Rancilio Silvia & Rocky Espresso Bar

Getting Started with the Rancilio Silvia

View Demo Opening the Silvia After receiving your Rancilio Silvia, check the packaging for any damage. Make sure the package is upright, then open the top of the box. Inside you will find the manual and warranty information enclosed in a plastic bag. The warranty card should be completed and faxed to the numbers listed. It is not necessary to mail in the warranty card, but keep it for your records.

View Demo What's Inside the Silvia Remove the main accessories which are located inside the water reservoir. Remove the cardboard sleeve at the front of the machine. Inside the cardboard sleeve you will find the portafilter. The portafilter may be used with either the double or the single portafilter basket. The remaining accessories are inside the plastic bag. This is the tamper. This is the double portafilter basket. This is the single portafilter basket. This is the scoop, it is used for portioning pre-ground coffee. We recommend using a grinder for optimal results.

Silvia Control Panel

The Ms. Silvia is very easy to use. It features a user-friendly control panel with big buttons as well as easy to read pictures. The buttons are far apart from each other to avoid double pressing and features a main power switch to shut off every component of the machine.

	View Demo Main Power Switch This is the main power switch used to turn the machine on. The small LED on the switch indicates the machine is on.
	View Demo Element Indicator Light This is the element indicator light. When illuminated, this indicates that the machine is heating up.
	View Demo Coffee Brew Switch This is the coffee brew switch. Activate the coffee brew switch to dispense water through the group when making espresso.
	View Demo Hot Water Switch This is the hot water switch. When activated, the pump will come on. Activate the hot water switch and open the steam valve to dispense hot water through the steam wand.
	View Demo Steam Temperature Switch This is the steam temperature switch. Activating the steam temperature switch will increase the temperature in the boiler to produce steam. The steam temperature switch should be in the off position when making espresso.
	View Demo Steam Knob This is the steam knob. This controls the steam valve. Turning the knob counterclockwise opens the valve, allowing steam or hot water to be dispensed through the steam wand. Turn the knob clockwise to close.

Before Using the Rancilio Silvia

There are 3 easy steps prior to using the Rancilio Silvia. It involves "priming" the machine which is only necessary during the initial setup.

	View Demo Filling the Water Reservoir: Fill the water reservoir located at the back of the machine. It is recommended that you use softened water. Using hard water will accelerate lime buildup inside the machine. During use, be sure not to let the reservoir go empty. Do not fill the water reservoir past the maximum fill line. Before plugging in the machine, be sure that all switches are in the off position. Plug the machine into a properly grounded outlet.
	View Demo Plugging in the Machine Before plugging in the machine, be sure that all switches are in the off position. Plug the machine into a properly grounded outlet.
	View Demo Prime the Machine Turn on the main power switch, then turn on the coffee brew switch. This will start the priming process. It is important to not leave the main power on for an extended time before turning on the Coffee Brew switch. Place a large cup or bowl under the group. Allow approximately 16 ounces of water to dispense from the group during the priming process. Refill the water reservoir to complete the priming of the machine. Priming the machine is only necessary during the initial start up.

Brewing a Shot with the Rancilio Silvia

Now that we've finished with the setup process the fun begins. Getting a really good shot takes practice and each step is essential to your success in getting the perfect shot. It's important to ensure that the steam switch is in the off position. Allow the machine ample time to heat up. When the element light turns off, the machine has reached the appropriate temperature.

	View Demo Install the Portafilter Basket You will need to install the portafilter basket first. Use the double portafilter basket. Place it like this and give it a quick full palm tap.
	View Demo Dose the Grind Insert one of the portafilter baskets into the portafilter handle. We recommend the double portafilter basket for optimal results. Use fresh coffee for optimal results. Stale coffee will not give satisfactory results. Dose ground coffee into the portafilter, filling the basket to the top of the rim.
	View Demo Tamp the Grind Tamp the ground coffee in the portafilter basket using approximately 30 pounds of pressure. Tap the side of the portafilter with the tamper to dislodge ground coffee around the rim. Tamp the ground coffee a second time. Brush the rim of the portafilter basket with the palm of your hand to remove any loose grounds.
	View Demo Lock in the Portafilter Starting from the left and moving right, lock the portafilter into the group.
	View Demo Activate the Coffee Brew Switch Activate the coffee brew switch to begin the extraction process and you have espresso!

