The Rancilio Silvia M espresso machine has gained recognition as the go-to choice for home baristas. It produces high-quality espresso thanks to its powerful boiler and commercial-size head. Home baristas have nicknamed the machine “Ms Silvia” due to its solid build, made of high-quality durable stainless steel, and the doserless grinder. With fresh roasted decent coffee, the machine provides complete control over the coffee experience.
Rancilio Heritage
Furthermore, Rancilio, an espresso machine manufacturer, founded in 1927 by Roberto Rancilio in Parabiago, Italy, has a notable heritage. The Rancilio commercial range is renowned for its quality of espresso brew and commands respect in the industry.
What we love
As for what we love about the machine, there is much to appreciate. The Silvia is the GTI of home coffee machines. Why?
- It is a sturdy and well-established design.
- With its commercial size portafilter head, the machine allows for the use of various commercial additions such as tampers, levelling tools, distribution tools, calibrated baskets, and more. These tools can be utilized in the same way as they would be in commercial machines.
- The machine features a 300ml boiler, enough to make 5–6 espressos in a row with no real delay, and has a boiler reset if forgotten to turn off.
- Despite having no PID, the temperature is remarkably stable.
- It works well, is simple to use, and makes a great espresso.
- For its price, there is nothing that comes close to its quality.
What we are not so fond of
If we had to be picky about what we are not so fond of, the benefits of the machine outweigh the negatives.
- However, there is typically a 2-minute delay between moving from steam pre to espresso per, unless you want to burn the espresso, which may not suit those who add milk to their coffee. For such users, the Rancilio Silvia Pro is recommended.
- We also recommend having a good grinder to get the most out of this machine, and a basic understanding of espresso brewing. The Baratza Sette 270 is an excellent choice for this purpose.
- The water tray is a little clunky to remove, and put back in, and is a little small.
- Pump can be a little noisy.
Silvia Features
- 58cm portafilter head (same size as a commercial head, so all accessories fit perfectly)
- Boiler: 300ml
- Good cup heater on top
- Boiler overload switch pops if the boiler is left on and is empty
- Water Tank: 2.5 Lt
- Power: 1,100 W (240V)
- Weight: 14 kg
- Dimensions: 290 x 235 x 340mm (W x D x H)
Comes with
Out of the box, the following are included:
- a single and double portafilter;
- measuring scoop;
- blind filter plug;
- Entry-level tamper.
Specifications
| Dimensions: | Width 235 mm / 9.2 inch Height 340 mm / 13.4 inch Depth 290 mm / 11.4 inch |
| Work surface depth: | 120 mm / 4.72 inch |
| Weight: | 14 kg / 30.9 lb |
| Height of the drip tray: | 80 mm / 3 inch |
| Dispensing group: | Brass |
| Power: | Total power 950 – 1000 (120V~, 60 Hz)* / 1150 (220–240V~, 50-60 Hz) W Frequency 50-60 Hz Voltage 120-230 V |
Ben Munitz –
The legend is true. What a great little machine. Had an issue with my commercial 1-group machine I had acquired at home, was a little nervous about this little baby, but she performs as well (if not better) than the commercial 1-group I used to have.