Read also:
convair 120cm axial tower fan target 11 fin oil column heater fisher and paykel washing machine drum clean saxon walnut wood heater reviews ridge ryder platinum fridge freezer 60 litre reviewRancilio Silvia V3
adamhill0Perth, WA
Great home espresso machine!
Really cant complain about anything with this machine.
Been a barista for 10 years, and this machines easy to use.
Get the weight and grind setting sorted and the shots run consistently, especially if you temperature surf to get the right temp each shot.
Steam pressure is great, if you follow the instructions on using the machine correctly and doing maintenance after each use/once a week it will last you a long time.
Its loud when compared to commercial machines, but quieter than your average kettle.
Great shots, silky milk (oat milk pictured), quick clean up. Absolute winner!
Purchased in November 2021.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
lavendaSydney, NSW
7 years and still going strong
This little gem produces great espresso (better with triple basket than double) and steams perfect milk. Results usually better when the machine has been preheated for at least 15 minutes. Good quality construction - had mine for 7 years and not had any problems so far (daily backflushing and monthly cleaning with a machine cleaner). Recommend for the home barista who wants to get more serious about improving the taste of their shots without spending a fortune on higher end, fancy-looking models.
Purchased in July 2021 for $820.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
bilnrobnWestern Australia
- 8 reviews
- 5 likes
- Silvia V3
- Verified purchase
Best coffee machine at an economical price
We are VERY happy with this machine. It has outlived the previous machines we had and produces better coffee than any of them. We thoroughly recommend it. The weakness of most other similarly or lower priced units is the boiler, which has a limited life. The Ranciilio has, (going on memory here), a cast iron boiler and simply doesn't rust. When this one finally gives out (if it ever does!), we will certainly be buying the same brand next time.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rancilio Silvia V3 compares to other Manual / Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
MarkVic
- 10 reviews
- 9 likes
Good value for money, Poor customer service from Rancilio
A very neat and nice little espresso machine which can make great coffees. Small boiler means you can't make too many coffees in one session, and you have to wait for the boiler to re-heat for milk steaming. Good value for money though i think at around $800 new. I have had mine for a while and it has performed well and been well looked after. It is let down by poor quality manufacture of the grouphead cover which is chrome plated plastic. The chrome on mine has lifted and gone flaky (this is a known QC problem on some machines). I have emailed...Read more
Rancilio to buy a replacement part but Rancilio have not even responded. Thats the disappointing bit. I have now bought another better machine from a different manufacturer and use this one at work now.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BenEddieESYDNEY
- 19 reviews
- 12 likes
- Silvia V3
- Verified purchase
Just upgraded my old machine and still in love with this brand!
I am a long serving Rancilio user and have been using the V1 machine for about 10 years. In the last 3 months it slowly died, still making coffee but leaking regardless of maintenance performed. Unwilling to pay the full $850 for a new V5 I found a V3 model just a few years old and in excellent condition on eBay for half that price so took the risk on a used machine because I know how long these machines last! Straight away I could feel the improvements and was able to just begin using without any guidance due to the similarities between the ma...Read more
chines. I did a backflush just because I could monitor the cleaning schedule and my first coffee made me happy with my choice to not go to the V5! I'm hoping this machine lasts as long as my V1 and the coffee taste cannot be beaten!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Matt BMelbourne
- 2 reviews
- Silvia V3
- Verified purchase
Solid construction, works well
It makes a good coffee, doesn't have the double boilers that a lot of the newer machines do or the dials and sensors that you could get in a similarly priced machine now.
Simple and easy to use, though you need to let it sit for about 10minutes to warm up, even though it may say it is ready the head and group need to be warm as well to make good coffee. Pressure and temp are good
Cleaning is simple, robust design, mines lasted 5 years.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BradSydney
- 29 reviews
Working flawlessly for 4 years now.
I was a little hesitant at first because at the time $850 was a lot of money to spend on a coffee machine, and I was going through a bit of a coffee phase which I didn't know was going to last. Bought the Rocky grinder as well. I am pleased to say that after 4 years and an estimated 800 cups of coffee, it is still working flawlessly. Produces great espresso shots with crema, and with a little bit of practice you can froth the milk to perfection.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MattySouth East Queensland, QLD
- 4 reviews
- 7 likes
She works hard for the money
I've had this machine for 2 years making 1 or 2 drinks a day and so far it hasn't missed a beat. It is possible to make espressos better than most coffee shops with the Silvia so long as you get the basics right. ie. Good quality, freshly roasted beans and a grinder that delivers a consistent, fine enough grind.
