Best Rocket Espresso Machine – The 5 Top Machines Compared

Many coffee connoisseurs, cafes and restaurants go straight to Rocket Espresso machines for top quality espresso experience.

It’s no wonder. Rocket machines are some of the best on the market. They offer superb temperature stability, precise pressure regulation, and impeccable espresso texture.

The only problem is that they have lots of models on offer. So how do you pick the best Rocket espresso machine for your specific espresso needs?

In this blog post, I will review and compare five of the top Rocket coffee machines. I will use all my experience to help you pick the perfect one for you. Let’s dive in!

The 5 Best Rocket Espresso Machines

One of the main problems, if I can say it like that, with Rocket espresso machines is that they all look the same. Wouldn’t you agree?

But once you scratch the surface all take a look “under the hood” you’ll see that they actually differ from unit to unit. Some models leverage heat exchange technology to offer temperature stability, while others go a step further with dual boilers.

And that’s not the only difference!

You can learn more about the best Rocket espresso machines from my individual reviews below. You will also find a helpful buying guide in this article!

Rocket R58 – Best Overall

I personally believe that the Rocket R58 espresso machine is the perfect option for those seeking unparalleled espresso brewing quality and experience. That’s due to its advanced features and superior brewing capabilities.

One of the most notable features of the Rocket R58 is its dual-boiler system. This setup is designed to secure unparalleled control over temperature and helps maintain consistency in every brew.

To offer some customizability, the boiler pressure on R58 can be adjusted. This means that you can profile your espresso using the preferred amount of pressure.

Speaking of the adjustments, the machine also has a PID temperature controller, which is located on the outside of the machine. PID is basically making it easier to fine-tune the temperature for the most exquisite and refined espresso.

The downside of this external setup in my opinion is that you can easily damage the controller and thus add extra expense to your setup. So, be careful!

Another impressive feature is the machine’s rotary pump. The main benefit of a rotary pump is noise-free brewing. It is also well-regarded for its longevity.

The Rocket R58 espresso machine is equipped with a large 2.5-litre water tank. This basically means that you can brew for an extended period without the need for constant refilling.

The machine is also built with a sturdy and long-lasting stainless steel body that can withstand several years of use. The downside is that you will have to clean the stainless steel body frequently.

I was impressed with the steam power of the R58. The dedicated steam boiler, combined with the commercial-grade steam wand, produces powerful steam for making the perfect microform for your lattes and cappuccinos.

While the Rocket R58 is a semi-automatic machine, I find it is relatively user-friendly, especially for those with some espresso-making experience. The intuitive interface make it easy to navigate and adjust settings.

However, I believe that beginners may require some practice to master the art of extracting espresso shots consistently.

Rocket Mozzafiato – Runner Up

If you’re a true espresso lover, then the Rocket Mozzafiato should definitely be on your radar. This premium-grade espresso machine is considered by many to be one of the best on the market.

First and foremost, the Rocket Mozzafiato is a single-boiler (heat exchange) espresso machine with a PID temperature controller. This means that, although it has only one boiler, it can brew and steam simultaneously.

Rocket is the first espresso machine manufacturer who thought of this idea, by the way.

The machine also offers a pre-infusion feature, which saturates the coffee grounds before extraction, further enhancing the flavours and aromas in the final cup.

I personally find the E61 group head to be a standout feature on Mozzafiato. It is made of chrome-plated brass to maximize heat retention. This key aspect helps to maintain a stable temperature throughout the brewing process.

All these pro features are ultimately responsible for making a great espresso. And that is probably one of my favourite features on all Rocket espresso machines.

You should also know that the Mozzafiato comes in two versions, R and V.

The V uses a vibratory pump and comes with a 1.8L water tank. The R version comes with a rotary pump and also has a water tank but it can be plumbed into your water line if you plan to make lots of espresso every day.

The steam wand is a joy to use. The pressure pump has precise control over the steam flow for perfectly textured milk. The only issue is that you can’t steam a lot of milk frequently because the single boiler setup will overheat.

Additionally, the vibratory pump model is relatively loud during operation. So if you are planning to opt-in for Mozzafiato, I would recommend the R type over the V type.

Rocket Appartamento – Best On-Budget

The Rocket Appartamento has been making waves in the coffee industry for several years now. It is one of the most popular espresso machines that coffee enthusiasts and baristas alike swear by.

I believe that this compact and sleek unit is perfect for home brewing, and it certainly packs a punch with its impressive features.

The Appartamento is equipped with a 1.8-litre heat-exchange boiler, an E61 group head, and a pressure stat instead of the PID. The machine also has a large, chrome-plated brass, and ergonomic 58mm portafilter.

