Rancilio Silvia

I've now had the RS for two days, and my wife and I are in love with it. I did a lot of research into espresso makers before deciding on this one. What caught my attention were comments from people who… had owned the unit for many trouble-free years. Previously we tried different semi-automatic makers and got good coffee but found the units to be unreliable (notably the Cappresso Ultima). This time, we wanted barebones simplicity and reliability. So far, we feel we've got that with this maker. As other reviews have said, it's a bit cantankerous and takes practice to get things right. It seems to be a bit inflexible as to the amount of grounds to use, and the tamping needs to be firm or it sputters. Sometimes it can be wonky getting the portafilter in right. But those are minor things that should become habit over time. We're very excited and are hoping that the legwork pays off.

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This is a beautiful machine! I started learning about brewing espresso at home with a Gaggia Coffee. I've since stepped up to the Silvia and I wish I had bought it right away. The espresso I produce with… it is far superior, never sour or bitter if I use the right amount and tamp it properly, and I can make microfoam. I also appreciate its heaviness, good looks, quiet operation and metal steam wand. Many say - and it bears repeating - that you will only get the results you are looking for at home if you invest in a burr grinder of at least Rancilio Rocky or Gaggia MDF quality, grind right before brewing and use beans roasted within weeks, not months! I have had disappointing results with other grinders and all preground espresso including expensive Illy, etc. Shop around and be sure to get free shipping, because this thing weighs a ton. I have seen good package deals where you can get the Silvia and Rocky together; with no tax and free shipping plus some free goodies such as a stainless steel tamper, you will be in business and might have some cash left over for the beans. Of course the instruction booklet is nearly worthless, but you can find some great videos on YouTube to show you what to do with all that stuff once you get it home. If you have better things to spend your money on, like mortgage and groceries, or if you aren't too picky, look elsewhere; maybe try a stovetop moka pot. If you think you will be making espresso for years to come get this machine, a good grinder and a water filter, and some freshly roasted beans from Intelligentsia; then you will want a collection of little cups for serving your creations, and your friends might begin to think you are an insufferable coffee snob... and at that point, you will be. Trust me, your buddies most likely do not want to hear about your machine's brass portafilter and temperature stability. This is NOT a cheap hobby. Maybe you should consider supporting your local coffee shop instead! As for me, I'm in too deep. Let me know if someone starts a twelve step program for espresso addicts. Enjoy!

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The Rancilio Silvia is a fantastic espresso machine and with a little practice and some high quality beans - you can make better espresso drinks at home than in any espresso shop in your town. Quality is… king (in this case Queen) because Miss Silvia is hand made of high quality materials in her home town in Italy. See more about this awesome espresso machine in my full review at [...] and then come back here to order one.

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