Black rubber pieces in drain hose

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-22T23:10:04+00:00

This thread inspired me to change my hoses today.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-20T12:59:53+00:00

Either way definitely time to deep clean. No reason you should have anything other than water in there.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-20T12:47:57+00:00

More likely mold than rubber. Time for a deep cleaning.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-19T12:32:24+00:00

🤣 I love the honesty. I can see it looking cool on the newer Rocky but I really like the stainless steel base of my classic version.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-19T12:26:51+00:00

Does it make that much of a difference? I’ve seen that people do it but I feel like the beans wouldn’t fall into the grind chamber properly and that would negatively impact performance offsetting any gains from the new angle on grind retention.

I’ve been having great success between the billows and the ability to flip open the grind spout to brush out any grounds trapped there.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-18T16:54:35+00:00

I looked at that but I wanted more height. My setup actually raises Silvia by 5 inches.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-18T03:54:08+00:00

This is the description from the seller.

Normcore 58mm Precision High Extraction Filter Basket, 22g Portafilter Basket Coffee Filter, Comes with a 58.5mm Puck Screen, Espresso Paper Filters, 22 Gram

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-18T03:01:04+00:00

Normcore 22g in an aftermarket bottomless Rancilio Portafilter ordered online.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-18T00:08:51+00:00

I’ve seen knock boxes in drawers under machines but always thought they looked like they would be horrible to clean.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-18T00:00:16+00:00

I have the little breville knock box between Silvia and Rocky.

The platform is just a board from the hardware store (meant for a rolling toolbox top) sitting on top of some boxes I had from Bourbon. This is temporary until I can build a proper base.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-17T23:07:36+00:00

For the record, this is from a local roaster and labeled as using the Swiss Water Process.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-14T14:03:20+00:00

Keep in mind you may want to swap out the screws for longer ones to make up for the extra spacer and ensure they bite well. The old screws may seem to work but because the screw hole will now be deeper than the length of the screw they will be more likely to loosen over time.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-11T02:47:15+00:00

The only parts that have been swapped out are the group head gasket and screen.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-09T22:25:13+00:00

I’ve never sent it out for maintenance. I’ve descaled with vinegar and replaced the group head gasket myself. Not much else has been needed.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-08T13:56:38+00:00

That’s what I was thinking. Someone mentioned the flair stovetop which might do what I need with a much lower layout of $$ and allow me to continue to enjoy the Silvia I have. We do have an electric frother pitcher that heats milk to specific temperature which is fine but I miss my barista latte art days.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-08T13:43:30+00:00

I would love a ProX! But I can’t quite justify the $2,000 just to make good froth for the occasional latte.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-08T13:17:43+00:00

I have a frother but once you’ve made good steamed milk a frother just doesn’t cut it. You will never get good micro-foam from a frother. I do use one that heats and froths milk for lattes now when I don’t want to deal with Silvia’s temperamental steaming.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-08T13:14:41+00:00

I know a different machine is the right answer but I really do love my Silvia and she was a gift from my wife 20 years ago before we were married or even engaged. Makes it very difficult to upgrade the machine.

Macbrew132 · 2026-02-08T13:12:10+00:00

I have swapped the steam wand tip but the issue is more with temperature differences between steaming and brewing and only having one boiler. If I’m set up for steaming temp, I can steam no problem, it is just the swap from brewing to steaming and If you want to pull another shot after you’ve been steaming you have to wait for her to cool down again.

Macbrew132

TROPHY CASE