Commercial Quality Craftsmanship Beautifully Designed Small Enough Footprint For Home Kitchen
Negative Product Points
Must Wait For Boiler To Heat Up After Each Shot
Detailed Commentary
I've never owned an espresso machine prior to the Sylvia. After doing exhaustive research, I decided on the Syliva based on price and quality of reviews. I have to say that it was obviously a good choice because this machine makes awesome espresso and capuccino's. I'm afraid to go back to Starbucks because I'll probably think the drinks won't be able to stack up against my own. If you are not an experience espresso maker there is a definite learning curve with this machine. One of the most important factors is after you steam you must cool down the boiler otherwise the water will be to hot for espresso. You accomplish this by turning on the hot water switch, place a cup under the steam wand, open up the steam valve and let the boiler drain until the boiler light comes on. This will indicate that the boiler is at the lower temperature.
What I've also come to realize is that making espresso or any espresso based drink requires patience and work. It's not like your regular coffee maker where you set up you machine and just pour the brewed coffee. Espresso making is an art, is messy, and time consuming especially is you are making multiple shots in a row. My suggestion if you are a volume maker is to purchase a machine with a heat exchanger which allows you to steam and brew and the same time. However, this type of machine puts you in the next pricing category which starts at $600.00.
Overall, I'm very statisfied with the purchase especially at the price I purchased it for ($250.00 used). The quality of the drinks are as good if not better than any commerical establishment out there. Just keep in mind that you need a quality grinder to go with this. I purchased the Solis Maestro and it seems perfect for the job.
