Rancilio Silvia Pro v. Rancilio Silvia | Crew Comparison

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Join John for a Crew Comparison between the new Rancilio Silvia Pro and the classic Rancilio Silvia. The Pro features plenty of upgrades to this espresso machine standby, learn more here!

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[kunkprime]

We have had our Rancilio Silvia for almost 15 years. It has always worked for us flawlessly and never had a problem. It makes a great cup of espresso or a great latte. I like the fact that it's heavy and built like a tank. I appreciate equipment that's built to last rather than the Apple iPhone approach where they make sure you have to change it out every few years at the cost of 1000 dollars.

The Rancilio Silvia that we have is obviously an earlier model. I have purchased a PID kit from Aubern that should eliminate the need to temperature surf the machine.
Most vendors will offer the current Sylvia with a PID installed at the time of purchase. When you add a high end filter basket like a VST to the portafilter you end up with a world class machine that will last you almost forever.

We also have a Rancilio Rocky grinder it has been ultra reliable just like the Sylvia and does a great job grinding from French press to Turkish grind. It is a great match for Sylvia.  

Simply put the Rancilio Sylvia is utterly Reliable, it makes a great shot, and it steams the heck out of milk. 

The Rancilio Silvia is not one of those "one button wonders" that automatically makes you a cup of "coffee" with no knowledge or real involvement on your part. The Rancilio Silvia will brew a great and consistent espresso but it does require that you learn something about "hands on" coffee and espresso brewing. That for me was well worth doing and something I look forward to each and every morning.

My vote is for the Rancilio Sylvia as the best espresso maker in the world for a home espresso machine.

[Wyman]

I love my regular Silvia, but it became much less stressful to use when I installed a PID. Temperature surfing is a real pain in the morning.

[JoshuaFinleyJF]

I currently own two Silvia's. One a v1 and the other is a v2 (One for home, one for my wifes business). I modded both with a PID and they work hard all day long. I would say about 8 to 10 drinks a day, every day. Every couple of years, I break them down and clean the boilers completely. Upgrading the steam wand to a fully articulated wand is the way to go on the older versions. I say all this to point out they they are tanks. They just work. If something goes wrong, parts are available and they are easy to work on. Great coffee for the money spent on each. However, that Pro! Steaming while pulling a shot... For ~1700$... Not sure that extra 700 is worth it. Gotta try it I guess.

[danieldougan]

Wow, basically double the price for the Pro. I think there should be a semi-pro or whatever in between that is still single-boiler but has the PID and the float for the water tank. Because a lot of people mod the Silvia in similar ways, they should just make a version that doesn't need to be modified for around $1, 000.

[fastwalker]

I’ve got the V1 along with the Rocky doserless 2nd hand 7 years ago and I still love it. A few years ago I wanted to upgrade to a e61 db but then I realized there was nothing wrong with my v1. I was even thinking of changing the steam wand and knob to get a faux v3 but at the end of the day my tried and true v1 is still with me. No plans on upgrading. Drink about a pound every 6 weeks.

[kerosene]

Keeping my old Silvia and grabbing the Eureka Specialita! That's one good looking, low noise grinder.

[jarturserrano]

Just saw this video, sorry if someone already commented on this. I liked this review. But the higher temperature on the Silvia classic is explainable and easily avoidable if wanted. The temperature surfing used had a mistake. After the light goes off, it actually doesn't stop heating. The heating process continues due to the pressure and therefore the problem happened. To avoid this, the complete temperature surfing procedure must be used: wait until the light goes off, wait another 20 seconds, start the shot without the portafilter for 5 seconds, this will bring the temperature down by letting cold water flush in, and reaching the desired 95 degrees (if all is done correctly you will notice some stem coming out at the start, showing that the temperature was indeed too high). Then place the portafilter and take the espresso shot. That's all folks :)

[tnvideoguy]

Can’t wait for your Rancilio Silvia Pro X review!

[parrotkind]

Just bought a Sylvia yesterday after 20 years with a Saeco Via Venezia/Starbucks Barista machine. She was still working but was getting finicky. I'm a little sad about it. I mean 20 years with a machine that only needed a couple small repairs and was a part of our daily lives. 😭
I'm excited though, if a bit nervous about getting used to the Sylvia. I've already frothed a couple times, and I like it. The knob needs to be turned more than I thought, but it will be fun to work with. Already adjusted to a much finer grind and know it's going to take patience and practice, but hey, I'm up for it...I think! 😏

[RyanGazling]

I'd been waiting on this one! Today is good day. Thank you! 😁 I'm #teamPRO if PID-moding is off the table

[lars]

Honestly, I don't get the popularity of the Silvia pro. The Silvia is a great machine, but not because it's especially good but because of what it offers for the price. With the pro being just as expensive as the competitors I wouldn't chose to buy it.

[floxshuilee]

I used to think that price for good home espresso machines are TGH, but Silvia Pro is cheaper than my phone...

[vijayramani]

Nice job with the comparison. Do consider being a little bit more scientific - use a thermometer instead of subjective temperature comparisons and have someone help with a blind tasting. Furthermore, you need to rinse your mouth with lukewarm sparkling water in between tastings. This might sound nitpicky but then you are all experts on coffee, so the bar is high :)

[azizsaid]

what the ideal temperature to programed the steam boiler

[Tom-ffcv]

my spout is not perpendicular to the handle. it's tilted at an angle. Can you show us how to put them in place? it feels like one unit and won't budge

[TheXiannon]

That was a really great review - thanks for doing that.

[slglptp]

Nice demo, but you would be nice to see what you do instead of seeing your back at time.

[ChadS]

Is the steam wand from the pro compatible with the standard?

[chongliangooi]

Can you please do a comparison with Breville Duo Boiler vs Rancilio Silvia Pro?

[BobMarley-sgh]

If i get my hands on a rancilio rs1 specialty portafilter, can i use it on my rancilio silvia pro?
and another question plz. can i use the portafilter from the Miss silvia to the rancilio silvia pro? thanks in advance