I got a Silvia for an engagement present from my parents 10 years ago... never followed these instructions nor had I ever changed the group head gasket either. I've replaced the boiler once, just replaced the steam arm and put a new gasket in too (that that was fried beyond belief, I'm so embarrassed). Needless to say I'm going to be doing things differently going forward, I want another 10 years out of this machine.
I had mine 8 or 9 years never did the flooding of the boiler until 2 years ago and have never had to replaced the gasket or boiler. The point is in my case, it would have been nice if Rancillio had included a good owners manual to point out these issues as well as best tips on operation for various espresso beverages.
To avoid problems, always think about the condition of the boiler and the likelihood of it being empty. I ensure the boiler is full by pouring a few ounces of water out the wand every morning and also after the Silvia has been left on for a few hours. Water tends to evaporate as the machine cycles on and off over a prolonged period. In addition, I get water flowing out the wand after steaming to make sure the boiler is full before I start brewing through the portafilter.
“may not cover... , ‘cause this is process needs to be followed “? So why hasn’t this been published on instructions booklet? I’ve had mine for 7+ years now...
I have a brand new Silvia and it says “at start up”. Start up ea h day or only at infuse start up when new? I still don’t know nor does the video state this. I’m going to run this step eAch morning I turn it on.
I run water first through the group, then through the steam wand. I close the steam valve before turning off the pump. I feel this guarantees as little air as possible in the system.
I've rebuilt a few coffee machines incl Silvias and for 1st use after a new or empty boiler I'll disconnect one of the leads to the heating element till I've refilled the boiler. The pump will still work but the heating element will not be energized. Don't like the idea of firing up an element for any length of time with no water. Some machines have a valve on top which you can use to fill the boiler from a jug but not silvia. Obviously don't mess around with the wiring if you don't know what you're doing!
Love your videos. Thank you so much. I do have a question. I just got my V6 and it is sooooo intimidating. Took me 20 minutes to turn it on, pull water through steam wand. Then practiced with coffee function. I have never owned a coffee machine. Is there a Step Method to make sure you never damage it? I have not made coffee yet.
Hi, Should this process be performed every time I turn on my machine to use it? Or just for the first use (that the boiler is completely empty)? Another doubt: When I am finished making my espresso, is there any problem in just turning off the machine (leaving the boiler full of water)?
Hey Liebert! This process is strongly recommended for when you first receive your machine, not every time you need to use it. Also, there shouldn't be any issue leaving water in the boiler when you finish if you're using the machine regularly. Personally, I wouldn't leave water in the boiler if I knew i was not going to make espresso for more than a week.
@@Stevesbe hehehe... maybe not the machine, but you must be willing to drink a highly colonized water with fungi and bacteria (if that would be called "water" anymore
@@ProfLiebertNogueira oh yeah i know it's going to need a good flushing before use. I was thinking of getting one a customer of mine has a silvia he bought for his wife they used it a few times then it got put in the basement and they didn't drain it
so it's fine if you've only used the grouphead to prime the boiler on start up..? I will be using the wand method for future start ups. Just cuious if Im doing the right thing as I just purchased a new boiler replacement....
When you are starting the machine, just to make 100% sure that the boiler is filled. If you did ALOT of steaming it may be a good idea to switch off steam mode and run water through the wand until you get a stream of water. Again that way you know 100% the boiler is filled.
Question: After steaming, when we do this process, do we turn off the switch after a steady stream of water comes out or until the orange heating light goes on? I've read and watched different things where a few will say one or the other. Just wanted a bit more clarification.
It can be either. A full stream of water means the boiler is filled and the steam is out. However, the temperature for coffee mode is NOT lowered until the heating light illuminates. So, if making espresso, the heating light would need to illuminate.
I just bought a defect silvia and had to change the heating coil. The old coil was visibly cracked and deformed, I think overheated because of missing water?
Most likely that was the issue, and that is why we recommend this "better to be safe than sorry" approach. Another reason could be because of limescale buildup.
