Versatile and excellent machine no matter what your preferred drink is.
Positive Product Points
Excellent shots Small footprint Steam and brew at the same time with the thermoblock Adjustable brew pressure PID Quick heat up time Can turn off thermoblock to conserve energy
Negative Product Points
None so far After 3 months - no negatives, this machine perfectly fits my needs
Detailed Commentary
I did loads of research before getting this machine. I drink mainly straight shots during the week, and make a few milk drinks on the weekends for myself and friends. I wanted a PID machine, the ability to steam and brew at the same time, and control over brew pressure. I wasn't looking to spend the money on a dual boiler, and the Silvano seemed to fit the bill perfectly. The machine heats up very quickly and is ready to go in 15-30 minutes. I have it paired with a Vario grinder and it performs wonderfully. It recovers quickly between drinks and is a pleasure to use. I really like the feature of being able to turn the steam bank on and off, that way I'm not using the extra power when not making milk based drinks. I have been able to create microfoam pretty easily and actually prefer having a switch instead of a knob for steaming. Another convenience is the water reservoir sliding out of the side of the machine. The machine has a relatively small footprint, and has a nice clean look to it. The drip tray is huge, and makes clean up easy. All of the pros everyone has mentioned are true.
Buying Experience
Excellent experience with Chris' Coffee, highly recommended! If I upgrade in the future my machine will come from CC.
Three Month Followup
Still loving my Silvano. I have pulled 2-3 shots every day since the inception of our relationship. I look forward to waking up to her every morning! Maintenance has been easy - just back flush with water weekly, and with cleanser monthly. I am able to produce decent microfoam and I only make milk based drinks on the weekends for friends so don't get much practice. I don't regret this purchase one bit, and haven't really thought about upgrading either. The thought of a dual boiler machine has crossed my mind, but then I think of how much it would benefit my needs, and the Silvano fulfills my needs in every way. I live in a small apartment and don't have the ability to plumb in. I will eventually upgrade to a dual boiler in the future, when I have a few grand to burn and am able to plumb in a machine. For now I am loving the simplicity and ease of use of the Silvano. Being able to change temperature for different roasts is great. Another feature I like is being able to switch the thermoblock off, as I only use steam occasionally.
In summary, if you are limited with space and can't plumb in this machine is an excellent option. When I have the space and money I will then consider a dual boiler with an E-61 group. But for now I'm completely content with my Silvano!
