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Quick Mill Silvano vs Alexia

Not sure which home or office espresso machine to buy? This guide is going to show you an in-depth comparison of the Quick Mill Silvano vs Alexia. You'll learn everything you need to know about these machines to help you pick the right one.

QUICK MILL SILVANO VS ALEXIA

Here's what we're going to cover...

  • Similarities between the Quick Mill Silvano Evo and the Alexia Evo.
  • Key differences between these machines and what they mean for you.
  • How to decide which machine will give you the highest value.

Quick Summary

Quick Mill Silvano Evo

Quick Mill Silvano Evo Espresso Machine

The Silvano Evo makes an ideal option for a busy small office or a home espresso setup. This is the best choice if you want to be able to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time.

Quick Mill Alexia Evo

Quick Mill Alexia Evo Espresso Machine

With high-grade features like cool-touch steam wands and an E-61 commercial group, the Alexia Evo is the prosumer's dream. Choose this model if you're looking to reach greater heights with your brew process.

Similarities

Semiautomatic Machines

Semiautomatic espresso machines put control of the dosing in the machine operator's hands. 

Whereas automatic machines are programmed to release a specific amount of water, semiautomatics like the Quickmill Silvano and Alexia require the user to start and end the brew cycle.

The advantage of manual dosing is that you can decide on the optimal parameters for each and every espresso shot.

Bearing in mind that you'll need to be proficient enough to know when to end the brew cycle for optimal results, manual dosing allows for on-the-fly flexibility.

Pour-Over Design

As pour-over models, these Quickmill machines are equipped with water tanks. To keep the machines operating, the user manually refills them as the water level goes down. 

You'll need to keep an eye on the water level with a pour-over machine and make sure that you have access to a water supply to refill it.

For a little comparison, plumbed-in versions hook up to a water line for a continuous supply, taking this step out of the equation.

If you're looking at pour-over models, the benefit is that they can be placed anywhere, which is important for some espresso machine owners.

Stainless Steel Construction

These stainless steel machines are durable. Stainless steel is often more resistant to heavy wear and tear than plastic components. 

Unlike plastic parts, stainless steel has the ability to augment the aesthetic of the environment. The polished stainless steel is eye-catching and professional. 

PID Brew Temperature Control

This feature increases the brew temperature stability of the Quickmill models with precise results.

A PID controller functions as an advanced temperature maintenance system. Based on an algorithm, it monitors variables to make accurate adjustments. 

The Alexia's PID controls the brew boiler temperature. Built with PID and a programmable offset differential, the Silvano allows you to program the group water temperature in one-degree increments. 

Shot Timer

No need to grab your phone to time shots. The Alexia and the Silvano come with built-in shot timers.

If you're new to espresso, a good shot takes a specific amount of time to brew. That's why it's important to keep track of timing from the start to the end of the brew cycle.

Conveniently, there are integrated timers in the Quickmill machines so that you can time your shots quickly and easily, no extra devices required.

3 Position Power Switch

With the three-position power switch, you can push the switch to the left to fill the boiler without activating the heating element, to the right to turn the power and heating on, and to the middle to turn the power off.

When you push the switch to the left to fill the boiler, you're ensuring that the heating element is protected in case the boiler doesn't fill for any reason.

This safety feature will help to improve the machine's longevity in case issues arise.

Cup Warmer

The areas on top of the Silvano and Alexia are heated so that your cups will already be warm when you're ready to make espresso drinks.

While a cold cup will cool a hot drink faster, a preheated cup will keep your drink hot for longer so that you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

The cup warmer area is also just a good place to stash cups and will help to declutter your kitchen cabinets.

Large Stainless Steel Drip Tray

The pull-out stainless steel drip trays in these espresso machines are designed to hold quite a bit of water.

Capable of holding about 45 ounces of water, these drip trays won't need to be emptied as often as the trays in other espresso machines. 

If you're planning to get a decent amount of use out of your espresso machine on a daily basis, this feature will help to cut down on midday maintenance. 

No Hot Water Spigot

There's no separate hot water spigot on either of these models, which is common for single-boiler espresso machine designs that keep the customer cost down.

This means that if you're making an Americano or tea, you have a couple of choices. You can keep a hot water source nearby, whether it's a kettle or a hot water dispenser.

You can also get hot water from the steam wand if you need to. Just remember that you're drawing from the reservoir, so you'll need to refill it faster if you use this function.

Key Differences

Brew Operation

Though both the Silvano and Alexia are semiautomatic machines, their dosing functions are a little different.

With the Silvano, you'll flip the brew switch to begin and end the brew process. In contrast, brewing on the Alexia is done via lever.

