Silvia steam issues

Dry_bean.

Its almost 2 years since I sold my Silvia, as I recall the steam tip had a single hole, I never had problems steaming milk with it.
In the past 12 months 2 people I know have bought new Silvia's ( largely on my recommendation) both are having problems steaming milk, I'm wondering if it could be the multiple hole tip.
Unfortunately both are interstate so I cant just drop in to help sort things out.
Any thoughts.
One of them has admitted his wife buys supermarket beans and is wondering why the resulting brew is less than great, nothing to do with milk I know but thought I would chuck it in to set the scene a little.

sidoney

I recently bought one (second hand) and for a couple of days I was totally not getting microfoam. I've changed things up a bit and things are looking up. I've made my jug colder, I'm much better about looking for the right steam temperature (it has a PID kit on it), and I'm more assiduous about running the steamer first until the steam's nice and dry. Also one time I definitely didn't have enough steam coming out at all, turned too low. I do have one hole in my steamer tip. If any of my errors help your friends then that will have been worthwhile.

beanflying

Couple of things to check with them DB. Are they using 3-400ml jugs or 600's? Also make sure they get the jug kicked over on an angle to start off getting a swirl going. My first machine was a Solis 750ml boiler with single hole tip and it steamed quite easily. Next one up was a Pavoni and it did my head in for about 2-3 weeks with the 3 hole tip, I tried blocking one of the holes which helped but ultimately I just went back to the 3 hole and learnt to use it. Also point them at KK's milk video and thread might be an idea.

Lacehim

Use a 300ml or 400ml jug.  My lusso has 3 holes, and an unmovable wand, and I get great milk.  Follow KKs method is a good tip, but I always found with the single silvia tip that I had to skim the surface for longer.  With the lusso I just roll the milk rather than creating a whirlpool and it still works.  If they are using a 600ml jug they will be there for ages! Some more info might be good.  ie what are the problems they are having?  Too many bubbles, too stiff, no foam?  Why haven't you got them on here to ask themselves?  We are all here and won't bite!

on 1323125426:

One of them has admitted his wife buys supermarket beans and is wondering why the resulting brew is less than great, nothing to do with milk I know but thought I would chuck it in to set the scene a little.

This isn't the Dry Bean I know is it?  Post him some of your freshly roasted beans a try, and point him & wife to here to learn how to roast even if it is on a popper!  Ask them if they would eat a 12 month old apple, and if not then why are they consuming 12 month old beans and expecting fresh flavour!

Dry_bean.

Thanks for the replies people. Yep I agree more information required. Pointless sending them a gift of roasted beans, from the way they are describing their results it really would be a case of pearls before swine. I suspect some time in the new year I'll jump on the Bonneville with a supply of fresh beans and make a house call to see if I can get them sorted out.

FreshCoffee2

Re : "...I suspect some time in the new year I'll jump on the Bonneville..........". Bragger Ok, I often hear this stuff about having trouble steaming milk from people that buy late model Silvia's and I tell them all the same thing. Stop reading the internet and start learning your machine. Technique is almost everything, learn the machine  As some have already stated above, there are a number of variables at work. Once an operator has become as good as they can get with the machine, then if they are looking to fine tune their already excellent standard of use of the equipment, look for other ways to improve (perhaps like blocking off a hole, or peaning over the holes to make them smaller and release less volume of steam at a higher pressure, whatever..... Hope that helps and...no you cant help them other than to tell them to persevere or take a lesson from someone that can demonstrate the machine properly (possible you, on bonneville  ;D) Rgdz, Attilio