All this combined with your barista skills is capable of producing coffee-shop-quality espressos despite the lack of some advanced features.

For example, this unit doesn’t have already mentioned PID. Also, it is not capable of pre-infusion like R58 for example. It doesn’t have a pressure stat for precise brewing and you can’t program your shots.

However, one of the biggest advantages of the Appartamento is its powerful steam wand. It produces a consistent flow of hot steam. So if you like to make espresso drinks at home, it’s still a great machine.

Another big advantage of this beautiful-looking machine is its price tag. It costs twice as less as R58 or even R Nine One, and yet, it is capable of brewing great espressos.

I would recommend this model if you want a Caffe quality at home but don’t care too much about advanced features and programmability.

Rocket R Nine One – Best Upgrade

As an avid coffee enthusiast, I have tried numerous espresso machines over the years, but none have left me as awe-inspiring as the Rocket R Nine One. This espresso machine embodies the perfect blend of craftsmanship, performance, and exceptional quality.

For example, the dual boiler system allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, ensuring optimal temperature control and minimal waiting time.

Furthermore, the machine offers precise pressure profiling, giving you the ability to experiment with different extraction profiles and extract the best flavours from your coffee beans.

Your ability to fine-tune every aspect of the brewing process allows for a truly personalized coffee experience that caters to your individual preferences.

That said, the R Nine One’s brewing performance is nothing short of exceptional.

With a powerful 1400-watt brew boiler and a dedicated 1200-watt steam boiler, combined with a rotary pump, this machine delivers consistent heat and pressure for perfect extractions.

And as for the steaming capabilities, the same setup is responsible for powerful steam pressure, which combined with a commercial-grade steam wand makes perfect milk foam.

Although I would say that this unit is best for advanced users, the intuitive control panel provides easy access to various functions, including programmable shot volumes, PID temperature control, and automatic cleaning cycles.

The only cons are its hefty price tag and large size which may not be suitable for every pocket and kitchen countertop.

But if you are an espresso “nerd” looking for the best Rocket espresso machine and don’t care about the price, R Nine One is for you.

Rocket Giotto – Great Value

The Rocket Giotto is a renowned semi-automatic espresso machine that has won accolades for its impressive performance and sturdy build.

Did you know that Giotto is the oldest Rocket espresso machine in production?

The good news is that the unit has been updated frequently with the newest and most up-to-date technologies that make sure it still delivers top-quality espresso shots.

One of the essential features is its 1.8-litre heat exchange boiler made of high-quality copper. And the machine also comes with a PID temperature controller that allows for precise temperature adjustment.

The machine’s commercial-grade group head and portafilter contribute to the even extraction and optimal distribution of water through the coffee grounds.

Just like the Mozzafiato, the Giotto unit also has R and V versions. V has a water tank and a vibratory pump. R has a rotary pump and can be plumbed into the water line.

This model differs a bit in design, with its angled side panels. However, the build quality is the same as on all Rocket machines. The only downside here is that the stainless steel might require frequent cleaning.

All in all, Giotto is still one of the best machines that Rocket company has ever made.

About Rocket Espresso Machine Company

If you are a coffee aficionado like me, then the mention of the Rocket espresso machine should make your heart beat with excitement.

For those who are not familiar, Rocket is an Italian manufacturer of artisan espresso machines. The company was founded in 2007 with a simple mission: to produce the best espresso machines in the world.

And it’s safe to say they have exceeded that goal.

Quality

Rocket is renowned for its superior quality and attention to detail. Every component of their espresso machines is handcrafted in Milan, Italy, by master craftsmen who have been perfecting their art for generations.

The result is a seamless blend of tradition and innovation that has elevated the coffee brewing experience to new heights.

Products

Rocket has a range of products that cater to both commercial and household use. Their commercial machines, like the R Nine One, are equipped with state-of-the-art features that guarantee precision, consistency, and efficiency.

At the same time, their home models, like the Appartamento and the R58, are designed to bring the Italian café experience right into your kitchen.

Technology

One of the things that set Rocket espresso machines apart from the competition is its patented Heat Exchange System. This innovative technology ensures that every shot is brewed at the perfect temperature, giving you the ultimate espresso experience.

Moreover, all their machines are equipped with PID controllers that allow for accurate temperature control and pre-infusion, which means you can get the exact taste you want every time.

Not to mention, commercial-grade components made from brass and copper just add to the overall experience of Rocket espresso machines.

Customer Service

But Rocket’s commitment to excellence doesn’t end with their machines. They also offer amazing customer service and support, which is critical when investing in a high-end espresso machine.

Unlike many companies that outsource their support to call centres, Rocket Espresso Machine Company has a dedicated support team that is knowledgeable and responsive.

