Rocket - Appartamento Semi Automatic Espresso Machine White - RE501A3W12

Rocket is a stickler for detail and the Appartamento really highlights that fact. Its hyper stylized steam and hot water knobs feature an easy grip gear design and Rocket’s iconic “R”; the wide feet resemble espresso pucks, and the laser cut side panels reveal a copper or white underbelly, all of which is rounded out by a striking mirror finish. Like any Rocket fan, we’re in love with the aesthetics on this compact machine.

Features and Performance

As a heat exchanger, the Appartamento can brew and steam at the same time, so there isn’t any downtime between brewing and steaming or multiple milk-based drinks. An E61 group head keeps the brew water temperature stable, by syphoning water from the boiler, through the group, and back, to ensure a consistent temp throughout.

Rocket redesigned their E61 to incorporate a dual pre-infusion system, which consists of a static pre-infusion chamber and a mechanical element that has a progressively working piston, resulting in aromatic, crema-rich extractions. This machine is beauty and brains wrapped up into one.

Internally, the Appartamento employs a large 1.8 L copper boiler, which, in concert with a 1200 watt heating element, makes for impressive strength brew after brew. Integrated electronic sensors monitor the boiler and reservoir levels and alert you to low levels. If, for whatever reason, these warnings are ignored, the Appartamento shuts down to avoid a dry-boil. This keeps the machine functioning at its best for years.

One of the nicest things about buying a Rocket machine is it comes with a really in depth training guide and manual, plus, they’re one of the very few brands to include a high quality metal tamper with their machines rather than a dinky plastic one you’ll never use. They really go the extra mile to make set up easy and ensure you’re ready to brew soon after unboxing the Appartamento. For added temperature stability, check out the Giotto Type V or Mozzafiato, both machines employed a PID controller for brew water that’s temp-stable to the degree.