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Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

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Discussions > Espresso > Machines > Rancilio Silvia:...

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franxious
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Joined: 16 Aug 2009
Posts: 16
Location: Midwest
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sat Aug 22, 2009, 9:33pm Subject: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

This will be my first purchase of a nice espresso machine, and I've been reading reviews and threads on the forum for a few months now. My french press isn't cutting it for me anymore and I've been longing for a good home machine ever since a friend made me a very nice cappuccino on his Saeco Aroma. I saw a new Silvia V2 for sale for $500 and I'm wondering if I should buy that and save myself $100, compared to the V3. Would this be a good idea? Or a mistake? I'm pretty new to the world of home espresso machines, and I'm wondering if in the future I'll regret getting an older model instead of the newest and latest. What are the qualitative differences and will I (as an amateur) even notice or care? Thanks for any help, I greatly appreciate it!

iantrevor
Senior Member

Joined: 17 Mar 2009
Posts: 23
Location: PA
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Silvia
Grinder: San Marco SM90
Vac Pot: Just a press pot
Drip: Chemex
Roaster: Heat Gun

Posted Sat Aug 22, 2009, 9:42pm Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

I'm considering the same purchase. Where have you found the Silvia V2 for $500? I'm interested in seeing the responses to your question.

davethebrewguy
Senior Member

Joined: 31 Jul 2008
Posts: 1,228
Location: The Brewery
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Fiorenzato Bricoletta,...
Grinder: Compak K-6, Baratza Maestro...
Drip: Saeco Renaissance
Roaster: Behmor 1600

Posted Sat Aug 22, 2009, 10:46pm Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

I have owned and used a V2 Silvia and I regretted my purchase but that was before the V3 was available. In all seriousness, the differences between the V2 and V3 are not that big and both machines are overpriced. do yourselves a favor and consider the LeLit and the Gaggia Classic, both are better machines and both are less expensive than the V2. The Savings could be put toward a grinder, an essential item that neither of you has mentioned as being a part of your planned purchase.

JGG
Senior Member

Joined: 31 Mar 2006
Posts: 1,343
Location: Kentucky, US
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia
Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky...
Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...

Posted Sun Aug 23, 2009, 5:34pm
Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

franxious Said:

I saw a new Silvia V2 for sale for $500 and I'm wondering if I should buy that and save myself $100, compared to the V3.

Posted August 22, 2009 link

For $100, I would go with the V2. The differences are minor.

With respect to picking a Silvia vs Gaggia Classic or LeLit, you just need to do the research, read up on the advantages/disadvantages of each, then make a decision. There are strong opinions in favor of each choice.

There is no argument, however, that having a good grinder is critical, regardless of which machine you choose.

Jim

franxious
Senior Member

Joined: 16 Aug 2009
Posts: 16
Location: Midwest
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sun Aug 23, 2009, 6:21pm Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

Thanks Jim, I appreciate the advice. I didn't mention a grinder in my original post since I mainly wanted info on the two Silvia versions. But I'm leaning towards getting the Rocky, after reading all the positive reviews on it. But I will continue reading reviews on the other machines you mentioned, before I make a decision. Thanks again!

34acd
Senior Member

Joined: 19 Dec 2001
Posts: 95
Location: Sierra Nevada Foothills
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sun Aug 23, 2009, 7:56pm Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

Jim's advice is spot-on. The specs and materials used show that the Silvia is a superior machine to the others mentioned (and if you factor in resale value may even represent the best value), but the differences between the V2 and v3 Silvia are minor. As for the Rocky, it is a fine grinder with a heavy, high quality motor and a low profile and is, in my opinion one of the most attractive grinders around for home use. I have one, a DL. But it is no longer the obvious choice for an espresso grinder currently made in its price range. I would look seriously at the Compak and Baratza Vario if I were in the market today. If you do go for the Rocky, you will probably be perfectly happy with it, but by all means look up the "Rocky tape modification" threads in this forum. It will correct a tendency toward movement in the burr carrier threads caused by poor machining tolerances. Both the Silvia and Rocky are durable, time-tested machines but not technologically state of the art. Neither are a Ferrarri— you won't find one in this price range— but both will get you where you want to go, will test your driving skills, and will still be running if you decide to trade it in.

peppersass
Senior Member

Joined: 2 Aug 2009
Posts: 64
Location: NH
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: LM GS/3
Grinder: Compak K10 WBC, Baratza...

Posted Fri Aug 28, 2009, 12:05pm Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

The differences between V2 and V3 are minor: Larger, more styled portafilter handle Larger, more styled steam knob Articulating, multi-directional steam arm Of these, the steam arm is the only operational difference, and it's pretty minor. It's a little more convenient, but not crucial. I'm pretty sure the newer steam arm can be retrofitted into the V2. The other two items are purely cosmetic. Some people prefer the feel of the old handle and knob, others like the new handle and knob. Not a big deal in my opinion. The original V3s came with a 3-hole steam tip that was harder to use than the old 1-hole tip on the V2. Rancilio has switched back to the 1-hole tip, but some V3s in dealer stock still have the 3-hole tip. You can buy an inexpensive 1-hole replacement tip from JL Hufford. My V3 came with the 3-hole tip and I had some trouble steaming with it, so I replaced it with the 1-hole tip. This seemed to improve things, but the real story is that Silvia's steam system has a temperature profile you have to understand in order to get good microfoam. I suspect if you learn it, either tip will do.

wankel
Senior Member

Joined: 22 Jan 2002
Posts: 115
Location: Baltimore MD
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: Rancilio Silvia v1
Grinder: Cunill El Cafe Tranquilo
Drip: Ceramic cone

Posted Fri Aug 28, 2009, 5:09pm
Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

peppersass Said:

I suspect if you learn it, either tip will do.

Posted August 28, 2009 link

I have both and agree. It took some getting used to using the three hole tip because of the angle at which the steam exits but I get results that are just as good as using the one hole tip which came with the machine.

wankel
Senior Member

Joined: 22 Jan 2002
Posts: 115
Location: Baltimore MD
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: Rancilio Silvia v1
Grinder: Cunill El Cafe Tranquilo
Drip: Ceramic cone

Posted Fri Aug 28, 2009, 5:12pm Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

I have both and both work equally well for me. The single hole tip came with the machine but I use the three hole tip now. It took some getting used to so far as the angle of the steam jets but other than that, both work well.

tallyjd
Senior Member

Joined: 7 Mar 2009
Posts: 99
Location: SE
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic, Vivaldi SI...
Grinder: Baratza Vario, M4
Roaster: HG/BM

Posted Fri Aug 28, 2009, 9:22pm
Subject: Re: Rancilio Silvia: V3 versus V2. Which should I get?

34acd Said:

Jim's advice is spot-on. The specs and materials used show that the Silvia is a superior machine to the others mentioned (and if you factor in resale value may even represent the best value), but the differences between the V2 and v3 Silvia are minor.

Posted August 23, 2009 link

The statement that the specs and materials used show that Silvia "is a superior machine" should be qualified with the fact that it is your opinion. I doubt anyone believes that to be true in the cup. I think most would say they are pretty much equal. However, the Silvia costs about $200 more than the Classic which is the biggest factor in its resale value. You can sell a used Silvia for $400; you can't sell a used Classic for $400 because you can buy a brand new one for $400.

I don't mean to rehash this age old debate, but to make such definative statements (to people new to espresso) is misleading at best.

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