Memories of Rome

In May 2008, I moved back to the United States after two years in Rome. While I've always loved coffee, anyone who's been to a coffee bar in Italy can tell you that the Italians elevate the quality and ritual of caffè to an entirely different level. On returning Stateside, I knew I needed a proper espresso machine of my own. Starbucks was in no way cutting it. After doing some research (and some tasting), I found that the Rancilio Silvia was the best way to bring my memories of Rome into my home.

One reason was the cost. While the Siliva's price tag--about $700 at most online retailers--is by no means modest, it's quite reasonable when compared to that of other high quality espresso makers. The second major reason was my own skill level. As a novice at using a machine (as opposed to a stovetop espresso pot), I wanted a product that gave me a great result without requiring much expertise. This proved entirely true of the Silvia. It's quite easy to master the basics of making espresso, and while the obviously-translated-from-Italian manual is sometimes quirkily worded, the directions are in fact admirably clear.

The basic process is as follows:

1) Make sure the reservoir has plenty of water, but do not overfill. (A clear MAX line tells you where to stop.) Turn the machine on and wait for the "heating" light to turn off.

2) Meanwhile, place the filter basket (either the single- or double-shot size) into the portafilter and lock in. Fill with ground espresso and tamp firmly. (This is important--the recommended pressure is 30 lb. It helps to have a heavy tamper made of stainless steel, and it also helps to try pushing down on a scale of some sort to get an idea of what applying 30 lb of pressure feels like.)

3) Lock the portafilter into the machine, twisting firmly to ensure that it's secure. Place cup(s) under the filter's spout(s). When the heating light turns off, press the espresso switch and let run for about 30 seconds.

Following these steps should result in a more-than-decent cup of espresso. So: making good espresso with the Silvia is simple. Great espresso--smooth and rich with a thick, sturdy crema--requires a bit more time and effort. Nevertheless, it's within reach of even the most amateur barista.

Perhaps the fussiest component of getting great espresso from the Silvia is finding the proper grind of the beans. And to get the grind most consistently right (which can require adjustment with each new batch of beans), it helps enormously to have the associated Rancilio Rocky grinder. Unfortunately, the Rocky comes with a steep price tag of its own, but if you're serious about outstanding espresso, it's worth it.

Another tip for getting the most out of the Silvia: even when the machine has had plenty of time to warm up, the coffee doesn't usually come out very hot. For a warmer cup, start with, literally, a warm cup. While waiting for the machine to heat, fill your cup(s) with your tap's hottest water and let sit for a minute or two. For best results, use heavy porcelain cups. They'll best absorb and hold the water's heat. For even more warmth, also run hot water over the filter basket and portafilter before filling them.

Similarly, the Silvia makes it simple to steam milk adequately for a good cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. Getting the perfect lattice of small bubbles in your milk will take a few more tries. But even your failures are bound to be pleasant ones. Be warned, however: you're sure to end up highly caffeinated as a result of your experimentation! In search of that perfect cappuccino, a good solid steaming pitcher helps, as does using non-skim milk. The 12-oz boiler gives the machine plenting of steaming oomph, so be sure not to overfill your steam pitcher. Also be aware that heating the machine up to steaming level takes a little while.

Last but not least, the Silvia is aesthetically pleasing, if in a rather classic and even borderline retro fashion. The top of the machine also serves as a great showcase for your favorite espresso cups. And with a quick and gentle polish after each use, the machine stays as pleasingly shiny as when it came out of the box.