How you take your coffee can say a lot about you, the same way every espresso order is as unique as the person who orders it. Whether you take it as is, strong and fresh, or sweetened with salted caramel foam on the top, it all derives back to how you make it.
If brewing espresso at home sounds appealing, Rocket Espresso machines offer multiple hand-crafted, detail-oriented products that provide a quick and delicious espresso experience to suit the coffee lover in us all.
While these semi-automatic espresso machines appear similarly with their stainless steel exteriors, they range in sizes, prices, technology, and effectiveness, tailoring to your individual espresso needs. This buying guide will show you which Rocket machine is your perfect match. In addition, it goes over all of the best Rocket Espresso machines and their best qualities to help you ultimately decide which is the best.
Also Read: Best Professional Espresso Machine For Home Use
Overview of the Rocket Domestic Espresso Machine Lineup
Starting from least expensive to most pricey, here is the lineup for home baristas.
Most Affordable – Under $2,000
The Rocket Appartamento (Check Price) is the best value tried-and-true model for many home baristas. This compact home espresso machine is under $2000 and acquires the basic brewing needs.
Best Mid-Range – $2,000 – $3,000
Entering Rocket’s mid-range priced machines, between $2000 and $3000, the Cronometro V and the Cronometro R offer two different styles in each: Giotto or the Mozzafiato. While each machine is designed the same way externally with the same look, the V version uses a vibratory pump that is different from the R version, which instead utilizes a rotary pump.
Click the links below to check the latest price on Seattle Coffee Gear:
- Rocket Espresso Giotto Timer Type V
- Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Timer Type V
- Rocket Espresso Giotto Timer Type R
- Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Timer Type R
Best Upgraded Option – $3,000+
The models above are heat exchanger machines. If you want to up the game to a dual boiler machine, consider the R58.
The Rocket R58, or the R Cinquantotto (Check Price), reaches just above $3000, but for its price, it offers a high-tech and aesthetic experience alongside its premium espresso. Compared to the expensive commercial espresso machines you saw in coffee shops, this one offers a bit less but enough to give most espresso enthusiasts their favorite cup of coffee.
Best Higher End – $5,000+
The Epica, R91 (R Nine One), and the R60V (Check Price) are the highest-priced machines that Rocket offers, climbing over $5000. They are the epitome of high-class espresso-making, not only with their modern appearance but also in the drink quality.
Portable Version
Rocket Espresso’s Porta Via is the tiniest espresso machine Rocket offers. It is also the only portable version within the brand, allowing coffee lovers to drink their coffee on the go while making it, too. The design is so unique. They wrap the espresso machine in a box. Although it’s the most compact Rocket espresso machine, it still weighs almost 30 KG.
Where To Buy Rocket Espresso Machines?
Prosumer machines from Rocket Espresso Milano are sought-after, so you can find them from many distributors. We recommend buying from Seattle Coffee Gear. They offer the full range of the lineup. Not only that, you can find most accessories and upgrade kits there.
They also offer free shipping, live support, a three-year warranty, 3o-day easy return, and price guarantee.
6 Best Rocket Espresso Machine Reviews
With pricing out of the way, we can focus on the pros and cons of these Rocket machines so that you can choose the one within your budget.
1. The Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine
- Boiler Type: Heat Exchanger
- Pump Type: Vibratory Pump
- PID: No
- Auto On: No
- Boiler Volume: 1.8L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Water Supply: Water reservoir
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 10.5 x 17 x 14.25 inches
The Rocket Appartamento espresso machine is the least expensive on our list, but that does not take away the classic features of a prosumer level machine, such as the E61 group head, pre-infusion, heat exchange boiler.
Compacted and clean, the Rocket Appartamento can fit anywhere in your kitchen and look sharp, not cluttered, and its side panels are interchangeable with different color options to match your style. Like all the other espresso machines from Rocket, there’s a stylish ‘R’ logo on the knob of the stainless steel steam wand.
This semi-automatic espresso machine is a mixture of a modern and authentic style with its stainless steel exterior, portraying the perfect machine for espresso makers. The brewing part comes easy with a heat-exchanger, which brews the coffee and steams milk simultaneously to your preference.
You are in total control with its manual settings without overcomplicating it for espresso drinkers like yourself who want their coffee fast.
For the price of this cheaper machine, it all depends on your coffee preferences. While the overall look is clean, their use of plastic in the cup warmer rack can throw off the sleek look.
The Rocket Appartamento uses pressure stat instead of PID to control the temperature, meaning it lacks the control of keeping the temperature consistently like the more expensive models. Nevertheless, this great machine is one of the most popular choices of espresso enthusiasts worldwide. You can find lots of mods and hacks online to perfect the machine yourself.
