Breville Dual Boiler vs. Rancilio Silvia | CR Comparison

You asked for it so now you've got it! Gail takes us through the different features and specs on these two machines, then makes lattes on both to compare practical performance.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@hikinguphigh The Dual Boiler is currently only available in Australia and the US - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

I think it's definitely worth the price but it is about $1k less than most other dual boilers, so that's worth considering re: components, etc. I think it makes great shots, though - Kat

[barnz]

It would be cool to see you guys do an objective test on the actual temp of the water coming off of the brew heads of those machines. I know the temp sensor is on the top of the boiler on the Silvia - and even with my PID at 210* F, I'm down to 200* or so when the water actually meets the puck.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

By uneven do you mean the pre-infusion time? Not really sure about the puck situation -- not my area of expertise. - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Really your call; they are different classes of components and manufacturers (home appliance vs. commercial). - Kat

[jiinx]

Kinda feel for the RS. Single PID boiler VS a all singing all dancing DB. If you have enough to buy the Sage (UK brand name) DB then anything bar the HX machines cannot match it. Oh and in the UK no-one offers a PID add-on. So you have to wait till the warranty expires before adding one.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@rpivara1 No - the portafilter doesn't allow for that additional volume - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

It already is ... well, I made just one for myself. I have a whole collection of 'em - Kat

[theoriginalmikee]

The Dual Boiler Oracle has a grinder, but is not sold in the U.S.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

I would on that small machine to ensure that you're properly refilling the boiler - Kat

[ivan]

Gail's latte art is getting better!

[MrTValleyguy]

I have a question. Perhaps you might be able to answer it. I love coffee. In fact, I would call myself a coffee hobbyist. For instance, I roast my own beans and have gradually been accumulating a collection of brewers. I'm now pondering a decent/good espresso maker. Would you suggest an automatic or semi-automatic foolproof machine, or something more manual, which might have a learning curve but would have the benefit of ultimately producing really good drinks and the challenge of experimenting and learning?

[klarinetta]

@barnz008 I've owned a Rancilio Silvia machine for about 2 months now and it's the first espressomachine I own and I've never made espresso before but without actually measuring the temp I find it pretty easy to get fairly consistent temp out of the machine.

Just let the boiler reach the highest point and when the light goes out you can wait for 30 sec and then flush some water out and you are at around 195°F. Wait just for 15-20 sec, flush a little bit less and you are I guess around 200°F

[craigst]

Hey Kat, can you do a comparison with the Breville Dual Boiler vs the Rocket Giotto?

[rpivara]

Does the Breville fit a triple basket without having to get a naked portafilter?

[klarinetta]

I don't know where this comparison of machines already reviewed is leading us.

[Django]

Love it! "..a flexible relationship with reality." You should copyright that one Kat; that's right up there with some of Mark Twain's.

[gosman]

So it seems that the Silvia may have more steam pressure than the Breville Dual Boiler?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

I put it into the brew head and run water through, then wipe it out (if I'm going to shut it down, if not, I just prep it for my next shot). - Kat

[HomeCoffeeRoasterUK]

I found myself drinking that with you, Gail :) Love your banter, girl's!