|
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.
|
|
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. |
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. |
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.
|
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. |
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. |