The Silvia is about as primitive as a pump driven Espresso machine gets. It has a Single boiler, vibratory pump and a thermostat with a fairly large deadband which means you have to "temperature surf" to get the right brew temp. Thi...Read more
s simplicity makes it fairly bulletproof, but there are a few things you need to be careful of. The boiler does not automatically refill, so you have to manually refill it after steaming, using the brew or hot water switch. Turning the heater on with an empty boiler can blow the element. There are also some design flaws. While the panels are stainless steel, the base is powder coated non stainless. The outlet of the three way solenoid sits near the edge of the drip tray, so water invariably drips on to the powder coated base. As a result, I am seeing some blistering of the powder coating due to rust. There are 3 useless items that are included with the Silvia: 1) The flimsy plastic tamper which seems to be a standard accessory on most Italian espresso machines. Throw it out and get a 58 mm steel tamper. 2) The single filter basket (6g). It is almost impossible to get a good extraction out of this basket as it cannot hold enough coffee. I replaced it with a La Marzocco (7g) basket which works way better. 3) The double filter basket (12g). I could get this one to pull decent shots, but I needed to overdose the basket and tamp really hard. I replaced this with a larger 14g basket and things got much easier. Having said all that, there is much I love about the SilviaSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
GregNevilleMelbourne, Victoria
- 2 reviews
Silvia gives me pleasure
I have had my Silvia for about three years. I have operated a range of espresso machines owned by friends and family and in my opinion Miss Silvia is the best. It is perfect for making one or two cups at a time but is no good at instantly churning out half a dozen for a dinner party. I like this machine for a few reasons. Firstly, I enjoy coffee. Apart from feeding my mild addiction ( 2 cups per day) I enjoy learning about the detail of what makes a really good shot. Being a manual machine I have taken the happy journey of learning about bean q...Read more
uality, grinders, tamping, shot timing etc. Even so, while there is always room to improve, anyone can pour a good shot after 45 mins of practice.There is heaps of easy to understand stuff on the Internet to immerse in and learn what makes a "God Shot". I enjoy the hiss of steam and hearing Miss Silvia 'sing' as it builds pressure. Secondly, I like the solid and sturdy feel of the machine. It is fairly heavy and virtually all metal. Other machines feel flimsy in comparison. Providing you develop a sensible daily routine that includes a bit of cleaning the machine is virtually indestructible. Finally, I really enjoy the coffee a Silvia makes. Made properly it's as good or better than Most cafes. You will require a good burr grinder and fresh, quality beans. In terms of cons, there are a few weaknesses. The drip tray fills quickly and needs emptying regularly. The steaming wand can only heat enough milk for two cappuccinos before it starts labouring and over years some of the chrome around the group head is flaking.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rancilio Silvia V3 compares to other Manual / Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
Barton
- 8 reviews
- 15 likes
Simply the best
Had one for years. Makes the best coffee. Takes a weekend to practice and try settings. Buy a couple of bags of coffee and a couple of litres of milk. After that - just quality all the way. Consistent output. Clean it every few weeks and you will have years of life
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
oldrose
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
A Brilliant Single Boiler Machine - Quality Coffee at home
I've owned my Silvia for about 5 years, it's given no trouble, is easy to clean, looks good on the bench and visitors keep asking for coffee! High quality construction (with 1 exception), simple operation and highly reliable. Also parts if you did need them are readily available.
Let's get this straight - this is not a cheap machine but is very good value for money the quality of construction, ease of use and reliability is first class and much better than the whitegood brands. Oh and it pays for itself very quickly if you're used to buying ...Read more
coffee at a coffee shop. If you entertain a lot it does have a single boiler, so pulling espresso and heating milk require some patience. Quality Construction, Excellent Value for Money The group surround is chrome plated and wears, the only negative in the machine. Cheap to replace though.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MichaelVictoria
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Rancilio Silvia V3
In a nutshell, in choosing a Miss Silvia, you are taking a demanding but ultimately rewarding apprenticeship into the world of espresso. A "semi-manual" enthusiast's machine, it can be hit-and-miss until you perfect the fresh roast, appropriate grind, tamping and temperature control process. Each of these steps are inherent in making a good coffee anyway; it's just that with the Silvia, if you misjudge a step you won't be forgiven, as you would with some more expensive mid-range machines (eg Rocket, VBM to name a couple). What you DO get is a r...Read more
ock solid construction, brass boiler, stainless steel body, quality switch gear and internal plumbing and a funky look that's functional but not-quite-retro enough-to-be-fashionable-again. Talk to Silvia owners and those who have persevered with it are an intensely loyal bunch, loving its demands and enjoying the rituals (temperature surfing, back flushing etc) as others would enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony. Once mastered it will* give you a better coffee than the swill served up at many cafes. (*usually - operator dependent!). Trap for young players: you will need a good burr grinder to be able to get a grind fine enough for proper extraction - count on spending an extra few hundred, or don't bother with the Silvia. Bang for buck one of the best real espresso machines on the marketSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MarieBrisbane
- 12 reviews
Great manual espresso machine!
