The Rancilio company has been producing high-end espresso machines since 1927, when Roberto Rancilio first established the “Officine meccaniche RR”. Today, Rancilio is at the front of the espresso pack. In June 2008 the company expanded by purchasing Ergo coffee systems AG of Switzerland.

Most Rancilio espresso machines are large, commercial machines. For the private consumer, the Rancilio Silvia is one of the most acclaimed and well-rated espresso machines under a thousand dollars. It features an iron support frame while its body and control panels are made of stainless steel with a satin finish. The Silvia simply looks terrific on the countertop. It is quite heavy, which is an advantage because it will not budge when the portafilter is being locked it. It is very solidly built and like other Rancilio espresso machines it is also easily serviceable, with widely available parts.

The Silvia comes with the following accessories: one filter holder, a one-cup filter, a two-cup filter, measuring spoon, and coffee tamper. You can buy an optional pod adapter kit if you wish to take advantage of the convenience of espresso pods. The Silvia features a twelve-ounce boiler – a respectable size for a boiler in this class. The portafilter is made of marine-grade brass, which is a very good material because it helps to keep the temperature stable. Another feature that users really appreciate is the three-way solenoid valve. This valve depressurizes the group head after pulling a shot – the effect of that is that the used coffee grounds fall out of the portafilter as a solid disk, rather than as a soup of hot grounds.

Like other semi-professional espresso machines, the Silvia requires a bit of experience and education to use to its best advantage. You can manually control the brewing temperature, or order an optional digital temperature control. Since this Rancilio espresso machine is so popular, there are many internet sites with tips about using and troubleshooting Silvia to achieve that perfect shot of espresso.

When it comes to steaming and frothing milk, the Silvia has a hot water button to control the flow of water from the steam wand, as well as a steam button. It comes with a single-hole steam tip that is popular with consumers. The company also offers a three-hole steam tip as an option.

A good burr coffee grinder is vital for use with the Silvia – cheap grinders simply can’t get the coffee fine enough. The Rancilio Rocky is a good choice. It is possible to buy the Silvia and the Rocky as a package to save money.

K. Braun
http://www.articlesbase.com/coffee-articles/the-rancilio-espresso-machine-where-elegance-meets-steel-714704.html

I am looking at this coffee mill/grinder and trying to figure out if this price is odd? Since its antique I thought I would be in the hundreds for this item. I dont even know what brands were popular back then. Can someone help me out and let me know how much it should be?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220555214157&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

That’s not an antique, it’s just a reproduction. The seller doesn’t suggest it’s antique either; but instead uses the word ‘vintage’ which in ebay talk means it’s at least 10 years old. I bought a grinder similar to this one in a gift store to use just for decoration. It works, but only grinds a few beans at a time. Your arm gets quite a workout.

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I’m trying to do some research online to find a good, small, reasonably-priced coffee grinder for my kitchen, preferably from a store like Walmart or London Drugs. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I’ve kind of wanted a coffee grinder for awhile now but real grinders were too expensive. I got an inexpensive "grinder" for Christmas. The word grinder is in quotes because most inexpensive grinders aren’t really grinders. They’re basically the same as blenders. If you look in them you see a set of blades that are just like the blades in a blender. You have no control over how fine the coffee is ground other than how long you have the blade spinning. But I was out replacing an electric can opener yesterday and saw a burr grinder that was under $40 US. You set the grind you want, put the beans in the top and it comes out the bottom into a small bin. I don’t know about the quality of the device or how long it will last but at least it’s a real grinder. Check the links below for sources and cost for you. Once you’ve found one or two you think you like you can see if they’re available near you or if you need to have them shipped from an on-line store.

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Oh, and where can i buy a grinder? Cvs, rite aid, and big y doesnt sell them..

A good coffee grinder grinds coffee to the right consistency to allow your coffee maker to brew the grounds into a Good tasting cup of coffee.
With that said, a whirly blade ‘grinder’ is not a coffee grinder, it only beats thing to a pulp. Best used to make cinnamon sticks into cinnamon powder.
If you want a GOOD coffee grinder look to BARATZA. You can order them from several on-line sources and the extra expense of the initial purchase is well worth it.

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