Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Grinder Package

After reviewing all the infomercials on grinders and espresso machines, this seemed like a good choice and it has been. The service at SCG is excellent. I received my well-packed shipment intact within a week and with no shipping charge. It's got everything I needed to get started in style, but would like to have had a good cleaning brush included since they're not so easy to find locally. Making an excellent cup of espresso or cappuccino is surprisingly easy, especially with the aid of the SCGgals videos. And the pair (machines, not SCGgals) even look great in my kitchen. I'm very happy with my choice and with SCG.

(Posted on 4/30/13)

We took the plunge into this pair a year ago when our beloved Bodum pump died. A big purchase -- just think of it as investing in a major appliance rather than a toaster and your entire point of view changes. It took practice and the Gear folks videos (which are fabulous) to get the hang of how to get it right but once we did we realized what we had been missing. Wonderful machines, sturdy, and reliable. Makes lovely espresso every time with rich crema. Easy to use once you get the hang of temp surfing. Can't say enough for SCG staff who helped us choose the right set and learn to use it. Easy to do the back flush and descaling procedures. Love the seriously heavy tamp that comes with the set. Wish we had added the base but plan to purchase it now. Recommend getting it.

(Posted on 4/21/13)

Having spent at least a month researching and comparing espresso machines I decided to buy the Rancilio Silvia v3 and the Rocky doserless grinder. Now, after a month of brewing espressos and lattes daily, I can state that the machine and grinder are a perfect combo package! The espresso beans that I have found work best for my wife and I is made by Lavazza. It is the Lavazza Super Crema.
There is a good deal of information on the internet about these products and I read all I could beforehand. The SCG You Tube videos are quite helpful too!
In summary, you will not find a better semi-automatic espresso machine at this price. Also, the combo package with the Rocky grinder and accessories such as the tamper, etc. from SCG is the best deal you'll find on the internet.
Highly recommend!!!

(Posted on 9/24/12)

I just got my Silvia Rocky bundle and its incredible. It took me a while to get the grind right and such, but when i did it made a really great shot. The steaming power is very powerful for home use, took some getting used to, even the commercial 4 hole steamer i use at work is less powerful, but that could have something to do with the one hole instead of 4. Anyway, this is a great machine for home use if you don't want to break the bank on a Rocket Mazzer and want a great shot!

P.S. I'm on a caffeine high right now from all the shots!

(Posted on 9/17/12)

Had been using manual Elektra machine. PID automation is a great luxury. Silvia and Rocky grinder produce an excellent espresso

Pros:
Easy To Use, Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Quick Brewing, Commercial Grade, Quiet

Cons:
Small Water Container, Messy

(Posted on 5/8/12)

The videos you post on rating the machines and the lore in general are a real addition to the coffee community. I specifically went with Seattle Coffee Gear when I finally made the buy because of your videos. Keep up the great work!

Pros:
Attractive, Quick Brewing, Easy To Clean, Great Taste, Commercial Grade, Easy To Use

Cons:

(Posted on 5/2/12)

Once you get used to temperature surfing you can pull consistently great shots. The steam wand is is easy to use and it makes great silky foam. The wand is not double walled so milk cooks onto it. A hot wet towel makes it easy to clean. The Rocky grinder is solid and is relatively smooth and quiet for a grinder. I'm not a fan of plastic but the plastic used for the shoot and catch tray are high quality and non-static so grinds wipe off easily. I have no regrets with my purchase. 3rd party PID and boiler insulation kits are appealing but require that you send your unit back to SCG for installation so you won't void your warranty. Everything came packaged neatly. Overall, my SCG experience was terrific.

Pros:
Great Starter's Kit, Great Fit and Finish, Solid construction

Cons:
Shake moves shot glasses

(Posted on 4/30/12)

Not for the lighthearted or thrifty. This is an awesome setup but it requires a lot of care, patience and diligence. The grinder is messy, all the good ones are. the espressomaker is powerful but finicky. All the good ones are. I bought my first stovetop espresso-maker almost 30 years ago. Shortly after I got my first tabletop. I've owned several over the years. You can get some decent tabletops and decent grinders for less money, less work and get a decent shot but if you really want quality espressos you not only need a machine of this caliber, but you have to work at pulling your shots. This also means wasting grinds and dumping shots.
Frustrating?
You bet!
But, you can always go back to the semi-automatics and the less expensive grinders too. I use this product every day, and every day is a new experience at getting more experienced!
Enjoy the journey, or stick with what works....

