Rocket Espresso Machines - A Buyer's Guide (2024 Update)
Rocket Espresso Milano, the legendary Italian brand renowned for its exquisite design and craftsmanship, boasts a rich legacy steeped in tradition. The Giotto, Rocket Espresso's flagship home machine, serves as the foundation for every subsequent creation from the brand. Seamlessly blending modern technological advancements with timeless design elements, its lineup comprises traditional "Fatto a Mano" (made by hand) craftsmanship with cutting-edge features, tailored to cater to both home and commercial environments.
With an impressive array of machines to choose from, selecting the perfect espresso machine can be a daunting task. To simplify your decision-making process, let's delve into the key features of each unit below.
Common Attributes
All Rocket machines feature similar technologies, as follows:
- E61 grouphead
- Insulated steam wands
- Hot water spout
- Stainless steel casing
- Shot timers (Rotary Pump only)
- PID (Some Models)
Starting at $1599.00.
The Rocket Appartamento seamlessly blends style, professionalism, and compactness to deliver authentic coffee while occupying minimal countertop space. Ideal for prosumers seeking a comprehensive espresso solution, this machine boasts commercial-grade components housed within elegant stainless steel construction. Whether adorning a home, office, or business setting, its sleek design adds a touch of sophistication to any environment.
In 2023,Rocket expanded the line to include the gorgeous Appartamento TCA, designed by Valerio Cometti, which features 4 preset temperature settings, a first for the Appartamento.
Rocket Giotto & Mozzafiato Espresso Machine
Starting at $1979.00
The Giotto is where it all began for Rocket, and it remains the standard bearer for style in prosumer espresso. Available in both Cronometro V (vibratory pump) and Evoluzione R (rotary pump) configurations, it shares components and features with it's more conventionally shaped siblings, the Mozzafiato Cronometro V and Evoluzione R. All versions achieve an ideal fusion of vintage charm and cutting-edge technology (including a recently added subtle shot timer), offering a diverse array of brewing options. Packed with advanced features enhancing thermal stability, energy efficiency, and power usage, they elevate the brewing experience. With ample steaming capacity and programmable PID control for precise steam temperature, these machines rival top-tier commercial models in both performance and consistency.
Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Espresso Machine
$2999.00
Rocket Espresso's classic dual boiler design receives a modern upgrade with the R58 Cinquantotto, featuring an enhanced PID controller, a mini shot timer and redesigned legs. The new PID system offers touchscreen controls, allowing users to adjust settings effortlessly while preserving the machine's vintage aesthetic.
Key features include:
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Enhanced Temperature Stability: Separate boilers for brewing and steaming ensure consistent temperatures from shot to shot, enhancing overall performance and capacity.
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Upgraded Touchscreen PID: The advanced PID system includes features such as automatic on/off scheduling, allowing the machine to be ready for use whenever needed. Users can program the machine to power on and off twice daily, ensuring convenience and energy efficiency.
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ECO Mode: In addition to the scheduling function, the R58 Cinquantotto offers an ECO mode that automatically powers off the machine after 90 minutes of inactivity, conserving energy and promoting sustainability.
With these enhancements, the R58 Cinquantotto elevates coffee preparation to new heights, offering unparalleled control and convenience for espresso enthusiasts.
Rocket Bicocca Espresso Machine
Coming Soon
Following on the heels of the Appartamento TCA, Rocket's next flagship is the Biccoca (available late 2024). Featuring a 3.5-inch touch screen display with a new human-machine interface (HMI), it's a new era of user experience and functionality perfectly balanced with Rocket's traditional aesthetic.
Bicocca's striking design reflects its advanced internal engineering, meticulously crafted to meet the demands of even the most exacting home baristas. Its bold architecture hints at the machine's superior performance capabilities.
The design showcases its technical prowess with an intuitive touch-sensitive interface located on the upper face of the group head. This feature enables precise control over coffee delivery, ensuring professional-level performance.
Equipped with dual stainless steel boilers, a rotary pump with options for water reservoir or direct water connection, and available in stainless steel or matte black finishes, Bicocca offers versatility and sophistication.