Review of the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Maker By nearly all accounts, the Rancilio Silvia espresso maker is one of the most solidly built espresso machines available for consumers.
Weighing in at thirty-five pounds, the Silvia is built from one hundred percent corrosion resistant steel.
Every liquid touching piece is made from steel, so plastic will never touch your coffee or espresso.
Generally priced below seven hundred dollars, the Rancilio Silvia, or "Miss Silvia", the name it goes by amongstespresso enthusiasts is a semi automatic pump driven espresso maker.
Unlike fully automatic espresso machines, the Miss Silvia will require you to grind your own coffee beans, tamp down and clean the machine manually.
Make sure you set aside enough money in your budget to purchase quality accessories such as a grinder.
Miss Silvia is not for the beginner user, you definitely need some experience with making your own espresso in order to get the perfect shot.
There's a slight learning curve with the Rancilio machines, and while users claim that it is easy to learn, if you've never used an espresso maker, you may really want to opt for a full automatic machine.
The Silvia gets rave reviews from espresso purists across the board.
There are very few drawbacks, with the only major - yet minor complaint being the amount of time it takes the machine to heat up.
Where a fully automatic machine can go from heat up to your first shot in less than fifteen minutes, it will take at least forty five minutes for Miss Silvia to heat up.
There is also a general consensus on the need for excellent accessories.
I can't stress the importance of a good bean grinder and tamper.