This means you can get help when you need it and have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Choosing The Best Rocket Espresso Machine For You

Although they all look almost the same, the best Rocket espresso machines differ in a few key areas such as boiler type, pump type, and programmability.

I have created this short guide below to help you to navigate these units with easy and find the best one for you.

Heat Exchange vs. Dual Boiler

Rocket models typically come with heat exchange or double boilers. It’s one of the first things you need to think about when choosing the best Rocket espresso machine for your needs.

Heat exchange boilers are advanced and efficient. They use a larger boiler to heat water for brewing while simultaneously producing steam for frothing.

Furthermore, Heat exchange boilers are known for their temperature stability, as they keep the brewing water separate from the steam production.

On the other hand, dual boiler machines have separate boilers. One dedicated to brewing and the other to steaming. They offer a better overall experience.

Dual boiler systems provide even greater temperature control compared to HX, as they have separate boilers for brewing and steaming.

Overall, both types offer great expresso brewing and milk steaming experiences. The heat exchange is great for those who want to keep things simple, while double boilers provide more precision and control over temperature.

All but two Rocket espresso machines are using heat exchange technology. Only R578 and R Nine One leverage the power of a dual boiler.

Vibratory vs Rotary Pump

Just like there was the case with the boiler system, Rocket espresso machines are built using two different pump and pressure systems: vibratory and rotary.

Vibratory pumps are used in home espresso machines and use a motor to vibrate a piston to push water through coffee grounds. They’re louder. Vibratory pumps are generally more affordable compared to rotary pumps.

Meanwhile, commercial-grade machines use rotary pumps for quiet, consistent pressure. They’re long-lasting and great for handling big espresso orders.

So how to pick the best Rocket espresso machine based on this feature?

Think about how much espresso you need. For home use, a vibratory pump is fine, but for commercial settings or making lots of coffee, get a rotary pump. A rotary pump may also be the better choice if you’re looking for a long-term investment.

R58 and R Nine One only come with a rotary pump. Appartamento offers a vibratory pump only. Mozzafiato and Giotto offer units with both types of pumps.

PID Control and Programmability

Firstly, let’s talk about PID control. PID stands for proportional-integral-derivative, and in the context of espresso machines, it refers to a system that automatically adjusts the water temperature to ensure consistency in each shot pulled.

Only Rocket Appartamento doesn’t have PID control. All other models have it!

Now, when it comes to programmability, things get really interesting. Having a programmable espresso machine opens up a whole world of possibilities for customization and personalization.

For example, you can set your preferred temperature, time, and shot volume, and even create and save your own recipes. This means that you can tailor your espresso drinks to your exact preferences, ensuring a perfect cup every time.

So how do Rocket espresso machines perform in terms of programmability? Only R58 and R Nine One fit the bill. All other models can’t be programmed.

Our #1 Rocket Espresso Machine

In conclusion, the best Rocket Espresso machines are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality espresso machine. The R58 is our top pick because of its combination of features, great design, overall output, and price.

Thanks to its dual boiler setup, you won’t have to worry about adjusting temperatures after each shot. It also comes with PID controls which make it easy to fine-tune your shot profiles until they are just the way you like them.

Plus, the internally insulated coffee boiler gives you more thermal stability while extending the life of your machine in the process.

All in all, if you are serious about taking your espresso game to another level then Rocket R58 is a great option for you.

On the other hand, Appartamento offers an almost as great an experience as R58 only for a bit lower price, making it another threat investment for those on a budget.

If you want to keep on exploring the best prosumer espresso machines, we have created another in-depth guide with reviews.

FAQs About Rocket Espresso Machine

What sets Rocket Espresso Machines apart from other brands?

Rocket machines are known for their exceptional build quality, espresso technology and extraction quality, attention to detail, and handcrafted Italian design, setting them apart as premium espresso machines.

What is the price range for Rocket Espresso Machines?

Rocket machines are considered worth the price by many coffee enthusiasts and professionals due to their exceptional precise temperature control, and consistent espresso extraction, providing a high-quality and durable espresso machine experience.

Which Rocket Espresso Machine model is best for beginners?

The Appartamento is considered among the best Rocket Espresso Machine models for beginners due to its user-friendly features, compact size, and reasonable price point.

Do Rocket Espresso Machines come with warranty coverage?

Yes, Rocket machines typically come with warranty coverage, providing customers with assurance and support for any potential manufacturing defects or issues that may arise during a specified period after purchase.

What is the difference between Rocket R and V?

The main difference between the Rocket Espresso R and V models is in the pump type. The R models feature a rotary pump and can be plumbed in, while the V models have a vibratory pump and can’t be plumbed in.