Gaggia Classic Pro vs Rancilio Silvia

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The Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia are both hugely popular mid to entry level espresso machines. They offer full sized 58mm portafilters, good steaming power, and robust build quality at a reasonable price point. But which of these two espresso machines will suit you better at home? In this video, we match the Gaggia Classic Pro vs Rancilio Silvia to help you answer that very question!

#coffee #espresso #espressomachine

Filming Setup

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0:00 - Intro
0:52 - Build Quality / Features
3:04 - Espresso Quality
5:35 - Steaming Performance
7:21 - Modifications
8:06 - Conclusion

[LifestyleLab_]

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[Rdavis]

Thanks for the video. Your evaluation is right on. I have owned both machines. I first owned the Rancilio Silvia. It was a good machine and did as you described. Eventually I had problems pulling shots. Rather than send it in for repair, I bought a Gaggia Classic Pro. It too, is a good machine. Both machines produce a shot to my liking. I use the same grinder now as I used for the Rancilio. The Rancilio was a little more frothing “friendly” when making two lattes or cappuccinos, but not a big difference. The weight factor can be important. When we travel by car and stay in a location for 3+ days, we take the espresso machine with us. The Gaggia is much easier to tote around than the Rancilio. Bottom line: Having had both machines, I would order another Gaggia Classic Pro if I were to buy another machine.

[PaulLemars]

I completely agree with everything in your analysis. When I bought my Gaggia Classic Pro, at the same time I ordered my OPV spring kit and an IMS 18g filter basket from Shades of Coffee in the UK. These two components make a big difference to the Gaggia Pro and in combination cost about $40. The OPV spring is trivial to install, It takes less than 5 minutes. I paired the Gaggia with a Eureka Mignon Notte which is a $350 grinder. When the Gaggia fails I'll buy a Rancilio but right now it's my technique which is the weakest link. Top tip, buy a $20 0.1g coffee scale and single dose all your shots. Consistency is everything.

[nichols]

Have had the Gaggia for about 9 months now and no regrets at all. Great espresso! Some cheap mods make it even better. Recommend the 9.5 bar spring, VST basket, naked portafilter, and silicone gasket.

[GeelongVic]

Nice comparison review. After an approximate 1 year ownership of the Gaggia Classic, I installed the Mr Shades PID kit, the Mr Shades 9 bar OPV spring, and the Mr Shades printed extended, lower drip tray. The PID kit transformed the Gaggia into a much easier machine to use allowing even more consistency in production of excellent espressos and cappuccinos while reducing/eliminating the need for temperature surfing. All this for less paid in than for a standard Silvia. In my case, I received more "bang for the buck" with the Gaggia and the Mr Shades mods. BTW Adrian Wright of Mr Shades was worth his weight in gold with his help and advice in my PID kit installation. Cheers.

[itsxris]

this is going to be a popular comparison!

[ardbeg]

Your way of speaking during these videos has improved so much from the early stuff! Really enjoying the content

[amiraloves]

Not even considering these machines, but I love these comparison videos!!so good quality and content!

[wcg]

In Canada there's a big price difference between these two machines. The GCP is about $600-650CAD where the Silvia is $1150. This puts the Silvia into a different tier of competitors.

[arijitdasgupta]

I bought the Gaggia Classic Pro in March and I am loving it. The Rancillio was maxing out my budget so I got the Gaggia and a grinder. After watching this video, I am happy that I didnt splurge on the Rancillio since I rarely steam milk and use the machine primarily for espresso.

[Kbaum]

I've been enjoying my classic with a settle 270 for a few years. Added an IMS screen and basket. For two people this rocks

[billgardyne]

Great review and a worthy note re grinders. Spending a big portion of your budget on a good grinder is your best bang for bucks spend. If your grind is poor, it doesn’t matter how good your espresso machine, the outcome will be disappointing.
I bought a commercial grinder and for 10 years it cost more than my espresso machines. After 15 years it performs flawlessly with my $2000+ espresso machines (Rancilio Z9, Bezzera BZ10, Rancilio Silvia)

[tuatinitapui]

I’ve been watching many of your videos since my coffee machine died. I’ve learnt a lot, the presentations are clear and it has really helped with making a well informed decision. Thanks!

[sebastianmizzell]

I ended up going with the GCP Evo (NA), since it has the 9 bar spring. Just bought a better portafilter and basket then went with a Eureka Mignon Specialita. Cannot complain with the shots I have been pulling.

[goetzfrank]

Just a small update: The 2023 Gaggia Evo Pro has the 9 bar mod already installed. To change out Portafilter, basket and steam knob is super straightforward and makes the Gaggia an even better value. However the Rancilio has a nicer design in my opinion, so if it fits your budget it is also a great option.

[TheFogmist]

Thank you! Been really struggling to pick a espresso machine after choosing a grinder, and your video laid out the pros and cons between these two, which have been my top choices, really well.

[XGempler]

What an exceptionally thorough and even handed review of these two amazing machines. Thank you.

[woxiduswoxidus]

2 cents that are still important to consider. Owning time. both machines capable to serve 10 or more years, so extra 300 usd for 10 years not make sense at all. Rancilio had been made from professional parts. Rancilio (650 euro) has the closest competitor lelit anita (550 euro) with already onboard PID, shot timer and brewing gauge and 57 mm gasket. Gaggia is just the cheapest starting point for espresso on 58 mm gasket. overall modification games are not for everyone so cant be consider as purchasing advantage.

[cristobalaguirre]

great comparison mate, I liked that you gave clear opinions and recommendations with the appropriate caveats

[dancitydancestudios]

Great review, I agree, I had them both, they are both great machines I achieved better espresso and milk based drinks with ranchilio, but the ranchilio rusted up after a couple years. Both are really great