So you bought the Rancilio Silvia, one of the highest rated espresso machines on the market – and you can’t make a decent cup of espresso or cappuccino? I spent several frustrating weeks (not to mention a giant dose of buyer’s remorse) trying too. So now that I’ve got it all worked out I want to share some of my tips with you novices out there.

No Crema, and weak watery espresso? Crema is that brown foam floating on top of your espresso (when it’s done right). 

You may have read by now after doing some research that pretty much everyone says the same thing: the grind has to be fine. Absolutely true. I finally gave up and bought a Rancilio Rocky to go with my Silvia. It works! As long as you keep the grind about 11 or 12 on the dial. I find that setting pretty much works for any coffee bean, as long as you TAMP it down good, you’ll get perfect. beautiful Crema every time.

Little of no milk frothing foam for your cappuccino?

This was my biggest problem. I was so upset I got nothing but watery milk even after watching numerous videos on dozens of web sites. Actually it’s quite simple: Tilt your milk container and insert the TIP ONLY of the Silvia’s milk frother into it. See photo (water was used for clarity). Open the steam valve a full turn and keep the TIP ONLY inserted into the milk until it reaches your desired temperature. Once the process starts it will be very quiet and t    he milk will be swirling – that’s how you can tell you’re on the money. The trick is to just insert the tip into the milk!