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TheXperior t1_j6h7yda wrote

That's a beauty! Very simple, reliable design. By the way, you can get almost all spare parts new online. They even sell upgrade kits to make it look and feel a bit more like the newer versions.

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Waryur OP t1_j6h8b7k wrote

I'm probably gonna replace the milk frother because the arm is a bit drippy even when closed - not enough to cause problems when coffee making and maybe that's just how they are new - also the newer versions you can move it more. Also im gonna throw a bunch of electronics in it to make it more capable - Gaggiuino mod. Basically, my plans for the machine are, new steam arm, insulate the boiler, Gaggiuino. No purely cosmetic stuff like replacing the steam knob or the drip cover because thats how you can tell it's an old one and it's BIFL material.

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Unique_Name_2 t1_j6hzm08 wrote

Glad to see youre aware of gaggiuno etc! Came here to suggest PID 😆, you got this.

Also never read espresso subs if you dont want to be jealous of the people who found a LMLM for 25 cents :|

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Waryur OP t1_j6m43bi wrote

I'm pretty sure Ms. 35-Dollar Silvia is that post that makes people jealous lol. But I remember when "I found this Barista Express on the side of the road!" happened twice in a month, was nuts

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falliblehumanity t1_j6iplu5 wrote

They're definitely not leaky when new, replace the part! It's a gorgeous machine that's definitely a buy it for life type of deal.

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PrestigeMaster t1_j6iu3lu wrote

Sounds like a valve leaking. Make sure you dig in and find the correct part. Might even just be able to buy new seals depending on what type of valve it has.

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Waryur OP t1_j6iw1ax wrote

Yeah, the valve that opens the steam wand most likely. This replaces the valve and adds the newer steam wand (because they changed some of the fittings, I would have had to replace the valve anyway, even if mine wasn't leaky.)

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Bob_Chris t1_j6jsoe0 wrote

I have a PID controlled Silvia that was made in 2000. It's basically the same as yours.

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CaughtInTheCameraEye t1_j6lswhq wrote

Inside the arm unit there is a washer set you can get to fix leaking valve. Also check for what V you have. Looks like a v1 or v1 so make sure parts for that version if you have it.

I fixed my leaky stream arm with a service kit for it, insulated the boiler with high temp silicone and cable ties. Re-did a few wire and connectors and got the IMS shower screen and grided the bolt for it to sit much flusher.

I had a used grinder too but nothing but issues, got me a 1zpresso K-max and cant be happier (you might like the J-max though)

Lastly I used a makeshift pressure portafilter to make sure im at the right BAR

As for mine (insulated) I just wait 40 seconds after the boiler light goes off and that suits me okay. You could be different and might have to learn the right time or do the temp surf.

Best of luck

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Waryur OP t1_j6m3vrz wrote

I'm replacing the entire steam valve + wand setup since the newer versions of Silvia have the wand on a ball joint vs the simple rotation on the old versions. But I'll remember that if the new one leaks!

I own a JX-Pro alongside my Mazzer. Theres nothing wrong with used equipment unless the previous owner was stupid, and the previous owner of my grinder took good care of it. I'm looking to replace the grinder with a DF64, maybe DF64P, because of workflow.

I dunno if I'm at "the right" pressure - I know a guy who owns a late-90s Silvia and his OPV is still at the factory pressure, it hasn't lost pressure over time so I assume I'm also at factory pressure (11 bars or so) - but I'm putting a mod in to be able to pressure profile.

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thegassypanda t1_j6j0e7o wrote

I can't get the screw out on the screen above where the coffee goes

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TheXperior t1_j6jfir3 wrote

Try it when the machine is hot. Once you got it, I suggest replacing it with a countersunk stainless hex screw, this reduces the profile and makes it easier to remove it. I often had an imprint of the original screw in the puck, not a huge deal but I like it better without it.

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Rorybeno t1_j6hh1fq wrote

$35 is insane. Kudos

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ContractTrue6613 t1_j6it7zi wrote

What is retail like 900 ?

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zilog88 t1_j6jj69z wrote

Depends on where you're buying it. In Italy you can get a new one for about 350 usd.

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ElRonMexico7 t1_j6kvg6r wrote

Yep, their base model jumped from $700 to around $850 within the last couple years.

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stoncils_ t1_j6imcu6 wrote

Was gonna say. Haven't sucked air in through my teeth in appreciation in a good while

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Henbogle t1_j6hqbp7 wrote

What is Savers and how can I find such a deal on an espresso machine?

