Buyers guide to Rocket Espresso machines – Range explained

In this Article you will find:

• The most common terms used and explained
• A brief history of Rocket espresso machines
• Why Rocket espresso is different from other machines
• What do you need to know about water pressure pumps
• Features of different Rocket espresso machines.
• Comparison table.

Rocket Espresso machines stand out because they have special features and technologies that make them different. First we would like to help you to understand the terms you will find in this blog:

Boilers:

Some Rocket Espresso machines have stainless steel boilers, which offer their own set of advantages. Stainless steel boilers are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. This makes them a reliable choice if you are looking for long-lasting performance. When it comes to boiler materials, another popular option is copper. Machines with copper boilers are highly regarded for their ability to maintain a consistent temperature. Copper is tough and stays that way for a long time, so the machines work well for a long time. Additionally, Rocket Espresso machines come in various configurations, including those with built-in heat exchangers and others equipped with dual boilers. Take a look for the difference in both of them

– Heat Exchanger:

The heat exchanger system consists of a single boiler set at steam temperature. Inside this boiler, there’s a smaller component called a heat exchanger rod that runs through it. After an extraction is completed, the pump will move room-temperature water from the water source through this heat exchanger. The water warms up while passing through the heat exchanger rod. As the water exits, it reaches an optimal temperature that’s ideal for espresso extraction.

– Dual Boiler:

A double boiler setup includes two separate boilers within a single machine. Each boiler serves a distinct purpose. One is designated as the brew boiler, operating at a lower temperature. The other functions as a steam boiler, running at a significantly higher temperature. By maintaining this separation the user gains full control and can adjust the temperature used for brewing. With dual boiler it’s possible to make more cups of coffee than with heat exchanger.

E61 Group Heads:

The E61 group head is designed to keep heat for a longer time and manage it effectively. It uses a method called thermosyphon to achieve this. While it takes more time for the E61 to reach the right temperature for making coffee, it also holds onto that temperature for a longer period. This is actually helpful because it ensures that the temperature stays steady and doesn’t change too quickly. Other espresso machines often struggle with keeping the water temperature stable while making coffee, which can result in differences in taste and quality from one cup to another. The E61 group head solves this issue by keeping the temperature consistent throughout the coffee-making process.

PID Temperature Control:

The PID controller is built into the machine and is responsible for maintaining a steady temperature while making coffee. In simple terms, this feature allows the espresso machine to always keep the water temperature correct and allows you make tiny changes to increase or decrease the temperature. For example adjusting the PID on a heat exchanger machine will allow you to slightly change your steam wand pressure and also the water temperature that brews your coffee. Please note that you don’t have independent control over brew temperature and steam wand pressure, if you increase/decrease the PID temperature both will be affected.
PID control with a dual boiler machine gives you independent control on both boilers allowing you to customise your brew temperature and your steam wand pressure separately.

Pre-Infusion Systems:

Pre-infusion means letting water into the puck at a lower pressure than normal at the start of the shot or extraction. The coffee grounds interact with the water before the extraction begins, which reduces channeling and results in a richer and more flavourful cup of coffee.

Adjustable Brew Pressure:

This feature is only available when your machine has a rotary pump (explanation below). You can adjust your brew water pressure by turning a nut which is found underneath the machine. Increasing or decreasing the brew water pressure as you see fit.

Pressure Profiling:

Pressure profiling is when a machine varies its pressure at which it pumps water through the coffee puck during extraction allowing any combination of pressures to be used throughout extraction. Rocket machines with pressure profiling can be set to five distinct stages. 

Commercial-Grade Components:

Commercial-grade components mean you’re getting higher quality and better performance. These machines are built to last, ensuring precise temperature and pressure control for a consistent brew. Using durable materials like stainless steel and brass Rocket espresso machines are built of independent components allowing you to have great flexibility for maintenance over many many years. We have enjoyed rebuilding machines well over 10 years old and returning them to the owner so they can be enjoyed for many years to come

Vibration pump:

Vibration pumps are smaller compared to rotary pumps. They also come at a lower price and are simpler to replace if needed. However, they do come with downsides. For instance, they tend to be louder than rotary pumps and they aren’t designed to be connected directly to a water supply. This means they rely on a water reservoir. Additionally, they lack the capability to directly regulate the pressure, so an extra mechanism is required to achieve this control.

Rotary pump:

Rotary pumps typically have a longer lifespan compared to vibration pumps. They are quieter and offer a more steady and dependable pressure. You can also control the water pressure. Nonetheless, there’s a notable downside to rotary pumps – they are larger due to the motor needed for their operation. Additionally, they are more intricate than vibration pumps which make them pricier.

History about Rocket Espresso Machines

Rocket Espresso Milano is an Italian company that was founded in 2007, started by Andrew Meo and Daniele Berenbruch. They both had experience working with espresso machines before, and they wanted to make really good espresso machines for people to use at home.