Hey fellas, great video, really clear and easily understood. I recently bought a Silvia E 2016 version, which doesn't come with a traditional on-off switch but a sort of spring-back power switch... It means that I can't use any power outlet timers to make it warm up before I wake up in the morning.. Is this something that in your experiment can be replaced? I know the E version comes with an auto-off timer that shuts the machine down after 30 minutes and I don't mind about bypassing that, just the fact that I can't make it come on automatically in the morning, really grinds my gears... Do you think it can be bypassed by simply opening the case up and putting in a different power switch button? one that just doesn't spring back up?
Hey MJ! Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, we can not offer any assistance in modifying the safety aspects of the machine. However. it has been our experience that many of the burned out heating elements had a common cause - timers.
MJ Unplug 9 and 10 from the junction box and connect them together. Only "negative" impact is that the power on led might not behave in the same way as before
@@billinrio well he wanted wake up or come home and use machine straight.And in 15 min is not heated at all. Maybe just boiler but group head and portafilter are not in 15 min✌️
Sorry I didn't get the purpose of squeezing the 2 hoses together? Do you squeeze them to stop the water from flowing and what does the change in pump sound tell you? Thanks
The hose is squeezed for a few seconds to listen for a difference in the pump sound. If there is no difference, then it is not pumping water. Stop and power down machine and contact the seller or manufacturer. If there is a difference in pump noise, release and let machine continue filling with water. Hope this helps!
Hey, I'm thinking about buying a used Silvia and rancilio grinder. I have two questions. Is 9 years too old for the machine? And also, should I still do this, or is it a first time thing to do?
Hey man. For others thinking buying second hand. My machine was 6-7 years old when I bought it. 4 years after that the machine and grinder still running smooth no problems. But Rancillio a great fkn brand
Hey Dimas! Not that it would be impossible, but it'd be like trying to mow your entire lawn with a pair of scissors. The Silvia is meant for home use, a few cups a day. Please visit our website for our commercial machines. If you're looking to start a small coffee shop, we'd love for you to give us a call or email us at sales@1st-line.com so we can help you find the machine that best suits your needs. Thanks!
I see that a lot! Some micro coffee shops (just a take away window) and other small ones... Specially in Melbourne and Sydney and now up to GC also. They seem to work wonders. P.S. I use mine at home at least 20 times 😃
Single boiler, dual purpose machines like this do not have auto refill sensors like most HX/DB machines do. So to make 100% sure that the boiler is filled, you have to do this step.
Hi. You seem most knowledgeable. I always do that start up with the water switch. I have a couple questions I’d like to ask. Is there a number or email I can contact you?
Please understand our support is for customers who purchased from 1st-line and if you did, you can contact us. You can ask your questions here as the community may also be able to offer advice. Or, you can also contact your dealer if you did not purchase from 1st-line.
We have sold the Rancilio Silvia since 1998. They have gone through many upgrades since and we still recommend it to our customers as a solid espresso machine.
![Rancilio Silivia V5 Espressomaschine im Test & Tipps zur Zubereitung [Deutsch]](/img/n.gif)
There are many videos out there touting themselves as informative tips and tricks.
This is the real deal.
Thank you
The explanation on why you should use the steam wand instead of the brewed group to fill the boiler is very helpful
I got a Silvia for an engagement present from my parents 10 years ago... never followed these instructions nor had I ever changed the group head gasket either. I've replaced the boiler once, just replaced the steam arm and put a new gasket in too (that that was fried beyond belief, I'm so embarrassed). Needless to say I'm going to be doing things differently going forward, I want another 10 years out of this machine.
I had mine 8 or 9 years never did the flooding of the boiler until 2 years ago and have never had to replaced the gasket or boiler. The point is in my case, it would have been nice if Rancillio had included a good owners manual to point out these issues as well as best tips on operation for various espresso beverages.
To avoid problems, always think about the condition of the boiler and the likelihood of it being empty. I ensure the boiler is full by pouring a few ounces of water out the wand every morning and also after the Silvia has been left on for a few hours. Water tends to evaporate as the machine cycles on and off over a prolonged period. In addition, I get water flowing out the wand after steaming to make sure the boiler is full before I start brewing through the portafilter.
“may not cover... , ‘cause this is process needs to be followed “?
So why hasn’t this been published on instructions booklet?
I’ve had mine for 7+ years now...
Mine says exactly what he said as well. Maybe they added the instructions later.