Pros:
Quiet, Commercial Grade

Cons:
Messy

(Posted on 3/22/12)

It took me a few pounds of coffee to get things dialed in to my satisfaction, but now I brew perfect espresso everytime

Pros:
Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Large Water Container, Commercial Grade

Cons:
A little noisy

(Posted on 3/16/12)

My wife and I had been looking at this espresso machine for years until recently when we decided that we had waited long enough. After months of research we concluded that this package deal was the best value for money.

If you are going to spend this much money on an espresso machine/grinder please pay the extra $250 and get the PID installed. You will be grateful. Also, be sure to order a frothing pitcher at the same time, since one is not included in the package.

The Silvia and Rocky grinder are a great combination. Also, all of the little extras that are included with this package deal make the machine purchase and maintenance as pain free as possible.

We have had the machine for about a month. We use it 2-8 times each and every day. It won't be long before our purchase has paid for itself (when compared to purchasing lattes at local espresso bars).

Pros:
Quick Brewing, Easy To Use, Large Water Container, Great Taste, Easy To Clean

Cons:
Noisy

(Posted on 1/17/12)

I got the Silvia/Rocky pairing as a Christmas present and I'm loving it! I still haven't quiet mastered latte art, but I'm getting better ever day.

This is my first "prosumer" espresso machine (my only previous experience was a DeLonghi EC155) and I can confirm that this definitely requires some practice. However, once you've got your grinder dialed in and your steaming technique down, you can produce consistently good shots.

I really liked the "extras" that you get by purchasing it from SCG - the tamper, cleaners, shot glasses, etc. The extras help complete the package and allow you to get started immediately.

While you're at it, I would recommend getting a good frothing pitcher (20 oz seems about right), knock box, thermometer, kitchen timer, and cleaning wand, too.

The only negative comment (and it's very small) is that the Rocky has three small screws that hold the grinding guard in place. However, the screw holes are just large enough to get coffee beans wedged in there. It seems like those holes should be filled in somehow.

Other than that, I love both machines. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to step up to a nicer machine and has the patience to invest in learning how to use it. Speaking for myself, I would definitely purchase this again and I would purchase it from SCG!

Pros:
Great Taste, Easy To Clean

Cons:
Hard To Clean

(Posted on 1/11/12)

The Rancillio takes a few tries to get used to it, but once you have there is no turning back.

Pros:
Easy To Use, Quick Brewing, Easy To Clean, Great Taste, Large Water Container, Quiet, Commercial Grade

Cons:

(Posted on 8/10/11)

I purchased the Rancilio Silvia and Barzatta grinder combo and have had them for about a month now. I am getting good results--nice, crema-laden shots and good foam, but there is a learning curve. I thought I would share my views on the learning curve to perhaps help other customers.
My previous equipment was a Starbucks branded Saeco barista espresso maker and a Saeco Titan grinder, so this is my baseline experience.
There are some differences compared to my previous equipment. One thing to consider in your routine is that the Silvia takes noticeably longer to heat up. In foaming with the Saeco, patience was a virtue. You did not want to try to make all your foam in 10 seconds and you wanted to keep your wand steady and not be moving it all over the place. You have to be much more aggressive with the Silvia. You want to make as much foam as you can, as fast as you can. The way to do this is to immediately open the steam valve so that the milk is roiling--not splattering, but roiling pretty good and move your want aggressively to open spots in the milk.
I thought that the discussion about temperature surfing with the Silvia was overwrought. I have had good results with a very simple procedure. After finishing foaming I turn off the steam switch. I place an empty cup under the open brewhead and turn on the brew switch and let the steam and hot water escape until the light comes on again and then turn off the brew switch, install the portafilter and wait until the light goes out plus an additional 25-30 seconds and then turn on the brew switch and brew. This procedure also results in heating up my cup and cleaning out the brewhead with each shot. I get great crema and consistent, flavorful shots.
I think that it would be helpful to include a starting point recomendation for the grind setting for us rookies. I know that this recomendation would probably vary with different grinders and different beans, but at least include a recomendation for the grinder and beans included with the order. Speaking of those included beans we received the Velton's Bonsai Blend and it is great. It is my impression that with the higher-end grinders you do not need to use as dark a roast to get the same flavor as with the less expensive equipment. The results are definitely worth the learning curve.

