Rocket Espresso Appartamento Review - Is It Worth It?
When I started my adulthood obsession with coffee crafting, my boss mentioned that espresso machines are the sports cars of the coffee world.
I didn’t think much of it at the time, thinking it was just due to the price tag on the expensive models - but I’m a believer after trying out the Rocket Appartamento espresso machine.
Whether you are a Rocket espresso machine fan or looking to up your brew game, follow me as I dive into my experience working with this beautiful machine.
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Review – My Ratings & Top Features
Overall, I would rate the Rocket Espresso Appartamento 4.5/5 stars because it is a truly stunning machine equipped with everything you need to pull incredible shots.
Some Rocket Appartamento [1] features I love include:
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Key Features
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Things I Like
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Things I Don’t Like
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Who Should Buy The Rocket Appartamento?
The Rocket Appartamento espresso machine is best for folks like me who tend to drink more milky coffee creations than straight espresso.
If you are an experienced barista looking to up your game but have limited counter space to spare, I would highly recommend the Rocket Appartamento.
It is not the best choice for inexperienced coffee fans or those who want a more automated morning coffee experience.
For you, I would recommend looking at non-Rocket models like Jura’s WE6 or Breville’s Barista Touch.
Why I Decided To Review This Rocket Espresso Machine
I got my chance to start this experiment after being shown the ropes by a friend - I was immediately charmed by this compact machine. I knew I had to get my own and master this Rocket espresso machine.
Testing Conditions
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Days Tested |
30 |
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Cups Brewed Per Day |
2 |
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Level Of Experience Needed |
Intermediate - Expert |
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Reviewer Background |
Home brewing enthusiast who started with a simple cafetiere collection and is on a journey to up their game. |
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Environment Tested |
Home and home office |
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Money Saved Per Year |
$2700 |
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Favorite Drink To Brew |
Caramel latte and chai latte |
What’s It Like To Live With The Rocket Espresso Appartamento
Let’s dive into the Rocket Appartamento review properly.
What’s In The Box?
The Rocket Appartamento espresso machine arrives in a sturdy, double-walled box that you definitely won't miss! It’s heavy - so heavy I needed my partner’s help to bring it into the kitchen.
Inside, the first thing you'll find is a snug box of accessories and manuals. Underneath that, the prosumer espresso machine is neatly wrapped and cushioned in foam.
I was nervous lifting it out, but thankfully, it made it to the counter safely.
The machine is stunning, instantly grabbing attention as a sleek, stylish centerpiece for your kitchen.
Here's what’s included with the Rocket Appartamento:
- Dual spout portafilter
- Naked portafilter
- Stainless steel tamper
- Detachable cup rail
- Magnetic drip tray
- Single, double, and triple shot baskets
- Blind basket
- Microfiber cloth
- Cleaning tablets, brush
- Water test strips
- Stickers, manuals (written and USB)
Pulling My First Espresso Shot
The manual has everything you need to get started, including recipes and pro tips. It’s easy to follow, though I had to sift through some general advice to find the gems.
Once I filled the machine with filtered water, I let it warm up for 30 minutes - trying to distract myself with emails while I waited.
When it was ready, I released some hot water from the brew head, then let it return to temperature. I prepped a larger dose, tamped it down, and admired the hefty tamper.
After a cooling flush, I locked in the portafilter - a satisfying click - and pulled the lever to control the pre-infusion.
The E61 group head was a classy touch that really helped with temperature control.
With pre-infusion done, I pushed the lever up to start the extraction. There’s no built-in shot timer, so keep an eye on it or use your own. The espresso flowed smoothly, and the rich color was beautiful.
In a word? Satisfying. Full control, smooth extraction, and great espresso.
First Time Frothing Milk
I love a milky coffee with lots of microfoam, nothing beats a fresh caramel or chai latte.
After my first espresso shot, I couldn’t wait to try frothing milk with this machine. The Cool Touch steam wand is a dream, powerful, controllable, and easy to adjust, just like the ones in cafes.
In just 15 seconds, I had perfectly smooth microfoam.
The standard two-hole tip worked great, though some might prefer three or four-hole styles. Even my latte art attempts looked decent with such silky milk.
The double-insulated wand with clips is a nice touch, but I removed them. I just need to remember that at friends' places!
How Much Control Do You Have Over The Machine?
Technically, this prosumer machine is the entry-level model when compared to other Rocket espresso machines.
This means no bells and whistles like other expensive machines - just you and the bare essentials.
