SIDE BY SIDE - $2000 Rancilio Pro X Vs. $8000 La Marzocco GS3 MP

In this entry of the Side By Side series I'm putting the $2,000 Rancilio Silvia Pro X up against the $8,000 La Marzocco GS3 MP. Much like the previous episode I'll put them head-to-head in features and build quality, but also do a blind tasting of espresso from both machines to see which comes out on top.

↓CHAPTERS↓
[0:00] INTRO
[0:56] STANDART AD
[1:38] QUICK OVERVIEW
[3:09] LET'S TALK ABOUT QUALITY
[4:30] TASTING THE ESPRESSO
[6:53] FINAL THOUGHTS

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↓COFFEE ROASTED BY ME↓

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#lamarzocco #rancilio #sprometheus

[FrankFiorentino]

Great video. Any chance of doing a comparison between the Silvia X Pro and La Marzocco Micra? I am trying to decide between these two machines.

[danielbiturbo]

Being born in Sweden, the homeland of the Volvo 740, the square box design of the Rancilio is very familiar 😇

[Elementalfear]

I'm so glad I actually really enjoy the aesthetic of the Silvia. The pro x seems like the perfect endgame for me. Only a few years to go untill they start to pop up 2nd hand ;)

[ede]

I've got my Silvia for about a week now, installed the Pantechnicon accessories and dispersion plate, an IMS shower screen and a Cafelat silicone gasket and lowered the pressure to about 6.5 bars of static pressure and also upgraded to a Niche Zero grinder. This setup is the most beautiful I've ever had and I am so happy about the espresso that I can produce with it. The only things that bother me is that even the 3D printed drip tray from Pantechnicon needs to be emptied frequently and that the soft infusion is limited to 6 seconds only. But that is about it. It is probably the maximum that I can afford but I don't feel that I will miss anything in my espresso game for the next couple of years. It feels like a rock solid gaming PC that I can adjust and repair myself. And I love the design that reminds me of an 80s workshop utility. I am so in love with it. ❤😊 Btw. I've got mine in white, too.

[kfirmelamed]

Hi I'm trying to find the modification parts that you put on the silvia Pro X can you please put a link to the exact parts you got? thank you so much

[jcyxofp]

Good review. Only miss the steam comparison which is an standard part of a espresso machine.

[Joshgoodencinematography]

Excellent video! I've been looking to upgrade for a few years (learned on a Breville Barista Express) and I think past a $2, 500 price point you are landing in aesthetic/luxury territory. "End game machine" is a term thrown around a lot, but I think people will eventually just settle for what is in their budget. LM has a rich history and heritage of great design and personally that is why I love it. I went to La Marzocco's Accademia in Florence last month and they told me that Linea Mini accounts for 50 percent of their sales. It saved them in the pandemic. I think the quality of their machines, the story of sticking it to Starbucks, the rich history of design, and their influence in the commercial world is a huge selling point. They built a brand for "luxury" home use that doesn't suck and looks great in many home settings. The Rancilio and honestly a lot of other brands just don't give me the same feeling. Beyond the specs, I think that people need to find a machine that speaks to them in and the level of manual input they want to have. For me, espresso feels like a ritual every morning and manual tools to make that process more enjoyable is key.

[sjfarrell.]

I like the design of the Pro X; clean and practical. But, I love the GS3; I'll just never be able to afford one 😂

[alanroderick]

Thank you for the edutainment / infotainment content. All things in life do not need to be confrontational. I chose my level of coffee spend (grinder and dual boiler) and have been happy for a year. Could I upgrade ? Yes, but for now I am happy and it is nice to watch your videos to learn about alternative methods to possibly pursue, or more "de luxe" options to move on to, even if I do not feel the need to upgrade the espresso machine yet. I always look forward to your Friday posting, and enjoy the Shorts as well. Thank you, take care

[marywagner]

This is my first real espresso machine. And I got the Pro X. To me it seemed the best choice for quality, adjustments, and cost. Adding a grinder and it cost way more than I had originally intended to spend. There is no way I would ever pay $8000 for a machine (unless I was married to a multi millionaire!). My grinder finally arrrived today so I have only pulled a few shots so far. And they didn’t include the bottomless portafilter I had requested. In addition I mostly drink decaf, but today used some regular coffee, which was my undoing. I felt so sick after a few shots I had to quit. The last shot seemed like it was the best - balanced, not sour or bitter. So I think I am on the correct track. I hope I will like it. One thing I have noticed is I wish it had a steam lever instead of a knob. But I’ll live with that. Thanks for your informative video.

[dekdelacruz]

Love the quality of your vids. Wondering why you chose to compare these two given the price difference. Knowing that you already sold the LM, curious to know what could the Rancilio be compared to now.

[macehead]

"...the sooner everyone understands and accepts that good esspresso comes in many different price points, the better"

Spro out here making sense n'shit

[Chip_E]

Thank you for this excellent comparison! Always enjoy your insight in the world of espresso. I own a Rancilio Sylvia in black and love it! Would someday like to upgrade to the Pro X.

[rossgehlig]

Hey @Sprometheus is that the PantechniconDesign portafilter and steam knob in black walnut? I think those updates go a long way to aid the aesthetics of this capable machine.

[askayk]

Let's face it, the only reason why I didn't buy the GS3 is because my wife said no.

[deparrish]

Steaming is important to many viewers. LM excels at this. Why didn't you include this comparison? Powerful, dry, quick steam? Same? Different? That was one of the biggest differences for me when I upgraded from E61 to LMLM.

[s]

Nice review. Why do you propose the LM shot has more clarity? Is there a scientific/engineering reason?

[bjorncoffee]

From where are these beautiful mugs on the marzocco

[LogenProof]

Would you recommend the dispersion plate upgrade? Why change it for this test?

[michailevangelinakis]

@Sprometheus I totally understand why you switched to a completion basket but why did you decide to replace the dispersion plate?