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WantonChrysanthemum t1_j6i98cs wrote

It’s a large chain of second-hand stores in the USA

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Henbogle t1_j6igzv1 wrote

Thanks! There are a couple in New Hampshire a few hours from me. I sense a road trip!

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WantonChrysanthemum t1_j6ilc24 wrote

They usually have some good finds, and are quite large. I would say 80% of my belongings come from Savers lol. Heck I’m going to go today! I’m upset that they seem to have closed down all the dressing rooms, at least in my area.

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ThePorkTree t1_j6jrdh8 wrote

The chances you identify and find something sold at 3% of its mark at savers is pretty slim. Just go to your local thrift store, that’s all savers is.

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Henbogle t1_j6jygoz wrote

Unfortunately my most local thrift stores are Goodwill and appear to be focusing on selling dollar store products and MalWart brand clothing. The few other charity shops succumbed to Covid. Im a dedicated thrifter and a thrift store road trip is a fun winter activity. A Rancillo espresso machine would be akin to a lottery win.

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Waryur OP t1_j6l1kbw wrote

That's what Savers is like too most of the time. You just have to get lucky / an employee has to have epically failed for this kind of deal.

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ubermonkey t1_j6i8ig0 wrote

Good choice! The Rancilio has been a go-to first-proper-espresso-machine for a long, long time, and if you paid $35 for it you fucking STOLE it. Nice! (A new Rancilio Silvia is $865 at Seattle Coffee Gear as I type this, and even at that price it's considered an excellent and capable machine that punches well above its weight.)

Semiautomatic espresso machines -- which is to say, the ones where you twist a knob or pull a lever to trigger the flow of pressurized water into the portafilter, but which do NOT measure or grind beans or automatically fill the portafilter or any of that nonsense -- are usually pretty simple beasts. If you buy a good one (and this is one) there's no reason you can't use it for decades. They're very, very repairable, and are at their root not especially complicated devices.

My pal C., who is a finance guy not some sort of engineer, has repaired his machine a couple times in the ~12-15 years he's had it (once to get the pump to limp along a bit further; a second time to replace said pump).

(Oh, and if you get into coffee, nb. that the idea of a PID is going to raise its head. That Rancilio doesn't have one, but it's apparently VERY EASY to add one to it if you're at all handy.)

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sunflowercompass t1_j6iqglf wrote

Shit got expensive. I remember they were around $400 10 years ago

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ubermonkey t1_j6j0vhi wrote

Were they ever really that cheap?

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sunflowercompass t1_j6j7w9a wrote

Yeah I even bought a super automatic from Delonghi for $800 in 2009. Checking now, you can get a super auto from same manufacturer for $800. It jammed a lot, too many parts. Don't like it.

Not a fan of Italian machines either. I remember I couldn't even reach support (no email, just a voicemail in Italian).

Now I just do hot water dispenser, aeropress, and a manual grinder. I have gone through many, including the famed rocky. That jammed a lot. People on the internet: STOP USING dark oily beans. But.. that's what I like to drink.

Kitchenaid burr grinder, that's lasted me 15 years+, only jams once a year if even that. Broke the glass once, called customer service to buy a new one. They just shipped me one for free.

Looking at models, it is similar to the KCG0702CS that's $300. I don't know if it's still the same quality. They got a $200 too.

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ubermonkey t1_j6jayhi wrote

Superautos all eventually taste like ass IME.

Italy makes fine machines, but you probably have to spend more to get a solid one. I have a Rocket, which is absurd, and I wouldn't suggest it for most humans because of its size and absurdity, but it makes fantastic coffee and is objectively beautiful.

I've paired mine with a Baratza Vario+ grinder. I used a lower-end Baratza to start with (carried over from my pourover days), and it was ok but the change when I got a proper espresso grinder was pretty big.

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sunflowercompass t1_j6jkorc wrote

Yeah but back in the day when I drank a lot of coffee it was sooo convenient to just push a button and get a quick drink. Also great for the morning while I am still waking up :)

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ubermonkey t1_j6joq6l wrote

I feel that.

I came to espresso from pour over, though, so for me getting a delicious American in, realistically, less than a minute is pretty great even if I have to measure-grind-tamp-pull during that minute.

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MeatPopsicle14 t1_j6l9jib wrote

What do the acronyms you used (nb, pid) mean?

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ubermonkey t1_j6lf467 wrote

“N.b.” is Latin. It stands for “nota bene”, which means “note well” — basically “pay attention to this part!”

