Gaggia Classic Pro vs Rancilio Silvia

[@LifestyleLab_]

Gaggia Classic Pro: geni.us/vM7uMkE Rancilio Silvia: geni.us/A7i3aOl Try our coffee! geni.us/4AAmhpj (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

[@Rdavis6593]

Thanks for the video. Your evaluation is right on. I have owned both machines. I first owned the Rancilio Silvia. It was a good machine and did as you described. Eventually I had problems pulling shots. Rather than send it in for repair, I bought a Gaggia Classic Pro. It too, is a good machine. Both machines produce a shot to my liking. I use the same grinder now as I used for the Rancilio. The Rancilio was a little more frothing “friendly” when making two lattes or cappuccinos, but not a big difference. The weight factor can be important. When we travel by car and stay in a location for 3+ days, we take the espresso machine with us. The Gaggia is much easier to tote around than the Rancilio. Bottom line: Having had both machines, I would order another Gaggia Classic Pro if I were to buy another machine.

[@briangurka8085]

what grinder do you use?

[@Rdavis6593]

@@briangurka8085 Capresso

[@PMTcommenter]

Taking espresso machines with you when you travel! Part of me wants to be that much of an espresso nerd but the other part is scared to go down that dark path 😂

[@sagedorantes2766]

how much esspresso shos can you do in an hour give or take? with both of these specific machines

[@jarredl990]

@@sagedorantes2766neither of these machines are made for cafe quality usage.

[@nichols1969]

Have had the Gaggia for about 9 months now and no regrets at all. Great espresso! Some cheap mods make it even better. Recommend the 9.5 bar spring, VST basket, naked portafilter, and silicone gasket.

[@user-cj1br1hx9q]

@Tom Slijkerman also try the IMS nanotech shower screen. It's a real game changer IMO

[@skyboy123454321]

9 bar spring is one of the most important mods, if I were to pick one! Great machine even stock. Get a good grinder, good beans and dial it in well and you can make absolutely delicious coffee!

[@sebastianayala5621]

How do you install them

[@PaulLemars01]

I completely agree with everything in your analysis. When I bought my Gaggia Classic Pro, at the same time I ordered my OPV spring kit and an IMS 18g filter basket from Shades of Coffee in the UK. These two components make a big difference to the Gaggia Pro and in combination cost about $40. The OPV spring is trivial to install, It takes less than 5 minutes. I paired the Gaggia with a Eureka Mignon Notte which is a $350 grinder. When the Gaggia fails I'll buy a Rancilio but right now it's my technique which is the weakest link. Top tip, buy a $20 0.1g coffee scale and single dose all your shots. Consistency is everything.

[@nl3712]

Thanks for this comment - very useful

[@billinrio]

Excellent tips No matter how advanced the machine, the result is going to depend on the technique of the person using it. What do you mean by "single dose all your shots" ? Use only the single-shot basket? Don't store beans in the grinder hopper, but weigh them and put them in the hopper for each shot?

[@PaulLemars01]

​@@billinrio James Hoffman's videos clarified my technique for me. I'd spent years with timing the output of my grinder and timing how long the shot was pulled and the results were always hit and miss. I switched to weighing the beans for each shot and loading them into a single dose hopper on top of the grinder so that all of the beans in the grinder are ground with almost zero retention. I never use the big hopper that's supplied with most grinders because I'm never going to load up the grinder with say 340g of beans. I weigh the beans going in (say 18g), grind and weigh the resultant grind coming out. I use a grind cup instead of grinding into the portafilter. Then transfer the grind to the hot portafilter and load into the grouphead. Put a shot glass under group head and a scale under the glass and weigh the shot coming out. An 18g shot will yield a 36g espresso in about 28 seconds if the grind is correct. Using this technique, I can predict the output of the espresso and I can switch beans on every shot because the grinder's not loaded up with a full bag of beans. A good example of a single dose grinder is a DF64 (of various brands), a Niche Zero and even a Ceado E37Z Hero for $9,866! Of course, you can buy (Etsy or Ebay) or design a 3D printed hopper for the 'lowly' Eureka Mignon ranges and my Mignon Knotte works perfectly paired with the Gaggia, but there again I'm in the cheap seats and I don't have such a refined pallet as people that buy Ceado grinders. Hope all this helps.

