KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX vs Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine
Two espresso machines side by side. They differ on boiler / heating, water tank, width, depth. The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX heats on demand through a thermocoil, while the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine has to switch between brewing and steaming.
KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX
Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine
What actually differs
- The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX heats on demand through a thermocoil, while the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine has to switch between brewing and steaming.
- The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX has a larger water tank (2.5 L against 2 L for the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine).
- The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX has a longer warranty (2 years against 1 year for the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine).
- Size, KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX against Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine: width 33.5 cm against 24.1 cm, depth 28.1 cm against 27.9 cm, height 39.5 cm against 34.3 cm. The Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine is the more compact of the two.
- The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX sits in a lower typical price band than the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine ($$ $300–700 against $$$ $700–1,500).
Which one should you buy?
Home enthusiasts who prefer an integrated grinder and temperature control in one machine.
Users who want a single unit that grinds and extracts may consider this model. Its listed features suit home setups needing PID control and a sizable water reservoir.
Skip it if: You make several milk drinks back to back
Full specs and review →Home baristas moving up to a real portafilter machine for straight shots and the occasional milk drink
Suits home baristas moving up to a portafilter machine for straight shots and occasional milk drinks, with factory PID control. The main trade-off is the wait between brewing and steaming, which makes back-to-back milk drinks slow.
Skip it if: You make several milk drinks back to back
Full specs and review →Where each one wins
- A larger water tank
- A longer warranty
- A lower typical price band
- A more compact footprint
Specs compared
Rows where they differ are highlighted. Specs are from manufacturer sources; blanks are left blank, never estimated.
| Spec | KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX | Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$ $300–700 | $$$ $700–1,500 |
| Machine type | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Boiler / heating | Thermocoil | Single |
| PID temperature control | Yes | Yes |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Needs mains power | Yes | Yes |
| Water tank | 2.5 L | 2 L |
| Width | 33.5 cm | 24.1 cm |
| Depth | 28.1 cm | 27.9 cm |
| Height | 39.5 cm | 34.3 cm |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
What they have in common
Both record the same value for: machine type (Semi-automatic); pid temperature control (Yes); portafilter size (58 mm); needs mains power (Yes); voltage (120 V).
KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX vs Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine: common questions
What is the main difference between the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX and the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine?
The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX heats on demand through a thermocoil, while the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine has to switch between brewing and steaming. The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX has a larger water tank (2.5 L against 2 L for the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine).
Do the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX and the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine use the same portafilter?
Yes, both use 58 mm.
Is the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX or the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine more expensive?
The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder KES6551SX is $$ $300–700 and the Rancilio Silvia PID Espresso Machine is $$$ $700–1,500. Check the retailer for today's price.