- Daily
Excellent machine. Robust and reliable. No frills. Easy to clean and great coffee. Will outlast me
Spoil yourself – After 9 years, my Rancillio is still producing great coffee results, so much so I now don't order coffee at cafes because 9 times out of 10 it is not what you get at home with the Rancillio. Great robust machine. Show details
Great machine with high consistency! PID – -My machine is the V5 with installed PID controller (takes the variability out of both temperature and pouring the shot). -I've installed the machine in my office and would estimate that it pours at least 20 shots per week with it and I have not had the machine for almost exactly 1 year. I use it with a Breville BCG800 grinder and fresh locally… Read more
roasted coffee.
I have read some of the other reviews and will comment on some of the items they've raised.
Positives: Firstly, I was a bit hesitant to spend this much on a machine as an upgrade to my Breville, but wow am I glad I did. The PID is completely programmable so I can adjust the temperature, infusion, shot duration and steaming temperature. It has allowed me to dial the machine in for a perfect shot with the coffee I use. I prefer the coffee from this machine to almost any cafe in town and would recommend it to anyone who is serious about their coffee. Milk frothing is perfect and the machine always has enough pressure as the boiler temperature is displayed on the front of the PID. Just thinking about it makes be want to pour another shot.
Negatives: (reason for only 4 stars in my review) -base rust has been an issue with my machine as well, even though it is custom powder coated. -steam wand and pour spouts are a bit low if you use large mugs or frothing pitchers -drip tray is small and easy to spill, it fills after pouring/frothing 2x Flat Whites. -water tank has no level indicator so manually checking it to ensure there is enough must become part of your routine.
Summary: Even though it lacks some of the simple "bells and whistles" found on far more inexpensive machines made from plastic, it is a robust and solid unit that easily produces cafe quality coffee with high consistency. To those other reviewers who have issues with theirs, please contact me as I will buy your machine. It is commercial quality build, meaning that repair is always possible (I like the comparison to a Harley Davidson another reviewer mentioned). The PID adds so much control to the machine it is worth every penny. That PID paired with a consistent high quality grinder and local, carefully roasted coffee is a recipe for success.
worst machine ever – Inconsistent is the only way to describe the machine. One shot is under extracted the next is over extracted. At first I joked about the machine being a temperamental Italian but after throwing coffee after coffe down the drain I'm pretty sick of it. I've had many machines over the last 20 years but this is definitely the worst. No other machine… Read more
can ruin an expensive bean quite like this. Also in an amazing piece of stupid design the milk wand is too low to fit a milk jug (small one) under so after steaming the milk you have to lift the whole machine to remove the jug, brilliant! If the drip tray is has some water in it beware because at this point the water will spill over your bench.
Got the coffee bug, went through many machines, picked the silvia – I have been through a lot of machines in the past year. Coffee has become somewhat a hobby, having started with pod machines, and then moving onto automatic machines and then switching through several manual espresso machines. As I learned more about the brewing process what I started to notice is the more manual you go, the more control and… Read more
flavour options you have.
After the fact I can say, learning to brew properly does take a bit of effort, but when you know what your doing you will not go back.
Out of all the machines I have been through, the Silvia will stay. Build quality is like a tank, no circuits, dependable, heats up in a couple minutes and makes a fantastic cafe quality coffee
I have paired mine with a Mazzer Luigi and am very happy. A few people here have pounted out that the base can rust and group head starts to peel, but other than that the boiler and internals are simple and should last a very long time if you take care of it.
Highly recommend this machine, but only buy it if you understand the brewing principles of grind, dosing and tamping.
The Rancillio Silivia - a saviour during Melb lockdown – Dont know what the family or I would have done without the Silvia during our harsh lockdown!. It produces beautiful shots consistently with my fresh beans that I get from local roasters and independent supermarket. Crema is coppery orange and thick. I grind with the paired Rocky Grinder that has 55 gind increments. I typically grind on the 8th… Read more
finest setting out of 30 or even finer down to about settng 4 of 55. The milk frothing is superb but you need to use the freshest milk and some brands are better than others. For good textured milk that you can use for late art you really need to swirl it in the jug for circa 25 seconds as shown in youtube videos. If you like lactose free I find Zymil works well.As everyone else says the quality of the coffee poured is related to grind, freshness of beans (hopefully they were roasted within a week or 2) and the tamp pressure - which in my opinion has to be quite hard push (circa 12kg). For me the machine quality is fine (old school design). I think ti is essential to wipe under the drip tray daily to prevent water buildup and potnetial of rust. I purchased from Cafe a Roma in Malvern East Melb. I have no hesitation in reccommending the Rancillio Sivia it is a pleasure to use each day!