PID is an electronic controller that stabilizes the brewing temp of an espresso machine. The abbreviation stands for “proportional integral derivative” but it’s mostly just referred to with the initials.

This is a quickly Googled link that explains it. Nicer machines have them, but often older ones can have them added.

https://sipcoffeehouse.com/pid-espresso/

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put_on_the_mask t1_j6hwqmu wrote

Jesus, whoever sold that didn't know what they had. I just sold mine, albeit five years younger, for about ten times that.

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mrsbebe t1_j6i7f9m wrote

Yeah we bought a 2009(?) Gaggia last year from a flea market for $250 and needed to replace a lot of parts as well as plastidip the case (surface rust) and we were thrilled! But this is a real steal!

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PelorTheBurningHate t1_j6id3pz wrote

And the 2009 model gaggia's are the worse ones where they replaced the 3 way solenoid valve even then 250 is still a decent deal.

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mrsbebe t1_j6ihiwp wrote

Yeah I don't remember for sure what year it was. It may be 2007? My husband would know lol

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PelorTheBurningHate t1_j6iitlq wrote

If you've ever heard him say it has a 3 way Solenoid/valve it's one of the pre 2009 ones. (also notably to anyone else reading this they do make 3 way solenoid ones new they're just called the gaggia classic pro now instead)

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jcbevns t1_j6ht0hr wrote

Australia?

Means you got that machine for like 5 iced lattes. You're gonna be in the black in no time.

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objevt2 t1_j6jc01v wrote

I drove 100km across Melbourne just to buy a used Gaggia Classic off of gumtree 7 or 8 years back for $350 and even then I prob could've got one for 250 if I hadn't been so impatient. I gotta start scouring thrift stores for products that granny's don't know how to google the value of!

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Waryur OP t1_j6l24eo wrote

Go on ebay and look for terms people who don't know anything about espresso call them. "Expresso maker" or "Cappuccino machine". Usually means the seller doesn't know anything about the item and is selling it for way too little.

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Waryur OP t1_j6l1wvs wrote

American, actually. Is savers also in Australia?

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jcbevns t1_j6m040h wrote

Yep, used to frequent a few in Melbourne, Australia.

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LRA2103 t1_j6htysn wrote

I just bought this one new, and it was very expensive, you’re so lucky!

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widdidam t1_j6iqtuk wrote

The silvia is a tank! It’s unkillable and parts are still available online. I love mine too.

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haunted-liver-1 t1_j6iu17p wrote

Are there any open-source espresso machines?

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ubermonkey t1_j6j0yli wrote

What does that even mean?

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haunted-liver-1 t1_j6j38xh wrote

It means ones whose designs are released and licensed openly. That would be CAD files that describe how to make the components of the machine and put them together.

The benefit being that you can repair it forever because you can just give the CAD file to a fabricator to make a replacement for any part that breaks, even if the manufacturer goes out of business.

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ubermonkey t1_j6jbb0z wrote

I do not think what you are asking for exists, but there certainly ARE industry standards and well-understood machines that create a repair environment probably quite close to what you imagine.

A LOT of nicer machines, for example, are built around an E61 group head, so accessories and replacement parts are easy to find.

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jcbevns t1_j6jq1r0 wrote

Gaggia has been hacked a lot, if that's your think. Look up "Arduino Gaggia" .

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Waryur OP t1_j6l2dzh wrote

I'm actually installing that mod on this Silvia, assuming you mean Gaggiuino. Guess you could say Ranciliuino but Zero_Bit (the creator) would prefer you didn't call it anything other than the original name. Internally Silvia is pretty similar to a Gaggia; they're both simple single boiler machines with similar control schemes. The main difference is that Silvia has a bigger boiler.

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[deleted] t1_j6j06y6 wrote

[deleted]

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CM1961 t1_j6ibvyp wrote

Score!

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PelorTheBurningHate t1_j6ici3p wrote

Holy fucking shit 35 bucks, I wish I could find one for under 500 near me.

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chuchrox t1_j6imxlv wrote

What a great deal! Enjoy that’s a hell of a machine

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paripazoo t1_j6itgya wrote

Unbelievable price

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Inexorable_Passage t1_j6j2l06 wrote

Damn! Rancilios are solid. I’d jump on that in a heartbeat.

