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Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
Overview
Who says you need counter space for serious coffee? Rocket's newest machine brings their outstanding handcrafted quality to the urban dweller with the aptly named Appartamento Espresso Machine. Featuring Rocket's tried-and-true heat exchange boiler and E61 group head pairing, you'll be pulling shots and pouring lattes in polished style. Classic features like mechanical pre-infusion, a heated group head and articulated steam and hot water wands make it a true prosumer device. Rocket's new pint-size compatriot adds a flash of bold design inspiration with circular side-panel inserts and engraved steam and hot water spouts.
Features and Functionality
- Rocket Design - A flashy update to Rocket's (already showstopping) design, the Appartamento will draw stares from everyone who enters your kitchen.
- Heat Exchange Boiler - A 1.8-liter heat exchange steam boiler allows you to brew espresso and froth milk at the same time.
- Heated Group Head - A small flow of water off the boiler keeps your machine's group head warm for more consistent shot temps.
- Small Footprint - The reduced dimensions of the Appartamento suit it for small counters and space-restricted kitchens.
- Manual Control - Learn to brew all on your own with mechanical steam and brew controls.
- Two Year Warranty - We're proud to offer two years of parts and labor support for every Rocket machine purchase.
| Pros |
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|---|---|
| Cons |
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| How Does it Compare? | The successor to the Cellini Classic, the Appartamento is thinner and flashier with its contrast side panels and engraved piping. Unlike the slightly pricier Premium Plus, the Appartamento lacks a PID. |
| Tips and Tricks | The Appartamento's boiler heats up the whole machine, especially after extended use. If you are used to bracing the side of the machine when removing your portafilter, the lower half of the machine is much cooler than the top. |
Specs
| Model Number | Appartamento |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Rocket Espresso |
| Width | 10.5 inches |
| Depth | 17 inches |
| Height | 14.25 inches |
| Watts | 1300 W |
| Volts | 120V |
| Programmability | No |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Boiler Material | Brass/Copper |
| Cup Clearance | 3.5 inches |
| Boiler Volume | 1.8 L |
| Reservoir Size | 2.25 L |
| Solenoid Valve | Yes |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Portafilter Size | 58mm |
| Available Portafilters | Bottomless, Non-Pressurized |
| Warm Up: Steam Time | 15 minutes |
| Boiler Design | Heat Exchanger |
| NSF Certified | No |
| Pod Friendly | No |
| Water Sources | Reservoir/Internal Tank |
| Auto Shut Off | No |
| Auto On | No |
| Pre-Infusion/Aroma | Yes |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Q&A
Browse 51 questions and 81 answers
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How long is the Rocket Appartamento expected to last with proper use and care? Is it a 5, 10 0r 15+ year product?
Best Answer: Machines built this way with quality materials (heavy-duty stainless-steel, copper, brass, etc.) are in the "prosumer" class of espresso machines. And most are HEAVY (which is a clue that they ARE prosumer-class). Consequently, you CAN expect them to last "15+" years if you care for them and do the regular/simple maintenance on them as per the Owner's Manual. For example, another prosumer-calss espresso machine -- the Rancilio Silvia (even though a SBDU machine and not a HX like this Rocket) -- has been around a LONG time and there are people still using v.1 Silvias (v.4 is the current one, IIRC). Although I own/use a different brand of espresso machine (Vibiemme Domobar Super HX), it's also prosumer-class, so as already mentioned ANY of the brands in this prosumer class -- and Rocket is one of the Major Players here -- will last "15+" years.
In reality, however, what is likely to happen is very few people will ever find that out as they likely will experience "upgraditis" at some point (and for whatever reason) WAY before then and will have sold or given-away the machine long before it's "expiration date" -- and who really knows when that would be: Some people have bought old commercial-class Italian espresso machines (which usually have multiple E61 group-heads) from the 60s/70s and restore them to as-new condition. So no need to worry about longevity with a prosumer-class espresso machine (or the same re: grinders)!
So if anyone is worried about a prosumer machine not lastind a LONG time, don;t be. It' sonly the "appliance class" machiens that don't have this kind of durability built into them, as they use deifferent mateirals and manufacturing processing vs. prosumer machines...which are usually Made in Italy and pretty much by hand. Look for that video entitles "The Rocket Story" to get an overview how prosumer Italian espresso machines are made -- pretty much ALL the Italian brand machine are made th same way: IN small factories, and msotly bu hand.
In reality, however, what is likely to happen is very few people will ever find that out as they likely will experience "upgraditis" at some point (and for whatever reason) WAY before then and will have sold or given-away the machine long before it's "expiration date" -- and who really knows when that would be: Some people have bought old commercial-class Italian espresso machines (which usually have multiple E61 group-heads) from the 60s/70s and restore them to as-new condition. So no need to worry about longevity with a prosumer-class espresso machine (or the same re: grinders)!
So if anyone is worried about a prosumer machine not lastind a LONG time, don;t be. It' sonly the "appliance class" machiens that don't have this kind of durability built into them, as they use deifferent mateirals and manufacturing processing vs. prosumer machines...which are usually Made in Italy and pretty much by hand. Look for that video entitles "The Rocket Story" to get an overview how prosumer Italian espresso machines are made -- pretty much ALL the Italian brand machine are made th same way: IN small factories, and msotly bu hand.
