Reviewer Photos & Videos
poor instructions - boiler burnt out after one weekend
Like one of the earlier reviews, our Rancillo Silvia burnt out after one weekend of careful use. the instructions are very poorly written (they're probably great if you read Italian) and the machine complicated. There is a safety fuse, but it didn't work to save our machine. It reminds me of a Fiat I used to own - a lot of style and great fun, but not very well made, and you end up wanting reliability over style - to-day there's no excuse for being able to burn out a boiler without tripping a safety switch.
So now we are having to pay another ...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
DVM
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
Bad
I bought this machine from these reviews on this site, upon ordering it, they give me a big warning ensure the machine to be primed all the time or it will void warranty, the problem is you spend more time priming and less time brewing, it might be OK for Coffee, but we like Latte's and it seems the 2 functions interfere with each other.
For example if you want 2 Latte's you have to first prime the machine, then make the coffee for both, once done you have to sit them aside, re-prime again and then wait for the steamer to heat up, all while yo...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
9 yrs on and great!
Comments from Stewart459... good! Makes very good coffee, but is manual so you need to 'enjoy the process' and want the control that a manual machine gives... if you just want a coffee get an auto machine.
Get a good grinder (I have Rocky). My wife even make good coffee with it. If you get any manual machine, and want great coffee, be prepared to get training or spend the time learning and 'working it out'
Re boiler reliability - I can only go by my own experience in almost 10 years use I have replaced the boiler once (after about 6yrs)...Read more
... but if you clean the machine after use by flushing the group head the boiler is filled and wont boil dry. BTW the comments about the element being at the top as a design fault implies the element can be uncovered easily from water. That is not the case as the outlet for the water is at the top of the boiler too, so even if you run the water resovior empty the boiler will still have water covering the element, only by lots of steaming can you drain boiler... same for any machine. Also note, there is a thermostat trip on the machine... for those that do get cold water take the top off and press the red button on the side mounted thermostat, before sending for repair and you might save yourself some money. If it keeps tripping replace thermostat. Another good thing is that parts for this machine are easily available via mail, I am fairly handy so I service the machine myself, I get all parts (incl the new boiler) from these guys no problem. FYI-I have no affiliation to these guys, just passing on my experience. I think this is the best machine for where it fits in the market, and at the price point is one of the best domestic single boiler manual units I think you can get. commercial grade brass portafiller and group head, great coffee, solid steel and s/s construction, easy to service and get spares Nothing for where it sits in the market.. Older models lacked the ball-joint steam nozzle. Small waste tray, no easy option to plumb in filtered waterSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rancilio Silvia compares to other Manual / Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
k8fishSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
- Silvia V3
- Selected Review
Excellent fully manual machine
This machine is brilliant, but it is not for the faint of heart. The beauty of the Silvia is that you decide exactly how your coffee is prepared. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a barrister then get this machine. If you can't be bothered to learn how to make a great coffee cafe style, then get an automated machine.
It takes around two weeks of learning to get good results. Log onto youtube and see the instructional videos, this is a good guide to see what you will need to understand/master to get a good cup. Grind, tamp and extraction. T...Read more
he learning curve was fun, and I didn't mind as I expected some 'experimental' cups in time whilst I learnt how to use the Silvia. It is a very simple, entry level, manual machine. It only has a single boiler, so there is a wait for the steam to come to temperature after doing an extraction - again, not a problem if you understand how the machine works. It is imperative that you pump water from the reservoir to the boiler after frothing your milk - again, not a problem once you learn how to use the machine. The reservoir holds enough water for 8-10 coffees, depending how how much milk you need to froth.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
tylerdurden48SYDNEY
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
PID it!
Much has been said about this most popular machine on the market, but to me the major attraction was in easy modifiability of the machine with a PID controller. There are lots of PID controller kits on the market and to me they make tremendous difference converting a very good machine to an absolutely best. I PIDed my Silvia myself, so I got to see the insides: it is built like a tank. No plastic, all metal, and no small metal parts at that. The thermostability is excellent and, matched with a good grinder and roaster, coffee is fantastic.
tested design, simplicity, quality of assembly, easy modifiability
tray is too shallow
2 comments
It's a high accuracy thermostat controller. I also have mine PID'ed. My shots always come out at 90degrees. It's the perfect machine now!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
not happy jan06SYDNEY
not happy
Brought my machine on ebay from coffee roma, after 3 months the machine blew up. This was after careful usage & care!! Not impressed at all & now I have the hassel of trying to find a repairer to fix the machine under warranty. But after reading these reviews it was probably the boiler which wont be covered & Ill be slugged even money for it. It is so not worth the effort or money!!
size
it blew up after 3 months of careful usage
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Frank the TankAUCKLAND
Much better than I expected after reading peoples concerns.. love it.