I just got a Lelit machine from first-line last week and there was an instruction page about this process inside the box.
Not with my 8-9 year Silvia. Would have been helpful.
I have a brand new Silvia and it says “at start up”. Start up ea h day or only at infuse start up when new? I still don’t know nor does the video state this. I’m going to run this step eAch morning I turn it on.
Is this procedure recommended with each use, or only when water tank is filled?
I have the same question. The owners guide is not clear on this.
I run water first through the group, then through the steam wand. I close the steam valve before turning off the pump.
I feel this guarantees as little air as possible in the system.
I've rebuilt a few coffee machines incl Silvias and for 1st use after a new or empty boiler I'll disconnect one of the leads to the heating element till I've refilled the boiler. The pump will still work but the heating element will not be energized.
Don't like the idea of firing up an element for any length of time with no water.
Some machines have a valve on top which you can use to fill the boiler from a jug but not silvia.
Obviously don't mess around with the wiring if you don't know what you're doing!
Thanks. We usualyl do not want customers opening the machine unless under our guidance. For new machines, this video serves well.
Great tips!! Do we need to do the same with the Silvia Pro X?
Found the answer! Pro X auto refills the water boilers.
Does this process apply to the v6 Silvia? Because I just got my machine a couple months ago and never did this process
So after the first use I dont have to worry about this anymore?
you have to do this everytime after you use it :( when you used steam
Love your videos. Thank you so much. I do have a question. I just got my V6 and it is sooooo intimidating. Took me 20 minutes to turn it on, pull water through steam wand. Then practiced with coffee function. I have never owned a coffee machine. Is there a Step Method to make sure you never damage it? I have not made coffee yet.
Hi,
Should this process be performed every time I turn on my machine to use it? Or just for the first use (that the boiler is completely empty)?
Another doubt: When I am finished making my espresso, is there any problem in just turning off the machine (leaving the boiler full of water)?
Hey Liebert! This process is strongly recommended for when you first receive your machine, not every time you need to use it. Also, there shouldn't be any issue leaving water in the boiler when you finish if you're using the machine regularly. Personally, I wouldn't leave water in the boiler if I knew i was not going to make espresso for more than a week.
Would it hurt the machine to leave water in it and store it for 4 years?
@@Stevesbe hehehe... maybe not the machine, but you must be willing to drink a highly colonized water with fungi and bacteria (if that would be called "water" anymore
@@ProfLiebertNogueira oh yeah i know it's going to need a good flushing before use. I was thinking of getting one a customer of mine has a silvia he bought for his wife they used it a few times then it got put in the basement and they didn't drain it
@@Stevesbe Totally recommend it... you won't regret!! Now I have updated to a Rocket Appartamento... but Rancilio is Amazing
Helpful video. Is the process you are describing the same as 'priming' the machine?
so it's fine if you've only used the grouphead to prime the boiler on start up..? I will be using the wand method for future start ups. Just cuious if Im doing the right thing as I just purchased a new boiler replacement....
What if I never use the steam wand ? I just make espresso shots.
(nevermind read the description)
1st start-up when new
Do this every start up proir to steaming milk?
When you are starting the machine, just to make 100% sure that the boiler is filled. If you did ALOT of steaming it may be a good idea to switch off steam mode and run water through the wand until you get a stream of water. Again that way you know 100% the boiler is filled.
Question: After steaming, when we do this process, do we turn off the switch after a steady stream of water comes out or until the orange heating light goes on? I've read and watched different things where a few will say one or the other. Just wanted a bit more clarification.
It can be either.
A full stream of water means the boiler is filled and the steam is out. However, the temperature for coffee mode is NOT lowered until the heating light illuminates. So, if making espresso, the heating light would need to illuminate.
I just bought a defect silvia and had to change the heating coil. The old coil was visibly cracked and deformed, I think overheated because of missing water?
Most likely that was the issue, and that is why we recommend this "better to be safe than sorry" approach. Another reason could be because of limescale buildup.
Is this something you do prior to every use?
Only when you are starting the machine just to make 100% sure that the boiler is filled. When pulling a shot, the boiler is also refilling.
Fantastic - Super helpful.
Glad we could help!
