Thread: Espresso Machines

The Rancilio is a decent entry level machine but temperature management is a nightmare. The temp surfing routean is excessive. If you get one, get the PID version for temperature management. A good grinder should be the first purchase. Without it you will get nothing drinkable. The espresso machine is an accessory for the grinder. Yes, it really is that important. I would highly reccomend reading throught the Grinder FAQ Then good coffee, somthing freshly roasted not freshly opened. Coffee has a shelf life of around 14 days depending on the blend. Skip the supermarket and big chain shops. Go to a local artisen roaster. If it does not have a roasted on date, dont get it.

My current lineup, I have an Elektra A3, VBM Domobar Super, VBM DoubleDomo and a Gaggia Achille lever. I thinned down my machines before I moved earlier this year. Grinders, I have settled in on the LaCimbali MAX. It uses a hybred burr set like the old DRM grinder. The mazzer Robur is a super grinder as well but big.

I have a Silvia and a rocky grinder, but where can I get the PID-kit?

I found 2 interesting kits, one is a watlow PID controler PIDKits.com - MLG Silvia PID pages

& the other is an auber PID controler
http://cgi.ebay.ca/PID-Control-Kit-for-Rancilio-Silvia-Espresso-Deluxe_W0QQitemZ200398039472QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSma ll_Kitchen_Appliances_US?hash=item2ea8a769b0

both kits come with everything you need.

I still haven't bought one, I'm still doing the temp surf routine. As soon as I have some extra cash lying around though, you can be sure I'll be buying one.

I'll consider a PID when the guarantee runs out and i have some cash to spare

ian


it took me long enough to save for the Silvia and a grinder then i find out i need to splash out another £180 !
bummer ....

Originally Posted by Glenn24

I found 2 interesting kits, one is a watlow PID controler PIDKits.com - MLG Silvia PID pages

& the other is an auber PID controler
http://cgi.ebay.ca/PID-Control-Kit-for-Rancilio-Silvia-Espresso-Deluxe_W0QQitemZ200398039472QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSma ll_Kitchen_Appliances_US?hash=item2ea8a769b0

both kits come with everything you need.

I still haven't bought one, I'm still doing the temp surf routine. As soon as I have some extra cash lying around though, you can be sure I'll be buying one.

If I remember correctly, I ordered my PID from that first place you link to. The kit was extremely easy to install and I don't believe I had to alter the machine at all.

Chris L

Cannonfodder, how do you like the Achille? I read about it and it appears to be a decent lever machine. My Gaggia Classic is undergoing some major surgery at the moment, so I'm waiting for parts to come (monday I hope) and I'm back on track with proper coffee!

They no longer make the Achille. I did a buyers guide/review on it a couple years ago.

Gaggia Achille Manual Espresso Machine Review • Home-Barista.com

It pulled a nice shot. It is not your typical lever machine. The lever simply run water through a heat exchanger. It is not directly fed from the boiler. It is a heat exchanger pump machine but the pump is your arm and the lever. It had leaking issues, lots of gaskets to get off center or harden over time.

You're that guy? I can tell you sir, I've read that many times! Thumbs up!!

It was surprising to see they're not made anymore, as they still appear to be on sale for around 800 dollars. Are those oldies/leftovers that are being pushed on the market? Can you recommend a lever machine that's as nice as the Achille? I mean in the sense of the shot (the crema too), the ease of cleaning and the lack of burning innocent passers-by?

edit: I see there are some issues regarding its life expectancy with a lot of maintenance.

Yes, I am a coffee nut as well !

I have several espresso machines.... La Peppina, Starbucks Barista and also a Vapore. I also have Mazzer Mini grinder as well as a Rancilio Rocky. When I have time I roast coffee as well.

Richard

I got my thermostat in the mail and my Gaggia is up and running again! Missed it, but now I finally have decent coffee at home.