Product Comparison: Gaggia Classic (14101) vs Rancilio Silvia

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Gaggia Classic (14101) Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing

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Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

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General Specifications

Brand

Gaggia

Rancilio

Model

Clasic (14101)

Silvia

Origin

Italy

About the product

The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve.

Influenced by modern design, Silvia is perfect for any type of décor and offers totally professional levels of performance and reliability. Thanks to Silvia, you no longer have to choose between style and functionality or design and performance. Experience the pleasure of a perfect professional espresso.

Key Specs

Type

Pump-driven

Water reservoir capacity

2.1 L

2 L

Single Beverage Preparation Time

0.5 min.

Wattage

1300 W

1000 W

Auto-off

Yes

Wattage

Gaggia Classic (14101)

Rancilio Silvia

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Gaggia Classic (14101) Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing

Large water reservoir which is good for prepping alot of water in the machine and also for the water tray.
I couldn't be more pleased with the output. It makes great espresso, and a powerful steam generator heats milk quickly.
Makes a great espresso, full-bodied with great crema. Easy to setup, use, and fairly easy to clean.
A bit noisy as many of the machines are.
I do wish that it had an auto off function, as the machine gets crazy hot and will just keep heating up if you leave it on.

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

Solid, real espresso machine and capable of both real espresso and real steam milk (inlcd foam).
The portafilter (the bit that holds the coffee) is full-sized and solid chromed brass. It retains heat nicely, so the brew going into your cup is at a proper temperature. The 58mm filter basket allows for a healthy dose of coffee.
Makes great coffee and lasts forever with essentially no maintenance.
Very loud, specific set up and if it is not done right--you can screw up the machine.
The water reservoir is a little small. I keep a gallon jug next to the machine and fill it almost daily.

Size & Weight

Material

Stainless Steel/Plastic

Stainless Steel

Color

Stainless Steel

Height

14.96 in.

13.4 in.

Width

9 in.

9.3 in.

Depth

9.45 in.

11.4 in.

Weight

22 lbs.

30.8 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Gaggia Classic (14101) Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing

Love the smaller counter footprint, 8 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep, 14.2 inches tall, the commercial sized 58mm 1 lb portafilter, the standardized pressure and the temperatures.
It's a nice size, not too small and flimsy, not too big and taking up room.
Love this machine and have learnt to be patient and follow all the steps to a delicious cappuccino. Especially nice size for small kitchen.
It's the perfect size for our small kitchen.

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

All-metal casing and frame: The cladding's brushed stainless, and is low-maintenance. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap every once in a while.
My first impression is that this thing weighs a ton. It really does weight about 35 lbs. All components around the coffee are stainless steel. And I understand the boiler is marine grade brass not likely to have corrosion problems like my previous espresso maker.
It feels and looks like a commercial unit for the home, and I really like the styling - basic, clean and sleek.
It's heavy and big.

Controls

Control Type

Semi-automatic

Display

Pressure Gauge

Water Level

Auto-Start

Cleaning Alert

Temperature Control

Automatic

Programming Function

Cleaning Alert
Pressure Gauge

What customers say about "Controls"

Gaggia Classic (14101) Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing

The controls consist of three jumbo sized rocker switches, and a knob for the frother. Very simple to use.
Very easy to set up and use, and minimalist in design, it has an on/off switch, pannarello steam button, and the dispense button, that's it.
I love full manual, having control over every aspect, that's my favorite thing about it.
I wish it had a little more control or indicator, as you don't really know when it's ready to go and heated up.
I also wish that there was a little more control over the actual steam coming out of the wand.

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

Solid switches and mechanical components: The rocker switches are solid and last forever.
Simple operation: very few things to go wrong. No built-in-grinder. No auto-brew or fussy push-button controls to malfunction.
Simple controls. If you are looking for workhorse without the fancy electronics... This is it.
This machine is not an easy thing to get to know. This isn't a machine that has any intuitive controls or any user friendly directions. This is a machine that takes trial and error, research, lots of time and money to spend.
It doesn't have a PID controller which will accurately set the temp the perfect degree which will give you a consistent quality shot everytime.

Features

Grinder

Number of Cups

Pressure

15 Bar

Сappuccinatore

Yes

Cup Warmer

Yes

Removable Water Reservoir

Yes

Removable Drip Tray

Yes

What customers say about "Features"

Gaggia Classic (14101) Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing

I feel like this machine gets great steam power when it gets going.
Great espresso. Good enough steam pressure to texture milk.
Simple to use, easy to clean, fits under the cabinets on counter.
The steam knob never did work very well so I bought a separate frothing unit for foam.
The only feature that we don't llike is that the milk steamer is placed too low and there is allways a milk spill on the counter top every time we place or remove the cup from the steamer.

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

Omni-directional steam wand: It's mounted on a ball joint, so it swivels where you want it to - not just out to the side. A good thing for tight spaces.
The steam wand operates as expected. Love it.
The steam wand is powerful and froths milk for a silky smooth latte or cappucino perfectly.
The Portafilter is very well made (heavy) and feels very "professional". If there is one thing the Italians know how to do...its Espresso (and Espresso Accessories).
The drip tray capacity is much too small. I have to empty mine almost daily to keep it from over-flowing onto my counter

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Manual

Date first available

October 2, 2001