alanni Senior Member Joined: 6 May 2002 Posts: 9 Location: Astoria Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silva Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Fri Jul 23, 2004, 10:14pm Subject: 3 Hole Steam Tip for Silvia
Hello,
I've been using the stock steam tip for Silvia for quite a while now and have been able to get decent microfoam that does just okay latte art. I just bought the 3 hole steam tip from "Whole Latte Love" and tried it for the first time today...it didn't turn out very well. I either got large bubbles or watery milk. I tried surfing around for the chugging sound, but couldn't seem to find the right sweet spot for steaming. Has anyone had any experience with this steam tip? Is the technique different when using this steam tip? Any help would be appreciated.
Posted Fri Jul 23, 2004, 11:09pm Subject: Re: 3 Hole Steam Tip for Silvia
Anthony,
I had a similar tip (from 1st-line), and found that you definitely need to bleed off any moist steam before putting the wand in the milk. Also, I just held the pitcher parallel to the ground and let the tip create the whirlpool on it's own--you don't need to "help" it like you do with the 1 hole tip.
I also found that it worked better with larger amounts of milk--like 1/3-1/2 full in my 22oz pitcher. I used it with my 12oz pitcher and it doesn't seem to work as well.
The other trick is to monitor the steam valve. Don't just leave it "full on" the whole time or you will boil your milk really fast. The 3 holes let out significantly more steam, so you have to be careful and "ease" the valve open.
I still prefer the 1 hole tip, especially in small pitchers. When frothing large amounts of milk, the 3 hole tip can definitely hold its own, but the 1 hole tip seems to win in the versatility category, IMO.
pillguy Senior Member Joined: 16 Dec 2003 Posts: 38 Location: Houston, TX Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Rancilio Rocky, with doser
Posted Mon Jul 26, 2004, 10:19am Subject: Re: 3 Hole Steam Tip for Silvia
Darn. I just ordered the 3 hole tip yesterday from WLL .
I think the milk type is also worth mentioning. I have read countless reports of milks making the difference. Not only the fat %, but the brand as well. I unfortunately have not done any testing myself to see of Borden is better than Kroger brand, etc. Just keep this in mind.
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