Everything bad that people say about it is true... Everything good that people say about it is true... If you get the workflow right its a cool machine. You have to learn to get it right which makes the coffees better. The machine has all of the desired capabilities so its a shame some people have a bad experience, but if you trust all the comments.. such as, heat the machine properly, grind your own and get a decent grinder, use fresh beans, get a decent tamp, temp surf the machine, careful not to cook the coils.... keep her clean.. then your ...Read more
likely in for a good experience. If your still unsure about making espresso at home, then Silvia is great to learn on rather than spending thousands on an HX machine. The machine is very robust and parts seem cheap and easy enough to replace for a DIY person. I had mine apart on day 1, just cause. Single boiler has to heat up between pouring shots and steaming. For this reason I wanted an HX machine, but it was as much of a problem as everyone made out once I got the machine. Stoked.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BobbybedlingtonSYDNEY
Boiler element Has design fault
I love my coffee. After our Ascaso Dream machine started to die, I did lots of homework on a new machine. Rancillio sounded like just what I was after. Like others here the boiler burnt out first week we had it, $200 to repair. Thanks. Oh we were axtra carefull but who wants a machine you need to treat with kit-gloves. So it made good coffe BUT the boiler element is set in the TOP of the boiler so if boiler is not 100% full good bye element. In 2012 this is nothing short of a design fault. Spend your money on a Gaggia Classic or Ascaso Dream.
Good Coffee if grind is right
Boiler has design fault. Your anxiety levels will increase as you live in fear of burning out the boiler.
5 comments
Had the machine for 5 years, never burnt out a boiler!!
Did you purge the machine with water before trying to heat the element. You will burn out any boiler if you do this. Have many friends with a rancilio and have never heard of this happening.
This machine has to be baby sat. Of course it was purged. With the design fault of putting the boiler element at the top of the boiler, you only need one incident where the element isn't in water and ... Read more
it can blow. At around $180 to replace boiler, I want to spend my time worrying about other things than a coffee machine. I've since met lots of people who have had this problem with a Rancilio. Problem easily solved though. SOLD the machine (good riddance) and bought a Gaggia Classic. The Gaggia is excellent and now I have problem machine.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Stewart459
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
- Silvia V3
- Selected Review
More experienced user
I wrote a review after just having purchased the Rancillio Silvia and now having had the machine for a year or so am better able to comment.
The Silvia is the gold standard against which domestic machines are judged and is a very good product.
However it is not for everyone, it is very good at making the perfect cup of coffee, or two, for folks who appreciate a fine coffee, and are prepared to spend the time and effort to get things right. It is not much use to someone who wants to entertain 4 or 5 friends with a quick cup or for someone wa...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rancilio Silvia compares to other Manual / Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
thedims
- 2 reviews
Excellent
Excellent buy - if you appreciate quality then this is the machine for you. It may be a little more expensive than some of the other brands out there but it's money well spent, this little machine is built like a tank. You may need a little practice to get your coffee just right, especially the milk frothing, but if you're really keen (& live in melbourne) check out the barista course Grinders Coffee has to offer, although if you want the best price try Mocopan & they'll also be happy to show you the correct way of using the machine on one of t...Read more
here display models. If you love the freshest of coffee's buy the Rocky Grinder & Silvia together. Don't bother buying a grinder with a hopper as there's always left over coffee just sitting in it, & coffee does go stale - best to buy the doserless grinder & have fresh ground coffee every time. If you are not completely convinced that you've found a great coffee machine after you've gone through these reviews, do a little research online like I did, & I'm sure you'll change your mind. Makes great coffee, love the clean lines in the design makes for easier cleaning, built like a truck!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
carlaphoenix
- 21 reviews
Excellent
The quality and finish of this machine is superb. Everything from the casing to the group, the filter and even the drip-tray, feels rock solid and well made. Once you get the "knack" of brewing the shot and steaming the milk, (which only took me a few dud cups of coffee to master) the coffee is fantaastic - as good as top-end cafes and BETTER than some I've paid $3 or $4 a cup for. It doesn't seem to take all that long to heat up either, especially if you use the coffekid.com trick to speed things up. I would absolutely recommend this if you ar...Read more
e serious about good coffee. Night-and-day superior to the cheaper brands. Solid construction (of body and components) elegant design, exceptional steamer function. Makes great coffee. Easy to clean. Struggling to think of any cons at all.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
macaAU
- 5 reviews
Good little bugger
A mostly great machine but attention to correct procedure is important. One can make a great cup of coffee with little effort.
Cost of machine, reliable, takes up little room and makes great coffee.
A bit laborious when making cappuccino and one has to check the water level in the tank meticulously but then, it's not a $3000 machine!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
ranimumAU
- 54 reviews
- 1 like
Have a coffee made from it daily !
My spouse makes the coffee with this for me daily, I can't start the day without it ! The quality of the coffee is perfect, like the baristas in the shops ! Easy manual to use, takes practice to make the perfect coffee though, we also have the Rancilio grinder. Made in Italy, a timeless design and so far so good.
