Rancilio Silvia M Home Espresso Machine

Includes:

• Free U.S. Shipping except Alaska/Hawaii
• Double spout 58 mm ergonomic commercial portafilter
• Single portafilter insert
• Double portafilter insert

Rancilio Silvia M - Upgraded Features

This updated Silvia takes energy efficiency seriously. The new thermal wrapped boiler helps the Silvia M conserve up to 8% energy in stand-by mode. Advancements in brass technology have enabled Rancilio to use the newest version of lead-free brass to improve the Silvia. The Silvia M also features a new power switch and indicator lights.

Product Description

The Rancilio Silvia M, sometimes referred to as "Miss Silvia", is one of the best semi-automatic espresso machines available on the market today. Influenced by modern design, Silvia is perfect for any type of décor and offers totally professional levels of performance and reliability. Thanks to Silvia, you no longer have to choose between style and functionality or design and performance.

Most Rancilio Silvia owners have nothing but praise for the machine, as evidenced by hundreds of review comments and forums discussions across the web. We are thrilled to have a machine with such a strong positive reputation as part of our product offering!

It’s not only one of the most reliable machines, it also has a sleek design that makes it attractive in virtually all kitchen and home designs. Watch this YouTube video by a user to see it in action. 

 

Commercial Grade Portafilter and Brew Group Head

Commercial grade 58 mm size portafilter 

A well-designed portafilter is critical in making great espresso. One of the design aspects of a portafilter that is important is the size. The large commercial grade diameter portafilter (58 mm) on the Silvia M allows water to be evenly distributed over a large surface area for more uniform extraction. Narrower portafitlers commonly found of home espresso machines don’t allow for extraction that is as uniform.

Another important design aspect of a good portafilter is the materials it’s made from. The material used in the filter holder portion of the portafilter is important as it helps maintain heat stability when espresso is being extracted. The portafilter on the Silvia is made of a combination of materials that are ideal for temperature consistency. It’s made of commercial grade marine brass and is plated with chrome, providing great performance, easy cleaning, and aesthetics that add to the beauty of the machine. The second part of the portafilter – the handle – is made of high quality plastic that is designed for long term use and durability.

The portafilter also has great ergonomics – it’s handle shape is ideal for ease of use and user comfort during operation. 

The two filter baskets that come with the Silvia M are made of high quality, pressed stainless steel and are designed for using with ground espresso. With their high quality construction, you’ll be able to make countless espressos without a problem. One filter basket is for single shots and the other one is for double shots. For users who prefer to use ESE pods, the Silvia M can be used with them, but a Pod Adapter Kit must be purchased separately. 

Commercial grade group head

The brew group head on an espresso machine is another important aspect in delivery superior shots of espresso. The group head is the component that the portafilter is connected to during extraction. A good group head has even heat distribution, temperature stability, and provides uniform distribution of water to the portafilter during the brewing process. The commercial grade brew group head on the Silvia v3 is made of high quality, chrome plated, marine grade brass that provides great performance in all of these areas.

To create a strong seal that can handle the pressure generated during extraction, the group head is equipped with a heavy duty rubber gasket. This gasket is durable enough for hundreds of extractions and years of use. Once it needs replacement, it’s inexpensive and a quick and easy process.

Some espresso machines have a group head design that makes maintenance and cleaning difficult. If the group head isn’t cleaned properly on a regular basis it can affect the flavor and long term performance of the machine. The group head on the Rancilio Silvia M is designed for easy disassembly and proper cleaning. 

Steam wand and steam knob

Version 5 of the Rancilio Silvia comes with a great new upgrade – a commercial grade articulating steam wand that provides users with ease of operation and enhanced range of motion. It’s a feature that Silvia fans have wanted for quite a few years, and now they have it.

The wand is made of high quality stainless steel and is designed for long term use, durability and great frothing performance. The length of the wand is the same as what is commonly used on commercial machines and has a single hole frothing tip. The original Rancilio Silvia v4 espresso machines came with three hole frothing tips, but after a comprehensive engineering study by the manufacturer, it was determined that the new single hole tip design provides the best frothing experience. As a result, all new machines come with the single hole tip.

The steam wand is operated by a redesigned, contoured knob that adds a classy look to the machine aesthetics. The contoured design allows the knob to be gripped and turned without slipping.

To operate the steam wand for milk frothing, the steam button is put in the on position. This will get the boiler up to the right temperature for steaming. When an orange indicator light goes off, the machine is ready for steaming. The steam knob can be turned to start frothing. The Silvia can bring milk up to the right temperature faster than any other machine in its class, or about 1.5 minutes.

Creating microfoam with the steam wand can take some practice, but once you master it, the results are outstanding! Milk that has been frothed with a Rancilio Silvia M is commonly used in making beautiful latte art.

Since steaming requires a higher temperature than espresso brewing, the boiler requires additional warm up time between brewing and steaming. In most cases the wait time between these processes is 30 to 40 seconds. When compared to other single boiler espresso machines, this wait time is less than most.

This video shows the steam wand in use.

Large Capacity, Marine Grade Brass Boiler

When compared to espresso machines with heat exchangers or double boilers, espresso machines with single boilers have recovery times between brewing and steaming. To obtain the best performance from an espresso machine with a single boiler, boiler capacity and boiler construction material are critical. The Rancilio Silvia M is a single boiler machine and meets both of these requirements very nicely.

Espresso machines with heat exchangers and double boilers are generally much more costly than single boiler machines, at least if you get a good quality one. The performance offered by the Rancilio Silvia's boiler provides as much power as possible without having as large of an impact on your budget.

The boiler capacity of the Silvia is 12oz, which is a size that is unmatched by espresso machines in its class and price range. This large capacity makes brewing numerous espressos more time efficient as you can make espresso after espresso with less waiting for additional water to heat up. The large capacity also provides better steaming power and can be used with great longevity for more drinks.

The construction material of the boiler is the same as the construction material used on much more expensive commercial espresso machines – marine grade brass. It’s a high quality material that provides outstanding heat stability and warm up. It is also resistant to pitting that other boiler construction materials are susceptible to. Scale build up is less likely as well.

The boiler is protected by a thermal thermostat that prevents damage from occurring in the event the machine overheats or builds up to much steam pressure. If the boiler does overheat, the protection thermostat can be reset without replacement.

One feature of the Rancilio Silvia’s boiler system that some users have complained about is that the machine doesn’t have an auto fill feature. This means the user has to cycle the boiler.

Stainless Steel Body

Long lasting brushed stainless steel body and rust resistant steel frame makes the machine very sturdy and easy to clean. Looks great too!

Pod Adaptable

E.S.E. pod adaptable (requires the purchase and installation of an adapter kit.

Cup Warmer

Temperature stability is a critical part of making good espresso. The Rancilio Silvia has components that help keep the temperature stable during the brewing process, but if you brew espresso into cold cups, it will negatively affect the flavor of the final product. That is why pulling a shot of espresso into a warm cup is critical for making superb espresso. The Silvia comes with a machine top cup warmer that uses radiant heat to bring your cups up to the right temperature. The cup warmer holds up to six espresso cups.

3 Way Solenoid Valve

The solenoid valve is designed to take pressure off of the coffee when the brew switch is turned off. This helps dry the coffee, making it easier to knock it out of the portafilter once brewing has completed. 

Water Dispenser

Built in hot water dispenser for tea or other hot drinks.

Accessories Included

7 gram coffee scoop, a single filter basket, a double filter basket, and a plastic tamper (it is recommended this get replaced with a high quality tamper for optimal results).

67 oz  Water Reservoir

The water reservoir on the Rancilio Silvia M has a water capacity of 67 oz and is large enough to accommodate to production of quite a few espressos and steamed drinks. It can be filled from the top while the machine is turned off or during operation, allowing for uninterrupted operation. It can also be removed and filled at a faucet for user convenience.

To prevent scale build up and for the best flavor, you should use filtered or bottled water to fill the reservoir. Failing to do so can cause scale build up that can damage internal components of the machine over time. You can purchase a water filter for the reservoir as an optional convenience. 

Rocker Switches

Commercial grade rocker switches

Temperature Controls

One thermostat for brewing temperature, one for steaming temperature, and a high limit thermostat to turn the boiler power off if something malfunctions.

15 BAR Water Pump

Provides more than enough pressure to extract full flavor from coffee grounds.

