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The
Rancilio Silvia is a machine with
a reputation, and it's all good.
One of the most discussed
specialty espresso machines on the
market, the Silvia has legions of
fans, and with good cause: it is
one of the best "single boiler"
machines on the market, bar none.
From the professional portafilter
to the large brass boiler, from
the no nonsense controls up front
to the ample steaming power, the
Silvia is a machine that will
deliver first rate espresso to the
true enthusiast for years and
years.
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Heavy
Duty Pump System from Start to
Finish
The Silvia uses a 48-watt Ulka
Electromagnetic vibratory pump
that provides the exact pressures
needed to deliver perfect
espresso. The lines from the pump,
to the boiler, and from the boiler
to the grouphead are all
commercial grade items, with a
big, beefy piece of cast brass
helping to complete the trip.
Other machines may feel the need
to advertise their BAR rating; the
Silvia doesn't have to - it's a
given the machine has the power to
spare.
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No Nonsense
Controls
The Silvia features
commercial-grade rocker switches
with integrated indicator lights.
Located in the center on the face
of the machine is the main power
switch. When the machine is first
turned on, the orange light
adjacent to the switch will
illuminate. The light will remain
illuminated until the machine is
at operating temperature for
brewing espresso, or the
dispensing of hot water. On the
left side of the control panel are
the controls for brewing espresso
(top), dispensing hot water
(middle), and steam activation
(bottom).
To start the flow of espresso,
simply push the coffee brew
switch, then push it again to stop
the flow. Hot water is dispensed
from the steam wand by pushing the
hot water switch and opening the
steam valve (located on the lower
right side of the control panel).
To enter the steam mode, push the
steam switch, wait for the orange
light to go out (indicating the
proper temperature), and then open
the steam valve to dispense steam.
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Straightforward
Powerful Steaming
The Rancilio doesn't come with
froth-aiders or steaming gimmicks.
Instead it features a single hole,
chrome plated, brass steam wand that
pushes out ample amounts of steam,
which is capable of getting 7 ounces
of milk up to proper temperatures in
under 35 seconds. With the Silvia,
you don't get gimmicks or helpers -
you get a serious, powerful machine
that helps you become a serious,
skilled Barista. |
Quality
Brass Parts
Inside the Silvia you see
something akin to more
pro-consumer and commercial grade
machines: brass everywhere. The
Silvia uses a brass boiler, brass
lines, and chromed brass grouphead
to help maintain proper heat
distribution so crucial to
producing perfect espresso.
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Commercial
Grouphead
The well-designed grouphead for
the Silvia was influenced by
Rancilio's commercial line of
espresso machines. Solid brass and
chrome plating offer good
temperature stability and
consistent shots of espresso, not
to mention durability. The filter
screen evenly disperses water over
the coffee grounds for proper
extraction. |
Large Brass
Boiler
It features one of the biggest
boilers in the consumer
marketplace - 10.5 ounces filled
to the rim. This has many benefits
for the consumer - better
temperature stability, quicker
recycling times, and when that
boiler gets up to steaming
temperatures, you'll think you
have an old style steam locomotive
in your kitchen. |
Commercial-Grade
Portafilter and Filter Baskets
The Silvia ships with a heavy
chrome plated portafilter and two
commercial sized 58 mm filter
baskets - the exact same ones used
in the Rancilio commercial line.
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Removable Water
Reservoir
This machine features a 67 oz.
capacity removable water reservoir
that can be filled while the machine
is operating, or removed for filling
at the sink. |
Heated Cup
Stacking Surface
On top of the Silvia, there is a
polished stainless steel
cup-stacking surface that is
heated. If you're serious about
being a skilled home barista, you
will know that having warmed cups
is a prerequisite to perfect
espresso, and the Silvia handles
this job effortlessly. |
Removable
Drip & Cup Tray
The drip pan and cup tray are made
of stainless steel, and they are
removable for easy cleaning. |
Stainless
Steel Casing
One look at the Silvia's outer
hull and you know you own a
serious espresso machine. No fancy
designs or accruements for the
Silvia - just brushed stainless
steel, everywhere. |
Instant Hot Water
This machine can replace your kettle
under most circumstances with its
hot water on demand feature. Simply
activate the hot water switch and
open the steam knob to get hot water
instantly. Use hot water for making
tea, Americanos, or other hot
beverages. |
Pressure Release
System
Just like the commercial machines,
the Rancilio Silvia features a
three-way solenoid valve that
instantly releases any built up
pressure in the portafilter once you
complete an espresso shot. This
allows for instant reloading of the
machine for another shot, and no
mess or fuss when removing the
portafilter. |
Safety System
The Silvia is equipped with three
thermostats, including one
specifically used to prevent the
boiler from overheating if the
machine is left unattended for long
periods of time. |
Accessories
Two stainless steel filter baskets
for making either single or double
shots of espresso, coffee tamper,
measuring spoon, and an instruction
manual. |