Hey fellas, great video, really clear and easily understood.
I recently bought a Silvia E 2016 version, which doesn't come with a traditional on-off switch but a sort of spring-back power switch... It means that I can't use any power outlet timers to make it warm up before I wake up in the morning.. Is this something that in your experiment can be replaced? I know the E version comes with an auto-off timer that shuts the machine down after 30 minutes and I don't mind about bypassing that, just the fact that I can't make it come on automatically in the morning, really grinds my gears...
Do you think it can be bypassed by simply opening the case up and putting in a different power switch button? one that just doesn't spring back up?
Hey MJ! Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, we can not offer any assistance in modifying the safety aspects of the machine. However. it has been our experience that many of the burned out heating elements had a common cause - timers.
MJ Unplug 9 and 10 from the junction box and connect them together. Only "negative" impact is that the power on led might not behave in the same way as before
@@richardbatla In the morning, just turn it on first thing and wait 15 minutes.
@@billinrio well he wanted wake up or come home and use machine straight.And in 15 min is not heated at all. Maybe just boiler but group head and portafilter are not in 15 min✌️
Do you still recommend the silvia
Yes we do still recommend the Silvia!
@@1st-lineequipment will the lack of a PID be an issue in the long run
@@timhanley4396 PID lessens grouphead flushings, but costs more to repair when failure occurs in the mid to long run.
Sorry I didn't get the purpose of squeezing the 2 hoses together? Do you squeeze them to stop the water from flowing and what does the change in pump sound tell you? Thanks
The hose is squeezed for a few seconds to listen for a difference in the pump sound. If there is no difference, then it is not pumping water. Stop and power down machine and contact the seller or manufacturer. If there is a difference in pump noise, release and let machine continue filling with water. Hope this helps!
Hey, I'm thinking about buying a used Silvia and rancilio grinder. I have two questions. Is 9 years too old for the machine? And also, should I still do this, or is it a first time thing to do?
Woops, didn't see you already answered my second question.
Hey man. For others thinking buying second hand. My machine was 6-7 years old when I bought it. 4 years after that the machine and grinder still running smooth no problems. But Rancillio a great fkn brand
I bought a 20 years old gaggia classic. It works perfect, but don't forget to clean up the boiler.
Hi, what do you think if Silvia being used in a small coffee shop? Around 20-80 cups a day
Hey Dimas! Not that it would be impossible, but it'd be like trying to mow your entire lawn with a pair of scissors. The Silvia is meant for home use, a few cups a day. Please visit our website for our commercial machines. If you're looking to start a small coffee shop, we'd love for you to give us a call or email us at sales@1st-line.com so we can help you find the machine that best suits your needs. Thanks!
I see that a lot!
Some micro coffee shops (just a take away window) and other small ones...
Specially in Melbourne and Sydney and now up to GC also. They seem to work wonders.
P.S. I use mine at home at least 20 times 😃
Great tip
Help!! No water is coming through the hoses after the pump runs for a minute or so...
Sorry for the delay. Your machine may have developed an air pocket. Please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/xZIqO-i5kQg/v-deo.html
Is this every time i turn it on ?.
Single boiler, dual purpose machines like this do not have auto refill sensors like most HX/DB machines do. So to make 100% sure that the boiler is filled, you have to do this step.
How I now is the boiler burned?
You’ll have milky cloudy water coming out of the steam wand and the group head, I know because it just happened to me this week.
Hi. You seem most knowledgeable. I always do that start up with the water switch. I have a couple questions I’d like to ask. Is there a number or email I can contact you?
Please understand our support is for customers who purchased from 1st-line and if you did, you can contact us. You can ask your questions here as the community may also be able to offer advice. Or, you can also contact your dealer if you did not purchase from 1st-line.
wow great video
My steam knob is stuck and the coffee button gets water out of the wand... This is a brand new machine....
too complicated
Absolute rubbish
We have sold the Rancilio Silvia since 1998. They have gone through many upgrades since and we still recommend it to our customers as a solid espresso machine.
Seems a very over cautious approach. I will call this hands on BS, though you become better friends with the machine.
We would like to consider this a "better to be safe than sorry" approach.
Ow, c'mon, stay nice.