[@ryanmason491]

Interesting you say all that praise then if it fails you'd buy a rancilio? How come?

[@PaulLemars01]

@@ryanmason491 Boiler size. The Gaggia has a 100ml boiler and the Rancillio is 400Ml. If all you are interested in is Espresso then the Gaggia is all you need, but if you have more than one person in the house and you want to serve steamed milk drinks (Latte's etc.) then the Gaggia is legendary for running out of 'steam' very quickly. We have three adults in the household and we all enjoy a Cappucino or two. The Rancillio is an obvious upgrade. Or the Bezzera Hobby is another good option. In saying all this and because the rabbit hole is deep, we're investing in a La Spaziale Lucca A53 from Clive Coffee in Portland. We've already bought a Ceado E37S grinder. Because 83mm burrs. Don't judge me....

[@GeelongVic7140]

Nice comparison review. After an approximate 1 year ownership of the Gaggia Classic, I installed the Mr Shades PID kit, the Mr Shades 9 bar OPV spring, and the Mr Shades printed extended,lower drip tray. The PID kit transformed the Gaggia into a much easier machine to use allowing even more consistency in production of excellent espressos and cappuccinos while reducing/eliminating the need for temperature surfing. All this for less paid in than for a standard Silvia. In my case, I received more "bang for the buck" with the Gaggia and the Mr Shades mods. BTW Adrian Wright of Mr Shades was worth his weight in gold with his help and advice in my PID kit installation. Cheers.

[@thatcherdrake6452]

How difficult were the PID and OPV modifications, and did you have any prior mechanical experience? I'm looking into the Gaggia with these mods but worry that I won't be able to do them as I have no mechanical background.

[@chadgregory9037]

I want to get a gaggia classic pro, but i want to connect the pid and flow control mod and digital pressure gauge, up to a rasp pi , and automate the shot process, allowing for dynamic adjustment on the fly, I want to build the interface on a chromium os, and have touch screen UX =] ... and since it's on chromium os, I can have it connected to my home wifi and integrated with social media accounts such that I can instantly inform all of my followers, of the exact statistics of the current coffee drink i just created =] .... come to think of it, it wouldn't be too 'out of the question' to install a camera on it and when pulling a shot, instantly film the shot and upload it to a youtube channel. thats totally possible =[

[@wcg66]

In Canada there's a big price difference between these two machines. The GCP is about $600-650CAD where the Silvia is $1150. This puts the Silvia into a different tier of competitors.

[@sebastianmizzell7541]

I ended up going with the GCP Evo (NA), since it has the 9 bar spring. Just bought a better portafilter and basket then went with a Eureka Mignon Specialita. Cannot complain with the shots I have been pulling.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Great combo

[@ardbeg9143]

Your way of speaking during these videos has improved so much from the early stuff! Really enjoying the content

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks Usman! Working hard to keep improving

[@itsxris]

this is going to be a popular comparison!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Two heavy hitters for sure!

[@Nerdhaunt]

I just searched for the comparison and saw you have posted this video 15 minutes ago 🤩

[@LifestyleLab_]

No way! Haha What are the odds

[@Nerdhaunt]

@@LifestyleLab_ I know right!!

[@ary952]

One hour for me 😂😂😂

[@lijkenkist1]

Your comparisons really are amazingly thorough. You touch on every single subject I want to know. Earned a sub!

[@Kbaum752]

I've been enjoying my classic with a settle 270 for a few years. Added an IMS screen and basket. For two people this rocks

[@tuatinitapui3851]

I’ve been watching many of your videos since my coffee machine died. I’ve learnt a lot, the presentations are clear and it has really helped with making a well informed decision. Thanks!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks for watching! Glad they were helpful

[@goetzfrank4090]

Just a small update: The 2023 Gaggia Evo Pro has the 9 bar mod already installed. To change out Portafilter, basket and steam knob is super straightforward and makes the Gaggia an even better value. However the Rancilio has a nicer design in my opinion, so if it fits your budget it is also a great option.

