Stuff Geeks Want

Earlier this year I called your attention to the excellent semi-automatic Rancilio Silvia espresso machine.

But as much as I like the more authentic espresso, I almost enjoy the wondrous automatic systems as much…. and probably more when I’m feeling feeling especially lazy.

In the past few days since having a DeLonghi ESAM6600 Esclusivo Gran Dama espresso machine at my disposal, I’ve drank more coffee than I probably did in the previous two weeks. Something about having to only press one button for a machiatto makes it all too irresistible.

Score the convenience for $2,518 from Amazon.com. It’ll pay for itself after about 1,000 cappuccinos…

There are sexier espresso machines on the market, especially in the $600 price range, but the Rancilio Silivia is the benchmark by which everything else is measured.

Silivia is a semi-automatic espresso machine, so if you’re looking for something that you can set and forget or you don’t have the patience to learn how to pull the perfect shot, you should look elsewhere. But if you want to produce espresso shots with the same quality of a commercial setup, the Silvia is the way to go.

What makes Silvia so good? Check out these features, a number of which straight out of Rancilio’s far pricier coffee shop setups:

• commercial-size portafilter (ensures even water distribution over the grinds)
  
• chrome-plated brass filter holder (keeps the temperature consistent)
  
• ultra high quality construction (frame is iron, exterior casing is stainless steel)
  
• stainless steel steam wand
  
• largest boiler (12 oz.) in this price range
  
• cup warmer (up to 6 espresso cups)

Ready to splurge? Pick one up for $595 at Chef’s Corner or Whole Latte Love. Keep in mind you’ll want a high quality grinder to take Silivia to its limits ($100-$300), or you can just buy this $905 package and call it good.