Easy to use.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
mickiboiAdelaide, SA
Excellent
Excellent machine for the price. If you look after it, it should outlast you. Just get ot hot and grind your coffee fine.
Quality components. Built like a tank. Easy for me to use because I know what I am doing. If you buy this machine do some reading about how the flavours and oils are extracted from the grind and correct temperatures. Otherwise you are in hit and miss world. I have read on here needs constant priming to get 2 cups of coffee. I can get 4 no problem, all hot and better than any cafe anywhere. If you cant be bothered learning, b...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
mewAU
Just on 2 years now
Have had good and terrible coffee with this machine,maybe it was the bean
in some cases and the grind, no more than two cups and the machine would over heat and burn the brew, actually would sometimes over heat for the second cup
compact
Expensive for what it is, the stainless tarnishes, over heats and has now just started to trip the safety switch on the house
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Rancilio Silvia compares to other Manual / Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Know better, choose better.
SEdAU
- 2 reviews
We love our Rancilio Silvia.
After a few weeks of playing around with the grinder to get the right grind for the beans this machine makes a really good coffee. Bought a decent tamper as didn't think the plastic one did the best job. Prefer making our own coffee now instead of buying one, so that has to be a good thing. Had a Sunbeam before which was OK but prefer the quality of the Silvia.
The Rancilio Silvia is a neat machine that doesn't take up too much room. Once you get used to it you can make a great cup of coffee.
Drip tray is too small and has no marker to let ...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
andrea75
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Excellent
After looking around and going to coffee shops and checking reviews, i am so glad that we paid the extra to buy Silvia. All that i was told about this machine has been true. One word of advice is that you will need lots of milk for all the extra people who come around for coffee, as they love it too!
We have had our Rancilio Silvia for six months and we are loving the home coffee experience. Well made and strong, you can feel the difference!!! Fast & high pressure steam, great for that perfect milk!!!
Getting the right amount of coffee in the basket before you attach it to the machine.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Excellent
turdy construction. I have had my machine for two years and recomend that you get a good grinder. You really need both good machine and grinder.
Excellent machine, makes excellent coffee all the time.
Drip tray is small and hard to clean
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
pennep16
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Excellent
Good value. Easy to use, reliable, great looking machine so much better than the gaggia we had before.Wish I'd bought it years ago.
Excellent machine
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Dero43Adelaide
- 12 reviews
- 11 likes
Excellent
This machine takes a specific sequence of operations to make a shot. Once mastered, it will make the best tasting coffee you'll get anywhere. If making espresso was easy, we wouldn't have barista's. If you want push button coffee, get a fully automatic model but this will make better coffee.
This machine is just fantastic, it is solid and reliable. With the right blend and the right technique, this machine makes excellent coffee. If you like strong coffee, this machine just lets you cram it in.
Only having one boiler there is a strict sequence required in heating the machine, purging the boiler, frothing the milk, purging the boiler and puling the shot.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Sharonasked
My silvia has started to splatter and spit when I try to make coffee - coffee all over the place - the steamer is fine. Any help?
3 answers
Sound like the gasket in the group head is gone or there is stuff stuck to the gasket so it doesn't form a good seal. Be wary about using it as the boiler has a tendency to bake the electrical wiring loom brittle and if there is water spraying around and it is getting inside the unit you run a risk of electric shock. This happened with mine. I don't trust Rancilio anymore - not the quality they profess to be.
I'd get it serviced ASAP.
Ok I will thank you very much very much appreciated
Sorry espresso machines
Rob_lamasked
I don't seem to be able to get the expresso to creme
3 answers
I will try to help. Its a combination of coffee quality, grind, tampering and water temp temperature. Let's assume the quality is okay and you know how to get the right temperature on the machine. Grind the coffee to the granularity of caster sugar. Fill the basket with 15 -18 grams of coffee. Tamp it down with 30 Pounds or 12 Kilo of hand tamper pressure. Load the group handle and when the light indicator is correct. run the water pump through the coffee for around 30 seconds. If the coffee bubbles through too fast, the grind is too coarse or not enough coffee. If it struggles to drip coffee into the cup, the coffee is too fine or there is too much coffee. Experiment with coarser or finer and tamper pressure. Let me know how this goes.
This might help a little to see the result you should be aiming for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjS8h5DSW3M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5cdYyrvlWM
Peter S.asked
Where can we purchase the Silvia and Rocky grinder with tamper?
Are they sold as a set?
Any suggestions, I live in Brisbane
1 answer
There are plenty of Australian sources. Here is one https://www.coffeemachinespecialist.com.au/shop/rancilio-silvia-with-doserless-grinder-package/ Google to find others. You my need to buy online. Any Rancilio supplier would have them or could get them. This one is in Brisbane, but you may still need to buy online as it is through ebay. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rancilio-Silvia-V5-Espresso-Machine-Brisbane-Miss-Sylvia-Coffee-Machine-Maker-/172089351293
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.
Mary Ann
What is a PID controller????