I decided to write this review when I noticed the banner at the top of this page advising that the Rancilio Silvia had been discontinued. Apparently not - it is still showcased on Rancilio's web site, and it is still readily available - thank goodness!
Twelve months ago I discovered a 3-year-old used Silvia going cheap, and immediately pensioned off my old Gaggia Classic. What a difference! Beautiful coffee, heaps of steam, vastly improved milk frothing. The previous owner clearly hadn't bothered with maintenance, and some rust had developed o...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Mika CGympie
- 3 reviews
Great coffee once you have the knack!
I have had this machine for about 12 months. Even though I have a coffee house near me I find I am perfectly content to spend the time to brew my own cup most mornings.
Whilst I wish there would be a bit more room for my cup (I manage to just get an average size cup in there), the rest of it is a breeze so long as you get your technique down. Filling the water holder is a bit of a pain, but unless you get a machine that is plumbed into your wall you have to live with that.
Anyway all in all, its been a good little machine.
Nice modern and chic look.
There is not quite enough room for bigger cups.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BassaMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 7 reviews
Chassis Rust
Great machine [3+ years old - not this model exactly, but same stable]. My problem could only be experienced with time and so there is a lesson here. The back-flush discharge sends water into the chassis seam and extensive rust has occurred [remove front panel and observe]. This would appear to be a design problem. I removed flaking powder coating, ground out the rust [used a Dremel tool] and sprayed with black rust eater - 3 coats.
I removed the discharge pipe and fitted a loose piece of pipe over it and then reattached it. Bottom of...Read more
this pipe has a diagonal cut to it and set to face towards you. The length of this outer pipe is such so as to allow it to be pushed up to enable the tray to be removed, and replaced back again. The back-flush discharge is now aimed to the centre of the tray and the seam's integrity is protected. Fully manual machine that takes some learning but the result are well worth it. A time problem - rust gets into the chassis seam but my review suggests a simple solution.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rancilio Silvia V3 compares to other Manual / Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
Keith47CANBERRA
- 2 reviews
Great entry level expresso maker
I am a fan of my Rancilio Silvia. Combined with a decent grinder (I have a Rocky) you have an entry level product which takes you into the world of real expresso. Basic set-up, easy to use and works well if you're making one or two cups at a time. (If your smashing out a lot more coffee you probably want to step up to a machine with a double boiler.) The negatives of the unit are: the PID was an add-on & for consistent coffee making the temperature of the water is important (I think the PID should be integrated in every machine); the waste wate...Read more
r tray is way too small and is a minor pita & you need to follow the directions about running water through the steamer so you don't burn out your boiler. Price point & performance PID not standard & waste water tray on the small sideSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Ray HarrisonCoffs Harbour, New South Wales
- 2 reviews
Cafe quality at home
Decided to purchase the Rancilio Silvia after reading many positive reviews and watching many vids on You Tube. After having used my trusty Breville Cafe Roma for two years this is a huge step up. From my first shot It came pouring out like honey and had a beautiful crema. Milk also froths alot better as steam is so powerful. I seriously recommend this to anyone who is thinking of purchasing a semi auto machine it looks good too a bit retro but I like it. You can tell instantly that its built in Italy as it looks like nothing else I have seen...Read more
in the department stores ( looks like it has been crafted out of sheet metal). Dont bother buying this unless you have a grinder it is no good for supermarket pre ground stuff, I have a Sunbeam emo 480 which is ok ish and does the job also best to use fresh roasted beans, I get mine from bay beans. I purchased from Jetblack Espresso and was very happy with price and service. Make sure you flush with water after steaming as you will damage the boiler and this is a major issue as no autofill and also burnt out boiler is not covered by warranty. Maybe one day I will move up to a Rockett Giotto but thats $3000! Performance, looks, build quality. Not for beginners as you need a good understanding of how coffee is brewed. Needs good grinder.2 comments
I'm a tree worker I don't work for the manufacturer
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Andrew5959PERTH
Lasts ages