[@MOMD88]

what do you mean by that ? its possible to switch from 15 to 9 bar more easy or it has 9 bar fixed ? cause ive bought the gaggia evo pro 2023 1 week ago and thought it still has 15 bar

[@XGempler]

What an exceptionally thorough and even handed review of these two amazing machines. Thank you.

[@billgardyne7328]

Great review and a worthy note re grinders. Spending a big portion of your budget on a good grinder is your best bang for bucks spend. If your grind is poor, it doesn’t matter how good your espresso machine, the outcome will be disappointing. I bought a commercial grinder and for 10 years it cost more than my espresso machines. After 15 years it performs flawlessly with my $2000+ espresso machines (Rancilio Z9, Bezzera BZ10, Rancilio Silvia)

[@g.johnson9901]

I suggest a PID with the Rancillio. It will make brewing and steaming easier. You can also have a pre infusion with the PID if you like. Also, for excellent shots, use a 2:1 ratio in 30 seconds. ie., 15 grams of grounds should yield you 30 ml of coffee with a 30 second brew time.

[@cristobalaguirre89]

great comparison mate, I liked that you gave clear opinions and recommendations with the appropriate caveats

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@amiraloves04]

Not even considering these machines, but I love these comparison videos!!so good quality and content!

[@TheFogmist]

Thank you! Been really struggling to pick a espresso machine after choosing a grinder, and your video laid out the pros and cons between these two, which have been my top choices, really well.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arijitdasgupta1706]

I bought the Gaggia Classic Pro in March and I am loving it. The Rancillio was maxing out my budget so I got the Gaggia and a grinder. After watching this video, I am happy that I didnt splurge on the Rancillio since I rarely steam milk and use the machine primarily for espresso.

[@jeffandersen6233]

I like others have owned both machines. I ended up with the Rancilio, now for over 8 years, because of it's steaming and steam wand, all metal, agreed shallow, drip pan but nothing cleans up like a metal tray, more room under the portafilter, rock solid reliability, no need to remove and group head parts to replace the gasket, not having to remove the drip tray and portafilter to get the water tank out. Much better feeling portafilter and baskets. I'll stop there. I just found it a great machine with super resale value. But for the cost I can't argue with buyers of the Gaggia especially when it allows for a good grinder to be bought and the rising new cost of the Rancilio.

[@jamesmclaughlin3460]

Two great machines I struggled over this for months. I went with the gaggia classic pro it just worked better with my budget.

[@dancitydancestudios]

Great review, I agree, I had them both, they are both great machines I achieved better espresso and milk based drinks with ranchilio, but the ranchilio rusted up after a couple years. Both are really great

[@Vince-yt8xr]

I owned a gaggia classic pro early this year. I decided to change the OPV spring and I don’t know what I did, but somehow I must’ve damaged the pump. The machine is very light so locking in the Portafilter causes the entire machine to turn. I was able to sell it and get a little over half of my money back and I’ve bought the Rancilio. So far, I am loving this machine much better. It’s nice and heavy. The steam is stronger and most importantly it comes already at nine barr

[@arjungmurthy]

Great video! I was just thinking about looking or a video comparison between the two.

[@billinrio]

For years I've owned the v3 version of the Silvia and have gradually improved it (a PID, a boiler "blanket", better baskets, bottomless porta filter) and you present it very well. Its inadequate, very shallow drip tray has always been a source of irritation, and I've ended up keeping a 2.5" high rectangular Tupperware tray on the perforated surface. It's difficult to predict durability for these machines, but the industrial-like heft of the Rancilio compared the throw - it - away - when - it - breaks look of the Gaggia (the Silvia weighs twice as much) certainly inspires more confidence in that regard.

[@2731TomveS]

LOL a tupperware sits under my Silvia V3 too.

[@billinrio]

@@2731TomveS You gotta do what you gotta do :-)

[@mC-nf2eo]

also, the reason why the drip tray on the silvia was designed like that was because of the group design. again the group is similar to a commercial group head, which means that the solenoid is directly behind that metal plate in front of the machine. the gaggia, the solenoid is in an upright position, so that the discharge chamber, is facing towards the sky. its connected with a silicone tube that goes to the metal pipe that hangs over the drip tray. so ones upwards, and ones facing downwards. the same solenoids that are used on the Silvia are the same as the ones that would be used on a commercial espresso machine.

