To be honest, I am quite seriously considering the Silvia, but I've read mixed reviews as you always do.
the only negative review of the silvia i can imagine is from someone who doesn't know a whole lot about coffee, stretched their budget to the max to buy a silivia, expected miracles, and then was disappointed when it didn't deliver. it's a manual machine that allows you to dial in temperatures as well as many commercial models at a VERY affordable price. that said, it's better suited to enthusiasts, not beginners because if you are just pulling illy out of the can at stock configurations, you can get the same results with a saeco or gaggia at half the price
the only negative review of the silvia i can imagine is from someone who doesn't know a whole lot about coffee, stretched their budget to the max to buy a silivia, expected miracles, and then was disappointed when it didn't deliver. it's a manual machine that allows you to dial in temperatures as well as many commercial models at a VERY affordable price. that said, it's better suited to enthusiasts, not beginners because if you are just pulling illy out of the can at stock configurations, you can get the same results with a saeco or gaggia at half the price