Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

I am using exactly the same set as in the video (previous version of Silvia and the current version of Baratza Sette 270Wi). Overall I am very happy but it takes some learning curve to get good coffee consistently so here are some tips: 1. Invest in a good VST basket and corresponding tamper that will fit it very well (I am using Motta competition). I am also using a dristributor tool. 2. Silvia has large screw in the middle of shower that will damage the tamped coffee puck. Cracks in the puck will cause uneven extraction. Use right amonut of coffee (I use exactly 18g in 18g VST basket) and check that the screw only lightly touches the coffe and is not pressed deep into it which would cause cracking. 3. This machine has very significant temperature difference between lower and higher thermostat settings. Always flush some water before brewing espresso. Flush until heating indicator comes on (I use the water to clean the head when doing multiple shots and to heat my cup) and once the light turns on you can start grinding coffee. You should be able to finish by the time it stops heating which is best moment to start brewing. If you don't do it you will be getting inconsistent shots. If the boiler turns on while the shot is brewing (especially at the beginning) then your shot is basically ruined. 4. Do not turn on/off anything on the Rancilio while the Sette is grinding. This may interrupt grinding due to stray EMI and vibration. 5. Allow Silvia at least half an hour to preheat before brewing coffee or flush some water and give some time for the heat to distribute throughout grouphead. 6. I keep additional cup with water in it which is used to keep the wand soaked constantly. This helps preventing milk residues from building up. The wand only has a single hole which gets quickly blocked if you only operate it with steam and never allow water to flush/soak the milk residue.

Damn hardware unboxed changed a lot.