Source: I was a barista for a long time and am familiar with these and other nice machines lol

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Fun-Construction444 t1_j6j37af wrote

That’s a steal! I have a large espresso machine for my business and I bought it second hand for 250. I was ecstatic. Amazing espresso machine, fixable parts, simple design. You’ll have that forever

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labonave t1_j6j3c3j wrote

For me, this machine is a definition of a BIFL equipment : reliable, well-built, well-conceived (mostly), most parts available more than a decade after (mine is a v2-2008).

Enjoy your shots !!

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eltejano t1_j6j94wt wrote

I had a Rancilio Silvia for just over 20 years. They're great machines. Get a really nice grinder

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Waryur OP t1_j6l2rpm wrote

I have a Mazzer grinder (another BIFL item) which I also got used - but for a "reasonable" used price instead of "hungover Savers employee pressing random numbers to get 10 billion items out in a day" pricing (450 dollars).

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KnifeGuy18 t1_j6jhgun wrote

Haha, spent well over a grand for that specific model or something very similar for my wife one Christmas. Nice find.

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Waryur OP t1_j6l33yt wrote

1000? Is that in USD? They cost 865 according to a quick Google - what drove the cost up for you if that is in USD?

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vinnyboyescher t1_j6k1f4b wrote

modding those with a pid makes them some of the best (single boiler) machines out there period.

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Waryur OP t1_j6k1qp1 wrote

I'm doing Gaggiuino. Temperature and pressure control, repeatable automatic pressure profiles. Cool mod. I have all the parts for electronics already, just need to order the plumbing parts.

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LineChef t1_j6iyagz wrote

Looks rad. How does it work, is there a direct water line hooked up to it?

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ubermonkey t1_j6j1902 wrote

I don't think the Silvio is plumbable. You'd just have to keep the water res full.

My understanding is that you need to be a few ticks up the ladder before being able to plumb your machine into your water main. My machine is plumbable but I haven't done it; it's no big deal to just fill the res.

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domingos_vm t1_j6iz9yp wrote

To be honest, any decently good coffee machine is well lasting! Most Rancilio, Gaggia, Vibiemme, Isomac, La Pavoni, are all kinda tanks.

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JeffCrossSF t1_j6j1n93 wrote

I only recently replaced mine but not because it broke but because I wanted a more consistently great pull. I have never mastered the pull.. when I get the same coffee pulled on a better machine by a pro it blows me away how flavorful it can be. I got close a few times but despite my best efforts it was always a little bit of a crap shoot.

There is a mod for this to add a thermostat for the boiler. I never did this but hear it makes it much easier to get a consistent pull. I also have a scale for weighing.

So what did I move to? A super automatic Miele. Cost a damn fortune but at least it is very consistent. Not as good as a quality pull at a good coffee shop, but very good.

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Waryur OP t1_j6j550e wrote

I'm gonna be doing the Gaggiuino mod which adds sensors and controllers to the heating and pressure, lets you pull consistent shots.

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JeffCrossSF t1_j6j5ij9 wrote

I could do that, or go super automatic. Haha.. anyhow, no regrets. I’ll probably hand it down to my kids some day.

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bizzarebeans t1_j6j6vko wrote

Rancillo Silva is a top notch machine. That’s an awesome deal. Had mine for 20ish years too and any problem has an easy fix with cheap first party parts

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Yars107 t1_j6j8j9a wrote

I love those Silvia! They are bulletproof!

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Appendizitis t1_j6jay67 wrote

Great machine, watch for rust behind and up the drip tray.

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Waryur OP t1_j6l2yte wrote

Good catch. I think I see some! What should I do to prevent it spreading? It's only the black part that's in danger right - the silver part is stainless?

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Appendizitis t1_j6lu4xg wrote

I just keep mine as dry as possible, as far as i know, there is nothing else to prevent it...🤷

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zilog88 t1_j6jj277 wrote

This is a very good machine, makes better coffee than most of the drip coffee makers.

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diab0lus t1_j6jjhj2 wrote

Mine is about 18 years old at this point. I have a Rocky grinder too. I expect both to last indefinitely.

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DudeFromMiami t1_j6joowt wrote

Rancilio Silvia for 35 bucks?! Wtfff that was an absolute steal

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c0v3n4n7 t1_j6juaj1 wrote

That's a beautiful coffee machine. Functional design and super easy to clean.

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BlueEyesWhiteSliver t1_j6jwtmi wrote

I had a boss once that was into restoring vintage espresso machine.

That guy was a dick.

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Ben_jah_min t1_j6jxlwk wrote

A rancillio Silvia is the rolls Royce of home espresso! These are like £500/ $600 to buy online, if you got this for $35 that’s the steal of the century

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porkchopmeowster t1_j6k3itb wrote

Is the sticker still on it? Asking for a friend.

