This was my first real espresso machine. I found it on craigslist and did a bunch of research before purchasing it. I learned that it was a well liked machine that could last a long time. I failed to realize how old the machine was but it ended up not mattering. I used it From August 2018 until early 2022. I paid $350 for the machine. It seemed high at the time but I utilized it heavily and got a great ROI on it.

I was so new to espresso that I did thought my Krups grinder would be sufficient for this. I was sorely disappointed when I learned the importance of a real, burr grinder. Luckily I found a listing of a coffee shop that was selling their old grinders. I was able to score a Mazzer Mini for $250 about a week after buying the Rancilio.

The Mazzer Mini and Rancilio Silvia were a great combo. I made many delicious cups of coffee from that duo. I applied lessons learned from the YouTube creators and strived to improve my coffee.

Almost 2 years into owning the Silvia I was finally brave enough to open it up and mod it. I bought an Auber PID to help improve the temperature stability. It was a straightforward install and it worked as advertised. It simplified the espresso making process and eliminated the temperature surfing of Silvia