The company’s name, Rocket Espresso, comes from the excitement about space exploration in the 1900s. This excitement influenced the founders, who loved making things and designing stuff. Right from the start, Rocket Espresso machines were made to look nice and work well. They’re famous for looking modern and cool while also making really delicious coffee.

What Sets Rocket Espresso Coffee Machines Apart from Other Coffee Machines?

What sets Rocket Espresso machines apart is their ability to deliver the same level of quality as large professional coffee machines but they come in a smaller size so you can enjoy barista coffee at home. Crafted with high-quality components like copper or stainless steel boilers, E61 groupheads and PID temperature controllers these machines guarantee precise temperature control for consistently excellent coffee. Some models even offer unique features, such as a pre-infusion process that soaks the coffee grounds before brewing and customisable water pressure settings, allowing you to tailor your coffee to your exact taste preferences.

Their independent components allow for efficient maintenance services, ensuring that they can be kept in optimal working condition for years to come. Moreover, their modular design even allows for complete rebuilds if necessary, making them eco-friendly by never needing disposal.

Beyond their functionality, Rocket Espresso machines are a visual delight, blending modern aesthetics with classic Italian design elements. Not only do they excel at brewing coffee, but they also add a touch of elegance and style to your kitchen, making them both performance and aesthetics.

Ideal for Beginners and Experts – Features of Each Rocket Espresso home coffee machines

Nowadays, Rocket Espresso has barista coffee machines for everyone. Whether you’re just starting to make espresso at home or you’ve been doing it for a long time, Rocket has a machine that suits you.

Take a look at their different machines and their features:

Appartamento: A small machine that’s great for small kitchens. It can brew and steam at the same time with a very strong steam wand for milk frothing. It also has a modern look with two different styles: one with shiny silver steel or a special black stainless steel version called Serie Nera. Both styles can also come with either white or copper circular side panels. Rocket Appartamento a has built in vibration pump which gives great water pressure consistency and is suitable best if you are just starting to become a home barista.

Appartamento TCA: Next generation of Appartamento with Temperature Control Adjustment (TCA). A new design with rounded sides and debossed circles on the sides giving 3D impression. Most of the features are the same as the previous Appartamento model except new details and functions as wider drip tray, new design handle (portafilter), stand-by (energy saving) function and boiler pressure adjustment.

Type V (Mozzafiato and Giotto): These machines have a heat exhchanger that lets you brew and steam simultaneously. They also have PID temperature control, a vibration pump, E61 grouphead, have a clear gauge and a shot timer. The Mozzafiato models have smooth side-panels with cup holders built in at the top. On the other hand, the Giotto models have a bit more style, with angled side panels and taller support legs.

Evoluzione R (Mozzafiato and Giotto): These machines have heat exchanger for brewing and steaming at the same time. They also have PID temperature control, a professional rotary pump, can be plumbed to the mains, have the E61 grouphead, a clear gauge and a shot timer. The Mozzafiato models come with flat side-panels that have cup rails machined into them. In contrast, the Giotto models offer an angular side panels with a separate cup rail, both have height adjustable feet.

Mozzafiato

Giotto

R58 Cinquantotto: These machines have built in dual boilers for brewing and steaming at the same time and also can make more coffees than machines with heat exchanger. They also have PID temperature control, a professional rotary pump, can be plumbed to the mains, have the E61 grouphead, have a clear gauge and a shot timer. This machine has touch screen communication pod which is attached to the side of machine and can control coffee machine functions and include an automatic on/off feature, so your coffee machine is always ready to brew whenever you want. If you prefer to keep the machine’s appearance in line with Rocket Espresso’s design, you can easily detach the communication pod.

R60V: These machines also have two boilers and a unique feature called pressure profiling for brewing and steaming. R60V have PID temperature control, a professional rotary pump, and the E61 grouphead. They come with a built-in timer and an option for a direct water connection. The machine’s features are managed through a touch screen communication pod. Communication pod enables you to make adjustments either using a remote controller or through the machine’s Wi-Fi system. This Wi-Fi system shows you real-time information such as temperatures, pressures, and extraction times. This espresso machine has full stainless steel chassis, height adjustable feet and stainless steel cup frame.

R Nine One: This machine has a special system to control pump pressure profiles for brewing. You can also set up the automatic start from the screen, allowing you to program the machine to be ready when you wake up. You can adjust water temperature with digital PID control. There is also built in dual boilers for brewing and steaming at the same time, a colorful touch display, precise and quiet volumetric pump, stainless steel body, machine can be plumbed to mains and have the E61 grouphead.

Comparison table:

In this guide, we’ve broken down the technical terms and explored various Rocket Espresso models, highlighting their unique features. Whether you’re just starting your home coffee journey or you’re an experienced barista, there’s a Rocket Espresso machine that suits your needs. These machines not only deliver exceptional performance but also add an elegant touch to your kitchen. By choosing Rocket Espresso, you’re investing in a dependable home coffee machine crafted with top-quality components, ensuring years of coffee enjoyment. If you’d like further details, please visit our 010.ie website or reach out to us at 1800 929 140. We’re here to help!