Miss Silvia in the UK!

February 5, 2007 12:01 PM

I'm looking into buying a Rancilio Silvia & Rocky combo...

Drury seem to have them at around the £480 mark and via a reputable swimmer for about £440
but...

I was wondering if there is a second hand market for these things in the UK (or better, somewhere that sells them cheaper)? They seem to last so long that it would be worth investing in a second hand unit, but I can't find any via Googling, perhaps because people like them so much they want to hang on to them! I'm just having trouble justifying the huge cost even though I really love my coffee. I'd also want to add a PID...

Anyone have any thoughts, anecdotes or tips they'd like to share?

Thanks so much

posted by dance to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

Have you checked eBay? Here in the US there is a decent market for them on eBay. The going price for a used Silvia seems to be around $360 USD. I've been casually shopping for a Silvia myself.
posted by jclovebrew at 12:41 PM on February 5, 2007

How much would it be to import from Whole Latte Love? Give them a call and/or email.
posted by kcm at 12:42 PM on February 5, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks! Have tried eBay and in the UK the market is non-existant for second hands, which seems understandable.

I'll check on importing from WLL - I was hoping someone would chip in who has done it!

Thanks again
posted by dance at 2:35 PM on February 5, 2007

There's no need to import a Silvia & Rocky from the USA. Just drop into toomuchcoffee (European coffee forum, registration by mail required) and ask the question. With some luck, one of the members will have one on sale second hand. Be careful: they'll have you dreaming about a La Spaziale commercial three group in no time!
posted by NekulturnY at 1:42 AM on February 6, 2007

Ask on alt.coffee - there is a reasonable sized community of modders there. Think you'll get a better answer than here to be honest.
posted by bifter at 2:00 AM on February 6, 2007

You might also be tempted to get a Nuovo Simonelli Oscar instead. Silvias are great entry-level machines, but the Oscar is huge improvement and a total bargain in the UK. I got mine here: http://www.pennineteaandcoffee.co.uk and couldn't be happier. You might expect to spend an extra £100 or so.
posted by bifter at 2:05 AM on February 6, 2007