HarryM
Rancilio Silvia with PID
by
, 4th August 2012 at 01:33 PM (41332 Views)
Surplus to requirements, I have a Rancilio Silvia is not just simply a single brass boiler espresso machine with a one hole powerful steam wand! There is a bit more to the story than that.
The boiler has been Insulated to save on energy costs etc, and is made of heavy duty brass which works with a powerful pump unit. There’s a handy boiler reset button should you wish to reset it at any time. The main body is made of High Grade Stainless Steel!
Similarly coffee makers can get quite particular about the foam that their espresso machine will make. Miss Silvia is renowned for producing micro foam with the new v3 steam wand fitted!
These fairly straightforward features have been enough for many people to regard the Silvia as a bit of a benchmark for single boiler espresso machines. Afterall, this machine has been tried and tested for years, and is hugely popular with Espresso Aficionados Worldwide. Simply, a great investment that will last you for years to come if you take care of it like this one has!
This Rancilio Silvia machine comes fitted with a PID Control Unit.
Brewing temperatures can be too high or too low and difficult to control without a PID
control, but a PID control allows you to reduce the variables in the brew process by maintaining a consistent boiler water temperature, time after
time during a normal brew process. So, before buying the best tamper or the most expensive beans,
a PID control is a must!
- When brewing espresso, water temperature is one of the most important elements in assuring good taste (although many other factors can create a bitter taste) and providing for a proper expansion of the coffee grinds in the basket to create a proper extraction.
- Silvia, with a correct PID setup, will protect and extend the life of the heating element, the boiler and Silvia. The PID prevents the boiler from reaching too high of a temperatures in both of the cycles, brew and steam. When properly calibrated, the boiler will never go over 275F=135C. With experience, all functions can be properly performed without the boiler temperature exceeding 260F. see notes 6 and 7 below.
- With a PID you will have less need for de-scaling, because the boiler is operating at lower temperatures, at the steam cycle.
- With a PID there is no need for excessive water flushes, or temperature surfing, therefore you do not need to refill the tank or drain the water tray as often. (in some ways, Silvia with no PID is more like a washing machine than an espresso machine).
- The machine can stay ON for a longer period of time with less effort, less energy, and less stress.
- With a PID you will not have to wait 2 minutes before you start steaming (you don’t have to wait until the orange indicator light goes off at 284F), because the steaming process can start at 235F which will show on the PID readout while there is no way of knowing if the boiler water temperature is high enough without the PID.it will only take 20 seconds to reach 235F. A PID is extremely useful for this reason alone.
Here are some PID benefits:
Consistent temperature from shot to shot. (1)
Extends the life of Silvia by not subjecting the machine to dramatic changes in boiler temperature. (2)
Reduces the need for de-scaling. (3)
Uses less water. (4)
Uses less energy (5)
Allows quicker steaming (6)
Allows control of the high end of the steaming temperature (7)
The Silvia package includes:
Rancilio Silvia v1 (new gasket fitted!)
MLG Watlow SD3C PID Kit (http://pidkits.com - without steam control)
Rancilio professional portafilter handle with Rancilio emblem!
Synesso double basket
Rancilio double basket
New Steam Wand ( New v3 Ball Joint Version!)
New Boiler Insulation
Blind basket
PID User Guide
Rancilio Silvia User Guide
Original Box
Please Note This Is Second Hand And Not New! Enquire further before you buy to ensure you're happy with it's condition.
This Rancilio Silvia is heavy at 35kg and postage is high due to this fact!
Price: £ 375
Postage: £15 by 24hr tracked Courier
Payment by Bank Transfer only!
Delivered within the UK only!