Pros:
Nice consistent results

Cons:
Learning curve

(Posted on 6/21/11)

Historically we are not coffee drinkers, however we did get hooked on Latte's from our local coffee house. We wanted to make our own. The Rancilio made it fun and easy to get reliable results, every bit as good as the local coffee house... and more consistant. The Rancilio Silvia and Grinder are commercial quality equipment and we expect years of enjoyment from it.

Pros:
Reliable, Commercial Grade, Quality, Easy To Clean, Easy To Use

Cons:

(Posted on 1/29/11)

Great tasting coffee and convenient!

Pros:
Great Taste, Commercial Grade, Easy To Use

Cons:

(Posted on 1/19/11)

We are very happy with this combination. It produces excellent coffee and lattes. Our coffees are so much better than our old set up could produce. We are still trying to get consistent with our techniques but I don't feel a need to get a "good" latte when I am out and about. I just go home and make an excellent cup! Seattle Coffee Works offers great support and I learn a lot from their videos. Glad I found them!

Pros:
Easy To Use, Large Water Container, Great Taste, Very pleased

Cons:

(Posted on 12/5/10)

I've had my machine and grinder (with the doser) for a little over a month now and absolutely love it! After doing a lot of research, this was clearly the best option, and although the price seems to be the same everywhere, Seattle Coffee Gear offered the most "freebies" with it. Also, the video offered on temperature surfing was especially helpful.

I was warned about the learning curve with this machine, but with my 4 years of barista experience I was able to have very usable shots a pound of coffee and an hour and a half after starting. The hardest part was figuring out the right grind. I use Cafe D'Arte espresso, and it's fantastic if ground at a 3. The espresso is thick and has beautiful crema, I can't take my eyes off of it.

One downside to this machine is the time it takes to temperature surf and switch between pulling shots and steaming milk. It's not a big deal if I'm just making for me or a couple people, but making for a group of people is quite time consuming. Also, if I'm steaming a fairly full 20oz pitcher, the distance from the end of the steam wand to the counter is not long enough to avoid spilling a little foam over the edge of the pitcher when I tilt it to get it out from under the steam wand. It's not a huge deal, but that's when I realized that that is probably what the base is for, just to create some extra space. But I don't think it's worth the $100+ for it. Also another downside is the extra grinds that spill over the edge of the portafilter when dosing the espresso. It's messy, and I still haven't found a good way around it.

But overall, I'm extremely happy with this purchase, absolutely love the espresso, and look forward to using it for many many years!

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 12/4/10)

Happy, great machine, well built, nothing wrong, no defects, no mishaps. Get her hot, give her good coffee and she will more than satisfy your needs (for espresso, anyway).

Pros:
Easy To Use, Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Quick Brewing

Cons:
Small Water Container, Noisy

(Posted on 11/13/10)

I love this machine. Armed with a solid understanding of what makes a great shot of espresso (grind, tamp, temperature, etc) the Silvia will deliver. The smallish single boiler can make things a bit tricky when really dialing things in (e.g. temperature-surfing, pre-heating) but like all good kitchen tools, once you learn it, it becomes second nature. There are machines with better temperature regulation and bigger/dual/hx boilers but for less than $700 you can't touch the Silvia.

Pros:
Makes great espresso, Easy To Clean, Commercial Grade

Cons:
Boiler is a bit small, Requires some finesse

(Posted on 11/9/10)

I actually look forward to using my machine in the morning. It is part of my morning "show". The grind. The fill. The tamp. The pump. The dump. The knock. The steam. The pour. The foam. The first sip. The last sip. It's all noteworthy. Maybe because it's still new. I've had a commercial grade machine for over 15 years and this one is the bomb. I wish there was a way to avoid wasting the ground coffee that I inevitably spill as I fill my brew basket from the grinder and wipe all over the floor with my sponge but that is a small negative detail in the overall experience. It's also a very beautiful machine which is also a minor detail but I do love to show it off. The price value equation is the best we've found. Out-of-pocket high (well it's all relative) but a very premium experience.