[@LifestyleLab_]

A downward facing solenoid still doesn't explain the shallow drip tray though? For example, E61 machines also have big aggressive downward outlets, and the vast majority of their drip trays are fine.

[@mC-nf2eo]

@@LifestyleLab_ Not all E61s have drip trays that are deep. there are some machines that have shallow trays, similar to that of the silvia. I understand where your coming from, your saying " well on some of the E61 machines, the tray is deep, so why not on this one?". I cant answer as to why but from a mechanical/technical aspect, I think it was designed for three reasons. first, the group it self. they wanted to deliver people with an authentic experience, similar to that of a commercial machine. in order to deliver that, they had to design the tray in a way that would catch anywater that discharges from the solenoid. the other reason as to why I think it was designed like that is for cleanliness purposes. the shallow design it suppose to entice the user to empty it often and frequently. I dont think they wanted users to let it fill to the very top before cleaning it. I think the intention was to clean it after every x amount of uses in a given session. lastly, I think it was a cosmetic design with the machine. what I mean by this is that they wanted to offer a small, sleek, clean design, that would look great on the counter top and not something rather huge. for example, the gaggia classic pro sits at roughly 14.5 inches tall. thats a little more then an inch taller then the silvia, which sits at roughly 13.4 inches tall. so losing little more then an inch, could have in fact affected the design of the drip tray on being more deeper. that being said, I do think these three reasons can be the reason as to why the tray on the silvia is more shallow. I am leaning more on the aspect of keeping the machine clean. on their commercial model machines, they promote cleaning the machine on the very front sticker, giving you a step, by step guide as to how to clean the machine. I cant recall it being on the silvia but I think in the past it might have been. I will say, a very interesting conversation :)

[@justinbouchard]

fantastic audio, video, and lighting work

[@roboliver9980]

Cool review and really useful points highlighted. Other reviews make it feel like mods are necessary. Actually think that while I like coffee my taste buds aren’t that finely tuned 😂! Think I’ll save up for a gaggia and grinder

[@goldenplectrum9695]

I ve been thinking about between gaggia classic pro, breville/sage bambino plus and breville/sage barista express finally decided to buy barista( it was on %30 discount) I ll tell my thoughts after receiving this beauty

[@palomaresed]

i picked up a refurbished gaggia this week. I like the rancilio but the prices were not even close to comparable. I see some used rancilios at about 450-500 but i picked up my almost new refurbished gaggia for 350. i think that if you can find two of these machines of comparable quality (used/ heavily used) with a 100$ difference between prices that it would be worth it to get the rancilio

[@sarahdeschene3152]

I’m thinking of buying an espresso machine. Right now my set up is 100% manual. I have a Rok espresso maker and a 1zpresso j-max hand grinder.

[@michaeljamie2669]

production on these videos are 👌👌👌

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks Michael!

[@michaeljamie2669]

​@@LifestyleLab_ thank YOU! Your making the world of coffee and well informed space :)

[@EliasFaress]

what grinder did you use?

[@leighp03]

as a Rancilio silvia v1 owner (also a La Pavoni Europiccola pre-mil from 1980) I can say the rancilio goes the length of time (nearly 20 years) with basic care, descale, cleaning and good water, that said I love the look of the gaggia and if i was to travel that would possibly be a temp machine to pack in the car for the hotel. My questions are: what was that mod at 7mins 44sec? is it a temp gauge or did it plug into the solenoid for something i may want to look at? Does the silvia Group fit in the gaggia? I assume the latter will work Love the chanel and good review

[@LifestyleLab_]

It's a automatic shot timer! Yes, it connects onto the solenoid to sense stop and start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWjEZ4d6gK6FrZo

[@weaverryanj]

I just retired a V1 Silvia which was in service for 18 years before the boiler element finally gave out. I can’t speak to the Gaggia, but that is an incredibly long service life if maintained regularly. Commercial-level build quality.

