Breville_BES900XL_vs_Rancilio_Silvia_Review-Consumer-Files-2

Breville BES900XL vs Rancilio Silvia Review

In Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines by Consumer FilesLast Updated: March 1st, 2023

Breville and Rancilio are two of the more prominent manufacturers of high-quality espresso machines. The Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL features two boilers, enabling it to brew its espresso at the same time as it is texturing the milk for the latte or cappuccino. On the other hand, the Rancilio Silvia is a great product as well, and features a commercial grade steam wand and portafilter.

The espresso machine has taken over as the most prestigious way to make coffee in the home. Coffee lovers are still making French presses and pour-overs, of course, but those who love hot espresso drinks are realizing the importance of having a quality espresso machine at home.

Now it’s time to the BES900XL and the Silvia.

Breville BES900XL Dual Boiler Review

Pros of Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL

Breville BES900XL vs Rancilio Silvia Front - Consumer Files

Dual Boilers

One of the biggest strengths of the Breville BES900XL is the two boilers that enable espresso and milk to be heated simultaneously. Without a dual boiler, like many other espresso machines, it's hard to pull shots that have optimum flavor. You'd have to wait for the boiler to extract the espresso first, then wait again for the boiler to heat up so you can steam the milk. 

Tools to Customize Taste

This espresso machine by Breville also gives the owner the ability to fully customize the taste of their espresso drinks, with its temperature regulation, shot volume (1 or 2 cups), and even pre-infusion technology.

Programmable pressure and the duration of infusion is a feature not often seen in domestic model espresso machines. All of these features help to optimize the taste of the espresso and latte drinks.

Breville BES900XL vs Rancilio Silvia Temp Controller - Consumer Files

Make Delicious Coffee at an Affordable Price

This machine is available for around $1,000. The good news for home espresso makers is that the BES900XL can produce espresso shots that are comparable to what the $10,000 machines are producing. Breville is making commercial-grade espresso in a domestic machine, enabling coffee lovers to have great espresso outside of the coffee shop.

Pid Temperature Controller

This Breville model features a PID temperature regulator that helps the barista control temperature to within 1 degree. This is just another way that the machine is able to help optimize flavor in the espresso that is produced.

Cons of Breville BES 900XL Dual Boiler

Mostly Automated Functions

While this is good when it comes to getting quicker and easier espresso, the fact that the Breville BES900XL dual boiler semi-automatic espresso machine does give it less of a barista experience. Espresso machines like this model steam the milk automatically, and put it into the drink so that the user doesn’t have to. For some owners, this will make the machine feel less like the one they are used to as a barista.


Rancilio Silvia Review

Breville BES900XL vs Rancilio Silvia Front Rancilio Silvia - Consumer Files

Pros of Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine

Commercial-Grade Steam Wand

One of the most popular features of this particular model is the commercial grade, chrome plated steam wand. It gives off steam that is able to produce steam for frothing milk or even heating up water for tea.

Requires No Extra Plumbing or Power

The Rancilio Silvia is a “plug-n-play” espresso machine.  All the user needs to turn it on is a standard electrical outlet. Many commercial grade espresso machines require an immense amount of extra water and power in order for the machine to be able to run. A definite benefit of this model by Rancilio is that it is ready to go right out of the box.

Easy to Use

Even those who are new to domestic espresso machines are going to be able to work the Silvia with relative ease. There are a couple things they will need to master, such as getting the grind of the bean to an appropriate level of fineness, but overall the Rancilio Silvia is an easy to use model for everyone from beginners to professional baristas.

Remove the Heating Component for Repairs

A benefit of maintenance on the espresso machine Rancilio Silvia is that the part used for heating is able to be easily removed so that it can be repaired easily. When investing in an espresso machine, it’s important for it to be repaired easily so that the machine can be back and running in no time.

Cons of the Espresso Machine Rancilio Silvia

Must Determine Grind Fineness Consistently

Every barista knows that to get optimum flavor out of an espresso shot, one has to have the correct fineness for the grind. As the Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is used, the user must continually check the timing and quality of the shots, and adjust the grind accordingly in order to get great tasting espresso.


Rancilio Silvia Vs Breville BES900XL Conclusion

Comparing the Breville BES900XL vs Rancilio Silvia is no easy task. Overall, the Breville BES900XL and Rancilio Silvia are two very different machines. While Rancilio Silvia reviews shows that the Silvia is more similar to the manual espresso machines that are found in commercial settings, the Breville BES900XL is a semi-automatic machine and ends up doing a lot of the work. However, each of these espresso machines are well made, and either would make a fine addition to any home.


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Sources and Official Brand Websites


Breville BES900XL vs Rancilio Silvia Review was last modified: March 1st, 2023 by Consumer Files