my initial espresso machine was the Silvia.
I enjoyed using it for quite some time.
I thought of adding a PID to it , but decided to continue
w/o and my next machine would have that at some point.
after about 10 years w Silvia , I read extensively on
HomeBarista.
I ended up w a previous model of the Alexia. back then
it came to ChrisCoffee specifically w a ' window ' for a PID
and was installed by ChrisCoffee
https://www.chriscoffee.com/products/quick-mill-alexia-evo
don't kid yourself , if you want a sep-up from the Silvia
both for ease of use ( no more Heat Surfing )
but more importantly , a noticeable improvement in the cup
which is the idea
if will cost you ~ twice the Silvia price at least for these improvement.
and re : grinder : coffee , in the cup , is the result of a process that's in series:
each component should be at a similar level of ' quality '
therefor , possibly initially , it would be OK to use a lower level
but quality grinder , but that grind will be the limiting step for
your espresso. it will still be a good cup , but not the Max Cup.
of course , this is based on ones ability to taste the difference.
pay very careful attention to the group head , and that the machine
maintains the proper group head temp.
eventually get a grinder that matches the esp machines level.
you are looking for a commercial 58mm E61 group head.
good luck . take your time .
a review from, HomeBarista :
https://www.home-barista.com/quickmill-alexia-review.html
this review might be dated as it mentions adding a PID @ CC
the current model has that built in and some improvements.
