Rancilio Silvia vs. Breville Barista Express | CR Comparison

[@KuroDensetsu]

I have a Silvia at home, and a Barista Express at work. The Barista Express is nice and quick to use, while the Silvia is a bit more involved. However once I mastered the Silvia I think the shots are a little better.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+KuroDensetsu Great perspective! Thanks for sharing!

[@homecafecharlie]

I've had both too, and you're abolsutely right. The Silvia needs a bit more practice to get right but it makes a much better shot and that steam is just magic compared to the weak one on the Barista Express.

[@spark6023]

Do you really need a PID for pulling good shots from a Silvia? Or does it work reliably even without it? I'm talking about the temperature stability

[@stephenpatterson2653]

After using a Breville Barista Express at work for the last three months I have purchased one for home. These are great machines for the price. I spent a little time getting the machine dialled in (but well worth it). The only thing that I have added was a thermometer for the milk jug which really helps getting the milk spot on. BTW Great videos Seattle Coffee Gear certainly helped with the decision process and making great coffee

[@sinestudio9667]

I really liked the comprehensive comparison of the features on both machines, and the steam test really shows the Silvia is the big winner on pressure, what I would love to see is is a cup of espresso or latte or cappuccino made with both machines, then a taste test with several barristers who know coffee. Features are great on both, but it's the taste of the coffee that is paramount.

[@FartPanther]

Completely agree, I want the taste comparison

[@ianwilson7637]

I have the Breville, but wow, the steam from that Rancilio is impressive - like a locomotive!

[@stearman]

Something to consider when comparing brands for a purchasing decision is that Breville does not sell replacement boiler parts. You have to send it to them to repair and if it is out of warranty they charge a "discounted fee" to repair. I called just a moment ago and asked specifically about the Barista Express model in this video and they said it would be $240.00 to replace a bad boiler plus shipping.Looks like I'm going with the Silvia, I just trust that style of boiler more plus a friend has had one for 15 years and never had a problem with it. I really appreciate these informative videos! Also thanks Sasha for answering my newbie questions yesterday.

[@ryno4573]

Tim Wells if you buy Breville and keep the box. If it breaks, take it back to Bed Bath and Beyond and they will replace it. They have a no questions asked return policy.

[@mrgallbladder]

Honestly, your comment was more informative than the video. It has no more information than what I could've read on their respective packaging at a store.

[@stephenranti173]

I have the Breville its a great machine and with a little practice its easy to get great shots. I measure 18 grams of beans out first then dump them into the grinder so my shots are consistent. This also prevents the beans from going stale or having to empty out the hopper when I'm done.

[@strshpbronk]

It would have been nice to hear why Gail would prefer one machine over the other.

[@Blobabee]

I totally agree. Gail, can you please give an opinion on the two? I have the BES870XL, but have only owned it a week and I'm trying to make up my mind between these two before I'm unable to do an exchange.

[@AzizIzgin]

Bob Strenger this was two years ago. What did you decide?

[@Hannikost]

I think the whole point is that it's entirely up to you. Both machines are great in their ways and Gail's opinions aren't important; your priorities are what's important here. If she gave her personal opinion based on her own priorities, people would be prone to pick the wrong machine for themselves

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Subscribe to our channel if you love coffee as much as we do! Thanks for watching! goo.gl/hRKEhR

[@ecoovert]

I've had the Breville Barista Express and have been making 2 cappuccinos per day with it, Both for me by the way. I used to have an older Breville model and loved it so much I bought this. Breville machines are very hard to beat for the money. They are solid and well worth the money. I love mine.

[@happyhound6561]

I just got my Rancilio Silvia V6 yesterday. I am liiiittle worried about burning out the boiler. Just made my first steam coffee milk. I have a lot of practice to go. Knowing also it is a quality machine and no plastic parts touching hot water. I love it!

[@mikewaldegger]

One thing I think you missed regarding the Express was that when you activate the steam wand after you pull a shot of espresso, a lot of water comes out of the wand prior to delivering steam. You then turn the steam off before putting the wand into the milk and then turn it back on. The machine gives you 8 seconds after you turn the steam off before it starts purging the system. Let's you turn it off so that the milk doesn't splash everywhere when you dip the wand in. Love the videos. No BS talk, just the straight facts.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@ruskodudesko9679]

thanks for sharing that info man

[@kali205]

I like this lady

[@klarinetta]

I highly recommend getting the La Marzocco VST 18-19g basket for the Silvia. Much better result than the standard Rancilio basket that comes with the machine.

