Boeingmyway
New member
I have a Rancilio Silva, 17 years. Woukd like a new machine that has it all in one. What's your recommendation?
New machine
- Thread starter Boeingmyway
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froze
Member
I use a Cafelat Robot, not exactly an all in one unit, but it makes superior espresso to those types of machines, and instead of lasting 15 years, it will last your entire lifetime, and you can will it to someone so it can last their entire lifetime!
But seemly most of the internet sites I went to are pointing their boney finger at the Breville Barista Espress Impress Espresso machine as the best do it all espresso machines. You know what the Breville brand is all about. 15 year of use isn't bad for an electric espresso machine, most last an average of 10 to 11 years IF you make 3 espressos a day every day. Since yours lasted 15 years, which is on the long side for home machines, I think that's the brand I would trust to buy again.
You might be able to extend it's lifetime if you put a good surge protector on it, like the Tripp-Lite Isobar 4 Ultra, assuming they haven't cheapen the machine over the last 15 years like companies do. Those machines have computer chips in them which are susceptible to damage and failure from surges, and lots of daily surges, though small, will wear out the chips over time, so use a surge protector. I even put those Tripp-Lites on my fridge, and washer and dryer because they are all digital with micro processors, but you cannot use any surge protector on a microwave oven due to the very high wattages they use.
But seemly most of the internet sites I went to are pointing their boney finger at the Breville Barista Espress Impress Espresso machine as the best do it all espresso machines. You know what the Breville brand is all about. 15 year of use isn't bad for an electric espresso machine, most last an average of 10 to 11 years IF you make 3 espressos a day every day. Since yours lasted 15 years, which is on the long side for home machines, I think that's the brand I would trust to buy again.
You might be able to extend it's lifetime if you put a good surge protector on it, like the Tripp-Lite Isobar 4 Ultra, assuming they haven't cheapen the machine over the last 15 years like companies do. Those machines have computer chips in them which are susceptible to damage and failure from surges, and lots of daily surges, though small, will wear out the chips over time, so use a surge protector. I even put those Tripp-Lites on my fridge, and washer and dryer because they are all digital with micro processors, but you cannot use any surge protector on a microwave oven due to the very high wattages they use.
shadow745
Well-known member
Wasn't gonna reply to this as I'm not really a fan of 'all-in-one' machines, but to each their own. Some don't want to be that involved with cleaning/dialing in, etc. Having said that I will definitely agree with sticking with a brand like Rancilio. For yrs I had a V1 Silvia that I modified and that thing just performed quite well, but I did decide to replace it 3.5 yrs ago mainly due to knowing the heating element would have to be replaced before long based on my fairly heavy use and on that version required the boiler itself to be replaced due to the element being fused/brazed in place, rather than bolt in. Didn't take me long to decide going with their Pro version of the Silvia as it's based on their very tried/true design/build quality along with being upgraded with a stainless frame, dual insulated boilers and an awesome PID system as well as a few other added features. Even though I rarely heat the steam boiler it's there anytime I need it and can be kept off to save electricity, etc. If you don't mind sticking with the fairly manual involvement of this type of machine and paired with a quality grinder it will serve you well likely the rest of life and beyond. I will say the temperature control/recovery and controlled water flow rate Rancilio has incorporated with the Pro series is a serious improvement over the original Silvia.
Going with an all-in-one might be fine at first, but longevity is definitely iffy with any of them, especially Breville as being mentioned. I see tons of complaints with the brand to the point they need their own complaint forum!
Going with an all-in-one might be fine at first, but longevity is definitely iffy with any of them, especially Breville as being mentioned. I see tons of complaints with the brand to the point they need their own complaint forum!
JJR
New member
I’m excited to be taking my first step in upping my game with the purchase of a Baratza Encore ESP
froze
Member
froze
Member
Interesting, perhaps the poster should look into the Gaggia Classic Pro instead. Breville I have always heard were pretty decent machines, and his did last 15 years, so I guess the newer ones made in the last 5 years are now junk? Kind of makes me wonder now about the Gaggia, but at least it's rebuildable.
Problems with early demise of modern appliances, large or small, is why I went with the Cafelat Robot instead of an electric espresso machine. I don't want to pay $600 or more for a machine only to watch it fail 5 or so years later.
JJR
New member
My apologies.
shadow745
Well-known member
Actually OP mentioned having the Silvia that long, which is made by Rancilio. Breville will never come close to longevity in comparison. Basically with typical care/preventive maintenance a Silvia/Pro will last as long as the end user wants, as in most get tired of it before it actually will bite the dust.
My Pro version is about 3.5 yrs old. Made with a stainless frame, stainless steam boiler, brass brew boiler/group for excellent heat retention and heavy duty switches/wiring/commercial parts overall. It's a bit involved, same as any pump machine as in I detergent backflush/parts soak/wash water tank every 2 weeks, but otherwise it shouldn't 'need' anything indefinitely. Mine is on 2-3 hrs daily and I crank out an average of 6-7 doubles each morning, some times as many as 14. Insulated boilers, very energy efficient for what it's capable of and I expect it to last my lifetime and perform well. To each their own, but I don't consider this as being an appliance and look at it more as a purpose built machine, which it is really. IMBHO typical appliances are toasters, microwaves, etc. Limited lifespan, no real way to fix/prolong indefinitely, etc.
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shadow745
Well-known member
I will agree that devices like the Robot are as simple as possible, but of course it depends on use, level of involvement one is willing to make, etc. For just a few extractions daily something like that or the Argos would be a great choice, but for 6 or more like I do I just don't have the patience to deal with heating water, possible preheating parts, etc.
I've always been involved with hand grinding as I appreciate being as manual as possible all things considered. For the 2.5 yrs or so I owned a Helor 106 (4 lb beast) I estimate I put 175-200 lbs through it. I decided to give it up as it was affecting my asthma (severe chronic persistent classification) so I sold it after buying a quality/compact electric that is quite capable and I don't miss that manual part too much. Also had a mighty Cremina (1977 model) yrs ago that was a beast in build quality/longevity/capability, but with my current espresso obsession it wouldn't give me the volume I seek daily. So yep simple/effective can certainly be the approach to take if it serves as expected.
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froze
Member
Wow, not sure why I read it as Breville, yikes, my brain misfired. Welp, just change my response to the Rancillo. My apologies for that, but thanks for catching it.
froze
Member
For sure, if you're making more than just one or two shots a day then you need a larger capacity maker. In my house I'm the only person that drinks coffee, and I only make one shot because that's all I want. Sometimes at lunch I might make another shot, or use a different maker since I have about 6 small manual type of makers, it drives my wife crazy, my bikes drive her crazy too...I love it, I feel like Pennywise the Clown! HAHAHAAHAHHAHAAHHHAAHAHHA!!
MntnMan62
Member
I've noticed that bikers are coffeehaulics as well. Bikes and coffee are just two of my many obsessions.
