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Being a ‘barista’ for a few years now, I certainly know by now how a perfectly made espresso tastes—or any for that matter. My job has given me the skills and know-how to create and drink luscious espresso. And as time goes by, my taste preferences seem to escalate too. I don’t just drink espresso, I rate it. And if I like the taste, I always go back for more.

But of course, the taste of an espresso does not only depend on who actually prepared it. Rather, the espresso machine or maker has half the responsibility for the taste. And so, if you would notice, most coffee shops who serve the best espressos are using a capable espresso machine.

One of the most popular espresso machines for home use is the Rancilio Espresso Machine – Rancilio SILVIA. This machine has long been popular, probably since the early 2000’s. It was introduced in 1997 by the Rancilio Company. Now that it has been more than 10 years in the market, you can safely assume that it is worth the popularity. This Rancilio Silvia Espresso machine is a clear winner among the espresso machines available in the market today.

Features of the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Buying an espresso machine does not only mean knowing the specs and the price. But of course, these two are important factors. What I mean is—you have to picture yourself using it. You have to put yourself a few months to a year from now when you would already be able to use the espresso machine. This will definitely help you in deciding which machine to buy.

So, among the espresso machines available today, what makes Rancilio Silvia Espresso machine stand out? Well, here are some of the features that you must know.

• High capacity boiler
• Remarkable temperature consistency
• Ergonomic design
• Advanced technology

In the next few sections, you will know how these features can affect the whole quality of an espresso machine. By then, you will also understand why Rancilio Silvia is a favorite among baristas.

Making a Cup of Wonderful Espresso

There are several factors that affect the taste and appearance of an espresso. But before you actually delve into deeper details, you have to understand the basic process. You have to understand how the coffee, the grinder and the espresso machine can affect the results.

Of course, quality coffee beans will surely affect the taste. It’s already a given that you should have them if you want good coffee. Next, though it does not seem so, a grinder greatly affects the espresso. You have to have a good coffee grinder to produce your own fine grounds. There are cases (which you can read from reviews) that expensive coffee grounds won’t compare to freshly ground coffee beans.

Lastly, you’ve got to know how to use your espresso machine to obtain the proper rate of extraction. This is about the volume of the coffee grounds you put in the machine and timing. Knowing this, without fine grinds and a superb machine, you’ll surely have a hard time getting this proper rate of extraction.

How an Espresso Machine Works

Espresso is achieved by forcing hot water into a tight pack of coffee. It is actually concentrated coffee with crema or foam on the surface. Additionally, it is a base for lattes, cappuccinos and the like.

The older espresso machine models use steam to achieve this state. However, if you want to have a luscious cup of espresso, you’ve got to have ‘real’ pressure. And real pressure cannot be achieved through steam. So, you better stay out of the steam-driven espresso machines. What you need is a pump-driven machine.

A pump-driven espresso machine can either work by heating water in a boiler or by using a heat exchanger. Rancilio Silvia works by heating water in the boiler. So, as you can see, the boiler is of importance here. And the good thing with Silvia is that it has a high capacity and quality brass-made boiler. This feature essentially makes it ahead of the competition in the market.

Water Temperature

Another important issue in making espresso is the consistency of temperature. Commercial espresso machines sustain stable water temperature, but home espresso machines tend to have different water temperature when brewing.

But Silvia has outstandingly shown consistency with the water temperature when brewing. This is unlike other espresso machines that usually have water temperature fluctuations which causes problems when brewing. Nevertheless, it is still advisable to learn the technique called ‘temperature surfing’.

Ergonomic Design

Since you have to control the temperature, it is best to have an espresso machine which easily allows you to do it. And I am confident to say that Rancilio Silvia espresso machine has an ergonomic design. It is sleek and has a clean linear design. Adding to that is a stainless steel body which assures you of its durability.

Automatic Frother: iSteam

Thick froth can only be accomplished with a proper balance of air and water inside the system and maximum boiling temperature. Probably, if you use an ordinary espresso machine, it may take some time before you get a thick froth. But with Silvia, everything is easy and smooth for you already have an automatic frother—the iSteam. It is a technology developed to automatically provide you with the nice froth for your espresso.

Is It Worth Your Money?

Definitely. No good espresso machine is cheap. Making espresso is an expensive hobby. You’ve got to put out a good sum of money, and of course, make a good investment.

In my opinion and from what you can read from reviews all over the Internet, Rancilio Silvia is definitely worth your money. I have made my research and Amazon seems to be selling this item for only $659, whereas you can buy it from other sites for over $700. Whoa! That’s still huge savings, mind you.

For $659, you get a brand new and durable espresso maker. Take note: this coffee maker can work for more than 6 years depending on how you use and maintain it. You don’t have to fret over this sum for you’ll surely experience a wonderful cup of espresso everyday for more than six years.

What Is Included in the Package?

• Rancilio Silvia espresso machine
• One two-cup heavy-duty portafilter with double spout
• One one-cup filter basket
• Measuring scoop and plastic coffee tamper

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