I have had my silvia for 3 years, never had it serviced and always worked well, You do need patience in getting the correct pour, it took me 6 months before I got that right even with a rocky grinder, But I use it every day and wouldn't buy a different machine ever
excellent coffee, best home machine out there
hard to master
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
paulz
- 5 reviews
Rancilio Silvia Coffee Machine
My old breville coffee machine died so I went to get it repaired. But after finding out what the cost was and being show all the other brevilles and sunbeams in for similar problems I couldn't see the point in paying for the repair( about half the original cost). After weeks of research, forums etc I decided on the Silvia and glad I did. It makes a great coffee, has plenty of steam pressure atleast 3 times that of the breville and reheats very quickly if making multiple cups. It's not too big and fits on the bench quite well. When comparing th...Read more
e Silvia to the other big brands it's hands down no competition winner in regards to price and performance. Friends have delonghi and nespresso machines and agree the Silvia is a better unit. The heavy solid group (handle). Well finished stainless steel casing, performance, price and has a brass internal boiler which holds heat better and hotter than the others. The drip tray could've have been a bit larger, needs to be emptied more frequently but not a major concern.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible
Not happy at all, i should have just bought a sunbeam. at least i might have gotten 2 cups of coffee before it blew up. Cant believe that any product no matter where it is made could do this, Quality control must be non-existent at rancilio. I followed all intructions to the letter, boiler came pre primed and at no point ran dry, a braided hose fitting exploded. Didn't last 5 minutes! Save your money, Because you cannot be guaranteed Quality.
Nothing so far, didn’t last 5 minutes!
I received my brand new rancilio silvia today, It made one cup of coffee then Exploded, That is one very expensive cup of coffee. Now i am down $1400 and waiting for parts.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Douglas Wasked
Hi I turn my rancilio Silvia on like I do every morning. Turned on the steam button was waiting for the light to go off and walked away got distracted for 10 or so minutes is this bad for my machine? Thank you in advance
1 answer
Hi Douglas,
Based on what I've read, it is best not to leave the steam function on for extended periods as the heating element does get extremely hot and will burn out. I always ensure that I run water through the group head after I use the steam function to reintroduce cold water into the boiler. I don't think you will have damaged your machine doing what you did but I wouldn't make a habit of forgetting that your steam switch is on. I am a new user of the Rancilio and I have found that it requires a bit more attention and concentration than other machines I have owned.Sounds like you might be getting used to it, too. Hope this was helpful. All the best.
Andrew
Scott Brasuellasked
My silvia was manufactured 0514.It is a 220 volt machine.Do you know if it is a v3 or v4 version?Dont have to temp surf maybe due to the higher voltage making it more stable.It gets hot and stays very stable.Have never seen a video review of a 220 volt machine.Thanks for the help.
1 answer
Sorry, can't help other than to suggest that you dig a hole in the backyard, dump your machine in it and get something else. I'm stuck with mine and can't afford to replace it. Can't tell you how much I regret buying this thing. Antique, clunky technology, PAINFULLY slow, inadequate spill tray, woefully inadequate dose holder, completely particle-size specific/dependent, this thing is a con job, buy it at your peril and then make sure that you have instant coffee as a fall-back option.
Harvasked
I have used at least 3 time a day the Ranchilio Silvia to prepare espressos in the last 3 years and most of the time very happy with the results. Recently I'm getting less impressive results, its looks like heating up quickly and warming up more than normal (checking the heat on the top cover), the coffee is pouring faster than before with much less crema. I have tried to put a round piece of aluminium foil with central hole and placed it in the bottom of the basket, it have improved results, but this is not the way it should work. I also started getting a very strong steam from the machine which make it difficult to make a good frothing. I am using the KG-100 grinder which till now did a good job, and using good quality coffee beans, have noticed the grinder was always set up on the finest scale, doesn't matter the type of coffee, maybe its performances degraded? Although the grind coffee looks good, any suggestions on how I can improve this?
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
DVM
Don't believe these reviews, the importer is mocking them up