RANCILIO SILVIA PRO X REVIEW: A DUAL BOILER AT LONG LAST!

The Silvia Pro X is the newest addition to Rancilio’s popular Silvia line, and I think it’s the best espresso machine of the bunch!

The Rancilio Silvia is an icon among home espresso machines, with a no-nonsense setup and durable build that have long made it one of the most popular entry-level prosumer machines. But its single boiler design was disappointing for anyone looking to master the home latte.

At long last, Rancilio took note of consumer demands, releasing the dual boiler Silvia Pro in 2020 and its follow-up, the Silvia Pro X, in 2021. While the old Silvia Pro left a little to be desired, I’m thrilled with the upgraded Pro X, and I’m excited to tell you all about it in this in-depth review.

Where To Buy The Rancilio Silvia Pro X

Before I dig deeper into the details of this little powerhouse home machine, let’s talk about different buying options. Given its relatively hefty price tag, it’s important to work with a dealer you can trust. Here are the brands Home Brews Coffee has found responsive and reliable.

	Retailer
Editor’s Pick Editor’s Pick	Chris Coffee	Huge, trusted family run brand Specialists with prosumer machines Fantastic customer support	CHECK PRICE
	Majesty Coffee	Wide array of equipment Comes with limited warranty Free ground shipping (Expedited shipping available)	CHECK PRICE

Testing the Rancilio Silvia Pro X

The original Rancilio Silvia espresso machine has a sterling reputation. Along with the Gaggia Classic Pro, it is one of the machines I recommend most to anyone newly interested in prosumer espresso. It’s simple and solid, with commercial-grade features and outstanding reliability. Luckily for fans like myself, that ethos is continued with the double-boiler version.

The Silvia Pro dual boiler was the first major upgrade to the semi-automatic machine in more than 20 years, with the Pro X following hot on its heels. It’s instantly recognizable as a Silvia but offers a substantial performance boost.

How I Rated It

• Brewing Capacity
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

• User-friendliness
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

• Milk Frothing
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

• Build Quality
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

• Value For Money
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

4

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Comparing the Silvia Pro X Vs Pro

Fans of Rancilio’s Silvia, myself included, had been clamoring for a dual boiler version for so long that there was considerable hype around the release of the Silvia Pro espresso machine in 2020. But many of us were a little disappointed with the first iteration.

Rancilio took note, quickly phasing out the Silvia Pro and replacing it with the Silvia Pro X, designed specifically to meet user demands (1). They did a fantastic job, and I have far fewer complaints here than in my first Silvia Pro review.

Here are the major upgrades to the Pro X:

• A variable soft-infusion stage.
• A brew pressure gauge.
• An aesthetic upgrade with several color options.
• An updated portafilter to accommodate a larger 18 gram basket.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the Silvia Pro X.

The Basics: What To Expect From The Silvia Pro X

The Silvia Pro X is a semi-automatic double boiler espresso machine that allows you to pull a great espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously. It maintains the 10 oz brass brew boiler of the original model but adds a 34 oz steel steam boiler. Both boilers are completely independent, with individual heating elements controlled by two PID temperature controllers. 

You’re not locked into using both boilers. You can turn off the steam boiler if you’re not planning to froth milk, which shortens the heat-up time and saves energy.

PID Controller 

Hand-in-hand with the new double boiler is the addition of a dual PID – while the Silvia still relies on an older pressure stat. Compared to the pressure stat, a PID provides a more precise and stable temperature. It uses complex algorithms to predict when the temperature might drop or rise even slightly and adjust accordingly (2).

You can adjust the temperature using the digital display and switches that have been added to the front of the machine.

Variable Soft Infusion

The addition of a programmable soft infusion stage is perhaps the most meaningful update to the Pro X as compared to the first Pro model. Soft infusion is distinct from pre-infusion as it doesn’t apply any pressure. It simply pre-wets the grounds for a set period of time before ramping up the pressure to pull the shot. 

I definitely noticed improved and more consistent extraction with the addition of this feature. And interestingly, you can really taste the difference in flavor by adjusting the infusion time, even using the same coffee beans.

How To Use The Rancilio Silvia Pro X

A semi-automatic machine requires a fair amount of user input, but the results are worth the effort. With the right skill set, you can truly make barista-quality coffee and milk-based drinks with this machine. 

While dialing in any espresso maker takes some trial and error, the basics of using the Silvia Pro are very straightforward – just flicking a few switches.

The semi-automatic design means you’re responsible for all aspects of the espresso puck prep and extraction. You need to grind the beans to the correct fineness, measure the dose, tamp the grounds, and start and stop the shot. The machine itself is there to generate pressure and deliver hot water at the perfect temperature.

To pull a shot, turn the machine on using the top rocker switch and let it heat up for at least 10 minutes with the portafilter installed. I recommend more like 15 or 20 minutes if possible. Once your portafilter is prepped and reinserted, it’s as easy as flipping the brew switch to start the shot, waiting 25 or 30 seconds, then flipping the switch again to stop.

