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There is something about watching a barista make the perfect espresso or cappuccino. The speed at which they fill the basket, the tampering, the clicking of the portafilter, and of course, the sound of the steam wand. Today, you can do all of this yourself at home with a semi-automatic espresso machine.
Today, we are going to look at two very different espresso machines from different brands, the Gaggia Classic Pro vs Rancilio Silvia. We will compare all their specifications from design, controls, and coffee types. You will be able to find a side-by-side chart to quickly compare the espresso machines as well as some pros and cons before the final verdict.
Quick Side by Side Comparison
Let’s take a quick look at the Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia and their features side by side.
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8 x 9.5 x 14.2 inches
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9.3 x 11.4 x 13.4 inches
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20lbs
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30.8lbs
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Brushed stainless steel, cherry red, classic blue, industrial gray, polar white, thunder black
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Stainless steel
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3 filter baskets for pressurized double shots, commercial single shot, and commercial double shot. Also compatible with pods.
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2 filter baskets, single and double
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Commercial-style chrome plated brass 58mm portafilter
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Patented ergonomic 58mm portafilter
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3 simple rocker switches
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4 simple rocker switches
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30 seconds
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Not stated
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Commercial steam wand
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Articulating stainless steel steam wand
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72oz
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68oz
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1 year
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Yes, but duration not stated
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The only similarity the Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia have is the removable drip tray, so we will get straight on with the differences.
Differences Between Gaggia Classic Pro vs Rancilio Silvia
Appearance
Both espresso machines are compact but with a big difference in weight and color options.
Gaggia Classic Pro
The overall measurements are 8 x 9.5 x 14.2 inches, and it weighs 20 pounds. There is an impressive range of colors including brushed stainless steel, cherry red, classic blue, industrial gray, polar white, and thunder black.
Rancilio Silvia
While the size is similar at 9.3 x 11.4 x 13.4 inches, it weighs 30.8 pounds. It comes in stainless steel.
The Winner Is- The Gaggia Classic Pro
Coffee Options
With the milk frother, you can make espressos and cappuccinos, but it is nice to have an espresso machine that offers more versatility.
Gaggia Classic Pro
It comes with 3 filter baskets. The baskets are for pressurized double shots, commercial single shots, and commercial double shots. You can also use ESE coffee pods with this machine.
Rancilio Silvia
There are 2 filter baskets for single and double shots.
The Winner Is- The Gaggia Classic Pro
Read next – Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Baby Twin: Which Espresso Machines are Better?
The Portafilter
Both the espresso machines come with a commercial-style and size portafilter.
Gaggia Classic Pro
The portafilter is 58mm made from chrome-plated brass, like what you would find in commercial machines and coffee houses. It has a rounded handle.
Rancilio Silvia
This is also a 58mm portafilter. The handle design is patented ergonomic for the perfect grip.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Controls
The espresso machines have rocker switch controls for ease of use.
Gaggia Classic Pro
There are 3 controls on the front of the espresso machine. One is the power button, the other is for the coffee brew and the last is for the steam wand. On the side of the machine, there is a dial knob to control the pressure of the milk frother.
Rancilio Silvia
There is a power button, steam button, coffee brew button, and an additional button for hot water. The pressure dial is on the front of the machine.
The Winner Is- The Rancilio Silvia
Read next – Gaggia Magenta Prestige vs Philips 4300: Which Coffee Machines are Better?
Frother Type
Again, one similarity is that the steam wands are both rotating to make them easier to use with various milk jug sizes.
Gaggia Classic Pro
It comes with a commercial steam wand, not just for steaming and frothing milk, but also with tight microfoam to create latte art.
Rancilio Silvia
The articulating steam wand is made from stainless steel.
The Winner Is- The Gaggia Classic Pro
Water Tank
The larger the water tank, the less often you have to fill it.
Gaggia Classic Pro
The water tank has a capacity of 72 ounces.
Rancilio Silvia
The water tank holds 68 ounces.
The Winner Is- The Gaggia Classic Pro
Value For Money
One of the main advantages of owning an espresso machine is to be able to save money on coffee house beverages while at home. The cost of the espresso machine will impact the cost per cup and your savings.
Gaggia Classic Pro
Right now, this espresso machine is almost half the price of the Rancilio Silvia. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Rancilio Silvia
As well as being the more expensive espresso machine, the length of the warranty isn’t stated.
The Winner Is- The Gaggia Classic Pro
Pros and Cons
Just before the final verdict, we have some pros and cons of the Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia.
Gaggia Classic Pro
Pros:
- The pump mounts have been upgraded so the espresso machine is quiet
- All parts of the machine are made from quality materials
- Excellent espressos, even with lower quality coffee
Cons:
- The water tank could be better designed
Rancilio Silvia
Pros:
- Rich tasting coffee drinks
- The milk frother makes thick crema and is easy to clean
- The machine feels sturdy and durable
Cons:
- There is a steep learning curve with this espresso machine
The Final Verdict
The most important thing is that the Gaggia Classic Pro and the Rancilio Silvia make excellent, creamy, aromatic, and strong coffee drinks, so you won’t go wrong with either when it comes to the crucial feature. Other similarities include the top-quality materials and excellent build. However, the significant price difference wasn’t seen in the use or quality of the espresso machines. In fact, with the smaller design, great color options, less noise, and more coffee options, the Gaggia Classic Pro stood out from the Rancilio Silvia in many ways, making it today’s best buy.