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germanicus
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Junior Barista
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Karma: 3
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Silvia or Europiccola? - 2008/06/26 20:27
So finally I am able to spend a considerable amount on espresso equipment to replace my 7-year-old Via Veneto and blade grinder.
It would be easy to save some $ and get a Barista but I want something with character.
I've narrowed my choices to the Rancilio Silvia and the La Pavoni Europiccola and I'm finding it really hard to choose. I'm pretty much set on a Rocky grinder though.
This is what I'll be making: 2 double-shot cappuccinos every day in the morning, plus the occassional espresso for myself on weekends.
What I like about the Silvia is its commercial-grade components. However, it may be a bit bulky.
What I like about the Europiccola is its design and technological simplicity. However, it seems a bit too light.
I'm not afraid of learning curves for either machine. I appreciate taking time to do things. I appreciate both the sturdiness of the Silvia and the romanticism of the Europiccola.
Will one be more durable than the other?
Do I really need a tamper?
Any advice will be appreciated...
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colin
Admin
Admin
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Karma: 19
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Re:Silvia or Europiccola? - 2008/06/26 21:17
The Silvia is a good choice for the newcomer.
The lever Europiccola will break you.
Trust me.
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website |
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germanicus
User
Junior Barista
| Posts: 6 | |
Karma: 3
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Re:Silvia or Europiccola? - 2008/06/27 18:07
OK, I may be leaning toward the Silvia. But I'm still intrigued by the "you are the machine" Europiccola thing. Is there anywhere in Victoria where I could try a La Pavoni?
This coming from a guy who shaves with a brush and a safety razor, rides a single speed bicycle and a motorcycle with a kickstarter...
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colin
Admin
Admin
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Karma: 19
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Re:Silvia or Europiccola? - 2008/06/29 13:07
germanicus wrote:
OK, I may be leaning toward the Silvia. But I'm still intrigued by the "you are the machine" Europiccola thing. Is there anywhere in Victoria where I could try a La Pavoni?
This coming from a guy who shaves with a brush and a safety razor, rides a single speed bicycle and a motorcycle with a kickstarter...
Hmmmmm... You may well be ready for a Lever espresso machine my son!
Good question -- The only person I know who might have one would be Geir Oglend at The Drumroaster Cafe near Duncan -- perhaps a tad far on your motorcycle.
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website |
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germanicus
User
Junior Barista
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Karma: 3
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Re:Silvia or Europiccola? - 2008/07/20 00:28
Well, I'm the proud owner of a Silvia + Rocky + Reg Barber tamper. From the moment I handled the machines I didn't regret not buying a La Pavoni. This Silvia is a serious piece of equipment. Every morning I pull 2 shots and always one of them is better than the other. I'm really enjoying tweaking the variables though. Now, which beans do you recommend? I had an espresso at Fantastico (Cook) and I loved it. Maybe I'll get some of their beans. Anywhwere I can shop for espresso cups in Vic?
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colin
Admin
Admin
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Re:Silvia or Europiccola? - 2008/07/20 15:48
CF beans are awesome - perhaps the best. Disco is not too bad. Habit is good. Drumroaster is really, really good if you can get to Cow bay road on the Island Highway or catch Geir when he is in town.
Do yourself a favor - pick a blend and stick with it for a while. Causeway by CF is pretty solid - and they do not mess with it much. You will get a real sense of your machine by locking down the bean first - In Victoria, small variations in humidity mean small tweaks in grind setting; humid days-grind slightly coarser (literally one click on the Rocky...) - and on warm dry days, slightly finer - same deal. You will find that in Victoria on your typical wet and grey winter day - that you can pretty much set and forget the Rocky -- until some drier and cold days come along.
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website |
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