Respectable intra-shot temps, especially for this class machine. Interesting point the thermocouple must be close to boiler water inlet since once shot began PID temp reading dove continually down finishing at 180f while actual (simulated) shot finished 199f. Which of course means PID temp reading rather meaningless except when beginning the shot. Would be interesting to note how fast it recovered after a post shot group flush for next shot.
Posted Sat Oct 30, 2010, 10:40am Subject: Re: Blurred lines.. Silvano by Quick Mill
I received my Silvano earlier this week and so far I'm very happy with it. I've been pulling delicious shots of Caffe Ladro Blend, which is a coffee I just couldn't get to work for me with my Starbucks Barista. With the Barista, the espresso was always thin and bitter no matter matter what I did.
As for steaming power, my microfoam isn't perfect yet, but it has been getting better with practice. I've been steaming 7oz of milk in a 12oz pitcher and that's just a little bit tight. The milk stretches quickly, and with rolling it's hard to keep it all under control. I will be looking for a 16oz pitcher to give me more "elbow room". And for the record, it brings 7oz of milk from 50F to 150F in just about 60 seconds. Not the quickest I know, but gives time for noobs such as myself to hone our technique.
One good thing I note is that the brew group seems directly fitted to the boiler. When the boiler is up to temperature, so is the group. If you have the portafilter attached while it's warming, it gets warmed too, so there's no strict need to perform a warming flush. A negative point is that the water reservoir is accessible from only one side. I could see that this could cause a problem for some people if they wish to place the machine beside a wall or beside other appliances. The fact that the reservior is quite small doesn't help things either. However, with reduced need for flushing, and the fact that the thermoblock produces steam almost instantaneously, this machine doesn't use a lot water. After 3 days, and 6 large lattes, the tank is still 1/2 full.
Overall, the machine has met my expectations, and my expectations were quite high. Ultimately it's all about the coffee, and I am very satisfied in that department.
symbology Senior Member Joined: 27 Oct 2010 Posts: 69 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale S1V2 Grinder: Macap M7D
Posted Mon Nov 1, 2010, 7:04am Subject: Re: Blurred lines.. Silvano by Quick Mill
I just timed my Frances Frances X7 Duo and it steams 6oz of milk in about 60 seconds as well. So, with better brewing capabilities and a longer articulating steam arm this unit should work out well for me.
Posted Fri Nov 5, 2010, 2:00pm Subject: Re: Blurred lines.. Silvano by Quick Mill
Kitkat, where in Philly are you? I would love to see your Silvano sometime. I am in Bucks County. If you are interested in a visit sometime send me an email to sweaner at pol dot net
-Scott Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven. ~Jessi Lane Adams
symbology Senior Member Joined: 27 Oct 2010 Posts: 69 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale S1V2 Grinder: Macap M7D
Posted Mon Nov 22, 2010, 12:44pm Subject: Re: Blurred lines.. Silvano by Quick Mill
I have developed a technique which allows me to make good "Latte Art" quality micro foam using either a 12oz, or even a 20oz pitcher. I can steam 6oz of milk in about 45 seconds using my new Silvano.
Keep in mind that I have only a wanna be barista for about 7 weeks. I purchased my first espresso machine about 7 weeks ago, and have had this Silvano for 2-3 weeks. I make Lattes for my wife and her friend, and espresso and caps for myself. After some time, I have developed a good technique for getting good micro foam with the Silvano. After searching and watching a number of videos and seem to have it figured out.
Watch the CCS video on "making a Cap with the Silvano" as this is the basis for my technique. I only really change where the tip enters the milk. In the video it is placed in the milk at the top right corner, or on the right side of the pitcher (on the machine side.) I place the steam tip in the lower right corner, or on the right side of the pitcher, but closer to me and not the machine. The placement allows me to work the milk properly I have included a rough diagram on my process.
Another tip: For micro foam I only stretch the milk until it reaches 80-85 degrees F. If I wait till it gets closer to 100 degrees F, I have introduced too much air and no matter what I do I will not get Latte Art quality milk. It is good for my cappuccinos, but not so good for the lattes. (or for those seeking to practice latte art.) I am not really trying to be artistic with my lattes, but I am trying to get frothed milk to that consistency.
What I've noticed about the Silvano is that it lacks a steam dial to regulate the amount of steam (or hot water) - so not surprising now that people have scalded themselves when making Americanos.
I find even with my cheap old Braun E40 that the steam regulation is quite useful, so why they wouldn't have that on such a higher-end machine I don't know ($1000 is quite a lot of money even though we're not into the upper class dual-boiler units here).
Beezer Senior Member Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 452 Location: Fresno, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quickmill Anita Grinder: La Cimbali Max Hybrid
Posted Tue Nov 23, 2010, 3:32pm Subject: Re: Blurred lines.. Silvano by Quick Mill
Several high end machines have a joystick to operate the steam and hot water wands, which basically functions as a large on/off switch. The Elektra A3/T1, La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi, and Bezerra BZ07 all come to mind. Most people seem to be fine with this type of operation. Most experienced users will want to crank the steam fully on right away, and then turn it off quickly when they're done. Having a switch instead of a knob makes this easier, provided the switch is well designed.
Whether the toggle switch on the Silvano is really the best way to operate the steam and hot water is another question. I'd prefer to have a large joystick or knob rather than a small switch, but maybe it doesn't matter too much. I suspect the problems with the hot water have more to do with having boiling water spurting irregularly out of the steam wand than anything to do with the switch that turns on the water.
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