This means you lose out on some of the control features that other prosumer espresso machines have, like a PID controller [2], but you can control what matters most - the shot and pre-infusion times.
I do wish that the Espresso Appartamento came with a pump pressure gauge alongside the boiler pressure gauge, but I will take the compact design as a trade-off.
How Does It Handle Different Roasts?
This would not be a full review without really putting the Espresso Appartamento through its paces.
Over 30 days, I tried every type of roast I could: light, medium, and dark.
Whether coarse or fine, my little grinder kept up with every dose, and so did the Rocket Appartamento.
Honestly, all of them tasted fantastic.
I especially recommend the Starbucks Breakfast Blend and Stumptown Hair Bender Medium Roast blends.
No matter what espresso-based drinks you make or your roast preferences, the Rocket Appartamento will keep up.
That being said, the cup clearance means that if you like a long coffee, you will need to place a shot glass or espresso cup underneath before transferring to a larger cup.
Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine
The Rocket Appartamento is a gorgeous heat exchanger machine. I am a huge fan of how striking it looks despite its compact build.
It is about 14.25 inches high, meaning that it should slot nicely under most kitchen cupboards.
This is a hefty beast, coming in at 58 pounds, but the wise squat steel feet help support everything without sacrificing its compact design.
It is equipped with a water tank that is concealed inside the machine rather than connected to the outside like other models on the market.
Prosumer machines are meant to be kept on the counter for easy access, but this will bully you into making it the centerpiece of your kitchen.
I love that you can change the color of the circular cutouts - no need to stress if you change your decor color scheme.
It is a heavy machine, but the large squat feet help keep everything stable.
Even if you choose to stack cups on the cup warmer, you won’t find yourself worried about knocking them over when opening your cupboards.
What Drinks Can It Make?
You can make whatever drinks you like with the Appartamento.
Alongside espresso and the occasional caramel latte, I also treated myself to herbal teas and chai lattes.
Each one tasted great, but I admit the milky drinks were my favorite - I just can't get enough of the hot steam wand.
How Easy Is It To Use?
While this is Rocket’s entry-level machine, I would suggest this model for intermediate baristas and coffee enthusiasts who want to upgrade their skills.
Because it is so stripped back, it would be really beneficial to have a barista experience to help you when it comes to judging each stage yourself.
There is little to aid you in terms of evaluating whether the pre-infusion was done right, for example.
The manual is very helpful, and this single boiler machine is not as complex as it could be, but it takes a certain finesse to master the Rocket Espresso Appartamento.
How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)
The Appartamento machine heats in around 20-30 minutes plus the few minutes it takes for you to prepare your drink of choice - this stage will vary depending on your drink of choice and your skills as a barista.
It should not take more than 35 minutes for that first cup of coffee to hit the spot.
This tends to be about average for prosumer machines but may feel like an age for semi-automatic and automatic fans.
If you want more instant gratification for a similar budget, try checking out models like the Breville Barista Pro and the Jura WE6.
Does It Have A Water Filtration System?
While I love how compact the Rocket Espresso Appartamento is, this does mean it compromises certain elements I would have loved to see, like a water filtration system.
Instead of having a water filtration system alongside the heat exchange boiler, Rocket recommends that you use filtered water in your machine.
This will help minimize limescale buildup.
How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?
How hard a machine is to clean and descale has a huge impact on its value and how often you use it.
Like other Rocket espresso machines, the Appartamento comes with everything you need to get started - including cleaning products.
The manual’s cleaning instructions are clear and easy to read. I will say that the compact size, although great most of the time, does make it difficult to get to certain internal parts if necessary.
In terms of cleaning, I tend to do the following:
Daily
- Do a cooling flush before pulling a shot
- Wipe and purge the steam wand after using
- Backflush the group head
- Empty the drip tray
- Top up the water reservoir
Weekly
- Wipe down the stainless steel casing with the microfibre cloth to prevent limescale splashes
- Backflush the system with the provided cleaning powder
- Soak the steam wand in a cleaner solution
- Clean any removable parts
- Remove the shower foil and hand seal to clean with the brush
Unlike other espresso machines, Rocket does not recommend descaling your Appartamento as that could damage the copper boiler - using filtered water is a great way to avoid having to contact the customer service team [3].
