Having never used anything but a superautomatic espresso machine, I was slightly hesitant to venture into the world of Rancilio.  Grinding, tamping, brewing, steaming- all processes which are vastly simplified for customers with super machines.  However, for those espresso consumers who wish to perfect their own espresso shots through these methods, a semi-automatic machine is really the only way to go.

Don't be afraid to use these machines!  I practiced and brewed on the Rancilio Silvia V3 and had a lot of fun.  My shots were definitely not something you would get from an italian cafe, but with practice tamping, perfecting my grind size, and timing on the silvia, I know that I would enjoy a much better shot of espresso than could be brewed from any super automatic machine.

You hear that semi-automatic machines are more "difficult" to use.  While they do require more work on the consumer's part, it is actually quite fun and not ad difficult as you might think.  If you are in the market for a semi-automatic espresso machine, seriously consider the Rancilio Silvia V3.  This machine has the high quality standards of the Rancilio name and comes with an extra 1 Year service contract (for a total of 2 years of service).

Check out the V3 today and happy brewing!

I have spoiled my daughter yet once again. I purchased a set of RANCILIO demitasse for her as a fun gift to play TEATIME. After I boil the water, we actually get out the teapot, the demitasse, the fancy spoons, napkins and creamer/sugar . One time we made invitations to our tea party. I let my daughter put distinguishing stickers on the set. For $50 the demitasse set was exactly what I needed and was actually cheaper than a “toy” set we found elsewhere. They came in a secure-fitting Styrofoam box, which we still use to store to tiny cups and matching saucers. The cups and saucers are well made and do not break easily. There have been many instances when we thought the cup would have cracked -at least -but not even a crack formed. It would be great if these came in other colors, but the white is so charming and simple that we are able to decorate our TEA TABLE in any pattern that strikes our fancy.

Thank you Rancilio & JLHUFFORD!

I had never used a bottomless portafilter before. When I was in college I worked as a barista for a few years, we calculated that I had made close to 20,000 coffee drinks in one year. But I had NEVER used a bottomless portafilter, until TODAY! I always wondered what the strange apparatus setting next to the tamper was. I knew it wasn’t for cleaning or backflushing the machine, but it never occurred to me this would make a great shot of espresso.  After I asked our tech guy (he gave me a sideways glance) “what is THIS thing for?” he explained it was a “CRAZY thing for making ESPRESSO”-then I asked him how to use it. Now I felt silly because he thought I KNEW how to make espresso. Apparently, a bottomless portafilter is loaded with espresso, installed on the grouphead, and brewed identically to a portafilter with spouts.

The espresso created had a dark color, rich aroma, and thick crema. I will be using this method everytime!