Rancilio Silvia

Pros: Easy cleanup.

Cons: Noisy.

The Bottom Line: If you can't justify the Isomac, buy a Sylvia.

Review: I bought my Silvia along with a Rancilio Rocky grinder from http://www.1st-line.com/. While the grinder has been a source of frustration, the Silvia has been much better. The instructions for priming, preparing, and using the system were re-written...

Pros: Makes rich crema-topped espresso, the frothing wand is powerful and makes creamy frothed milk

Cons: Doesn't have a boiler thermometer, but that has not been a problem for us.

The Bottom Line: Professional look and feel,and the coffee, to us, is better than what we get at espresso shops; easy to clean and maintain; powerful frothing wand

Review: My husband and I searched for quite awhile for the best, yet the most economical (if one considers $500 to be economical) espresso machine. We started out with a Starbucks machine that uses a pressurized porta-filter. After getting used to that...

Pros: Good espresso with a good crema; easy to learn the basics

Cons: Getting it perfect takes time and practice; pricey grinder almost necessary

The Bottom Line: The Silvia is a great product, and the perfect way to bring a little taste of Rome into your daily life.

Review: 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 caff to an entirely different level...

Pros: This can be a great machine for those who are picky about their coffee

Cons: Unless paired with an excellent grinder you may be disappointed in the results.

The Bottom Line: In my opinion this is probably the best machine on the market for under $400.00. but don't handicap yourself by trying to use it with an inadequate grinder.

Review: I have owned the Silvia by Rancilio for almost three years now. It is a genuine espresso machine with many commericial grade parts. It is not a "steam toy" by which I mean that it has a pump designed to put hot water under several atmospheres of...

Pros: Solid, Best Single Boiler Around, Great Steaming Power, Looks Great

Cons: Minor issues with the water reservoir.

The Bottom Line: For individual cups to small parties - this is the machine!

Review: My Epinions Philosophy
When I make a purchase, epinions is one of my most valuable resources for non-biased experiences and information. When I come here to research a product I read all of the reviews and the product specifications and...

Pros: Commercial machine for home, brass boiler, commercial-size portafilter, resale value, savings from trips to cafes.

Cons: Steep learning curve

The Bottom Line: Best machine for money, well-known name, brass boiler, high quality, and high resale value makes excellent machine. Extensive modifications available online, well worth the price even with expensive burr grinder

Review: If you have an interest in high-quality home espresso equipment then you are at the perfect place to learn more about one in particular the infamous Rancilio Miss Silvia.

This machine is by far the best machine for the money. It excels on...

Pros: Solid construction, ease of use, great espresso

Cons: None

Review: I had spent a lot of time researching espresso machines before making the leap. The Silvia is the first espresso machine that I have purchased and glad that I did. I have had it for about 3.5 years and it has produced consistantly great espresso and...