Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Doser Essentials Pack

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Matthew Marr

04/09/2013

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Oh, Miss Silvia

After nearly a decade with my Starbucks Barista machine (which finally bit the dust) I finally upgraded to Miss Silvia. After doing much research and watching the how to videos of many machines, I decided that the Rancilio Silvia was the right fit. I wanted a semi automatic and I wanted something that was built to last. I believe that there is more art than science in perfecting the perfect brew, and Miss Silvia seemed to be the right fit. I can tell you that you should believe everyone who tells you that the grind is of the utmost importance with Miss Silvia. I had to experiment with the Rocky Doser to find just the right grind setting, and even one notch up or down makes a HUGE difference. DO NOT cheap out on the grinder or you will not be happy. Miss Silvia will make you WONDERFUL coffee for many years, but she is a bit moody. I know this sounds funny, but unless I give her my full attention during the brew cycle, the coffee just isn't the same. No joke. One other thing, I keep calling the machine Miss Silvia because the Rancilio family named the machine after one of their own, Miss Silvia. Calling her by name seems to be the respectful thing to do.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

Quick transition from the brew to the steam cycle. 30 seconds and I have plenty of steam to make shiny micro-foam.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Allow Miss Silvia to get good and hot before using her. Twenty minutes is ideal. I know it seems like a long time, but I walk out and flip her on first thing in the AM, then hit the shower, shave.... By the time I'm done in the bathroom, Miss Silvia is ready to rock.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza, Starbucks and Illy. I like the Lavazza the best. Very smooth, not too bitter and wonderful crema.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Double boiler would be nice, but I'm sure that would affect the price point....

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Starbucks Barista, Gaggia

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
gary samuels

01/30/2012

I bought the Silvia/Rocky duo about ten years ago when my old Braun expresso machine died. My new wife thought I was crazy to have spent nearly $1000 for a coffee maker, but It did not take long for her to get beyond that. Now, ten years along, the same Silvia and Rocky couple give us wonderfully brewed coffee each and every morning ... and we are just as much in love now as we were when Silvia and Rocky first moved in with us.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Eric Schramm

06/28/2010

Has owned for:
6 - 12 months
Ability Level:
Beginner

A Fun Package to Start With

I bought this package in Feb. of 2010 for my first shot at home espresso. Although I'm still learning, everything is very easy to use and I'm able to brew a great shot. These machines will grow with you as you become a better barista and refine your skills. Typically, I use this machine to make mochas for my wife and I. There are plenty of how to videos out there for everything from brewing and frothing to cleaning and maintenance, so if you are a newbie like me this is a good option. The only downside is if you're not a morning person, it does take a little time and effort until your first sip, so you may want to consider a superautomatic instead, LOL!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

6 - 12 months

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Catherine Horton

11/16/2007

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

A perfect marriage!

Just bought this combination for my fiance who fancies himself a budding barista. The enclosed CD was extremely helpful and although he is still a neophyte, he was pulling shots within 45 minutes. He religiously counts the time for each pull, adjusting his grind and tamping accordingly. The Silvia and Rocky will grow with us and accommodate his increasing skill. We are thrilled with the results thus far.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Richard Madole

07/23/2007

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

About 5 months ago I began reviewing the literature on an esspresso machine and decided to buy a Gaggia. When I called WLL to order the lady boldly informed me that I should buy a Rancilio. Something told me she was right and that is what I did. I bought Miss Silvia and Rocky. The order was promptly filled, I was notified via e-mail and within 4 to 5 days it arrived. What an impressive pair they are. Now, I have been making capaccinos for more than 8 years using a 'Barista' from Starbucks but when I prepared my first cup with Miss Silvia I realized I hadn't even come close to what I was making now. That first cup was the best that I have ever tasted and, with a short learning curve, they just keep comming. Furthermore WLL keeps impressing me with their service.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Reinhold Press

12/19/2006

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Beginner

About the Silvia/Rocky combination

I've been using the Silvia/Rocky set that I purchased from you almost three years ago and have only good feelings about the result. It's been fun learning to control the variables (grind, amount of espresso to use, steaming technique, choice of beans, etc.) and feel that I now can make my latte as good as any and way better than most! Latte art is my next goal; yet another learning curve!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Bruce Rule

05/12/2005

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Beginner

What a great machine. Instructions could use some work. Tech help from WLL is great. Yes you have to wait 3 minutes to go from Expresso to frothing, but for Lattes this good it is trival. Grinding is critical and I have my Rocky set at 10 and this setting works well. Technic I use to reduce steam after frothing is when I am about 10 degrees from 150 I turn the steam swith off. That takes pressure off boiler. 2 things you need to get with this set up is a heavier tamper, makes job easier and the 3 hole fothing tip. Tip works great. I also went to Wall Mart and got 2 2oz measuring cups to draw the espresso in. Works great for double shot. My single shots I draw 1.5 oz and the double shot I draw 3 oz's. As far as talking with people willing to help and get what you need WLL did a great job. From the sales department to the technical help. The also delivered what the promised. It was good to buy from someone like this. Except in airports I can say goodbye to starbucks.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner