Being born in Sweden, the homeland of the Volvo 740, the square box design of the Rancilio is very familiar 😇

I'm so glad I actually really enjoy the aesthetic of the Silvia. The pro x seems like the perfect endgame for me. Only a few years to go untill they start to pop up 2nd hand ;)

I've got my Silvia for about a week now, installed the Pantechnicon accessories and dispersion plate, an IMS shower screen and a Cafelat silicone gasket and lowered the pressure to about 6.5 bars of static pressure and also upgraded to a Niche Zero grinder. This setup is the most beautiful I've ever had and I am so happy about the espresso that I can produce with it. The only things that bother me is that even the 3D printed drip tray from Pantechnicon needs to be emptied frequently and that the soft infusion is limited to 6 seconds only. But that is about it. It is probably the maximum that I can afford but I don't feel that I will miss anything in my espresso game for the next couple of years. It feels like a rock solid gaming PC that I can adjust and repair myself. And I love the design that reminds me of an 80s workshop utility. I am so in love with it. ❤😊 Btw. I've got mine in white, too.

I like the design of the Pro X; clean and practical. But, I love the GS3; I'll just never be able to afford one 😂

Steaming is important to many viewers. LM excels at this. Why didn't you include this comparison? Powerful, dry, quick steam? Same? Different? That was one of the biggest differences for me when I upgraded from E61 to LMLM.

Excellent video! I've been looking to upgrade for a few years (learned on a Breville Barista Express) and I think past a $2,500 price point you are landing in aesthetic/luxury territory. "End game machine" is a term thrown around a lot, but I think people will eventually just settle for what is in their budget. LM has a rich history and heritage of great design and personally that is why I love it. I went to La Marzocco's Accademia in Florence last month and they told me that Linea Mini accounts for 50 percent of their sales. It saved them in the pandemic. I think the quality of their machines, the story of sticking it to Starbucks, the rich history of design, and their influence in the commercial world is a huge selling point. They built a brand for "luxury" home use that doesn't suck and looks great in many home settings. The Rancilio and honestly a lot of other brands just don't give me the same feeling. Beyond the specs, I think that people need to find a machine that speaks to them in and the level of manual input they want to have. For me, espresso feels like a ritual every morning and manual tools to make that process more enjoyable is key.

Good review. Only miss the steam comparison which is an standard part of a espresso machine.

Hi I'm trying to find the modification parts that you put on the silvia Pro X can you please put a link to the exact parts you got? thank you so much

This is my first real espresso machine. And I got the Pro X. To me it seemed the best choice for quality, adjustments, and cost. Adding a grinder and it cost way more than I had originally intended to spend. There is no way I would ever pay $8000 for a machine (unless I was married to a multi millionaire!). My grinder finally arrrived today so I have only pulled a few shots so far. And they didn’t include the bottomless portafilter I had requested. In addition I mostly drink decaf, but today used some regular coffee, which was my undoing. I felt so sick after a few shots I had to quit. The last shot seemed like it was the best - balanced, not sour or bitter. So I think I am on the correct track. I hope I will like it. One thing I have noticed is I wish it had a steam lever instead of a knob. But I’ll live with that. Thanks for your informative video.

"...the sooner everyone understands and accepts that good esspresso comes in many different price points, the better" Spro out here making sense n'shit

Thank you for the edutainment / infotainment content. All things in life do not need to be confrontational. I chose my level of coffee spend (grinder and dual boiler) and have been happy for a year. Could I upgrade ? Yes, but for now I am happy and it is nice to watch your videos to learn about alternative methods to possibly pursue, or more "de luxe" options to move on to, even if I do not feel the need to upgrade the espresso machine yet. I always look forward to your Friday posting, and enjoy the Shorts as well. Thank you, take care

Great video. Any chance of doing a comparison between the Silvia X Pro and La Marzocco Micra? I am trying to decide between these two machines.

That impatient look while patiently waiting is epic! Lol!

This video made me pull the trigger on the Rancilio Silvia Pro X and a Eureka Oro Stark and definitely not disappointed. The coffees are one of the best I've had anywhere and I'm spoilt

This is a good time to start... Good sound... Thanks, I'll quit my job and enjoy the music and relax.... Thanks for the video.

Great video and great perspective. We should expect very good results from a $2,000 manual coffee machine. $8,000 gets into the luxury realm. For personal use, the Rancilio would be an excellent choice. One scenario where the La Marzocco clearly wins is the giant boilers. If you have family or guests over and they want a string of hyper venti sugar milk drinks, you can knock them out and get back to the party. That’s the main reason I went with the Mini. My Livia 90 (1.4L heat exchanger) had been much too weak at family gatherings with 12 oz drinks. For daily personal use, the Rancilio would be everything a normal espresso drinker would need. Mad scientists, otoh, should go for the Decent!

+1 for a Bianca vs GS3 comparison, both of which allow flow profiling

The Silvia Pro/X would be my second choice if I didn’t go for the Linea. I’d buy a Silvia over any E61 machine out there. Neat comparison, nicely said 😊

What about using the Silvia in a commercial situation?

Another test for comparison for work flow would be to see how long it takes to pull 3 double shots in a row and if you see a difference in taste or extraction. If it is a PID system, then how long for temp to recover between pulls? I would think that stability with a larger system might be seen. Another great review.

Thank you my friend.

First machine i purchased was a rocket appartemento. Solid quality. But completely locked environment. I now have the ascaso steel duo pid. Love being able to play with pressure, water temperature and pre infusion. I think that for the price, the ascaso is hard to beat. It also has the volumetric dosing, but i’m not using it. I have the white one with wood. Portafilter is stainless steel. I don’t get why it’s not talked about more. Great vid. Thanks.

@Sprometheus I totally understand why you switched to a completion basket but why did you decide to replace the dispersion plate?

Let's face it, the only reason why I didn't buy the GS3 is because my wife said no.

Excellent price and performance comparison between the Rancilio Pro X and the La Marzocco GS3. I budgeted $2,000 +/- for a pro-consumer model that are listed below. From your perspective, in what order would you ranked them and why? 1. Rancilio Pro X 2. Ascaso Steel Duo 2022 model with improved steam flow 3. Profitec Pro 500 PID w/flow control 4. Bezzera Aria PID Espresso W/flow control 5. Other recommendations Thank you for your reply.

At least for me looks are a big part of the machine experience - it’s a big item in my kitchen and sets a design statement. The Rancilio looks more appliance and the GS3 looks more style and for that reason alone at least for me it’s worth the extra money (although I’m likely buying the AV version since I can’t plumb mine in and the water wasting of the MP model is not ideal).

GS3 is my choice because I like heft and well built machines with no nonsense and if I entertain with it which I often do on my quick mill this will perform better in making multiple drinks at once because of the boiler size. Also if I'm being quite honest I don't think that the average user has a need for such a machine but if you either entertain or cater you'll find that very helpful.

As a previous owner of a Rancilio Silvia v6 (my first ever espresso machine) - 3 years back in time, and the last 7-8 months owner of a Lelit Bianca v3, my comment is that Rancilio can make great espresso, but at the same time is a very uninspiring machine in long time. I got bored of its boxy appearance. On the other hand, I love the look of Lelit Bianca. And yes Sprometheus, your GS3 look and performs amazing. A machine that man cannot get bored of. A good question is, GS3 or Slayer

This video could be used to teach the “Law of Diminishing Returns”. In other words, is that extra $6000 really giving you enough returns to justify the difference…..?

From where are these beautiful mugs on the marzocco

What do you think is the best bang for your buck? I have a bambino but I find it very annoying and it lacks temp control

Great video and the basis of this comparison, calls to mind something I often think about when we all obsess over the idea of one machine being better than another. Aside from any machine specific feature sets, at its core, I believe what we’re talking about is water, a boiler and a pump. And if you take that into consideration, can one machine really be better or is it how you grind, the quality of your beans, and other non-machine variables that are the real factors in the quality of your shot? Love your channel. Thanks for the great content!

Nice review. Why do you propose the LM shot has more clarity? Is there a scientific/engineering reason?

Hey @Sprometheus is that the PantechniconDesign portafilter and steam knob in black walnut? I think those updates go a long way to aid the aesthetics of this capable machine.

I'm surprised that the noise levels weren't mentioned; I know the Silvia is loud and I assume the GS3 is much quieter. Some of the price difference goes toward a more peaceful experience perhaps.

Would you recommend the dispersion plate upgrade? Why change it for this test?

Sprometheus, what are your thoughts on the Pantechticon portafilter and knob? Thanks!

Good video, I like comparisons. If I had $8000 just sitting around I'd buy GS3 MP, and good to know Silvia pulls good shots. I get good enough shots with my Flair58, but I brew more pour overs than espressos. Question: why are you specifically promoting Little Giant when everytime I look it says CURRENTLY ON BREAK, BACK IN 2022. Here I am drinking other roasters coffee.

Top of the line for La Marzocco should be Leva X, don't you think?

Have you compare a shot with and without pre-infusion in the Silvia. I’m asking this because I was one of the unfortunate who bought the Silvia Pro and then few months later, Rancilio decided to upgrade it to the X. Is it really worth it?

I like very much your videos. I subscribe.

Hey Sprometheus, love the videos very informative and entertaining, I'm a filmmaker and there's a slight issue with your videos, the interview style shots where you talk are a bit choppy, i reckon it's the shutter speed, try to set your shutter speed to 1/(double your frame rate) so if you are shooting 60fps 1/120, and set the correct exposure using the other parameters like camera settings and light intensity. i don't why you would increase your shutter speed or decrease it only reason i can think of is for green screen work other than that always keep you shutter speed fixed.

I used a PID’ed Ranclio Sylvia for years before making the jump to a GS3. While the Sylvia isn’t the Rancilo featured here, it’s close. I much prefer the GS3. I generally pull way better shots on the GS3. And I can do it over and over.

For others more expensive the better in their IG account full of bots 😂😂😂 - great video as always spro! 👍👍

I'm finding it might hard to justify even the Linea Micra price-wise.... I've got a Gaggiuino to play with settings on, but badly want a dual boiler... seems like the Silvia Pro X might be a winner and a heck of a lot easier to justify to the wife.

I want the machine I buy to be the last machine I buy. Quality is extremely important to achieve this.

When I first watched this video I was in the market to buy my first real espresso machine. I felt I was nearing the point where I was ready to make a purchase but not quite. My objective was not to spend over $2000. So the $8K LM was not even a consideration for me. That said, I really appreciated your review. It placed a higher relative value to the Silvia Pro X. I appreciate that the relative “quality” of the LM is greater than the SPX. If you have no plan to purchase an $8K LM, the quality difference in this comparison didn’t mean anything to me. Now if there was a $1700 unit or a $ $2300 machine with matching features and metal is plumbing and wire conduits plus dual boilers, then there may be a viable competitor to the SPX. [x] DISCLAIMER: I believe this disclaimer is necessary because i purchased a similar SPX system being discussed in the video. I didn’t get a special discount or any kickbacks of money, goods or credits. The following is an account of what I purchased. My deal was a promotional offer available to all retail purchases from Pantechnicon for buying one of their Rancilio SPX before the end of October 2022, while their supplies lasted. Doing my own research, I didn’t find a competitor having an espresso machine that changed my mind on buying a SPX. Do before the of October 2022, I picked up a new SPX from Pantechnicon who had a SPX that included their Rancilio Silvia Pro X Bundle. The package included: * Bottomless portafilter with wooden handle * Upgraded steam knob with matching wooden knob grip * Customized and improved SPX drain tray that works great. * I added (at extra cost) Pantechnicon’s Stainless Steel Dispersion Plate plus a precision IMS brewing basket. I couldn’t pass up this deal. Pantechnicon provided all of this for the same price as most other places sold the basic SPX. It was a great deal!

Other question would be grinder...perhaps GS3 is showing characteristics of your grinder better? Using more than one grinder would help to know.

Really wanted to get Silvia Pro X but there were none in stock. For the price of GS3 whould consider Rocket R nine one or Dalla Corte Mina to have the ability to switch betwin manual and preset profiles. If price wise sky was the limit I would go for Kees van der Westen Spirit Idromatic. However I settled for VBM Domabar Super digital.

adjustable pump pressures is a big deal for me. I know you can adjust the pressure on the GS3 rotary fairly easily not sure on the silvia. I would love to see the breville dual boiler compared to the GS3 if you can do that video that would be excellent.

I see you made QUALITY not vague at all • precision of machined parts • quality of materials use • best technique to manufacture/form parts • robustness/longevity of wear items • use highest performance current of technology • aesthetics (even those things not readily visible)

Hi Sprometheus! Would you consider reviewing the Diletta Bello in the future? I'd love to hear what you think. Cheers!

Thank you for a great video comparison. Rancilio Pro X all the way….

You saying "its more attractive artistic design" made me think of the video where you said you didn't like the looks of the GS3 Also the Leva single group is LM's most expensive home machine, but they aren't really out in the wild yet.

If I want to get another machine, I might also check the power consumption. Wondering what the differences between flow control on gas and other e61 with flow control and also lever machine.

I think you should compare the device La Marzocco GS3 MP and lelit bianca These two devices are more similar, but the price difference is too much.

I don’t know what balance or clarity tastes like. What exactly is the standard of balanced coffee or clarity. At the end you should say which one ok feel tasted better instead of adding these types of references when these are not a standard taste.

I must ask, vibration pump compared to this?

Shame you didn't buy the Decent.

