I notice when I reduce the pressure a fair amount, the boiler temp also seems to drop. I'm not going to post any reviews until I'm completely comfortable with it.
Also, thanks for doing all of this. Having moved on to better equipment, it must be difficult to go back to tasting/testing a machine (old flame) you've covered so thoroughly already. Also, thanks to your cohorts. Much appreciated at this end.
Consider this one vote for the Silvia in the form of 'advanced first look', mentioning only the significant changes. Save the full DR for the new site. (unless it's easier to simply post the full DR now)
Just a thank you for this first look, it made it a lot easier to understand what was happening and which mistakes could be made, and which were of course still made, but now at least understood to some level.
I would love to see the full review as soon as possible, but patience is a virtue, they say. They might be strange people, i can't wait, but i will.
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