Steaming Milk with the Ms. Silvia

To froth milk, you will need a thermometer and a frothing pitcher. Activate the steam temperature switch. The element indicator light will come on, and the machine will heat up to the correct steaming temperature. When the element light turns off. The machine is ready to produce steam. Open the steam valve for 2 seconds to bleed out condensation that has collected in the steam wand. Insert the steam wand into the frothing pitcher. Open the steam valve to begin frothing. It is important to deactivate the steam temperature switch when you have completed frothing, and allow the machine to cool to the appropriate temperature before brewing espresso shots. Brewing espresso with the steam temperature switch activated will produce burned espresso.

	View Demo Correct Frothing Fill the frothing pitcher a little less than half. Tilt the milk at an angle and insert the steam wand. . After inserting the steam wand into the milk and opening the steam valve, slowly lower the frothing pitcher to position the steam tip just at the surface of the milk. This ensures the milk will circulate. This will make a distinctive sound and insures the proper infusion of air while also heating the milk. This will produce the desired micro bubbles or micro foam. Submerging the steam tip will produce no bubbles and positioning the steam tip too high will produce large amounts of undesirable large bubbles. As the frothing continues watch the temperature closely and warm to 145-160. Letting your froth temperature go over 160 will result in a undesirable taste. When done, tap the pitcher to bring the large bubbles to the top. Your perfect froth can be used for cappuccino or latte’.
	View Demo Incorrect Frothing Do not use an up and down motion like sometimes seen. The up and down technique will result in a froth but it will produce undesirable large bubbles. The froth should have small bubbles, not big ones. Bigger bubbles makes the froth too light. Look at the difference between the two froths. The froth on the right is the correct texture. Make sure you do not place the steam tip in the middle of the pitcher. This will not allow for circulation of the milk. Do not let the tip go too far into the milk. This prevents the proper mix of air and milk for a desirable micro froth. Do not steam milk past 160 degrees or the milk will scorch, producing an unpleasant smell and taste. Positioning the steam tip too high will produce large amounts of undesirable large bubbles.
	View Demo Making Cappuccino Cappuccino should be half steamed milk and half micro froth. The froth should have small bubbles not big ones. Bigger bubbles makes the froth too light. To make a cappuccino, add your espresso to a cappuccino cup. Using a spoon, hold back the frothed milk in your steaming pitcher and pour the steamed milk into the cappuccino cup. Fill half the remainder of the room in the cup with steamed milk, then spoon the foamed milk on top to fill the remainder of the cup.
	View Demo Making Latte To make a latte, add your espresso to a cappuccino cup. Using a spoon, hold back the frothed milk in your steaming pitcher, and pour the steamed milk into the cappuccino cup. Fill the cup to just under the rim. Then spoon a thin layer of foamed milk on top.

Basic Cleaning & Maintenance

	View Demo Water Reservoir Fill the water reservoir located at the back of the machine. It is recommended that you use softened water. Using hard water will accelerate lime buildup inside the machine. During use, be sure not to let the reservoir go empty. Do not fill the water reservoir past the maximum fill line.
	View Demo Group head and Screen Make sure all switches are in the off position, unplug the machine, and make sure all parts are cool to the touch. The dispersion screen should be removed and cleaned periodically depending on use. Remove the shower screen with a short, flat head screwdriver. Clean the group with a nylon brush. When reinstalling the dispersion screen, be sure to install the dispersion disk correctly. Do not over-tighten the screw.
	View Demo Descaling the Silvia Approximately once a year depending on the hardness of your water, you should de-calcify the machine. Follow the instructions given by the decalcifying agent you are using. We do not recommend back-flushing, as improper back-flushing may damage your machine.
	View Demo Cleaning the Drip Tray Remove the drip tray after every use. Empty the water in the drip tray, clean, and reinsert.
	View Demo Cleaning the Steam Wand It is very important to clean the steam wand AFTER every use. Simply use a soft towel or sponge and wipe the steam wand. It is also important to purge after every use.

