Best 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. $100
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Best espresso machine overall
- Attractive design
- Top-quality interior components
- Brass boiler
- 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 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 design in high regard; many say it's built like a tank. The Rancilio 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 less expensive espresso machine, reviews point to the Gaggia Classic (*Est. $450) , which costs almost half the price and can also can make espresso from prepackaged coffee.
We found the most thorough professional review of the Rancilio Silvia at Australia's Choice magazine. The best user reviews are at CoffeeGeek.com and WholeLatteLove.com, where it's a favorite of reviewers and editors alike. CoffeeGeek.com offers the largest number of reviews, but we found additional reviews from owners posting to Amazon.com and Epinions.com. We also found a recommendation for the Rancilio Silvia in a 2010 article in The Boston Globe.
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| Rancilio Espresso Machine - Rancilio Silvia | |
(97 reviews) In Stock. |
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| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
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 |  261 store reviews | In Stock. | $790.00 | See It |
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 |  1,352 store reviews | In Stock. | $699.99 | See It |
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Our Sources
1. Choice magazineDetails/Subscribe
Editors at Australia's Choice magazine are thorough reviewers of espresso machines, testing each against a standard set of criteria. The newest Rancilio Silvia model earns high marks for its frothing ability and easy-to-use controls, but editors say that it only does "OK" in taste-tests.
Review: Domestic Espresso Machines Review and Compare, Editors of Choice magazine, Jan. 2011
WholeLatteLove.com, a retailer, also posts owner-written ratings and product demonstration videos. Owners rate espresso machines on ease of use, espresso quality, steaming ability, construction and price value. Top-rated machines here include the Rancilio Silvia, which has garnered nearly 300 reviews and earns an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.
Review: Rancilio Silvia Redesigned V3 Espresso Machine, Contributors to WholeLatteLove.com
The top-rated espresso machines discussed here (those garnering more than 60 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. Overall, nearly 215 owners contribute to an average rating of 8.6 out of a possible 10.
Review: Consumer Espresso: Rancilio Silvia, Contributors to CoffeeGeek.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." Editors point out that like most espresso machines, the Rancilio Silvia is a tool and requires practice to perfect the process.
Review: Rancilio Miss Silvia SS Espresso Machine, Editors of SweetMarias.com
5. 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; just over 20 reviewers contribute to a perfect 5-star average rating. One says that it puts commercial quality in a home espresso machine.
Review: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine, Contributors to Epinions.com
6. Amazon.com
More than two dozen owners give the Silvia a high average rating in Amazon.com user reviews (an average of 4.5 stars out of 5). 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 Maker, Contributors to Amazon.com
Ike DeLorenzo investigates the possibility of obtaining high-quality espresso from low-end machines by varying the quality of grounds used and ground consistency. While the Rancilio Silvia isn't considered a low-end machine, DeLorenzo says the Silvia is a worthwhile purchase if you don't want to spend the time trying to produce great espresso from a cheap machine.
Review: High-quality espresso from low-end machines, Ike DeLorenzo, Jan. 13, 2010
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Nespresso D120-US-BK-NE CitiZ Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Maker and Milk Frother, Limousine Black
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DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker, Metal
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