RancilioSilvia Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel

We’ve had this machine for two years. We used it to host a coffee bar and made hundreds of shots each time. We’ve never had any issues and love the quality.

Don't waste your money on some other "entry level" espresso machine because they're easier to use or something. If this one interests you, then buy it. It isn't a hard machine to use. It has 4 buttons......I don't understand the espresso community and how they think making an espresso is like an art or something a new person couldn't comprehend lol.If this was the case then baristas would make more than they do.This is a great machine for your average person wanting to save that trip to a coffee shop. Man I would spend $30 on DoorDash or Uber Eats just so I could have a coffee delivered. Not any more!Don't let anyone intimidate you and make you think this is hard to do.

After years of hesitation, I finally took the plunge. I already owned a Rancilio grinder and this is my second semi-automatic espresso machine. I decided on the 2020 version because of energy efficiency, the black covering on the housing (to limit fingerprints) and group head plus it comes with a real tamper (not a piece of plastic). To me that was worth the $60 price difference. The machine arrived in perfect shape with well sealed packaging. The things that I noticed when I set up the machine, removing the film from the stainless steel top cover requires that you unscrew the fasteners, also the gauge of the steel top seems a bit thin. The handle of the porta filter is very light compared to the basket. The switches were all in the "on" position when I unpacked the machine, it's a bit counterintuitive - follow the sticker directions exactly to prep the machine and there will be no issue. The machine takes getting used to and all of the Rancilio Silvia review comments are pretty accurate, the drip tray is small, the machine is finicky and the water tank is small. I have been able to pull off a few very good shots in the first few tries, but I have had previous experience for 10+ years, have a good grinder (Rocky) and a lot of good accessories. I will definitely be learning on this machine for a while and it will take a little breaking in. I am not 100% sure that the solenoid valve is working well, and I do struggle a bit with the porta filter fit into the group, will see over time. The machine looks great, is compact (which is my number 1 reason not to get a double boiler) and I am very happy with the purchase. I fully expected to "learn" for a while and I think my game will improve a lot. The build of the machine seems rock solid with the exception of the sheet of steel used for the cover, which I don't believe will change anything. The water tank and cover are rock solid, the drip tray and cover are very well built and the knob, switches and steam arm all feel like higher quality bits. It's definitely a step up from a typical plasticky home appliance and I hope it lasts for years.

Seattle Coffee Gear was awesome when my machine turned out to have a malfunctioning internal part. This kind of stuff happens, and they were so responsive right away and arranged for me to ship the machine back. I loved the machine; they didn't have a replacement in stock, so I reordered the model with the built-in moment Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with PID. I fully expect it to be excellent. I love the brand and the customer support from Seattle Coffee Gear.

Unfortunately it was the worst purchase I ever made. I got this machine despite bad reviews because my friend told me the heating elements where the water runs don’t have plastic components. Sure, I got this coffee machine only I never actually used it as it makes barely warm coffee and takes forever for the light to turn on once you turn on the machine. $1000 down the drain.

La amamos en casa, es una joya

Bought the model without the PID. Don't need it. I've been brewing consistently delicious espresso with this machine. The steamwand is very powerful, but the single hole as opposed to 3 or 4 is a little awkward. The rocker switches feel very good, and the quality components remind me of working on a LM Linea when I was a barista for a few years. For a single boiler, this is the best machine I've ever used at this level. The only downside is the boiler design. You have to ensure it's full when doing a cold start to not burn the interior components.. kinda ridiculous, but a minor inconvenience at worst for a time tested classic like this.

Long term review.I really want to like it. Its exactly what a Espresso maker is not. It makes a great shot but its not hot. In fact its barely warm. It takes 15 minutes for this maker to heat up. The fact it cannot make a hot shot makes the quality of the shot not so great. Back to back shots take another 15 minutes to heat up. Not for couples. It has some great reviews but I cannot give one. Quality of the build is fantastic. 40 years of making Espresso I can do better with a press.