[@alono4473]

Hi! Thanks for these helpful video! Some more questions: 1. I was gathering info mostly from the Gaggia Classic Pro Prestige and the Rancilio Silvia. Based on the grinder you suggested, will it grind nice for both of this machines? Which one you recommend the most? 2. On both of these machines which is better producing back to back shots when there’s family or friends coming to visit? I mean back to back espresso both shots and milk based espressos (cappuccino, latte, etc)? And how many cups both can produce back to back? 3. For milk steam which if these is better to produce great micro foam for latte art? 4. Since I have Delonghi La Specialista, both of these will be better than La Specialista? Is because I see La Specialista more of a home appliance than a real espresso machine. Thank you so much for the help and suggestions!

[@woxiduswoxidus1167]

2 cents that are still important to consider. Owning time. both machines capable to serve 10 or more years, so extra 300 usd for 10 years not make sense at all. Rancilio had been made from professional parts. Rancilio (650 euro) has the closest competitor lelit anita (550 euro) with already onboard PID, shot timer and brewing gauge and 57 mm gasket. Gaggia is just the cheapest starting point for espresso on 58 mm gasket. overall modification games are not for everyone so cant be consider as purchasing advantage.

[@manisharora6233]

Can baratza encore serve the purpose of espresso grind for these two machines?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yes absolutely :)

[@daisywuwoo1]

Hi, as new to espresso, I ordered niche-zero its on the way, and im pairing it with a entry-level espresso machine, I just dont want to waste the 58mm dosing cup that comes with niche, so for this level, most of them are using 54mm portafilters like the breville or solis etc... then I look at gaggia, would it be a great choice to pair with niche-zero?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Gaggia and Niche is a fantastic combo

[@yehanwang7935]

Thanks a lot. Btw, kindly ask for recommendations on grinder round 600.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Check out offerings from Eureka within that budget

[@April-wz7tr]

Wich grinder should I buy?

[@purvaandoshi9398]

I have Tecnora espresso machine which has a dual boiler abd 15 bar pressure. I am planning to buy and upgrade and I only make cappuccino and flat whites Which one do I opt for ? Thanks !!

[@LifestyleLab_]

I would go for the Rancilio if you make that many milk drinks!

[@marc6652]

Thanks for sharing. Can you change the Gaggia porte-filter for any other 58 porte-filter on the market or do you need to stay with a Gaggia porte-filter when you buy a Gaggia Classic Evo ?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Unfortunately, the Gaggia portafilters are proprietary

[@monicagemo7628]

How about the cleaning of both machines? for example how easy is to wash the steamer after milk preparation?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Rancilio will be a little easier because it’s more robust, so you don’t feel like you’re going to pull it off when you go clean it. Other than that, neither has a no burn steam arm, so milk adhesion is very similar

[@jaimeemiliocardenasmadriga5525]

Gracias por el video y gracias por los subitutlos, me han ayudado mucho. saludos desde méxico

[@mzsaad]

I’m interested in making Cafe Crema (German type) which is 6-8 ounces drink ran through espresso. Am I better off with Rancilio or Gaggia? I like the price on Gaggia but not sure if it would do the job for me having smaller boiler. Looking for your feedback. Thanks.

[@LifestyleLab_]

The Rancilio would be more appropriate for that size of drink, for the exact reason you suspect

[@mzsaad]

@@LifestyleLab_ great. Thanks.

[@alexbrier718]

I think I’d rather get the Gaggia and spend the leftover money on upgrades like naked portafilter, precision basket and shower screen, and 9bar opv spring, and silicone gasket, and tamper. Then any leftover money towards a better grinder.

[@edwinho7609]

The maintenance of the Silvia is more complicated? I saw a lot of Silvia videos that mentioned that you need to open the steam wand to fill with water first (prevent internal element get burned) and release the steam between the frothing and brewing, please correct me if I make it wrong, thanks :D

[@BobbieGWhiz]

Doesn’t showing the espresso leaving the portafilter in slow motion make it appear more full bodied honey like discharge than it really is?

[@LifestyleLab_]

You’re welcome to play it at 2x speed if you’d like?

[@RajanKannan11]

Thanks for another great video. I’m in the market for an espresso machine for my home & this is my first time buying an espresso machine. I was more focusing on the Breville Barista express . Now I keep hearing these two machines as well. Which one would you recommend among the 3 choices for me ? I make espresso for me & my wife . Pls suggest me . Thanks in advance .

