Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine Dealers & Information

The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine may not be the same as the Saeco design. In fact, at first glance, the consumer may find the machine's design as plain because the machine comes is made of Stainless steel. It is not like the Capresso design with the funky colors, but it is a well packed machine complete with Rancilio's commercial portafilter with choices of single plus double filters; and the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine scooper and manual.

Like the Saeco, the Rancilio also faced its own product evolutions. Today however, coffee gourmet purists and most establishment who serve espresso still prefer their favorite Rancilio Silvia espresso machine because it is reliable and functional. The usual favorite of coffee shops is the Miss Silvia, which is basically straightforward, functional with no pre-sets or siphon milk frothing system BUT it does have a heavy brass brew head for even heat distribution and a commercial sized portafilter. It's more like a small tank -- that's it.

Miss Silvia can be rather choosy in choosing her grinders. Thus, you have to pair her with something like the Rancilio Rocky or the Gaggia MDF. The latest Silvia 2009 is now pod adaptable. Rancilio Silva espresso machines are upgradeable -- so, if you happen to own one of the old Silvia machines, you simply have to buy a Slilvia pod- adapter kit that you can separately install in your cofee machine. Remember however, that despite the add-ons, your machine is upgradable and most parts can be purchased at Rancilio Silvia product stores. Also keep in mind that this brand gives you a two year warranty; is definitely top of the line; and is the favorite brand of those who use it as a commercial coffee machine. For instance, take note that the Silvia 2009's boiler is unlike any other because it's made of marine brass and has the largest volume that produces the best steaming and recycle time if when you're brewing multiple espressos. Now, most of the other coffee machines do not have as good a feature. There is also the three way "solenoid valve" that tempers the water pressure when you switch off the brew switch. This makes it a more reliable machine because it dries out the coffee so you don't leave a mess and it makes it easier to remove the coffee out of the portafilter because has been dried out.

Rancilio Silvia espresso machines have basically the same design so that it makes it easier for users to upgrade their machines. At the center of the mahine is the power switch. When this is pressed, the heating element is activated. There's an orange light that turns on and turns off when the machine reaches the operating temperature. There's the top switch at the left that operates the pump, so it's also the "brew switch". Turn this on to start the brewing process or off when you're through. Middle button is still for dispensing hot water while the bottom switch starts the steam function. To start the frothing there's a steam knob at the side of the machine that you can push.

The Silva also has a cup warmer that can hold up to 6 espresso cups. This heater is the passive type. Thus, if you simply like hot milk or chocolate, it's easy -- you just turn on the pump (brew) switch and open the steam knob and hot water flows out. Compared to other espresso machines, the Rancilio Silva is great if you want good gourmet coffee with the least mess. It is known as one of the most reliable espresso machines.