Building Construction Requirements

No special wiring or plumbing is required

Drip Tray

Heat Up Time

It takes about 3 minutes and 27 seconds for the espresso machine to heat up. 

Optional Base

Available separately: The Rancilio’s two-drawer Base 50 (part number HSD-BS50) offers a handsome, all stainless-steel foundation to complete the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine and Rancilio Rocky Coffee Grinder set for your home espresso station. See additional information here.

Warranty

Rancilio 1-year warranty limited to manufacturers defects starting at original purchase date. Note: Boiler needs to be refilled after steaming. Do this by switching the machine from steam mode to brew mode and let it run until water comes out of the group head. This ensures that the boiler is refilled with water, reducing the chance of the heating element getting ruined. Warranty does not cover malfunction related to failure to properly refill the boiler.

Noise & Vibration Level

The noise level of the Rancilio Silvia v3 is relatively low compared to similar machines in it’s class. It doesn’t normally exceed 70dB (A) while the machine is being used.

The Silvia’s vibration level is pretty low, and has rubber vibration reducing feet for additional vibration reduction. 

Machine and Operator Protection Features

To protect the water boiler from damage caused by excessive pressure, a mechanical valve is built into the machine that relieves pressure on the boiler.

Overheating of the water pump is prevented by a thermal protection system.

To protect the operator and ensure external forces can’t cause damage moving and heating elements, they are all enclosed within the body of the Rancilio Silvia machine. 

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Rancilio
• Cup Clearance: 3.0 inches
• Boiler Volume: 12 oz
• Reservoir Size: 67 oz
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Boiler Material: Brass/Copper
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Steam Wand Type: Traditional Only
• Boiler Design: Single Boiler
• Water Sources: Reservoir/Internal Tank
• Width: 9.5 inches
• Depth: 11.0 inches
• Height: 13.5 inches
• Watts: 1100W
• Volts: 120V
• Solenoid Valve: Yes
• Cup Warmer: Yes
• Warm Up Brew Time: 3 minutes and 27 seconds
• Pre-Infusion/Aroma: Yes
• Size: 58mm

 

Additional Resources

Owners / Instruction Manual

Available in 6 languages. Keep in mind, it is written for international use so some features may be slightly different based on country specific modifications. Download. 

Rancilio Silvia Parts and Repair

If you are looking for Rancilio Silvia parts or repair service, please contact us with details of what you are looking for and we'll help you find what you are looking for.

Reviews

You can read customer reviews on www.coffeegeek.com. This video also provides a good overview of the product.

Rancilio Silvia and Rancilio Rocky Combination Package

If you are interested in buying both the Rancilio Silvia and the Rancilio Rocky, we do offer a package that includes both products, as well as a base. 

 

FAQs & How To Information

How can I reset the thermostat on the Rancilio Silvia?

The Rancilio Silvia is equipped with a protective thermostat that prevents catastrophic boiler blowout due to overheating (for example, if the machine is accidentally left on). It may be annoying to have the thermostat turn the machine off, but it's less annoying then having your investment destroyed! To reset the thermostat, follow the instructions outlined by this blogger.

Why doesn’t my machine start?

Sometimes it’s something simple, like the power cord not being plugged in or the power button being in the off position. It sounds obvious, but oversight happens to everyone.  If both of these are fine, make sure the plug the machine is connected to actually works by trying another device in that same socket – you may have a faulty outlet or a blown fuse in your house or building. If all of those are ok, unplug the power cord and examine it for damage. Are any wires showing? Does it have cuts or frays?

Why isn’t my Silvia M delivering coffee when I try to brew?

When this happens, most of the time it’s related to the water tank being empty. Make sure you always have some water in the tank. Along with permitting brewing to take place, having adequate water in your machine is also important to protect the heating element from undue damage.

Another reason there could be a delay in delivering coffee is if you attempt to brew immediately after steaming. After steaming, the boiler is refilled with water and needs time to heat it adequately for producing espresso.

When I make espresso using the Silvia M, it produces coffee irregularly, why?

A common reason is related to your coffee grounds – they are either too fine or too course. Ground coffee used in an espresso machine needs to be finely ground. Coffee used in brewed coffee applications won’t work for making espresso – it is too course. To achieve the best espresso possible, it is recommended that you purchase a good espresso grinder. If you buy pre-ground coffee, make sure it’s espresso ground.