[@LifestyleLab_]

I have the perfect video to answer that question :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/infGmZWuqsZ0ibc

[@RajanKannan11]

@@LifestyleLab_ Thank you 🙏🏻

[@federicotaglellamosas9209]

Hi, thanks for all the very helpful reviews! What do you think is the expected durability (lifecycle) of the Gaggia, being used 4 times a day on a daily basis?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Obviously tough to give an exact number, but with proper care and replacement of some more consumable parts like rubber gaskets etc... the Gaggia should be easily able to run for 8 years+

[@federicotaglellamosas9209]

@@LifestyleLab_ Thanks!

[@billinrio]

@@LifestyleLab_ By "proper care" that means water treatment and descaling, the frequency of which depends upon the quality of the water that goes through the machine.

[@iwanaburrito]

Would a Baratza Vario pair well with the Rancilio?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yes!

[@drewjfahey]

Surely you've already considered it, but I would still be curious to know your thoughts on the rancilio silvia compared to your rocket appartamento. Although they are undeniably in different price ranges, hearing your thoughts on how they differ from one another would be interesting.

[@LifestyleLab_]

If steaming and brewing simultaneously was not as important to me, I would swap the Appartamento out for the much less expensive Rancilio in a flash. Build quality is there, i like the looks, and the espresso quality and steam pressure are on par

[@wildunit]

Hi, thank you for the video. You mentionned using an ims precision basquet. Did you use an ims competion filter for the rancilio or a nanotech precision basquet? Thanks

[@LifestyleLab_]

My 58mm baskets are the nanotech version

[@akent46]

I hear the Rancillio has big temperature surfing issues?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Not more so than any other single boiler without PID?

[@mC-nf2eo]

the team out of the gaggia heats up faster, not because the boiler is smaller ( while it does play a factor) but also because the boil it self has two heating elements on it. thus making it quicker and easier to heat up. the Silvia only has on coil in it, and thats going directly into the center of the boiler it self. for me the silvia is better over all. I say this because of the quality of the design. the silvia has a brass/copper boiler. it has a commercial group head. the pipes inside the silvia, along with the other parts are of copper, stainless steel, and brass. so the money your spending, is basically on the metals. gaggia on the other hand doesnt have that. they use some sorta alloy, or aluminum base metal for their boiler. alof the parts in the machine, such as tubbing are plastic/silicone. the pumps in both machines are basically the same, and the solenoid in a gaggia can cost nearly as much as the one in the silvia and can be hard to find. now both of the machines make fantastic coffee and both are a good buy. im seeing things about a spring basket or something? ya dont need that for a gaggia, if the beans are fresh, the coffee will make great creme. you can use an espresso grind and you should be fine. the basket id recommend and the one that I use is a deep funnel one. similar to ones that would be on a nova sminoelli, or a wega espresso machine. the funnel design not only makes for a decent amount more creme, but it also allows for all the grinds to get saturated properly.

[@MissCorporateLawyer]

Hello can you please share a link for the basket you recommended?

[@mavericktechreview1250]

What would you recommend for the next upgrade after these machines? Those can churn out faster coffee yet probably still entry level or mid range?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Take a look at the Steel Duo by Ascaso, or something with PID from Profitec

[@jason_chan]

Digging the intro music!

[@stevieg7403]

Am I not right in thinking the Rancilio Pro is a dual boiler machine?

[@LifestyleLab_]

The Pro is a Dual Boiler, the base Silvia is not. The Pro is also far more expensive compared to these two

[@Stevesbe]

I had a Silvia Given to me it takes a long time to heat up. I never tried a gaggia but I would buy it over the Silvia

[@LifestyleLab_]

The Silvia uses a larger boiler than the Gaggia, so yes, heat up times will be longer. However there are still many reasons to consider the Rancilio

[@wakeawaken430]

Very very very good realistic video, i confirmed on all things that you said One question only I have Rancilio Epoca St1, i have both la marzocco 17g basket (same as vst 18gr) and old Gaggia basket, do you thing that i must give a chance to Gaggia basket, or put it away and try only with the LM? I use mostly the LM but i remember that i took in the past great shots with my old pid't Gaggia new baby

[@khristiansrodriguez775]

I could use this espresso machine to work in a cafe, would it be fast and efficient if I had to make several coffees at a time?

