Finally, a base that perfectly fits the Silvia and Rocky combo!!
Positive Product Points
Size Stainless Steel Storage Draw Knock box
Negative Product Points
Price Too smooth surface Not leveled Kock box
Detailed Commentary
This review is more focused on the base in general rather than its included knock box.
Rancilio historically made a rubber base for their home machines that did not properly seat a Rancilio Silvia and Rancilio Rocky. See the www.1st-line.com write-up of the issue. I do not think that an espresso machine base is technically needed for any purpose except for organization and presentation.
The base is made of the same-brushed stainless steel material used for Silvia and Rocky. The base has two draws: one for your espresso related tools and the other is a knock box. The dimensions add about another 2 inch and a half that may be of a concern if your kitchen cabinets are low. However, this base is perfectly sized for a Silvia and Rocky (or any other machines with similar dimensions). Here are the dimensions: Measurements Outside: 2 5/8" H x 19" W x 12 1/2" D (13 1/8" Depth with Draw Handle) Measurements Draw (Internal): 1 3/8" H x 7 1/4" W x 9 3/8" Depth
This base will set you back USD 89. Not cheep as it cost almost one-fourth the price of Silvia.
The first thing I noticed once I unpacked the base and place it upon my table was that the base was not level. If I pushed a corner of the base the other side would rise by a quarter or one-half inch. This was easily resolved by wedging something under one of the rubber feet. With Silvia and Rocky sitting a top the base it is became stable with no rocking. However, I was a bit concern as to the quality of its construction. 1st-line advised that this is common with metal trays and the weight of the equipment should bring all four feet down.
The knock box draw is not that deep to allow for multiple spent pucks. There is a a nicely stained wooden "bar" in the middle of the draw to assit is removing the puck. Both draws do not run on supported tracks which means that if you pull them out too far they will awkwardly balance down. For this reason I do not use it as a knock box but as another storage area. However, I still like the fact that the base has a knock box but I most often use the good ole waste paper basket.
Secondly, when you lock-in or remove the portafilter from the grouphead Silvia may slide a bit if you do not hold on to her. 1st-line told me they were aware that this does happen and suggested that Velcro stickies may help. However, I found that if you polish the tray with a stainless steel cleaner such as Zeps and make sure no debris are on Silvia’s rubber feet you should experience minimal slippage.
The base certainly enhances the overall beauty of the Silvia and Rocky combo. Check out a photo here: Click Here (www.mamut.com)
Buying Experience
Ordered from 1st-line with NO problem as usual. 1st-line always stands by all their products and provides impeccable service!
Three Month Followup
three months later... and i am still happy i bought the base. aside from the impressive aesthetic attributes, its storage draw and knock box are indespensible.