Rating:
Reviewed By: Sam M.
User Experience: Beginner / Intermediate

Tips: To use the Rancilio Silvia to its maximum capability, I recommend buying a good grinder like the Rancilio Rocky Grinder. Most will say that the Grinder is the most important part in making espresso.

Review: When I first received the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine I was very impressed. I was amazed with the quality of the full stainless steel body which definitely makes me sleep better at night knowing that the investment I made on this machine will be a long one! So, your wondering why I bought this machine out of all of the hundreds of machine to choose from. It's simple, the price for this machine hands down beats any other espresso machines out their with the same features and construction. In fact, one of the major features that caught my eye was the brass boiler. For those who knows espresso temperature stability is key in the espresso making process. Both the Boiler and group head are bolted together insuring consistent temperature transferring through correctly and precisely.

Another key feature (for me that is) is the support that comes along with espresso machines. Most espresso machines are based in other countries like Italy. I found that Rancilio has a U.S. headquarters that will help you troubleshoot your machine if there's a problem or even help you make espresso! Also, since this machine is very popular I found numerous reviews, tips, tricks and forums for this machine giving me detailed information on topics like finding the right grinder to modifying and tweaking the machine.

To conclude, I am overall very happy with this machine. This machine blows the competition away in terms of its performance and its price range. If your budget is between $350-$600 I would without a doubt recommend this machine.

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Rating:
Reviewed By: Karen, Lowell MA
User Experience: Beginner

Tips: Frothing milk can be hard and frustrating in the beginning. This is my second espresso machine and I still cannot create perfect froth consistently. Just keep practicing! The videos on this site helped, I even went to You Tube and found hundred of videos!

Review: This machine rocks! It most definitely exceeded my expectations from a design and quality standpoint. Great machine for the money!

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Rating:
Reviewed By: Josh Powell
User Experience: Intermediate

Tips: Play around with this machine, your first shot wont be a perfect one! Learn from your mistakes and learn how to fix them... i.e. espresso not strong enough then tamp harder.. If the espresso is too strong tamp less and look at the grind settings. If you enjoy espresso, this trouble shooting process only helps you improve!

Review: I used this machine for over 4 months now and just what I said in the tips section, it took me a while to get the grind right for my taste. However once I got it right, its working perfect for me. I love the ability to have this amount of control over how my coffee tastes.

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Rating:
Reviewed By: Tai Moi
User Experience: Beginner

Tips: Clean the machine! My steam wand is full of milk mildew until I found out that I had to wipe it with a towel after every use. Purging also helps clean the inside of the steam wand.

Review: I only had the machine for 2 weeks and so far its my favorite machine. I use the Silvia daily and now I cant live without it!

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Rating:
Reviewed By: Paula K.
User Experience: Beginner

Tips: I recommend buying the Silvia with the Pod Adapter, I have it and I'm loving it. I don't really like to deal with loose grounds due to the fact that I hate cleaning!

Review: Using the pods only takes me 2-3 minutes to get espresso, I wish I knew about this machine earlier. It would've saved me a lot of money. Instead of spending $4-$5 on Starbucks, I'm down to about 50 cents a cup.

Making Espresso	Frothing Milk	Making Latte
View Demo	View Demo	View Demo

Group Head Cleaning	Additional Documentation
View Demo	User Manual