[@LifestyleLab_]

These are not appropriate for cafe use, no. From both a durability and speed standpoint, they won't hold up

[@modrinkscoffee7316]

I always liked the gaggia as it's more DIY-able for hobbyists.

[@attackthedefault8042]

In what ways?

[@ficklepickle2495]

@@attackthedefault8042 adding PID and 9 bar springs.

[@billinrio]

Absolutely not true. The Rancilio is probably the most user-modified consumer level espresso machine in history. You're obviously not be familiar with all of the mods available for the Silvia.

[@billinrio]

@@ficklepickle2495 It's easy to install PID to the Silvia. I've done it on mine. The Silvia doesn't require "9 bar springs", since it has a user-accessible BAR adjustment. You can also install a pressure gauge on the faceplate.

[@ThyCorylus]

The Rancilio is the OG for modding. When you pull that baby apart it's like working on a 1970's motor. You've got space to work and it's uncomplicated.

[@fredconti7802]

Is the Baratza Encore grinder good enough to use with either machine?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yes, good entry level grinders

[@graceyee5555]

For the ranciilio, is it a v6 model?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yes, this was the V6

[@OdPlomp89]

Now this is content 🤩🤩

[@timhanley4396]

Would a baratza esp be ok with these machines

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yup, great little entry level espresso grinder

[@timhanley4396]

Do you think one of these machines would be a better bet long term than say a breville bambino?@@LifestyleLab_

[@MissCorporateLawyer]

Link for the best filter basket for the Gaggia please!

[@LifestyleLab_]

Any 58mm IMS precision basket :)

[@EliB207]

Can you do a review of the Rancilio Silvia Pro X

[@mr_knight4701]

hi between gaggia classic pro and bezzera new hobby, witch one is better?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Bezzara build quality will be superior, but espresso quality will come down to what grinder you pair with them. So if your budget is tight, you’re better off going with the Gaggia and a more expensive grinder vs the Bezzera and a cheap grinder

[@mr_knight4701]

@@LifestyleLab_ how is, if i buy bezzera with expensive grinder? this choice is better than gaggia with expensive grinder?

[@LifestyleLab_]

From a build quality and steaming perspective, yes

[@mr_knight4701]

@@LifestyleLab_ what about espresso quality ?

[@LifestyleLab_]

They will be very similar

[@bobsykes]

Super useful review! Thank you.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ColmHarling]

Brilliant review 👏

[@big5astra]

Great review!

[@Daumex]

In my country the new Gaggia Classic is 300 euros, where the Silvio is 600 euros. I'm not really sure the Silvio is worth double the price.

[@evronetwork]

354.20 ..order it a couple of days ago, expecting it tomorrow :D ...now it costs 399 ..damn that was a nice buy before the Gaggia New Classic Pro went up

[@bargeonline]

I'm not sure I like the idea of steaming first as it takes a while for the brew temperature to stabilise (when using a PID). You can also put the Rancillio steam wand on the classic :)

[@jeremy63ish]

Very interesting; what is required to put a Rancilio Silvia wand on a Gaggia Classic Pro? Also, why are their stock pressures so high?

[@sAmiZZle82]

@@jeremy63ish not sure you need to if you get the Classic Pro. The classic (non-Pro) had an inferior wand

[@joshfilms4401]

Great video! Can I buy this machine and use pre-ground coffee until I can afford a good grinder? I really want this one !

[@LifestyleLab_]

You would have to use the pressurized portafilter basket it comes with, but yes

[@vaderman9378]

I got my rancillio Silvia special edition 2019. I added upgrades with auber pre infusion Pid white light style. I added 52 watt ulka pump and took off the stock 41 watt ulka pump. I added better gasket and barista pro basket. And use nothing but akaline water. The espresso and steam milk comes out professional.. people don't realize that the PID makes you steam milk more stable and better and you espresso taste very creamy..

[@billinrio]

Wow, you really went whole hog. I have an Auber PID on my v.3, but not the pre infusion one. I'm surprised that you haven't installed a pressure gauge on the front panel, which besides being useful, looks super cool.