Base rusted after 12 months. Started cutting out after 12 months. Makes great coffee – The base has rust on it. Trying to dry after each use although it is worrying for at 12 months. The machine was inoperable for a week at just 12 months old. It trips as soon as you turn it on. Doing it again at 18 months. I've enjoyed the coffee and steam pressure although it doesn't seem to be holding up longevity wise. Show details
Excellent coffee machine – I am completely satisfied with the coffee maker and Rocky grinder. Both machines were easily set up and simple to use. I watched a demonstration of both machines in the shop prior to purchase and duplicated the process at home. Very well made coffee machines. Show details
Base Rusted out in 12 months – Purchased this machine, it made the best coffee but The base started To rust within 13 months, I had throw out after 3 years As the base was completely rusted out, I was so disappointed as the coffee was excellent Show details
Amazing – This is a sturdy device that works perfectly so far. if you don't invest in, or already have, a good coffee grinder, you might have to work with the local grocer or starbucks to get a grind that is perfect. it is solid quality construction, and it pulls a perfect shot every single time. the steamer is much faster than my last machine and doesn't loose power after the first pitcher of foam. Show details
Very good coffee – The machine is very good. It feels more like a industrial machine. Well made. You need to make sure you refill the boiler after steaming or frothing the milk. It’s tricky to get the temp correct for the coffee would be better if it came with PID if you can get the temp correct it makes fantastic coffee Show details
The best – I worked as a barista for over 10 years and I wanted to make my quality coffees at home as well, I tried several brands like breville etc. but this is the best coffee machine I ever owned, small and powerful, never had an issue with it and works almost like a commercial grade coffee machine. Love it! Show details
Get what you pay for – I refused to buy a machine with built in grinders, lights and sensors because I have learned over the years that there is no free lunch; i.e. you get what you pay for. The PID is an expensive addition, but its well worth it in my opinion. A proper espresso is all about temp & timing (also the proper grind) and the PID allows you to pinpoint the… Read more
EXACT temp the machine is at within 1 degree. The PID also is programmable and it controls the extraction time in addition to a pre-infusion; which helps prevent channeling of the coffee grounds during the extraction process.
Find out how Rancilio Silvia V5 compares to other Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines
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Lovely little machine! – It takes a little getting used to but once you have mastered the Sylvia, you will be enjoying wonderful coffee every day. I recommend purchasing a quality grinder to use with the Sylvia. Pre-ground coffee is OK but you will need to experiment with the grind before you find your perfect cup The milk steamer is excellent. It’s easy to use and… Read more
produces a lovely micro foam.
The unit is very easy to clean, and if looked after will last for many years.
August 14th 2019 Update: Cafe quality coffee at your fingertips!
This is my second Rancilio Silvia. See my earlier review of the earlier model. I am a repeat Rancilio customer.
I desperately wanted to be able to recreate cafe- quality coffee at home, but could not afford to buy a commercial coffee machine. The Miss Silvia is the perfect solution. The insulation means the water temperature remains steady (good when doing multiple pours) and the machine heats up quickly. The milk frother is just as good as a commercial one. As with all good coffees, it takes some practice to master this machine. If your coffee isn't perfect the first few times then don't give up on the Silvia. She is great and you'll get there!
My Pride And Joy – I love my Rancilio. It gave me an absolute thrill the "graduate" to this after years of putting up with a basic Sunbeam model. Construction quality is second to none and the results are truly professional look on Coffee snobs - you will see everyone has this machine. Its the king! Show details
Fancy Coffee Anyone? – This is the favorite of many "bean snobs" site and I admit to being sucked in a bit by all those reviews. This machine is not for the faint hearted. You have a lot to lean and a lot of control. I would say that you should have a clear idea of you ideal coffee to start with and experiment and keep making adjustments until you get there. Build… Read more
quality of the machine itself if very solid and should last years.
Just be prepared to put in the time to learn how get that coffee you are after
Not as good as i thought it should be – We have had 3 Pavoni machines over the past 35 years or so and this Rancillio for about 1 year. I thought we might try a machine with a pump for a change instead of a lever. What a mistake! Everyone in the family hates it . It sprays coffee all over the place , the steam valve leaks, cant steam and pull a shot at the same time , the wand needs… Read more
draining before every shot and there is always so much water coming out.