[@makstix5197]

The breville 870 is a brilliant design, I have one for about 6 months now, I owned a 2 pavoni (Manual and esspressosa) neither compare. The only drawback I see so far is that I would have preferred a 58mm portofilter and I have a bit of trouble managing the knob on the steam/water control with a milk pitcher in my hand. ... I wonder if the knob can be replaced by the LEVER style control that is in the 900 series Breville. The lever would be much easier to use than the knob.

[@tomdosfre]

Hi, great video! What is the PID model on the Rancilio? I have a v2 and I'm looking to add a PID to control temp & pressure. Thanks!

[@DavidDLee]

Did she forget to say the Breville has PID and automatic pre-infusion? Plus it has temperature tweaks up to +- 4F. It is a much more modern machine (which may be a good or bad, you decide). The Rancilio variable pressure steam valve is a great feature the Breville does not have.

[@MrArdytube]

I have had my Silvia for 15 years.... so the machine does last like a champ Getting an added PID has really helped understand what is going on with water temps. I gotta say, the features on the breville would be attractive if I was a newbie

[@hsains8423]

Hi Gail, is there a difference in the espresso's taste between the Breville Express and the Seliva or they are the same ? what about the grinder is grinder built in in the Breville is good enough? I heared that Selbia can not be comparisim to Breville as Selvia is professional what do you say? thanks

[@stratigakis1]

Very important questions to be answered. Especially the one with the taste. And I don't mean the taste of cappuccinos that Gail usually makes but the taste of pure espresso shots. We need this comparison because at the end this is what matters.

[@willydiego5487]

Gail you are awesome, could you please give us a blind test between both shots and tell which one you guys like better ? Thank you !!

[@paulyw170]

What's PID? And what's the average price point differece between these?

[@ryanwang2194]

Strictly speaking, these two machines are not from the same price range. I bought my barista express for less than 500 CAD on black friday two years ago. Whereas Silvia w/o PID sells for more than $900 on the Canadian market. I'm not very sure how is that for the US. Plus, the barista express has a somewhat usable espresso grinder built-in to it.

[@BrandonJamesH]

Now for the blind taste-test! ....any minute now.... any minute.... almost there....

[@l.rongardner2150]

That's the BIG problem with Seattle Coffee Gear videos: they don't do taste tests, and the most important thing is how good the shots are that a machine pulls.

[@zaakirmahomedy]

Any different from the Venezia? Without the built in grinder?

[@shortrefmegaref]

Barista express portafilter is 54mm.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Ryan Flanagan (ref) This is correct! However, if you are purchasing a tamper for this machine, a 53mm tamper is what you need as the bottom of these portafilters are ever so slightly conical.

[@jfletcher0516]

Why haven't you guys done a review on the Gaggia Classic?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We do not carry the Gaggia brand

[@jimlahey5354]

It would be really good if they mention the realtail price of each machine. It's a huge consideration when making comparisons.

[@aidan3734]

Thankyou!! I'm getting a Barista Express soon and I've been waiting for a new video about the machine to come out so thanks!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Aidan Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@simonmenzies3142]

Nothing compares to the express! You’ll never need to grind lower than it’s lowest setting what so ever. So is comparable to any grinder. The on the coffee side it makes perfect coffee. It’s the right pressure and pre infusion. The steamer is fantastic and easy to use even for a beginner. Goes straight to full steam which is superior to having to turn up to full. The express can be compared to machine worth 5x more and still be a winner!!

[@michelleortiz6637]

I love your videos! So helpful and you are so funny!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Michelle Ortiz Thanks for watching :D

[@homecafecharlie]

Great video Gail! Why didn't you show us some of your infamous latte art? :P

[@malkyvich]

Amazing review, exactly what I was looking for.

[@cincosants92]

Hi Miss.. Is the Breville better machine than La Pavoni PA 1200 Napolitana? Thanks

[@stuartlevitt9476]

Hi Gail. I just subscribed to your channel. I've seen 3 videos and am smiling through them all. Love the authenticity. Here's my question: is the Breville 840 (which I saw your review) effectively the sam machine as the Express but w/o the grinder? I was thinking the Silvia but the surfing for proper temperature while trying to maintain the foam seems like will be a 3 ring circus for me. I already have a grinder. I don't need to do two functions at a time but I do want to jump from foam to pull within a minute or so. Thoughts?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Stuart Levitt Welcome to our club! ;) Those two machines are very similar. The infuser is a little smaller, but the insides are almost identical. The boiler design on both is a thermocoil, so your steam pressure will not be as strong as the Silvia. But the built in PID on the Infuser is a great find for that price point. Definitely take a look at some of the reviews on our page: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/breville-infuser-espresso-machine Thanks for watching!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Seattle Coffee Gear fans are the best! Thanks for watching all our videos! New Videos Every Day! Subscribe ▸ goo.gl/hRKEhR Over 50+ CR Comparisons! Watch: goo.gl/mLvQA6 Visit Us Online: www.seattlecoffeegear.com

[@sawarnkaur3120]

finally thanks for listing to my request!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Sawarn Kaur You are very welcome!