[@ChristopherMichaelR]

I went with a Gaggia classic pro because when its modded with PID and OPV its still cheaper than the Silvia........

[@nl3712]

Great review, thanks

[@pdoriot]

Great comparison video.

[@TheKazekwok]

Thank for the comparison

[@krystleroy3068]

I have a la spaziale dream plumb in having it plumb in is a great I love that

[@marcochiasson2298]

What about the noise level? Which machine would you use at 5:30am? 😉

[@CDeliu]

You should worry more about the grinder.

[@lebedev_usa6459]

I owned Gaggia Classic and Gaggia Baby. Classic is noisy, because of the way pump is mounted + metal case. Switched to Flair Pro2+1Zpresso manual grinder + Bellman CXE25. Silence, enjoyment, flexibility setup )

[@ian54589]

@@CDeliu This is correct neither please pump runs that loud. Your grinder will be louder.

[@RavenSWE]

Just picked up a used v5 Silvia in very good condition for £220 (US$300), now just need to decide on a grinder. DF64 or Eureka Mignon Specialita? (Niche Zero is about 25% more than either one where I live)

[@Anthony_DP]

Excellent review! $600 grinders?! 😭

[@LifestyleLab_]

Grinder quality is a far larger contributor to coffee quality than the machine :) Similar to a lens on a camera, vs the camera body

[@tom8]

There is no comparison, the Rancilio is much better. I am not a Gaggia fan, but being non biased bc I have used both the Rancilio is just better. It is worth the extra money if you can afford it. Trust me.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Apart from the build quality and steaming speed advantages i mentioned, what other areas do you think the Rancilio clearly excels in over the Gaggia? :)

[@marcboxerman291]

@@LifestyleLab_ The brass boiler and group head result in better temperature stability.

[@anaytian]

so professional!

[@kencoleman5686]

One thing you didn't mention is the Gaggia has an aluminum boiler which makes it unacceptable for me.

[@LifestyleLab_]

People get equally offended by brass. They are both acceptable materials in the end.

[@gerdakodak]

Dear Sir, is Rancilio Silvia suitable for 20 coffees per day?

[@LifestyleLab_]

It is not a commercial machine. It may be able to do this, but it is not designed or certified to do it for a long time, no

[@Goingtothedogpark]

The Rancilio is $300 more. The Gaggia performs much better with the 9 bar opv mod and a few upgrades.

[@mavericktechreview1250]

Hi. May I know if any of these machine are an upgrade from Breville pro BES878?

[@LifestyleLab_]

They will be an upgrade in terms of potential espresso quality, but will both take longer to transition between brewing and steaming compared to the Barista Pro.

[@cortneywiggins4545]

Great Channel 👍🏽

[@LifestyleLab_]

Thanks Cortney!

[@krystleroy3068]

If I had to pick I would definitely chose Silvia

[@PasqualeGalasso]

Bravo, grazie.

[@Anon-21j]

Ordered a Eureka Mignon Filtro (waiting to see if I have to swap to the espresso burrs) and hoping to score a used Gaggia Classic Pro as my first home espresso setup. I worked as a barista for 3 years but got laid off because of the pandemic. I really miss making and drinking an espresso or a nice cortado, and can't wait to explore the world of coffee!

[@Woopigmavs]

Did you end up having to switch the burrs out on your filtro? I’m considering ordering a crono and have seen mixed opinions on if the stock burrs and do espresso. Hope you’re enjoying the new set up!

[@Anon-21j]

@@Woopigmavs Yep, I had to switch to the espresso burrs. Mind you, I never tried the original ones so I can't say how they work for espresso. That being said, besides the screws being waaay overtightened it was a super easy swap, and it grinds pretty damn great for espresso now.

[@1imanni1]

Rancilio Silvia with a PID is the best!

[@evakeizers9670]

Gaggia Pro has an aluminium boiler. Thus there are health concerns. It's said aluminium can cause dementia at a later age.

[@RetroToonsOfficial]

Your Content Are Awesome i Mean I like It

[@jitagan]

The price of the Rancilio seems to have almost doubled recently. I don't think the Gaggia has changed.