Crew Review: Rocket R58 Tune Espresso Machine

Rocket's dual boiler E61 workhorse, retuned inside and out.

If you know Rocket Espresso then you know the R58. This modern classic of a machine is one of Rocket’s top of the line machines built to blow away your expectations. The new R58 Tune is a top-to-bottom rework of this fantastic machine, but you’re probably wondering what’s really changed, and whether or not it’s an improvement on the previous model. Let’s take a look!

What’s New on the Rocket R58 Tune

First up, there’s the new colorway. The classic all-stainless, chrome like look of the original machine is here, alongside a new black powder-coated option. There are lots of other visual updates as well, such as the new legs. These give the machine a bit of a different profile, and actually make it much easier to clean under the machine. The PID control unit has moved too, making it more accessible during machine use. It’s still removable, so you can set it up and then remove it and store it if you don’t like keeping it attached to the machine. There’s new functionality with the PID display as well, which gives you pre- and post-infusion controls directly from the screen. Other usability improvements include a new “push-to-purge” steam wand control, which allows you to depress the wand knob for a quick purge burst.

Rocket R58 Tune Specs at a Glance

The R58 Tune has some impressive specs:

• Dual boilers, with a .58L brew boiler and a 1.8L steam boiler.
• PID control options for each boiler, giving you fine control over temps.
• A 58mm E61-style brew group.
• Digital pre- and post-infusion as outlined above.
• A built-in scheduling tool that allows you to set an auto-on and off time for each day of the week.
• 12-15 minute heat-up times (made even better with that auto-on feature).
• A commercial style rotary pump for more responsive pressure changes and plumbing capabilities.
• The steam purge wand.
• A three-year warranty for home users.

Performance Under Pressure

We’ve been impressed by the performance of the R58 Tune. We’ve been able to brew six (and even more depending on the conditions) back-to-back drinks using a fast, cafe pace. Most home users will likely work slower than this, and we would say outrunning this machine is a real challenge, and not something you’ll do from normal use. The only exception here is large americanos - as these will drain the steam boiler faster than it can heat the water. Otherwise, we have enjoyed great temperature stability, consistent pressures, and excellent steaming performance.

The Steam Purge Feature

The steam purge feature really helps the back to back drink-making workflow, and once you get used to having it you never never want to let it go. All you have to do for that quick purge is push in on the wand’s control knob. This is worth doing before and after steaming to get the highest quality microfoam and prevent gunk from building up in the wand. The dedicated hole in the drip tray even directs the water into the right spot, giving this small feature a really outsized impact. As a bonus, this workflow bump can also help prevent the little burns that you sometimes get from purging your steam wand.

The Display and Controls

The control menu on the PID display is very simple to use. With minimal text and easy navigation, you’ll be up to speed on customizing the machine in no time. This controller is really what lets you access the brain of the machine, including PID temp adjustments, profiles for different pre-infusion and post-infusion options per shot, eco modes, auto-on timing, and even live boiler temps. We love that you don’t have to leave this screen attached too - by removing it you can really maintain that classic, clean Rocket Espresso look.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Service

Cleaning and maintaining this machine is simple. A daily wipedown, grouphead flush, and drip tray rinse takes just a couple of minutes. Add a backflush every couple of weeks and you’ll be very on top of this machine’s needed maintenance. For bigger jobs like descaling you’ll have access to Rocket’s repair team during the warranty period. Rocket Espresso is a big brand name too, so well after the warranty ends you will be able to find certified repair shops that can continue to help you with service. This direct access to service is a true value-add for the machine. Finding where to get a descale performed or a minor issue fixed can be frustrating, but it’s not something you have to worry about with a Rocket Espresso machine like the R58 Tune.