Pretty sure the pro x is a ring brew group and La Marzocco is a saturated brew group, meaning it is saturated with water, hence the name

Do you recommend the new dispersion plate for the Silvia Pro X? I have a Pantechnicon mod Silvia Pro, but I wasnt aware they made the alternate plate.

The pro x is probably the best value in a dual boiler right now. But does anyone truly lust after it the way we all do for a gs3 or slayer?

Had the Pantechnicon dispersion plate wrongly installed on SPX (upside down)?

Still getting good shots with my dedica and specialita 😅 about 650 usd in total with a few mods like ateam wand and new portafilter.

What cups are you using in this? I love the no handle cups you have.

I started with a Gaggia Classic and loved it. Then I found a crazy deal on a lightly used Quick Mill QM67 , after two years i added a flow profile kit. For whatever reason as I learned more about espresso I realized that i really dont need to upgrade my machine over what I have. I see myself getting a better grinder than I do another machine. Most of the time the upgradeitis is more about looks than brew quality

I think my primary issue is that the silvia was supposed to be "cheap" (aka like 800 usd/1000 can), but the pro/x is like 2000-2700 can depending on where you get it. the two were never meant to be compared in the first place, but the fact that they are now able to be confuses me. is it inflation at work, or (more likely) simple price creep as rancilio has seen how popular the silvias are. its now the second item named silvia that has a "tax" on it that I can't afford =S

Linea mini is closer to 6k today.

The LM Doesn’t seem justified but man it’s a sexy machine

Why would you choose a home machine over a commercial one? (considering you are paying that kind of money)

Side by side of the gs3 vs slayer

Where did you buy the upgraded gadgets for silvia? I love the wood handles and the other stuff you menitoned?

A bit off topic…. But not really. For the best espresso, roast your own beans. Roasting my own beans made a huge difference for me. Kaldi wide roaster and Bezzera Duo DE machine still under the cost of the expensive machine.

If I have unlimited moolah or resource I would get the best of the best. The reality is I can only afford a Sage appliance and happy with my caffeine fix.

I love my Pro X and get everything I need for a damn good home espresso. As the GS3 looks awesome, the price is just insane. There was a time where you got these machines for half the price. Half! Sorry GS3, I love you, but I’m out.

It would seem to me that a $2600 CAD machine should be prefect. It took over a decade for Rancilio to include a gauge and a confusing and counter intuitive PID despite a huge following literally handing them basic wants to make the machine perfect. Instead, Rancilio half assed it in pure Italian fashion and still couldn't even improve the drip tray. You just need one Japanese or German company to make a flawless machine that kills the Rancilio market. I find it unsurprising that the Italians take the lazy route to perfection and yet still have the gaul to charge an astronomical price.

Personally I think La Marzocco are a bit over priced and over glorified. They have amazing machines no doubt but they lack many features and abilities that other machines, half the price have. Like reasonable display and a better flow control mechanism than the GS3.

Can you make a review of the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima?

Gs3 is a dream but costs too much, you can buy a 3 group commercial machine with that price As an owner of a Rancilio Epoca st1,I can tell you that Silvia build to last too Maybe it's not the most appealing machine, but 100% reliable

Does an espresso machine really matter? What If I have a Niche Zero or any high-end/expensive grinder and I only have a $200(or lower) Espresso machine, can you really make a good and tasty shot with that kind of setup?

GS3 for sure 😅

why would any home want 5 litres of water sitting in a tank to go stagnant? The Rancilio is a much better size with water being used much quicker and not stagnating and being boiled over and over again.

The Silvia with an all metal waterpath for a tad more money would be rad. Not a fan of the plastic routing in a machine that expensive

Who is the fake Sprometheus?

Tgey lost me at $2000 for a slightly higher specc'ed Rancilio Sylvia lookalike.

I think knowing you spent a lot of money on a machine may help you "believe it taste better." Often times I will make much better tasting espresso drinking liquid on my peasant Gaggia compared to my cafes $30,000 Sanremo. Maybe I also "believe it tastes better" because I made it and know every little step that went to create such cup. Also the people at my cafe may not enjoy every cup or just want to get on with their shift and earn their $14 an hour they make so yea it's a funny thing for sure.

First!

What I'm hearing is save $6000 and buy and mahlkonig e80s gbw 🤣🤣

The Rancilio Pro X all the way and all day! Absolutely no need to spend $8k on a single group head machine. I'd spend $8k on a multiple group heads machine if I had a cafe. Since the primary use for the machine is personal (at home etc) then The Rancilio Pro X is an excellent choice unless you're a multimillionaire brat that loves to show off.

Rancilio is too ugly for the price. Hopefully their engineers give more thought to the aesthetics. Can't be that hard to make something nicer looking