The best home espresso machine in this price range.
Positive Product Points
- Some commercial parts
- Heavy filter holder
- Stainless steel housing
Negative Product Points
- None for the price
- Pump is a bit loud (which vibration pump is not?)
Detailed Commentary
I decided to wait for at least a year before commenting. After using Silvia in conjunction with Rocky grinder and a home roaster in average of once a day for over a year, I can say, what more can you ask for? I paid just under $400 from 1st-Line for Silvia and I do not regret it. Of course, you have to know what you are doing, but reading Coffeekid.com can save you a lot of hassle. After the initial learning curve, I was enjoying some of the best cappuccini I have ever had since my college semester in Florence, Italy - there are other things you have to do with milk to (almost) duplicate the flavor of cappuccino they serve in Italy, which I may write about in the future. As far as Silvia goes, I would say, this is the best home espresso machine in this price range. It would not be fair to compare it to those so called semi-commercial machines or even to expect it to perform like them because its a different design. If you have a need to make espresso / cappuccino for many guests, get the machine that is designed to do that and get ready to pay at least twice as much as Silvia. For those who had problems with faulty parts, blame the inspection team of the place you purchased it from. Silvia may not be for the beginners but may be the right choice for those who want to experience the shop quality espresso at home without spending a lot. Even if you are a beginner, if you have the desire to experience what I and the other Silvia lovers have and are willing to walk through the learning curve (read "espresso" column in this site), get Silvia.