In terms of ease of use, these dosing mechanisms are pretty equal, though the flip switch could be even simpler.

Pumps

The Alexia sports a single vibratory pump with thermal overload protection and pulsar technology to make it up to 25 percent quieter than the average vibe pump.

There are actually two vibratory pumps in the Silvano with a klixon thermal fuse for overheating protection.

As far as coffee quality goes, differences between the pump systems won't translate to any effects in your cup. 

Pressure Gauges

Getting to know your pressure gauges will help you in your espresso brewing and milk steaming endeavors.

The Silvano comes with a pump pressure gauge, which will show you how many bars of pressure the pumps are building while brewing. 

If you're seeing issues with the pressure, there will likely be a connection to your brew ratio. The pump pressure gauge can show you when you need to make adjustments.

The Alexia comes with a dual pressure gauge, which will show you pump as well as steam pressure. It's a more comprehensive system, and you'll be able to see when your machine is ready to steam and brew.

Quick Mill Silvano Evo Hybrid Boiler

Possibly the most important difference to note about the Silvano is its hybrid boiler, which allows it to brew and steam at the same time. 

The hybrid boiler has a thermoblock that makes the system mimic a dual boiler with one boiler for brewing and one for steaming. It's a little bit slower than a dual boiler, but it's a cost-effective solution if you want to brew and steam simultaneously.

There's a standard single boiler in the Alexia that doesn't have this capacity. When you steam milk, you'll need to wait for the machine to adjust the temperature for brewing before you pull a shot. 

Quick Mill Alexia Evo E-61 Commercial Group

The Alexia's E-61 commercial group incorporates thermosiphon circulation. Hot water is constantly moving from the boiler to the group head, ensuring excellent temperature stability.

You'll also get passive pre-infusion with the E-61 commercial group. This is an automatic function that fully immerses the coffee bed in hot water as the pump builds pressure during brewing.

Ultimately, you'll get a better tasting espresso with all of the coffee's delicate flavors extracted. 

Quick Mill Silvano Evo 3 Way Solenoid Valve

The Silvano's three-way solenoid valve makes sure that pressure can escape in the group head after brewing.

Because it releases pressure, the three-way solenoid valve protects you from getting splattered with piping hot coffee grounds when you remove the portafilter.

It also makes drier coffee pucks, which are easier to empty out of the portafilter than sludgy coffee pucks. 

Quick Mill Alexia Evo Non-Compression Steam Valve

Built with a non-compression steam valve, the Alexia makes steaming milk even easier, increasing the machine's user friendliness.

You'll also find that if you ever need to replace the steam valve, it will be less expensive than a standard compression valve.

Quick Mill Silvano Evo Water Tank Position

Most espresso machines have the water tank on top of the machine in the cup warmer area, but the Silvano tucks the water tank on the side of the machine instead.

This guarantees quick and easy access to the machine (provided it's not snugly fit between other equipment). You won't accidentally knock over espresso cups to get to it.

Since the water tank is clear, you can check the water level without even needing to remove it. (The Alexia has a magnetic switch that detects a low water level, so you can keep track of this in either machine.)

Quick Mill Alexia Evo Cool Touch Steam Wand

After using a steam wand, it's important to clean it to remove the milk and prevent clogs. The only issue is that the steam wand is usually hot, and accidentally touching it can burn you.

The Alexia's cool-touch wand will stay cooler to minimize the risk of getting burned while cleaning.

Because it stays cool, this steam wand also deters milk from sticking, so you'll have an easier time cleaning it.

Price Considerations

If you're interested in checking out the Silvano and the Alexia, we carry both at Majesty Coffee for some of the lowest prices you'll find online.

We offer the Quick Mill Silvano Evo for $1,075 and the Quick Mill Alexia Evo for $1,395.

So Which Should You Buy?

If you're looking for a home espresso machine or a setup for the office, the Silvano and the Alexia can both be excellent choices.

They're good machines for anyone who wants the control of manual dosing, the convenience of a shot timer, and the temperature consistency that a PID controller provides.

With its passive pre-infusion E-61 group, the Alexia can be an attractive option for prosumers who want to maximize the potential of their coffee.

But if you want to be able to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time, only the Silvano has what you're looking for. 

Here's our advice.

If you're buying for an office, the Silvano will likely be a better fit since simultaneous brewing and steaming will cut down on time and let you get back to work quicker.

For a home espresso machine, choose the model that you think you'll get the most use out of.

Is passive pre-infusion a must-have feature? Do you need water tank access to be on the side of the machine due to limited overhead space? 

Extra features can be nice, but sometimes the practical option is the best bet.

For expert service and the best prices online, take a peek at the Quick Mill Silvano and Alexia here on Majesty Coffee…

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