[@jiinx72]

The Silvia in the UK you cannot buy with a PID fitted. Has to be done after market and will void the warranty. The Sage(UK name for brand) comes with a PID and for the novice would be a better machine. A lot of effort to get great shots from the Silvia on a constant basis. Not knocking the Silvia it's a solid machine but the Sage will not put off newcomers via sheer frustration.

[@dancoll8166]

Love you, Gail! Thanks for the review.

[@kevinvaldez9778]

How about gaggia classic pro vs barista express? I would love to watch it

[@drax14QC]

Excellent suggestion!!

[@gusehsla]

they do not carry that brand :'(

[@jidoc4877]

is there any way to know how old my silvia is? bought is second hand, thanks!

[@guiseppi6647]

hey! where do i go to ask Gail a question?? Thanks! -Joe

[@l.rongardner2150]

If you live near the beach, don't buy a Silvia. Mine has severely rusted and corroded from the salt air, and the whole iron base is falling apart.The Barista Express has dropped in price, so is now available for $499, and perhaps even less. The Silvia is about $700, and with a decent grinder, you're talking about $1000-$1200. My Rancilio Rocky grinder completely rusted, and no longer works. Given the price differential and my experience, I'm probably going to but the Barista Express, but certainly not another Silvia.

[@klintonunited]

Which makes better coffee??

[@ascosta]

Since brew and steam have different heating elements on the Breville, can you brew and steam at the same time?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+ascosta There is only one thermoblock in the Barista Express, so you can not brew and steam at the same time.

[@Mrpourguy]

I'm in love with rancilio silvia

[@juanelias1801]

I m thinking to buy a Barista 870, i saw some videos and it seems to be easy to reach a good milk for capuccino, but after this video im worry about tje steaming power between Silvia and Barista :/ what can you advice me? Love your chanel, tremendous work!!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

The steaming is stronger, but in terms of getting great milk for cappuccinos, that isn't necessarily better. You can get great foam with the Breville, it will just take you a bit longer. With the Silvia your technique needs to be on point. Hope that helps!

[@عبداللهالصيعري711عبداللهالصيعر]

Nice comparison I really got lots of information & this helped me to have a best choice Thanks

[@paviaaPS3]

I can’t get a good shot with single wall, I get the best shot from double wall. So much more flavor. I don’t get all the hate with pressurized filter?

[@burakakpinar5739]

hi Gail, thanks for the videos, i love coffee and espresso mainly, would love to get into espresso world with a machine. budget can be around 600-700$, is Breville Barista Espress really a good machine or you guys promoting Breville alot? :) Also having all in one machine for this price is great however is there anything better at this price range, a good combination? semi auto espresso machine + a electric burr grinder, thanks alot

[@mbagawalusimbi6901]

Is the new Rancillio Silivia espresso machine a fair comparison with the Delonghi EC 860? Having tested both machines, which one is more straight forward to use?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Those two machines are quite different. The Silvia is semi-automatic, so you're controlling a lot more variables and doing more of the work yourself. The Delonghi is a super automatic machine that does all the work for you, so if you're looking for straightforward and easy, the Delonghi is your better bet :)

[@ascosta]

I love my Silvia with PID, but I have to say the Breville is an interesting option. The Silvia is significantly more expensive, especially the PID version and after you add a decent grinder to the package. One drawback of the Breville is that the beans kind of bake in that hopper, since the whole machine gets warm after a few minutes, and we all know warm temps are not good for coffee freshness. But both are great machines overall.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+ascosta Very true! Both great machines, each for a different type of home barista!

[@seanlowry9904]

+ascosta I keep my beans in a Tightvac before dumping whatever portion I need into the Barista Express. When I'm done, I can lift the hopper and dump the rest of the beans back into the Tightvac (fits perfectly) to prevent them from hanging out in the hopper. This solves the issue of keeping the beans exposed to heat/air. Just a few beans will still be stuck on top of the burrs.

[@ascosta]

+Sean Lowry Yeah, that's actually what I do as well with my regular grinder. Unless there's family visiting and the coffee consumption increases to the point that a full hopper doesn't last more than 2-3 days. In that case, I just fill it and assume a couple of days of air exposure won't ruin the coffee.