Try adjusting the pressure you use when tamping. Ground coffee that is tamped too lightly won’t allow enough pressure to build up. Ground coffee that is tamped too firmly won’t allow water to flow through it – especially true with coffee that is ground too finely.

Another reason could be a dirty portafilter and filter basket. Make sure you rinse it well after every use. The dispersion screen on the machine may be dirty as well. To clean it, run water through the group head using the coffee delivery switch without the portafilter being mounted. It is a good idea to do this for few seconds after each use. If there is a lot of build-up on the dispersion screen, try taking a clean, damp towel or cloth and wiping it, then running water through the group, then wiping again, then running again until it’s clean. 

What is the cleaning process for the Rancilio Silvia?

If you notice your espresso tasting a little strange, it may be time to give your espresso machine a good cleaning. This is because there is probably a build up of rancid oil and coffee crud on various parts of your machine. Backflushing will help remove some of this, but it also helps to remove the bolt in the middle of the group head shower screen and clean all the components that come out after the bolt has been removed.

To do this, you will need several cleaning supplies, as well as common household cleaning supplies. You will need:

• - the blind filter for backflushing
• - a screw driver to remove the screw on the group head screen
• - a green scour pad or steel wool
• - absorbant cloth
• - a cleaning brush
• - DEZCAL espresso machine cleaner

Cleaning Process

• Step 1: Make sure that the machine is cold and that the portafilter is out of the group head and undo the screw. Be careful while you are doing this, as parts will fall out once the screw is removed.
• Step 2: Using the scour pad or soapy steel wool, scrub the stainless steel screw, the dispersion disk, the brass dispersion ring, and the shower screen.
• Step 3: Using a non-abrasive cloth to prevent scratching, scrub the portafilter and basket.
• Step 4: Using the cleaning brush, scrub the group head. Once it's clean, wipe it dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
• Step 5: Put all the components that were removed in a container with enough boiler water to cover them and a teaspoon or so of DEZCAL Espresso machine cleaner. Soak for about 30 minutes.
• Step 6: Reassemble the components in the order that they were removed, and put the screw back in place.
• Step 7: Backflush after the clean components are in place.

What is the dosing technique for the Rancilio Silvia?

People use different methods for dosing, but one common method is by volume. Let espresso grounds fall into the filter basket without pressing it down, etc. Once the filter basket is full and slightly rounded over, scrape the excess grounds into your knock box with a knife or the edge of your finger. Use your tamper to press down the coffee grounds. Put the portafilter onto the espresso machine and start the extraction. When brewing has finished, look for an imprint from the screen in the machine group head. If there is no imprint, or only a light imprint, you should adjust the volume of espresso grounds in the filter basket next time you brew – you will need to leave a little more coffee. If it’s hard to remove the coffee puck from the filter basket (more than a shake of the wrist), too much coffee was in the filter basket or the water temperature was too low before you brewed. For an ideal shot of espresso, you should adjust the grind so the double basket will deliver 1.75 oz of espresso in 20 to 30 seconds. If the espresso tastes bitter the espresso is over extracted. 

What should I know about the first use of the Rancilio Silvia?

The instruction manual that comes with the espresso machine has quite detailed instructions on what to do during first use. Another good resource is this article on CoffeeGeek.com. 

What is the best way to froth milk with a Rancilio Silvia?

Frothing with a Rancilio Silvia is pretty straight forward. Watch this video for a demonstration on how it's done. 

How do you make a latte with a Rancilio Silvia? 

Watch this video of Rancilio Silvia owner making a latte. 

 

What is the best way to store a Rancilio Silvia espresso machine?

Do all maintenance and cleaning procedures, including rinsing the portafilter and filter baskets, cleaning the dispersion screen, and backflushing, Empty the water tank and any water that is left in the boiler (run the coffee delivery button until water stops coming out, but no longer). Wash the water tank with dish soap and water, then dry it. Clean out the drip tray and dry it as well. Put all switches in the off position and unplug the power cord. Clean the exterior body of the machine and put it in a clean, dry place and cover with a cloth or cardboard box if possible. Keep it away from harmful chemicals or substances such as acidic cleaning solutions.