EmailBest Reviewed
Espresso Machines
- Best espresso machine overall Rancilio Silvia *Est. $700
- Best value espresso machine Gaggia Classic *Est. $450
- Budget espresso maker DeLonghi EC155 *Est. $85
- Steam-driven espresso machine Kalorik Espresso Maker Cafeteria Express EXP25022 *Est. $45
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Best espresso machine overall
- Attractive design
- Top-quality interior components
- Repair parts readily available
- Durable
- Sensitive to grind coarseness
- Tamper not up to the task
- Takes practice to froth milk properly
- No automated functions
Overall, reviewers say that the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine offers the best blend of build quality, espresso quality and ease of use. In fact, many reviewers say it's the best machine available for less than $1,000. Reviewers hold the machine's build quality in especially high regard; many say it's built like a tank. The Silvia is, however, a somewhat finicky machine, and users must experiment a bit to find the right espresso grind and tamping pressure. Most espresso enthusiasts say that they enjoy this process, but if you're looking for a fuss-free espresso machine, reviews point to the Gaggia Classic (*Est. $450), which allows owners the option of using prepackaged coffee pods that take the guesswork out of making espresso.
We found the most thorough professional review of the Rancilio Silvia at Australia's Choice magazine. The best user reviews are at CoffeeGeek.com, where it's a favorite of reviewers and editors alike. CoffeeGeek.com offers the largest number of reviews, but CoffeeCrew.com provides a helpful user's guide to the Rancilio Silvia espresso maker. We also read a professional review of this espresso machine published in Australia's Choice magazine.
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Our Sources
1. Choice magazineDetails/Subscribe
Editors at Australia's Choice magazine are the most routine and thorough testers of espresso machines, testing each against a standard set of criteria. The Rancilio Silvia earns high marks for its frothing ability and well-designed handles, but editors say that the temperature when brewing consecutive cups is inconsistent.
Review: Manual and Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines, Editors of Choice magazine, Feb. 2008
The top-rated espresso machines here (among those garnering more than five owner-written reviews) include the Rancilio Silvia. Most of the contributors who've reviewed this espresso machine are delighted with it, calling it a consistent, rewarding device.
Review: Consumer Espresso: Rancilio Silvia, Contributors to CoffeeGeek.com
CoffeeCrew.com, a Canadian site for coffee enthusiasts, publishes tutorials and editorial reviews. Colin Newell says that the Silvia is the best machine available under $1,000.
Review: Living With the Rancilio Silvia, Colin Newell
WholeLatteLove.com, a retailer, also posts owner-written ratings and product-demonstration videos. Unfortunately, there is no ultimate ratings system, and you can only search by specific model, which limits this site's usefulness unless you've already narrowed your choices. Top-rated machines here include the Rancilio Silvia, which has garnered nearly 300 reviews.
Review: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine User Reviews, Contributors to WholeLatteLove.com
Although Sweet Maria's is mainly of a purveyor of green coffee beans and home-roasting equipment, experts here do recommend a handful of espresso machines, including the Rancilio Silvia, which they call a "modern classic."
Review: Rancilio Silvia, Editors of SweetMarias.com
6. Epinions.com
There are some owner-written reviews on Epinions.com, and this site is a good place to check once you have your choice narrowed to a few moderately priced models. The Rancilio Silvia gets great ratings from owners. One says that it puts commercial quality in a home espresso machine.
Review: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine, Contributors to Epinions.com
7. Amazon.com
More than a dozen owners give the Silvia a very high average rating in Amazon.com user reviews. Some owners say it requires finesse to master, however, and it's advised that you buy a high-quality grinder to go with it.
Review: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine, Contributors to Amazon.com
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2 picks including: Amazon.com, CoffeeGeek.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
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