[@ecoovert]

+ascosta The bean hopper is no place to store your beans anyway. Plus the hopper doesn't get anywhere as hot as the heat generated by a blade grinder. If you pour your beans in just prior to grinding the beans, I doubt the slight heat would make a noticeable difference in the flavor. Turn the machine on for 30 minutes and feel the inside of the hopper with your hand, I think you'll see what I mean. It doesn't really get that warm.

[@petekjaer7337]

I love my Barista Express. I've had it a few months now. Just one thing. If you remove the bean hopper full of beans then DO NOT touch the open/close valve after you've done that. It's very sensitive to touch and you don't want a morning like mine before coffee. Beans everywhere.

[@zava999]

Hello Gail, is there a big different on the taste of espresso between Breville 920 and 980 and Jura J9 one touch? I big fan of espresso and cappuccino and can not make design as i have not try coffee out of those machines Thank you.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Andrei Zavoichinski the 920 and 980 would be very similar, but the J9 would be inferior simply because of the class difference. This video helps explain the differences: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpmaoJydr8RnrNk

[@carolinamartinez6102]

Wich machine is better for sale coffe?

[@pingshakl]

Why not the silvia and BES840? :D

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+pingshakl Would you like to see that comparison? Sounds like you do! We are on it, Cheers! Thanks for the suggestion

[@pingshakl]

+Seattle Coffee Gear That's great! Thanks!

[@Kaiser68]

Even with the lower steaming power on the Barista Espress, is it still possible to do latte art? I just bought one of these things and it is yet to be delivered, but I started looking around online about it. It's worrying to see all these people saying that they can't foam the milk easily with the low powered steam wand. Did I make a mistake?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It will take a bit of practice, but you can totally do it!

[@mikewaldegger]

Of course you can. I do it every morning. BUT ... for me it depends on the cup. traditional mugs are difficult but when I pour the milk into a rounded cup I get great results (usually).

[@Kaiser68]

Thanks Michael - I can do latte art sometimes, but it's really hard to get the foam right, and its gonna take a lot of practice. Also if I use a nice tasting coffee like a medium roast it doesn't really get enough crema to hold latte art. Its harder than it looks.

[@Majnun74]

I got my Breville Barista 3 days ago, finally dialed in proper grind (2), and can do decent latte art (it takes a certain amount of skill that I don't fully have yet). There is a beautiful contrast between the microfoam and dark crema design. Exactly like the high-end Café I went to years ago that got me interested in this in the first place.

[@Kaiser68]

My Barista Express is broken after 4 months... Every time I try to pull a shot it makes mechanical clicking noises and the pressure drops 20%, I think I have to return it, but there isn't another machine in my budget range to replace it... :'(

[@ob5]

With the Breville; does all of the ground coffee find its way into the porta-filter? Or is some left in the machine waiting for the next shot, which for me may be 24 hours later? I'm trying to decide if it's better to have a bean to cup machine or use ground coffee in a machine without a built in grinder.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

There will be a very small amount left over, but not really enough to be concerned about in our opinion.

[@ob5]

Thanks. I also looked at a video of someone cleaning the grinder. I'd say there was about 1/2 a dose of unground beans plus a very small amount of ground coffee as you say.

[@ob5]

Well we've had the UK version branded Sage for a couple of weeks now. We love it. Thanks for your review and reply to our question.

[@newcastle911ify]

Hi guys, wanted to buy an espresso machine and I'm stuck between these two. Which on is the best, can anyone help me??

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Do you already have an espresso grinder? If not, the Barista Express is a great option.

[@newcastle911ify]

+Seattle Coffee Gear Thanks for replying! I do but it's not very good, was looking at the Rancilio Rocky grinders but the Barista express is just so convinient and feel it would be easier for me to get nicer shots with the pressure gauge etc. Do you think the Barista express is better for me?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Will this be your first espresso machine? If so, the Breville is great to learn on.

[@newcastle911ify]

Yes, this will be my first espresso machine. Great, I'll go for the Breville. What machine would you recommend after the Breville if I wanted to step it up another level?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

If you wanted to stay in the Breville Family, the Dual boiler or Oracle would be great next steps!

[@Ighart]

Gail is amazing

[@Mekratrig]

What means "PID", plss?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Mekratrig A proportional-integral-derivative controller. Basically a controller that adjusts the temperature of the boiler.

[@gda295]

I'm sold! [and on the Breville!] thnx!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+gda295 Cheers! What solidified your decision?

[@gda295]

the presence of a grinder!

