Expert Comparison: Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine vs Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine

Published on 02/10/2024 · 4 min readCompare Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine and Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine. Get expert insight below!
Eric T, Coffee Expert
Caleb Ogren, Coffee Expert
Matt S, Coffee Expert
Contributed By Coffee Expert Eric T, Caleb Ogren, Matt S, Matthew W., Stephon Rudd and others

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Side by side comparison

Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine
Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine
Price
$1,940.00
$1,895.00
Color options
+ 1
The Curated Take
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Best for home baristas seeking a versatile, powerful espresso experience.

Housing material
Stainless steel
Carbon steel, Stainless steel
Features
Power-on timer, Pressure gauge (boiler), Soft infusion
Auto shut off, Cup warmer, Cup tray, Pod friendly, Solenoid valve
Volts
110-220
120

In the world of home espresso machines, the Rancilio Silvia Pro X and the Ascaso Steel DUO are two heavyweights that offer a lot of bang for your buck. Both machines are designed for low volume commercial use or for the serious home barista, offering dual heating systems for simultaneous brewing and steaming. The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a durable, reliable machine with a soft infusion function and a powerful steam wand. The Ascaso Steel DUO, on the other hand, boasts a sleek, vintage design and a host of advanced features like programmable PID control and pre-infusion. While both machines are excellent choices, the right one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine is a powerhouse in the world of home espresso machines. Made in Italy, this machine is built to last, featuring dual boilers for precise temperature stability and a soft infusion function for smooth extraction of different types of coffee. The powerful steam wand allows for the creation of creamy steamed milk for various espresso-based beverages. With its digital display and easy control over water temperature and steam delivery, this machine is perfect for experienced home baristas who want to enjoy professional-grade coffee at home. However, it's worth noting that this machine can't be plumbed in, so you'll need to refill the water tank manually.

The Silvia Pro X gives you adjustable temperatures, great steam power, and a very durable build. For a dual boiler that won't break the bank, this is an awesome option. Made in Italy, this guy is a tank that will last forever when maintained properly. It also has a gentle version of pre-infusion that Rancilio developed.

Eric T
Coffee Expert

The Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine is a beast in the semi-auto world. This machine confidently boasts a double heating system - one thermoblock dedicated to brewing, and one for steam. The user interface features programmable PID control, power-saving modes, single - double shot pulls, pre-infusion, and shot-timing. It consists of an internal 60oz water reservoir for enough drinks to be had before needing to refill, and accepts grounds OR pods without any need for modifications or adaptations. Additional features include a sleek, vintage design, volumetric controls, a professional, 58mm portafilter size, adjustable over-pressure valve, an analog pressure gauge, an improved, no-burn steam wand, and improved thermoblock insulation.

The Ascaso DUO is a total beast in the semi-auto world! This machine confidently boasts a double heating system - one thermoblock dedicated to brewing, and one for steam! The user interface features programmable PID control, power-saving modes, single - double shot pulls, pre-infusion, and shot-timing.

Caleb Ogren
Coffee Expert

Similarities

Both the Rancilio Silvia Pro X and the Ascaso Steel DUO are designed for low volume commercial use or for the serious home barista. They both feature dual heating systems, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming. Both machines also offer a range of advanced features, including programmable PID control, pre-infusion, and shot-timing. They also both have a 58mm portafilter size, which is the professional standard.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both machines are excellent choices, they do have some key differences. The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a more durable and reliable machine, with a soft infusion function and a powerful steam wand. It's perfect for experienced home baristas who want a machine that will last for years with proper maintenance. On the other hand, the Ascaso Steel DUO has a sleek, vintage design and a host of advanced features. It's ideal for those who want a machine that looks great in their kitchen and offers a high level of customization.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to durability and reliability, the Rancilio Silvia Pro X is the clear winner. Its Italian-made build is designed to last for years with proper maintenance. In terms of design, the Ascaso Steel DUO takes the cake with its sleek, vintage look. For advanced features, it's a tie - both machines offer a range of advanced features like programmable PID control and pre-infusion. Finally, in terms of price, the Ascaso Steel DUO is a more budget-friendly option, making it the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Rancilio Silvia Pro X and the Ascaso Steel DUO are excellent choices for home baristas or for low volume commercial use. They both offer dual heating systems and a range of advanced features. The right one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value durability and reliability, the Rancilio Silvia Pro X is the way to go. If you prefer a sleek, vintage design and a more budget-friendly price, the Ascaso Steel DUO is a great choice. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these machines. Happy brewing!

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Shop Coffee & Espresso on Curated

Rancilio Silvia Pro X Home Espresso Machine
$1,940.00
Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine
$1,895.00

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