The Diletta Bello+ is one of our favorite new innovations of 2023. It adds some tried and true enthusiast favorites like PID controlled temps, programmable pre-infusion, and an integrated shot timer, but the “newness” really comes from its unique low-power eco mode. The Rocket Mozzafiato Type V is a classic fan favorite, and it has many parallels with the Bello+, so we decided to compare them!
Looks
These are both beautiful machines, but there’s no substitute for Rocket’s aesthetics. We really love the powder coated look that you get with the Bello+, and both of these machines offer plenty of information on their face, but a Rocket is, of course, a Rocket. That means that you get that gorgeous stainless steel finish, the shot timer that effortlessly blends into the case when off, and the integrated cuprail.
The Bello+, on the other hand, might be perfect for some kitchens. It has that digital display on the front, which will appeal to some. It also combines both pressure gauges found on the Mozzafiato into one gauge with two arms. It really just depends on your preferences.
Features
The real differentiator between these two machines is their feature-set. The Bello+ really knocks this out of the park. Much of what the Bello+ is doing features wise is controlled by that digital display on the face (which doubles as a shot timer while brewing). That display gives you control of the PID temp, which means you can quickly and easily adjust that. By going a layer deeper into the menus, you can control pre-infusion time, change standby timers, and control the machine’s eco mode. Speaking of which, the Bello+’s eco mode is one of the more exciting that we’ve seen. Instead of basically shutting the heating element off, the Bello+ puts itself in a lower power state, so you can still get a quick brew without eating up as much power.
On the flip side, the Mozzafiato Type V does also have a PID controller, but it’s not as readily accessible. Instead, you have to remove the drip tray to access the controls. It’s not necessarily that difficult to manage this, but it is an extra step. About drip trays - the Bello+ actually has a slightly larger tray, meaning you’ll have to remove it even less often than the Mozzafiato.
Value
When you take the above into account, it’s easy to see why we find the Bello+ to be such an amazing value. The elephant in the room here is that the Bello+ is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Mozzafiato Type V, and comes with many of those enhanced features. That said, it’s not a Rocket.
Rocket Espresso has built an incredible reputation for themselves over time, and the Mozzafiato Type V lives up to that reputation. It’s a rock-solid machine and has been for years, and it comes with one of the industry’s best warranties (3 years, parts and labor). So while we are obviously enormous fans of the Bello+ (Diletta IS our house brand), we understand that the Mozzafiato Type V is still going to be a better fit for many customers. This is also reflected in the fit and finish on the outside of the machines, which the Mozzafiato has a very slight edge on.
A Note on Machine Sizes
One key element that may truly be a deciding factor for some customers is the sizes of these two machines. The Bello+ is a little bit deeper than the Mozzafiato, but it’s also a fair bit shorter. This means that if space is a concern, this is the machine to squeeze under those cabinets. If, on the other hand, you need something that isn’t as deep but can manage height, then the Mozzafiato is going to work better for you.
At the end of the day, it’s difficult to say definitively that one of these machines is “better” than the other. The edge on value does go to the Bello+, but when you want a Rocket, you buy a Rocket, and you really can’t go wrong with the Mozzafiato Type V if that’s your goal.
Want to find out more about these two amazing espresso machines? Check out our video version of this comparison with John below!