Dual boiler on a budget!

bergipau · 18-10-2020 02:05PM #1

Hi
I think my Silvia is about to die, it has given me 16 years of coffee and has been excellent.
Ideally I would like to replace it with a dual boiler machine but my budget is about 700. The new Silvia Pro looks perfect apart from the price!
The La PAvoni Domus Bar is just about within budget but I do not know anything about that mahcine.

Has anyone any recommendations?
I might just buy another Silvia and add a PID if I cant find a suitable dual boiler.

Thanks

Squidgy Black · 18-10-2020 08:17PM

I don't think the La Pavoni is a dual boiler, just a single brass boiler. The cheapest dual boiler on the market is the Sage DB I think. Unless you go used I don't think you'd be able to get a dual boiler machine for that kind of money, you'd probably be better off looking for a HX like a NS Oscar II or a Francino Cherub

bergipau · 18-10-2020 08:49PM

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I don't think the La Pavoni is a dual boiler, just a single brass boiler. The cheapest dual boiler on the market is the Sage DB I think. Unless you go used I don't think you'd be able to get a dual boiler machine for that kind of money, you'd probably be better off looking for a HX like a NS Oscar II or a Francino Cherub

Sorry what is HX???

Not sure why I thought the la Pavoni was a dual boiler.
If I go with a single boiler I’ll probably stick with the silvia, it had been an excellent machine.

Squidgy Black · 19-10-2020 09:50AM

bergipau wrote: »

Sorry what is HX???

Not sure why I thought the la Pavoni was a dual boiler.
If I go with a single boiler I’ll probably stick with the silvia, it had been an excellent machine.

https://majestycoffeeschool.com/espresso-machine-boiler-types/

Single boiler, but allows you to pull your shot and steam milk with no wait time in between for the temps to rebound like it would with the Silvia or similar machines.

bergipau · 19-10-2020 09:58AM

Squidgy Black wrote: »

https://majestycoffeeschool.com/espresso-machine-boiler-types/

Single boiler, but allows you to pull your shot and steam milk with no wait time in between for the temps to rebound like it would with the Silvia or similar machines.

I was not aware of this option, thanks for the advice. This does look like a great option.

Planet X · 19-10-2020 01:39PM

.......single boiler......and you'll have to do a "cooling flush" before you pull. This takes a bit of practice and some people, myself included, bought an E61 thermometer to help get the temp. right.

Waesfjord · 19-10-2020 07:26PM

you could go 2nd hand and get a premium one on the likes of coffeeforums in UK. Plenty of items pop up there and you vet the sellers based on previous feedback etc.

Enrico Palazzo · 20-10-2020 09:51AM

While you seem to be set on buying a new machine, the beauty of Silvia and the likes is that they are easy to repair, the replacement parts reasonably priced and widely available. It's probably just the pump that needs replacing, in case you change your mind.

bergipau · 20-10-2020 10:01AM

Enrico Palazzo wrote: »

While you seem to be set on buying a new machine, the beauty of Silvia and the likes is that they are easy to repair, the replacement parts reasonably priced and widely available. It's probably just the pump that needs replacing, in case you change your mind.

I know, I'm sure I can probably have it repaired but I do feel it is reaching end of life soon. I have also recently had issues with thermostats, which I fixed with a service kit.
Its been a great machine, but after 16 years I do feel I could treat myself to a bit of an upgrade.

Dual boiler on a budget!

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