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Espresso: Espresso Machines
Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

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Madurodave
Senior Member

Joined: 3 Feb 2012
Posts: 141
Location: NH
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Rancilio Silvia
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso
Vac Pot: Yama 5 cup
Drip: Mr Coffee, perculator
Roaster: HotTop B, West Bend Air...

Posted Tue Mar 6, 2012, 9:18pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Rbrac Said: Hi all. I'm new to this forum but have been reading various articles to familiarize myself with this topic. I really only have a couple questions regarding my first purchase. The units I mention above were chosen based on advice and reviews from sites such as this. The Silvia V3 is a single boiler unit and I'm not sure if I should be looking at a double boiler unit. If so, what would be the best option? Second, the Silvia can come with the PID option which isn't cheap. I am meticulous by nature, and somewhat of a perfectionist, but how successful will a newby like me be without the PID? Is it worth the investment? How much time does the double boiler save? One final question will be where you recommend I purchase these units within the Southern Ontario region, where the retailer is reputable and will stand behind his product and support the warantees. My apologies if these questions have already been addressed. I have not found direct answers yet. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Rob Posted March 2, 2012 link Not sure how it translates for you in Canada, but should be similar due to exchange rates. New Silvia, Baratza Virtuoso Preciso grinder, frothing pitcher, SS tamper, thermometer, 1 lb coffee, shot glass, cleaning brush and CleanCafe cleaner for under $850, free shipping. You don't need a PID to start, just consistency. Well under your budget. I pull 2 double espressos and a double cap every morning. No issues. If you need to pull shot and froth at same time, Silvia won't work. If not, it is a great machine.

Dave Harley rider, Espresso drinker, Primo XL grill

JasonBrandtLewis
Senior Member

Joined: 9 Dec 2005
Posts: 6,098
Location: Berkeley, CA
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -...
Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -...
Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup
Drip: CCD, Chemex
Roaster: No, no, not another...

Posted Wed Mar 7, 2012, 7:47am Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Rbrac Said: To answer your questions: Priority one; shot of espresso. I consume at least one a day, the old fashion way (yes, stove top). I'm in a family of 3. I predict I will be making one double espresso, and two capuccinos at one time. Throughout my average week, I expect I will make one double espresso per day, with the occasional request for a capuccino. Built in reservoir would be preferred at this time. Standard 15 amp. Machine and grinder combined (throw in a tamper), and I am targeting approximately $1400.00 (Canadian). Posted March 5, 2012 link Rob, Let me say that the "problem" you will have is making two cappuccinos at one time. With an SBDU (single boiler/dual use) machine, you can either pull a shot or you can steam milk; you cannot do both. So, to make two capps, you have to compromise: either a) you pull the shot, flip the thermostat from "brew" to "steam" and wait for the boiler to get up to steam temp, then steam the milk, and repeat the process; or, b) you pull two shots back-to-back, have them sit and grow cold, as you flip the boiler to "steam," wait, and then steam two drinks' worth of milk at once, thereby reducing the quality of your drinks. An SBDU is fine for straight shots of espresso. It's fine for the occasional request for a cappuccino. So, the question is (in a sense), "Which is it? Two capps at a time, or only an occasional capp?" That honestly is the big question. The more frequently you need to make a milk-based drink, the more I would recommend an HX (heat exchanger) machine. But if it's truly limited to an occasional drink, than an SBDU will work great. I say this as someone who owned SBDU machines for 25 years before switching to an HX, and then wondered WTF took me so long! Cheers, Jason

A morning without coffee is sleep . . .

Gig103
Senior Member

Joined: 12 Feb 2012
Posts: 204
Location: Arizona
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: Crossland CC1
Grinder: Baratza Vario
Drip: French press!

Posted Sun Mar 11, 2012, 4:23pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

I just got a CC1 and I'm very happy with it so far. I will mention that if you do start to consider the CC1, check SeattleCoffeeGear.com instead of iDrinkCoffee. I bought from SCG because they offer the same price on the unit, but only charge $199 to get a Preciso instead of $290, and throw in some cleaners, coffee, and a bottomeless portafilter, and a 2 year warranty. The reason I chose the CC1 over the Silvia was largely the PID so I would not need to temperature surf when in a rush before work. But the thermoblock steamer means you can go between steam and shot quicker than the Silvia. When the boiler is already at 200 and I turn on steam it is ready in the time it takes to grab the milk and frothing pitcher. The CC1, compared to the Silvia, will refill the boiler while you steam since the steam comes from a separate thermoblock and is fed water from the steam boiler. So depending on how much milk I need to froth (usually a small amount), the machine is still in the 190s for temperature and gets back to 200 nice and quick. The CC1 has a 500mL boiler too, which means you can make multiple shots rapidly (but not in succession as the boiler does need to reheat some between each). My budget was a firm < $1000US though; with a $1400 budget I'd be shopping for a used HX machine, especially if I was making a lot of milk drinks. As it is, it's just me at my house drinking coffee.

