Introduction
The Rocket Appartamento is a stylish and compact espresso machine designed for those who appreciate high-quality coffee but have limited counter space. Manufactured by Rocket Espresso Milano, this machine combines professional-grade features with a sleek, vintage-inspired design. This review will cover the key features, design elements, and performance of the Rocket Appartamento, providing a comprehensive overview of what makes this espresso machine a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Design and Build
Compact Footprint
One of the most notable aspects of the Rocket Appartamento is its compact size. With dimensions of 17″D x 10.5″W x 14.2″H, it is tailored for small kitchens and limited counter space. Despite its reduced size, the machine does not compromise on quality or functionality, maintaining the high standards associated with Rocket Espresso.
Aesthetic Appeal
The Rocket Appartamento boasts a visually striking design. The combination of mirrored stainless steel and unique side-panel cutouts gives it a distinctive, vintage look. This design is not only attractive but also functional, as it helps to optimize the internal layout of the machine.
Durable Construction
Built from stainless steel, the Appartamento is both robust and aesthetically pleasing. The materials and craftsmanship ensure longevity, making it a reliable addition to any kitchen.
Key Features
Heat Exchange Boiler
The machine is equipped with a 1.8-liter heat exchange boiler, allowing users to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for those who enjoy milk-based coffee drinks, as it streamlines the preparation process.
Heated Group Head
A unique feature of the Rocket Appartamento is its heated group head. A small flow of water from the boiler keeps the group head warm, ensuring consistent shot temperatures and improving the overall quality of the espresso.
Manual Controls
The Appartamento features classic Rocket Espresso knobs, levers, and switches, providing a hands-on brewing experience. These mechanical controls are user-friendly and offer a satisfying tactile response, making the process of brewing espresso both enjoyable and educational.
Vibration Pump
The machine uses a vibration pump, which is standard in many high-end home espresso machines. This type of pump is reliable and efficient, contributing to the machine’s overall performance and longevity.
Performance
Brewing Quality
The Rocket Appartamento delivers excellent espresso quality, thanks to its consistent shot temperatures and professional-grade components. The heated group head and heat exchange boiler work together to produce rich, flavorful espresso with a perfect crema.
Milk Frothing
With the ability to steam milk while brewing espresso, the Appartamento is ideal for making cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks. The steam wand is powerful and allows for precise control, enabling users to create perfectly textured milk foam.
Ease of Use
While the Appartamento requires a bit of a learning curve due to its manual controls, it is straightforward enough for enthusiasts who enjoy a hands-on approach. The machine comes with spouted portafilters for both single and double shots, enhancing its versatility.
Maintenance
Water Reservoir
The 2.5-liter water reservoir is ample for home use, reducing the frequency of refills. It is easy to access and clean, contributing to the machine’s overall user-friendliness.
Cleaning and Care
The Rocket Appartamento includes several components for maintenance, such as a group head cleaning brush, a blind portafilter basket for backwashing, and a microfiber cloth. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the machine’s performance and longevity.
Pros and Cons of the Rocket Appartamento
Pros
- Compact size suits small kitchens.
- Stylish vintage design with unique side-panel cutouts.
- Heat exchange boiler allows simultaneous brewing and milk frothing.
- Heated group head ensures consistent shot temperatures.
- Manual controls offer a hands-on brewing experience.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Comes with a three-year warranty for parts and labor.
Cons
- Requires a learning curve for beginners.
- Higher price point compared to some home espresso machines.
- Vibration pump can be louder than rotary pumps.
- Limited automation, manual operation required.
- Water reservoir might need frequent refilling for heavy use.
- No programmable settings or digital display.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Rocket Appartamento | Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler | Rancilio Silvia Pro X | Profitec Pro 300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,200 | $1,299 | $1,170 | $1,299 |
| Boiler Type | Heat Exchange | Dual Boiler | Dual Boiler | Dual Boiler |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 2.5 Liters | 2.5 Liters | 2.5 Liters | 2.8 Liters |
| Pump Type | Vibration Pump | Vibration Pump | Vibration Pump | Vibration Pump |
| Wattage | 1200 W | 1700 W | 1000 W | 1200 W |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.2″ x 10.5″ x 17″ | 15″ x 14.7″ x 14.8″ | 15.3″ x 9.8″ x 16.5″ | 15.4″ x 10″ x 17.5″ |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years | 1 Year | 2 Years |
Summary of Comparison
The Rocket Appartamento, priced at $1,200, offers a compact design with a heat exchange boiler, allowing for simultaneous brewing and frothing. The Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler, at $1,299, provides precise temperature control with its dual boiler system and has a slightly larger footprint. The Rancilio Silvia Pro X, priced at $1,170, features a dual boiler setup and compact dimensions, making it suitable for small spaces. The Profitec Pro 300, also at $1,299, offers dual boilers and the largest water reservoir in this comparison, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize capacity and performance.
Reviews of Rocket Appartamento by Amazon Customers
The Rocket Appartamento has received positive reviews on Amazon, with a customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Customers praise its stylish design and compact size, making it ideal for small kitchens. Many users appreciate the machine’s ability to brew high-quality espresso and froth milk simultaneously, though some mention a learning curve for operating the manual controls. A few reviews note that the vibration pump can be noisy, but overall, the performance and build quality are highly regarded.
Reviews of Rocket Appartamento by AO.com Customers
On AO.com, the Rocket Appartamento is well-reviewed, with an average customer rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customers highlight the machine’s professional-grade features, such as the heat exchange boiler and heated group head, which ensure excellent espresso quality. The manual controls are appreciated by users who enjoy a hands-on brewing experience. However, some reviews mention that the machine requires regular maintenance and a good understanding of espresso making to get the best results.
Reviews of Rocket Appartamento by John Lewis Customers
At John Lewis, the Rocket Appartamento holds a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Shoppers at John Lewis commend the machine’s robust construction and attractive design. The ability to brew and steam simultaneously is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage. While the machine’s manual operation is seen as a benefit by some, allowing for greater control over the brewing process, others find it challenging and time-consuming compared to more automated models.
Reviews of Rocket Appartamento by Argos Customers
Customers at Argos have rated the Rocket Appartamento with an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Reviewers appreciate the compact footprint and the machine’s high performance in brewing espresso. The aesthetic appeal and durable build are also commonly praised. However, some users report that the machine is more suitable for experienced baristas due to its manual controls and the lack of automated features, which can be a drawback for beginners.
Reviews of Rocket Appartamento by Other Places
On various other platforms, such as specialty coffee forums and online retailers, the Rocket Appartamento consistently receives positive feedback. It is praised for its heat exchange boiler, which provides efficient brewing and steaming capabilities. The machine’s stylish design and sturdy construction are often highlighted. Some users note the noise level of the vibration pump as a minor downside, but the overall consensus is that the Rocket Appartamento is a high-quality, reliable espresso machine suitable for serious coffee enthusiasts. Ratings on these platforms generally range from 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
The Rocket Appartamento is a compact, stylish, and high-performance espresso machine that is perfect for coffee enthusiasts with limited counter space. Its professional-grade features, such as the heat exchange boiler and heated group head, ensure excellent espresso quality. The manual controls provide a hands-on brewing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the art of espresso making. With its durable construction and attractive design, the Appartamento is a valuable addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a home brewing novice, the Rocket Appartamento offers the tools and performance needed to craft exceptional espresso.
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