Pros
- It has a simple, easy operation
- The most affordable rocket espresso machine
- It is stylish and offers customizable side panels
Cons
- The drip tray is small
- Some plastic materials used in the cup warmer rack
- It does not have PID, and the shot timer
2. Cronometro V
Rocket Espresso Giotto Timer Type V
- Boiler Type: Heat Exchanger
- Pump Type: Vibratory Pump
- PID: Yes
- Auto On: No
- Boiler Volume: 1.8L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Water Supply: Water reservoir
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 13.2 x 16.5 x 14.75 inches
Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Timer Type V
- Boiler Type: Heat Exchanger
- Pump Type: Vibratory Pump
- PID: No
- Auto On: No
- Boiler Volume: 1.8L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Water Supply: Water reservoir
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 11 x 16.75 x 15.75 inches
The Cronometro V, as previously stated, is separated from its counterpart, the R, by its difference in the pump. The V uses a vibratory pump instead, and how the water distributes during operation. The vibratory pump only gets water from the machine’s reservoir.
The most important thing about this element is that it is much smaller, easier, and cheaper to replace than a rotary pump. The V products consist of two different machine design styles, the Giotto and the Mozzafiato.
So what makes the Giotto and the Mozzafiato different if they perform the same task? The answer lies within their aesthetics. They perform the same way and brew the same coffee.
While both are larger overall than the Appartamento, The Giotto is the classic Italian design, with sloped sides adding flair to your kitchen. It comes with higher adjustable feet at the bottom, and the cup rail can be removed. At the same time, the Mozzafiato is to the point with flat sides and stubbier legs.
They all have the same great features, such as the No Burn steam and hot water wands, the E61 group head, and the PID controller behind the drip tray that allows you to control the temperature inside your boiler. In addition, you have a shot timer, which is not available in Appartamento.
Pros
- It uses a PID for consistent temperature controls
- The vibration pump is smaller and less expensive to replace than a rotary model
- It comes in two different styles
- It has a shot timer
Cons
- The vibration pump is louder than a rotary model
- Its stainless steel construction retains fingerprints and smudges easier
3. Cronometro R
Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Timer Evoluzione R
- Boiler Type: Heat Exchanger
- Pump Type: Rotary Pump
- PID: Yes
- Auto On: No
- Boiler Volume: 1.8L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Water Supply: Water reservoir, Direct Plump
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 11 x 16.5 x 15.75 inches
Rocket Espresso Giotto Timer Evoluzione R
- Boiler Type: Heat Exchanger
- Pump Type: Rotary Pump
- PID: Yes
- Auto On: No
- Boiler Volume: 1.8L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Water Supply: Water reservoir, Direct Plump
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 13.2 x 16.5 x 14.75 inches
While similar to the Cronometro V, the Cronometro R uses a rotary pump, a much quieter and stronger way to retrieve water from your choice of a tank supply or plumb, meaning the pump is connected directly to the waterline.
It is much more efficient this way, for you no longer have to refill a tank with water if it attaches directly to the source and the pressure remains consistent. Rotary pumps also have much longer lifespans than vibratory pumps.
Apart from how water enters the espresso machines, the rest is quite similar. When you see the pressure gauge has a black background, you can tell this is a Type R.
The R contains PID and insulated boilers that save energy and maintain heat, ensuring quality espresso shot after shot. It also offers itself in the Giotto and Mozzafiato styles, the same as they are in the Cronometro V form.
The great news is that both ways, rotary and vibratory, produce excellent espresso, and like the way you take your coffee, it all comes down to preference and personal style. The Cronometro models give you options to choose from, and with this guide, you know which one speaks to you more.
Pros
- The rotary pump is quiet and more efficient
- The pump is directly connected to a water line to eliminate refilling a reservoir
- It offers a built-in PID for maintaining temperature
Cons
- The rotary pump is more expensive and challenging to replace
- The stainless steel panels are not smudge-proof, making continuous cleaning necessary
4.Rocket R58 Cinquantotto
- Boiler Type: Dual Boiler
- Pump Type: Rotary Pump
- PID: Touch Screen PID
- Boiler Volume: 1.7L / 0.58L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Auto On: Yes
- Water Supply: Water reservoir, Direct Plump
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 17 x 22.75 x 17 inches
Although it grows in size and price, for everything it offers, not so pricey, the Rocket R58 is every coffee lover’s dream espresso machine. With a double broiler for brew and steam, you will feel like an official barista in your own home, capable of brewing more extensive drinks.
Not only does the Rocket R58 have PID, but its touch screen, allows you to adjust the setting to your desired temperature easily. You can also schedule the Auto-on timer, so you don’t need to wait for 20 to 30 minutes to prepare your morning cup. Eco-mode can be activated in the controller.
The machine is not only just simply impressive to look at and makes you feel like you are living in the future as you use it, but each one is hand-built. Care and detail go into these machines, the same way our personalities seep into our coffee, which is only another pro of this machine.
Its rotary pump keeps your coffee consistent, and the double boiler separates brew and steam to keep the heat temperature where it needs to be. You can feel the difference if you use a lot of hot water or make a few drinks at a time. Just turn the steam knob. You can get powerful steam from the steam wand each time.
The Rocket R58 is so spectacular that it is difficult to find the negative aspects. If anything, it is full-size and for experienced coffee makers, so it may be challenging to use in your kitchen if you lack space and are not familiar with the controls.