Related Article - Best Espresso Machines Under $2000
My Favorite Parts About The Rocket Appartamento
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Standout design and sleek build that will perfectly slot into even the most cramped kitchens
Just like other Rocket machines, the Appartamento is a stunning addition to any kitchen with its polished stainless steel and iconic colored cutouts. It suits a range of decor styles and makes a statement in any kitchen without sacrificing space. -
Excellent steam pressure for crafting perfect microfoam
The steam wand works like a dream and crafts beautiful microfoam for latte art. -
Great temperature stability for pulling shots that wow
The E61 group head [4] and heat exchanger boiler make sure that your shots come out perfectly every time. -
A long warranty for peace of mind
A multi-year warranty ensures you are covered in case the unthinkable happens - like a part breaks, and you can't have your morning cuppa joe. -
Separate steam and water wands let you get creative without the wait time
I love that you can steam milk and pull shots simultaneously, thanks to the separate control valves. Both the steam wand and hot water wand are easy to control and move for optimal results.
My Least Favorite Parts
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No PID means less consistency and control when it comes to temperature
For an expensive machine of this price range, I would have loved to have a PID system with it.
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The cup rail is plastic and flimsy - replaceable, but expect more from this price range
The cup rail is plastic and flimsy. While you can detach it and replace it with a metal one after purchase, I would expect a sturdy metal one to be included on arrival.
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The drip tray is on the small side and will need regular emptying
A lot of people think the drip tray is too small. This compact machine does sacrifice some drip tray space to stay condensed, but the magnetic clips ensure everything stays in place.
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Vs Similar Machines
Rocket Appartamento vs Rancilio Silvia Pro X
Both Rocket and Rancilio are reputable brands that many coffee fans love. These two models are very similar in many ways, including their size and weight as well as their stainless steel exteriors.
However, the Silvia [5] has a few elements that are missing from the Appartamento, including multiple PID systems, a dual boiler, and an Auto On feature.
That being said, it is also a much more expensive machine with a much more limited warranty.
Rocket Appartamento vs Breville Barista Touch
Both the Breville Barista Touch [6] and the Rocket Appartamento are high-quality compact espresso machines that make use of stylish stainless steel casing and milk frothers.
However, the Breville Barista Touch is a semi-automatic single-boiler machine - a much different beast for a different kind of home coffee enthusiast.
The Barista Touch is Breville’s flagship mid-range machine that comes with more color options and bells and whistles than the Appartamento.
Not only does it have a PID, but it also features a control panel, personalized elements, auto-dosing, auto pre-infusion, and an auto steam wand.
Rocket Appartamento vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar II
Both the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II and the Rocket Appartamento are compact stainless steel heat exchanger machines for the prosumer market. They feature commercial-grade components to craft commercial espresso drinks at home.
The main difference between the two comes down to price.
The Oscar II is significantly more expensive than the Appartamento, featuring a highly futuristic compact design and a thero siphon group head, among other technical features.
It provides a less tactile brewing process that is controlled via a control panel—another unique style of espresso machine for a very different coffee consumer.
Related Article - Nuova Simonelli Appia Review
FAQs
What temperature should Rocket Espresso be set at?
The best temperature for the Rocket espresso is between 90-95 degrees Celsius or 194-203 Fahrenheit.
How many bars is the Rocket Appartamento?
The Rocket Appartamento has a pressure stat of 15 bars. The steam gauge typically sits in the 1-1.2 bar range.
How do you know when Rocket Appartamento is ready?
It typically takes between 20-30 minutes for the Rocket Appartamento to be ready to brew. There is no light or beep to let you know, which means getting distracted could be a problem. I recommend setting a timer and doing other tasks while you wait for it to heat up properly.
Can I leave my Rocket Appartamento on all day?
Technically, you can leave your Rocket Appartamento on all day - I do not recommend it, however. I typically turn mine on in the morning and off in the evening to be more energy efficient and minimize stress on the internal parts.
Is The Rocket Espresso Appartamento Worth Your Money?
The Rocket Espresso Appartamento is a truly magnificent prosumer machine. It features plenty of high-quality components and everything you need to up your game while making coffee.
If you are looking for a satisfying consumer-level machine that delivers cafe-quality espresso drinks, this could be the best Rocket espresso machine for you.
Just be prepared to become the hot new place to hang out for good free coffee among your friend group.
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Rocket Espresso Appartamento
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Resources:
- https://rocket-espresso.com/appartamento.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXGYVSzRKts
- https://rocket-espresso.com/contact-us.html
- https://cliffandpebble.com/blogs/our-blog/the-role-of-temperature-stability-in-espresso-how-the-e61-group-head-keeps-your-shots-consistent
- https://www.ranciliogroup.com/rancilio/silvia-pro-x/
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes880.html?sku=BES880BSS1BUS1
Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.