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Waryur OP t1_j6k3uql wrote

This picture is from the day i bot it. Sticker has been off since then pretty much. If it was on the side I'd have kept it as a testament to the generosity of the Goodwill Gods but on the front is too ugly.

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PelorTheBurningHate t1_j6kf4fd wrote

I think I'd have put the sticker in some epoxy and made it into a magnet for the side lol

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MaapuSeeSore t1_j6k3uim wrote

Wtfffff I want to purchase this exact one but can’t justify the price. Great catch !

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drumsonfire t1_j6k3ywo wrote

That is a smoking deal my friend

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igorek_brrro t1_j6k4195 wrote

35 bucks?! Did you post this on r/espresso or r/JamesHoffmann yet?

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Waryur OP t1_j6k5htb wrote

I posted it to r/thriftstorehauls and r/ranciliosilvia.

Also *Hoffmann. (Okay they fixed it)

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tomtermite t1_j6k8cl3 wrote

The RS is arguable one of the best consumer-level espresso machines... ever! There's communities dedicated to modding it, as well. Here one person discusses modding.

Get parts here.

These machines cost US$500+ new...

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BenBeJamming t1_j6k97gc wrote

My father has been using this model daily since 2205! It’s never skipped a beat, and I had the pleasure of making the family our morning lattes when visiting them this past weekend.

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MuzzBizzy t1_j6kac8u wrote

Looks very similar to the Saeco espresso machine I got nib from goodwill a few years back. Works great still.

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smokin-bear t1_j6kahlj wrote

Nice find! I’ve got an ‘02 Silvia that is running great. I hope it lasts you a long time.

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Oldhagandcats t1_j6ki5fi wrote

This is such a good score! I was a barista in high school; make sure to invest in some brushes to clean is well and to “break down” the machine fully when you clean it. (Remove grate, etc.) if you do that, it can last for a literal decade or two.

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hanspaolo t1_j6km0l4 wrote

Bro, STFU, you paid 35$ for it??? I’ve had my Rancilio Silvia since 2014 and haven’t had to maintenance it at all other the the occasional descaling. I also paid full price for it (over 1000$ cad) and that is why I consider your purchase of it an absolute steal. Well done.

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prncssbbygrl t1_j6knipb wrote

Those are good machines, especially if you add a PID which is a water temperature regulator. Set it to 202.5 Fahrenheit

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br0therjames55 t1_j6ko40p wrote

My terrified millennial ass when I started counting the years since 2004.

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asweetpea t1_j6kszrs wrote

Have had this some one since 2006! It’s had a few parts replaced but still works like new.

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ginny11 t1_j6kzc54 wrote

I have this exact one bought in 2002, it's still going strong.

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Waryur OP t1_j6l10wl wrote

Have you modded anything or is it still stock?

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ginny11 t1_j6mrpl8 wrote

No mods, I'm mostly too lazy for that.

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Sad-Lettuce2820 t1_j6laghj wrote

$34!?!? Is it just our Savers that marks stuff up to like, new retail price? That’s a steal. Good on ya

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killerkennyAU t1_j6layin wrote

I paid over $800 on a new one for the gf.

She made an awesome mod. A small tube with a hand pump/bulb that makes a siphon and easily drains the drip tray. It goes through a hole in the tray and tucks neatly behind the machine and then into the sink.

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DownInTheLowCountry t1_j6li17k wrote

Great espresso machine. I’ve had ours almost twenty years and never had a problem with it.

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yelruh00 t1_j6iqxt0 wrote

If 20 years is a lifetime, then I'm dead.

−3

kane2742 t1_j6j3337 wrote

See Rule 1.

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yelruh00 t1_j6n8mbq wrote

Yeah gotcha, I remember when this sub was actually BIFL and didn't have that rule. Now its just the "this random product just happened to last more than 5 years" subreddit.

1

iakrom t1_j6ivzby wrote

My youngest child is older than this machine. It’s probably a solid buy but still…

−6

Waryur OP t1_j6iw9sb wrote

They only started making these things in the 90s I think so there's kind of a limit on how old they're gonna be. But there's basically nothing inside that can go wrong, as long as you aren't stupid.

Edit: from what I can tell, this model was introduced in 1997.

And just saying, every 50 year old appliance was once a 20 year old appliance and 20 years is a LONG life for a consumer appliance these days. We've gone through multiple fridges while this machine has been going making coffees.

3