I doubt there is a better machine out there!, June 14, 2005
I have owned several different expresso machines in different price ranges. Hands down, this machine is the best I've ever used. The machine works exactly as it is supposed to - I use it every day, sometimes a couple times per day and the espresso never changes - it's always delicious, and the steamed milk comes out perfectly. I've even left the ...read full review
I have owned several different expresso machines in different price ranges. Hands down, this machine is the best I've ever used. The machine works exactly as it is supposed to - I use it every day, sometimes a couple times per day and the espresso never changes - it's always delicious, and the steamed milk comes out perfectly. I've even left the machine on all day a couple of times, and it still does not affect the machine - it keeps working like it's brand new. The only downside is that it takes about 45 minutes for this machine to heat up. HOWEVER, there are websites out there that can tell you how to get around this and have your shot of espresso in about 10 minutes. minimize
An Excellent Manual Espresso Machine, October 13, 2007
The Rancilio Silvia is makes very good espresso--even my first try was successful. I purchased this machine 6 months ago to replace my latest, very expensive, automatic machine which died in less than a year. The Silvia is manual, so there is less to break, but more to learn about making a good espresso. After a few days, however, one can become...read full review
The Rancilio Silvia is makes very good espresso--even my first try was successful. I purchased this machine 6 months ago to replace my latest, very expensive, automatic machine which died in less than a year. The Silvia is manual, so there is less to break, but more to learn about making a good espresso. After a few days, however, one can become "unconsiously competent" just like the baristas at Starbucks. The only complaint I have is that if the machine is left on by accident, after a few hours an internal high temperature switch may shut down the boiler, requiring removing the cover and finding a tiny, well hidden reset switch. There is nothing about this in the manual, and required some searching on the internet in order to get my machine running again. I don't grind my own coffee, preferring to use the excellent Lavazza inblu ground for espresso, in 250g cans. minimize
You must buy an excellent grinder, September 19, 2005
Rancilio Silvia is a great way to get a pro machine at home. But like all pro machines, much depends on its enviroment; with proper equipment and training it can make excellent espresso, but without either it makes drek. Look for at least a Rancilio Rocky grinder, or (even more appropriate) a Mazzer Mini; a good grinder and a little technique...read full review
Rancilio Silvia is a great way to get a pro machine at home. But like all pro machines, much depends on its enviroment; with proper equipment and training it can make excellent espresso, but without either it makes drek. Look for at least a Rancilio Rocky grinder, or (even more appropriate) a Mazzer Mini; a good grinder and a little technique makes all the difference. minimize
Not as tricky as they say, January 25, 2008
I had a steam machine for many years before moving up to a $150 Krups pump-driven model. It made much better quality espresso, but the steam wand was completely useless. When that machine recently broke for good (two weeks after the one-year warranty expired) I decided to make a major upgrade to something that should last for a while. After lots...read full review
I had a steam machine for many years before moving up to a $150 Krups pump-driven model. It made much better quality espresso, but the steam wand was completely useless. When that machine recently broke for good (two weeks after the one-year warranty expired) I decided to make a major upgrade to something that should last for a while. After lots of online research, I settled on the Sylvia. I was a little scared of all the reviews on coffee-geek websites which warned that you have to be a jedi master to operate it: fine-tuning the perfect grind, applying just the right amount of tamping pressure, etc. But I've been living with it for a week now, and I'm perfectly happy with it. Haven't yet worked up the nerve to spend another $300 on a decent burr grinder, so I'm using pre-ground espresso beans from the local cafe (I know, it's heresy). One drawback is the long warmup time, but I've already worked out a cheat: running water through both the filter basket and the steam line three times over the course of five minutes. The steaming wand has the power of a rocket engine, making all the foam you need for a latte in a few seconds. And the whole thing looks like a million bucks sitting on the kitchen counter. I'm glad I invested the extra money in something that looks good, makes excellent espresso, and hopefully will last for at least a few years. minimize
Stellar Mod Work, June 20, 2008
Rating primarily the mod work, I just got mine and the mod work that HiTech Espresso does on installing the PID (exactly between the steamer arm and the brewhead, sticking out front by maybe 1/4" but otherwise looking fr all the world like it just belongs there) is fantastic. Massive kudos to HiTech Espresso for this service.
The...read full review
Rating primarily the mod work, I just got mine and the mod work that HiTech Espresso does on installing the PID (exactly between the steamer arm and the brewhead, sticking out front by maybe 1/4" but otherwise looking fr all the world like it just belongs there) is fantastic. Massive kudos to HiTech Espresso for this service.
The short of the PID is that it controls the internal temperature of the machine very precisely such that if you know how much of a change there is between the thermometer and the brewhead, then you can set the PID to roughly 201F plus that difference (mine came at 220, I dropped it a couple degrees) and have it give perfect-temperature water on all of your shots instead of hoping you're catching the boiler at the right spot in its heating/cooling cycle. Very nice for whoever's making the morning shots of espresso in the house (and that would be me where I live).
The key thing you need to be prepared for after researching the Ms. Silvia (she's very popular amoung amateur coffee geeks like myself) is that, with or without PID, Silvia needs to be accessorized. The tamper she comes with is garbage -- it simply doesn't fit. Her portafilter is fabulous, but it really really needs a knockbox. She doesn't come with a brush for her brewhead. She doesn't come with a dedicated 1-shot portafilter (despite having a 1-shot basket) which may or may not be a problem for you. And you must expect to but at least a $200 proper bur grinder or else Silvia will do whatever Silvia bloody well feels like doing and you'll be wondering why you spent all of your money on her. Do yourself a favor and budget accordingly. minimize