Additional User-Friendly Features

The Silvia’s traditional low-tech front now features a small digital display. You can view and set the temperature for both boilers using the plus or minus switches on either side of the display, and when you start a shot, the screen automatically converts to a shot timer. 

The display also provides access to a host of exciting new features. You can program a turn-on time, set the soft infusion time, adjust the auto-off schedule, toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit, or see any error messages. 

Rancilio has also added a low-water level sensor to this model. The digital display will light up with “H20” to remind you it’s time to refill.

Easy Cleaning And Maintenance

The Silvia Pro X requires regular cleaning and maintenance tasks, like any prosumer espresso machine. Simple preventative measures, like brewing with filtered water and performing regular backflushes, are far preferable to large-scale service.

The Pro X includes a backflush cycle, accessible via the digital display – a really convenient upgrade versus the older model. Use the menu to initiate the cleaning cycle, and it starts and stops the pump automatically while guiding you through when to remove and reinsert the blind disc. 

The Drip Tray Is Still Bad

The drip tray on the Silvia Pro is one thing I would have loved to see improved when it was upgraded to the Pro X, but alas, Rancilio seems committed to this particular design misstep. Not only is it quite small (just 16 oz), but it’s nearly impossible to remove without spilling when it’s full. So the real capacity is closer to 10 or 12 oz. The drip tray cover only adds to the inconvenience. 

Milk Frothing Is A Major Upgrade 

The addition of a dedicated steam boiler makes for a seamless experience when making a latte or cappuccino, but that’s only the most obvious upgrade to the milk system. A couple of other updates to the Pro will help you make a great range of drinks.

It’s the same wand you’ll find on their commercial espresso machines. By cranking the steam boiler temperature to its maximum of 257 F, you can get a ton of pressure if you’re so inclined. I could froth 8 ounces of milk for a latte in under 30 seconds.

The Silvia Pro X also adds a designated water spout, rather than relying on the steam wand to do double duty. Just be aware that the water comes from the steam boiler rather than the coffee boiler, so you’ll need to have both boilers switched on to use it.

Still Built Like A Tank

The original Silvia is perhaps best known for its “built like a tank” build quality, and the made in Italy Pro X continues that tradition. 

The outer casing is entirely high-grade stainless steel, and the interior components are commercial-grade. I don’t love the black plastic group head cover, but at least it’s not a part that takes a lot of wear and tear.

The Pro X version of this machine has largely maintained the look and the feel of the Silvia, with a boxy design and beefy rocker switches. But a few new color options definitely give it the aesthetic edge. Along with the classic brushed stainless steel finish, you have the option of matte black (my favorite), white, or ice cream pink.

The Silvia Pro X is, of course, larger than the original Silvia, but it’s still very compact for a dual boiler machine. It measures 16.5” deep by 15.5” tall by a slender 10” wide, and that includes an ample 2-liter water reservoir. I was able to fit mine on the counter under the upper cupboards and still take advantage of the passive cup warmer on the top of the machine.

A New Portafilter

The Silvia Pro X comes with a 58mm non-pressurized dual-spout portafilter, the same one used in the brand’s professional machines. It’s a much-requested update from the first Silvia Pro, allowing larger baskets that hold up to 18 grams for a more flavorful espresso (3). 

A single-spout portafilter isn’t included, but I found the dual spout was plenty narrow enough to pull shots into a single espresso cup.

Is It Worth It?

I’m just going to come out and say it. At roughly $2000, I think the Silvia Pro X is just a little overpriced compared to its competition. The obvious competitors in the compact-dual-boiler-with-PID market would be the Profitec Pro 300 ($1800) and the Lelit Elizabeth (also $1800). I’d might give the Rancilio the edge when it comes to build quality, but not by much. 

Of course, there are pros and cons to each machine, and a few hundred dollars isn’t a huge amount in the grand scheme of prosumer espresso. But I’d definitely suggest looking into the other two as well if budget is your priority.

Do Not Buy The Silvia Pro X If…

• You don’t make a lot of milky drinks: If a latte is only a rare indulgence, I’d stick with the much more affordable Silvia for your home coffee machine or perhaps pick a single boiler machine with a PID, like the Bezzera Unica.

• You’re on a budget: As I just mentioned above, the Rancilio Pro X isn’t necessarily the best value on the home espresso market. Depending on your priorities, you might consider the Lelit Elizabeth or Profitec Pro 300 instead, both of which save you a few hundred bucks.

• You prefer a heat-exchanger: Compared to a dual-boiler espresso machine, a heat exchanger machine is typically smaller and more affordable – while still allowing you to brew and steam simultaneously. Check out the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II for a modern-looking automatic machine or the Bezzera BZ10 for something more classic. 

The Verdict 

I am happy to report that the Rancilio Silvia Pro X espresso machine is a worthy successor to my longtime love, the Silvia – and a very valuable upgrade to the Silvia Pro. 

The new variable soft infusion alone makes it a standout option on the market, not to mention the dual PIDs, reliable build quality, and professional-grade steam wand. Any home barista in the market for a compact dual boiler espresso machine with PID temperature control should definitely have the Pro X on their radar. 

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