Just a really poor machine. Expensive for what you get also.
*Editing to add That after reading what other are saying about the need to find the correct grind setting that this may reduce some of my issues.
A compact piece of garbage – It's been 2 years. You would think I could have made a decent coffee in that time but no, Silvia doesn't like coffee. I struggled at first and blamed myself even though I have been brewing espresso for 10 years. Then I blamed the coffee, then the grind, then the pressure then maybe it needed a descale. But in the end there was only one suspect… Read more
left standing, Silvia.
I have just spent 2 hours in my kitchen cleaning then machine and then brewing a dozen shots trying to find the correct grind vs dose. I got a passable shot at grind mark 6 using the Rocky, exactly where I started. At a guess, I have to assume the brew temperature is just too high and I can't change that. So my machine is junk and always has been.
I wouldn't recommend this machine to anyone. Beginner or expert, there is something better out there. Who cares if your crap coffee machine is built to last forever. Really.
Such Good Coffee – Rancilio Silvia, well secret of this machine is to match it with a good grinder, make sure you backflush it regularly and use fresh beans with it and the coffee is fantastic great crema and it really takes you back to truly manual coffee. It is always worth the effort when you can pull a lovely espresso. Show details
Solid coffee machine – Pretty good value considering what you get. You need to factor in training with this beast otherwise you'll might as well stay with your blend 42. Though once you're up and running, then expect to get really w@anky with your coffee. Half the time the coffee I buy out isn't as good as my morning joe. I recommend! 5* Show details
A steep learning curve but well worth it – Like all Rancilios, there is a bit of a learning curve involved with this machine. However, it pays off in the end with the reward being good quality espresso at home. I recommend reading the manual and spending some time on the coffee forums online to get some valuable tips. Show details
Wonderful but would recommend adjustment to be made with power point by electrician – I bought this machine about six months ago and it is great. Sturdy and reliable with great coffee. Received a free grinder which is great. I did purchase this directly from Italy but it arrived just as quick as express post so I can recommend the company. The machine comes with an adaptor plug for Australian power points but I got an… Read more
electrician to change this over for me and there have been no problems. You probably don't need to but I would check re insurance if you don't.
Find out how Rancilio Silvia V5 compares to other Semi-Automatic and Manual Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
Feeling like a real barista now – Have just acquired the latest Rancilio Silvia with a Rocky grinder. Aesthetically speaking, this is a beautiful looking combination. I have done extensive reading about how to perfect shots and how to warm the machine quickly and this was time well spent. I have invested in a proper tamper from Rancilio as a proper tamping is critical to making a… Read more
good brew. Very happy with this product. My last machine, a Breville Barista Express died after 3 years; it lost all pressure and started producing awful shots. Hoping the Rancilio lasts much longer. It does demand more patience but making good coffee is a pleasure worth my time.
As a full time barista, this at home coffee machine makes the cut! – As a full time barista, I needed something to use at home that measured up to the kind of machines that I regularly work on (and that retail $30,000+!). The Rancilio Silvia is perfect. Providing the functions I need to create perfect espresso, and a steam wand with enough power to texturise milk, I am so happy with this purchase. I can… Read more
recommend this product to baristas, but also to the average consumer who wants to take the next step with their at-home coffee set up. This machine gives you everything you need to make the best coffee possible at home.
My only limitation is that the catchment tray is quite small, and needs to be emptied quite regularly, otherwise, this set up is perfect!
Great coffees & value but recommend doing a course – The Rancilio works great, but the operator needs to be up to speed. Makes much better coffee than most cafes and an automatic DeLonghi coffee machine we had before this. It looks like it will last for years. There is a bit involved in learning how to use it, the instructions are pitiful. Strongly recommend doing a barista course, if you are a… Read more
newbee, like me, the videos on youtube don't show you enough info. I had trouble at first, but can now produce a consistently good coffee, as I did a fabulous half day course at William Angliss, Melbourne. As the Rancilio represents good value, it has only one boiler, so you have to surf the temperatures, make the shot at one temperature, then wait while it heats up, to make stream for the milk. Purchase a good grinder and freshly roasted coffee as well. Ask for a better tamper, the one supplied is a useless cheap plastic one. Also get a tamper mat. I like using a thermometer and if using milk, a sprinkle of chocolate on top and it's surprisingly good. The milk streamer is great for Chai Lattes and Hot Chocolates. Long blacks are always great.
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