Pros:
Easy To Use, Great Taste, Commercial Grade, Quick Brewing, Heavy-duty

Cons:
Messy

(Posted on 10/7/10)

I did a lot of research before I finally bought Rancilio. I am very please with its performance! It takes a little bit of self-training and reading to get "creamy" shots and "velvety" steamed milk. After about two weeks of espresso and cappuccino trials, I had a "ooh la la" moment. Every day I discover something new about my Rancilio and every day I love it even more! This machine will not disappoint you! The combo package (espresso machine and grinder) is wonderful home asset for any coffee aficionado.

Pros:
Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Large Water Container

Cons:

(Posted on 8/20/10)

This is the first expresso machine I've had since a small Krups that is 20 + years old. I was ambivalent about spending this kind of money just for my morning coffee but decided to take the plunge, since I love cappuccino. Rancilio Silvia is a beautiful, industrial-looking machine w/ a small footprint and solid parts. In that regard, you are not comparing apples to apples if you compare with cheaper machines. It's taken me about a couple of weeks to get the hang of it (frothing was harder, but grind/tamp combination also took a lot of tweaking) and to remember simple things like turning off the steam switch before making the coffee. But once you get the routine down, it's really not that much of a production. The Rocky grinder clumps a bit but is also a solid workhorse. A note about backflushing: I didn't realize that the water goes out the back and was wondering why nothing was coming out until I removed the grill and saw the tray filled with water. Duuh! I will conclude by saying that I am the kind of buyer who does not fork out this much cash without thinking about it carefully (and I don't frequent coffee shops). What convinced me about this machine is that it will last a very long time--unless I outgrow it! I shopped around on the internet and the "gifts" offered by SeattleCoffeeGear were the best--necessary items and high quality all around. So I can definitely recommend buying your machines here.

Pros:
Quick Brewing, Commercial Grade, Large Water Container

Cons:
Noisy

(Posted on 8/4/10)

We dragged our feet forever before investing in the Rancilio package to replace a different manufacturers' machine that had fried itself. The Silvia and Rocky have been stellar performers so far. Easy to set up, easy to use and easy to clean. I'd say that results are equal or better than local chain coffee shops.

Pros:
Easy To Use, Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 7/23/10)

It took me about a week of practice but after the second weekend of experimentation I was able to produce a pretty good shot. I have improved since then, but there's a little bit of a learning curve.

I didn't really care for the "bonsai" blend coffee that they shipped with the machine, but my preferred black cat or my local counter culture roasts show off the the machine much better in my mind.

Pros:
Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 7/3/10)

Once you start with the right setting on Rocky, Silvia brews a spectacular coffee; every time!! It's like having a professional machine in your own home. The Rancilio's are two Italian guests you want to have so welcome Silvia and Rocky into your home; you won't be disappointed!

Pros:
Easy To Use, Quick Brewing, Commercial Grade, Great Taste, Large Water Container, Easy To Clean

Cons:
Noisy

(Posted on 6/3/10)

My marriage to Silvia so far has been pleasant. She is very easy to figure out and when you do that she is very consistant with her shots! For being a single boiler you need to be patient if you are going to froth milk for your drink. Her brother Rocky needed some attitude adjustment. During the grind somtimes you need to shake the hopper inorder the coffee to get to the grinder. After doing some research I find out that will help if you remove the finger guard. Just make sure you don't stick you finger in the hopper while you are grinding unless you want to make a drink for Draqual! Otherwise he is very powerfull and easy to use.Since then we been having a great marrage with Silvia while my brother in-law Rocky living with us. There is many good clips on YouTube about this system that will help to get you up and running in no time.Last but not the least, purchase of my first Espresso system from SeattleGear has been very positive.[...]You will be very happy to do bussiness with them!

Pros:
Great Taste, Professional, Commercial Grade, Looks, Easy To Clean

Cons:
Small Water Container, Water Tray too Small

(Posted on 5/22/10)

I am happy with my decision to purchase these products. It was by chance that I found Seattle Coffee Gear online. I appreciate the expertise [...] Bravo!

Pros:
Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Great Taste, Commercial Grade, Quick Brewing, Large Water Container

Cons:
No cons yet

(Posted on 5/21/10)

I'm chasing the God shot and this machine is bringing me closer than ever before.. my iced expressos taste like chocolate now!!!! So good..

Pros:
Great Taste, Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Commercial Grade

Cons:
Messy

(Posted on 3/21/10)