Pros
- It includes double boilers instead of a heat exchange boiler
- It offers a touch screen for smooth operation and easy access to all settings
- It uses a rotary pump, support direct plumb or water reservoir
Cons
- Its full-size can take up significant countertop space in your kitchen
- The external PID controller takes extra space
5. Rocket R60
- Boiler Type: Dual Boiler
- Pump Type: Rotary Pump
- PID: Yes
- Smartphone Apps Support: Yes
- Pressure Profiling: Yes
- Boiler Volume: 1.7L / 0.58L
- Reservoir Size: 2.5L
- Auto On: Yes
- Water Supply: Water reservoir, Direct Plump
- Dimensions(W,D,H): 20 x 23 x 16.75 inches
Like the R58, the R60 is one of the more impressive machines in Rocket’s espresso product line. Its main feature is pressure profiling. This element means the R60 can create the perfect espresso shot with three separate profiles and five stages to determine where the machine’s pressure is at. It is also the most high-tech of all the products with controller and smartphone apps.
This Rocket machine is the most impressive, with a rotary pump, PID controller, two pressure gauges, multiple water source options, and all included in a three-year warranty. It is the most expensive espresso machine, but it also consists of many more features the others do not, like its different exterior.
The R60 has an ergonomic casing, which means its stainless steel is on top of steelwork. This machine has futuristic technology and is built to last. There are a few to keep in mind, though. First, the price is incredibly high, and although you get what you pay for, not many people need an espresso machine with so many intense features. It is also full size like the R58, so you should consider the available space in your home. The external controller is even larger than the one on the R58.
It is worth it for coffee lovers who want this amazing experience alongside their perfect cup of coffee and have the budget to do so.
Pros
- It uses a smartphone app
- It offers pressure profiling for separate settings
- It contains the most high-tech features and elements
Cons
- It is quite an expensive model
- The controller is not very intuitive, and the smartphone app design is a bit out of date
Tips for Choosing the Best Rocket Espresso Machine for You
All of the Rocket Espresso Milano Machines are incredible and produce a coffee aesthetic and provide a delicious cup of coffee. However, it all comes down to you and what your needs are. There are a few things to consider before purchasing your Rocket Espresso.
Budget
Your budget is entirely up to you. A huge component to consider in choosing your perfect espresso machine is what you can afford, what you are willing to spend, and how much you love your coffee.
Luckily, Rocket Espresso offers an extensive range of great products for all prices, so you receive a sleek stainless steel machine with superb coffee. However, they are all prosumer machines, meaning even the most affordable model still costs much more than an entry-level espresso machine.
The Appartamento is cheaper, smaller, but lacks some advanced settings and features. At the same time, the R58 provides more features that are usually available in commercial-grade machines with better quality and a higher experience, with a higher price. If you are looking for a middle ground, any other Rocket machines fit between these prices.
Boiler Type: Heat Exchange or Dual Boiler
Heat Exchanger machines only have one boiler, so they usually have a lower price than dual boiler machines. You can get enough steam pressure for steaming milk while pulling a shot. However, you need a cooling flush if you let the machine stay idle. The brew temperature is not as stable as the dual boiler.
A dual boiler machine like the R58 is equipped with two standalone boilers. It can keep the brew boiler at a lower temperature and the steam boiler at a higher temperature. This will enhance the shot consistency. Also, with the PID, you can experiment your shot or adjust the steam power for better coffee. Prosumer machines with dual boilers cost more.
Direct Plumbing or Water Tank
Something to consider when buying a Rocket is your water supply.
Using direct plumbing connecting to your house’s waterline is more convenient. But it is attached to the more expensive machines using a rotary pump. It takes zero effort once set up and you have a streamlined coffee brewing experience at home. However, a water tank is straightforward and easier to install since it is refillable and less expensive. It is ultimately up to preference, as always, your choice.
Space
Space is a little less out of your control. While you can create space in your kitchen for a Rocket R60, sometimes other items take priority, but if you have the budget and the room, why not splurge on the priciest machine for the best experience?
Fortunately, a lack of space is no issue, for the Appartamento has a compact size and can most likely fit in a smaller kitchen. Even the Cronometros, R and V, are medium-sized, so they are more likely to squeeze on your countertop than the R60.
The Verdict
Rocket brand offers the finest espresso machines on the market, and you won’t go wrong choosing from them based on your own budget. Considering all of these facts about these Rocket espresso machines, the Rocket R58 is our favorite. Not only is it a great value, but the technology is close to as impressive as the R60 and for a lower price.
It includes a similar touch screen and a set timer, so although you cannot control the machine through an app, you can decide when you want the machine to make coffee to your designated schedule and daily routine.
The R58 provides coffee lovers with a commercial-grade design, creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere in your kitchen, somewhat like a coffee shop. The benefits of this espresso machine outweigh the cons here, for the separate boilers for espresso and steam control the temperatures of each and create the perfect espresso.
You will not have to worry about upgrading this espresso machine for some time since it can fulfill many of your caffeine needs.