[@keipherbooth1333]

It’s sold as sage in the uk the pioneer behind it is Heston Blumintile I think I’ve spelt that wrong I own the sage and it’s really good the steamer could be better but it produces great espresso and and a really nice easy to use grinder

[@fatsubsonic]

I just picked my Breville up today with extended warrenty. Loving it so far, mine has way more steam then expected. I can easily make half a mug of foam on my cappucino without any burn haha. Only odd thing is the gauge shows im getting overextraction but does not taste bitter to me, i tried tamping more gently but the gauge barely changed. grinder set to 8 next i willl try 10, which is fairly coarse but i will see what difference it makes. Or is my gauge too sensitive? Taste is fantastic anyhow. :)

[@THE_ELFITOS]

@@fatsubsonic Wow I guess it's really depending on the type of coffee beans you use cause I setted mine at 3 and I'm right in the middle of the espresso range 👍🏼

[@jackerocket]

Aluminum boiler? Oh heck no! I will go with the Silvia.

[@cool1525]

Water run through stainless steel tube, I would pick that every time over brass boiler (you need to see how it turns out after a while) brass is good conductor of heat, but it is not healthy...

[@TonyWang]

Subscribed!

[@puzzlespillet]

thanks for all the great reviews, has anyone ever told you you look a little like Clint Eastwood? Go ahead, make my coffee... :)

[@herrklamm1454]

jacob holm when she joked about the bath water she reminded me of Clint in Gran Torino 😂

[@thibodaux3424]

Nice lady but not really an in depth comparison. I've had the silvia v3 for 10 years and it has never ever given me problems. And I use it to make 3-4 coffees daily. I'm not sure if you could say the same for the Breville. Having a grinder built in might be an advantage for some, but if you get deeper into espresso making you will cringe at that decision. Bottom line is that if you're just looking to quickly make an ok coffee to throw back before leaving for work then that Breville will probably do the job. Otherwise if you're on a path to become a coffee geek - and it starts to become a hobby/obsession to make great coffee, then Silvia is going to help you on that path all the way.

[@coffeeloveralways2371]

I am a Breville lover (I have a little Cafe Roma) but I've read many bad users reviews about the Breville Barista Express. Apparently brack down easily or loose pressure. No bad comments about the Silvia anywhere. Please please compare both with the Lelit PL42!!!! Please please please. I'd love your opinion.

[@nathalieleclair4823]

I never read bads comments for the Breville barrista express... that's why i choose this machine and for the price...

[@alekzzisrec]

Breville Plizz :)

[@SSchithFoo]

I gave it a thumbs up, the hand turned blue, but u asked for a couple so I clicked again, and the hand turned grey.

[@kjeldschouten-lebbing6260]

hmm... With those prices, Secondhand wins: - Silvia: 200 euro's - PID or even ITO: 200 euro's - Good commercial grinder: 200 euro's Thats quite close to a new breville, but the build quality, grind quality, brewquality and durability would be WAY better Thing with high-end commercial grinders and espresso machines with heavy-duty parts: They last a lifetime, quite literally. Hence it's often just as worthwhile to buy used.

[@jimlahey5354]

Get your grind right, get your mind right.

[@dallasbear55]

The Breville has TEFLON inside the heating coil??? I was sold until that. No thanks

[@THE_ELFITOS]

By curiosity what's the problem with that ? 🤨

[@canyoneagle]

@@THE_ELFITOS because teflon can/will peel off over time, and many (myself included) feel there is toxicity in the plastic.

[@THE_ELFITOS]

@@canyoneagle Thanks for the awnser, I got the Barista Express anyway, but the more I know, the best it is 👍🏼

[@andrewlau0]

canyon eagle I thought that only applied to pans where cooking utensils and scourers would wear down the surface. Surely it's a lot safer inside a boiler where it'll never be disturbed and because the charcoal filter would stop most particles getting in?

[@tom8]

Breville makes good products, but there is no comparison in quality here. Rancilio is a better espresso maker.

[@jcasetnl]

She sounds EXACTLY like Kate McKinnon.

[@withit12345]

I FUCKIN LOVE GAIL

[@jimjim7008]

I have both machines. I recommend the Breville Barista express for beginners.

[@davopotato7012]

I've had the Breville for 11 months now and its already problematic and am experiencing "Electrical noises" during extraction. Poorly built machine.

[@thibodaux3424]

Just learn how to make proper coffee and get the Silvia.

[@gordanbabic8028]

... but you don't get the grinder :)

[@thibodaux3424]

@@gordanbabic8028 Such a pity ;)

[@DeanOakley]

Reviews coffee machines. Doesn’t make a coffee…

[@AROTTWEILERR]

time and time again you dont know the size of the porta filter, gail get a grip and get it right, your meant to be selling these and you have no idea time and time again, get it right for crying out loud... for christ sake