Rbrac
Senior Member

Joined: 2 Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Location: Niagara Ontario
Expertise: Just starting

Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012, 10:26am Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Thanks Jason. I have been convinced that the HX route is the way to go. Your points are valid regarding the cappuccinos. I have a daughter entering the teen years who already enjoys the espresso / milk drink I prepare for her, almost daily. She will most certainly become a regular cap drinker with my wife in the coming years, so I may as well be prepared for it. My obvious next challenge is finding the HX unit and grinder combination that will hopefully come close to my budget, and not compromise on quality or performance. My search continues. Regards, Rob.

Rbrac
Senior Member

Joined: 2 Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Location: Niagara Ontario
Expertise: Just starting

Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012, 10:32am Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Thanks for the advice. I have my eye on the CC1, but want to explore all the HX options that may fit my bugdet, before I make my decision. There are 3 of us in my household and I most certainly will be making multiple shots several times a week. SCG is on the other side of a different country for me, so by the time I factor in shipping, I fear the price will be the same as a local vendor, who I can visit periodically should questions or problems arise. I may use this information to get the local guy to sharpen his price some. Regards, Rob.

Rbrac
Senior Member

Joined: 2 Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Location: Niagara Ontario
Expertise: Just starting

Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012, 10:36am Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Our price here is slightly higher for a similar set up (not significant), but I'm focusing on finding an HX system and grinder, to be prepared for the future demands. Thanks for the input. Regards, Rob.

mhborstad
Senior Member

Joined: 18 Feb 2012
Posts: 31
Location: Gatineau
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012, 12:20pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Can you get to the showroom? Seeing what the machines look like (and act like even) in person beats trying to figure it out over the internet. Things like build quality, and size/style really jump out. I ended up with a BZ10 (same insides as the 07) and Ascaso i1. The Bezzera is perfect for us. Over a SBDU or hybrid it only seemed like extra money pre-purchase... no regrets!

Rbrac
Senior Member

Joined: 2 Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Location: Niagara Ontario
Expertise: Just starting

Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012, 5:28pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

Yes. Its not that far away and I certainly plan to visit soon. I too am looking at the Bezzera models, since a couple of them are in my price range. I can't wait to see a few in person, and hopefully try a sample. Thanks. Rob

ocarolina
Senior Member

Joined: 30 Apr 2007
Posts: 59
Location: chicago suburbs
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Rancilio silvia 3
Grinder: baratza preciso
Drip: french press - no drip
Roaster: behmor / iroast2

Posted Fri Mar 16, 2012, 4:25pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

I just got my Silvia and Preciso two days ago, and all the talk about HX machines, and such had me wondering - but I am fully happy with my Silvia. Going from a superautomatic machine to this one, I am thrilled that I can actually drink an espresso! My husband and I are the only coffee drinkers (small kids in the house), and I made two espresso shots back to back, and enough frothed milk for us both - with no problems. I roast my own beans, and had the freshest, most killer drinks today that I have ever had. I have to say I have had about 5-6 shots worth today, which is more than I would ever drink. For someone that is on a budget, but wants a decent set of machines, this is the way to go. I would love to have a commercial grade machine hooked up to a water line in my home, but being a full-time culinary student, with 3 kids relying solely on my husband's salary - finances do not allow more pricey machines. I am already thrilled with this pairing, and I would recommend them. It did take pulling about 6-8 shots before I got the right grind - but worth it.

Posted Fri Mar 16, 2012, 7:19pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.

ocarolina Said: For someone that is on a budget, but wants a decent set of machines, this is the way to go. I would love to have a commercial grade machine hooked up to a water line in my home, but being a full-time culinary student, with 3 kids relying solely on my husband's salary - finances do not allow more pricey machines. I am already thrilled with this pairing, and I would recommend them. It did take pulling about 6-8 shots before I got the right grind - but worth it. Posted March 16, 2012 link The Silvia and Preciso is a great combination! I have the same thing! No problem what so ever pulling back to back shots and frothing milk at all. I would not worry or be too envious of others - Silvia makes GREAT espressos and cappuccinos. Plus you roast your own coffee, which is great! How do you like your Behmor?

Dave Harley rider, Espresso drinker, Primo XL grill

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