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· BillRedding on Feb 5, 2017
What is the real world "downsides" of not having a PID on this machine?
I would be the only one using it, I seldom steam milk/soy and I make 1-2 per day. I have a PID on my Crossland CC1 but am looking to a Rocket some time later this year.
Just wondering about the lack of PID and trying to figure out if my use case, and the volume I would make of espresso, would not affect me much or at all?
thx
I would be the only one using it, I seldom steam milk/soy and I make 1-2 per day. I have a PID on my Crossland CC1 but am looking to a Rocket some time later this year.
Just wondering about the lack of PID and trying to figure out if my use case, and the volume I would make of espresso, would not affect me much or at all?
thx
Best Answer: Because this is a heat exchanger machine a PID is not really necessary. All that is required is adequate warm up time (about 20 to 30 minutes) and you will want to do a brief flush through the brew head just prior to placing your portafilter and pulling your shot. I hope that helps. Victor
What is the depth of the base of the Rocket Appartamento? In other words does the 17 inch figure include the handle on the portafilter or is that the depth of the base to the front of the drop tray? If it includes the portafilter, what is the depth to the front of the drop tray?
I currently have a Breville smart grinder. Would this be sufficient to use with the Rocket until I upgrade to better grinder later down the road?
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
Will you recommend leaving the Appartamento ON the entire day and night (like over the weekend) or turning it ON/OFF after each morning/lunch/afternoon/evening use?
Best Answer: I know that many of our customers will turn on their machines at night and turn them off when they leave for work in the morning! We haven't (yet, thanks for the idea!) done any long term testing with leaving a machine on for long periods of time.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Does the machine really require a 20-30 min warm up time?
My current grinder is the Baratza Preciso (with the A–K micro-adjustment gauge.) Will an espresso grind from that be high enough quality for a machine at this level?
Got some great advice in your Portland store this weekend (thank you!), and I'm strongly considering this beautiful machine as my ideal upgrade. I was told to make sure I consider the grinder in the equation though, so the decision is between this, or stepping down to the Appartamento and using the saving for a new grinder. Would appreciate your advice!
Got some great advice in your Portland store this weekend (thank you!), and I'm strongly considering this beautiful machine as my ideal upgrade. I was told to make sure I consider the grinder in the equation though, so the decision is between this, or stepping down to the Appartamento and using the saving for a new grinder. Would appreciate your advice!
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
Best Answer: I had a Preciso with my Rancilio Silvia and it worked well. The Preciso worked with Silvia and she was very sensitive to the grind....So i would feel very confident in saying that you could definitely get a good shot with the Preciso, but would be more consistent with a better grinder. I now have a Rocket Evo, but never used it with the Preciso. I paired it with an Anfim Best and now a Mahlkonig K30 Vario. I decided to upgrade my Grinder since it's so essential to a consistently good espresso. If it were me....I'd go with the Apartmento and a better Grinder unless you want to plumb it in....Then you would need the Evo and could upgrade the grinder at a later date. Also note the Preciso has lots of plastic and is not very durable. I broke the Micro ring, but was fortunate to have it replaced under warranty. You get what you pay for.
Why SCG feels that Rocket Appartamento is better machine than Oscar 2, though most of the features are the same?
Best Answer: Fit and finish on the Appartamento is better throughout than on the Oscar II. For me, it's the little things like excess plastic, exposed screw holes, and mixed finishes that detract from the Oscar II.
That said, they are very different machines, and have some key differences that should be considered:
The Oscar II is a time-based automatic machine, the Appartamento is a classic semi-automatic.
Steam pressure is higher on the Oscar II, and uses a featherable steam lever instead of the Appartamento's knob.
The steam wand on the Appartamento is insulated (less scalded milk to clean up), the Oscar's wand is not.
Drip tray is bigger on the Oscar II, but plastic and wire instead of stainless steel.
The Oscar II has more cup clearance.
The Appartamento has a dedicated hot water wand.
The Appartamento comes with more accessories (2x portafilters, blind basket, tamper) and since it has an E61 group, can accept common aftermarket accessories like a brewhead thermometer, bottomless and triple portafilters etc.
That said, they are very different machines, and have some key differences that should be considered:
The Oscar II is a time-based automatic machine, the Appartamento is a classic semi-automatic.
Steam pressure is higher on the Oscar II, and uses a featherable steam lever instead of the Appartamento's knob.
The steam wand on the Appartamento is insulated (less scalded milk to clean up), the Oscar's wand is not.
Drip tray is bigger on the Oscar II, but plastic and wire instead of stainless steel.
The Oscar II has more cup clearance.
The Appartamento has a dedicated hot water wand.
The Appartamento comes with more accessories (2x portafilters, blind basket, tamper) and since it has an E61 group, can accept common aftermarket accessories like a brewhead thermometer, bottomless and triple portafilters etc.
Hi, How reliable is the Appartamento? Have many people had issues which required repairs? What sort of things which require repair may go wrong ?
Best Answer: Our Appartamento is only used periodically as we have it in our holiday home; however, we love it! We have a big Isomac that we use year round and we would trade it out for the Appartamento if we could if only to save on bench space. In any case, we haven't had issues with repairs for the Appartmento and are very happy with the machine.
Hi which would you buy the Giotto plus PID or the Appartamento? I love the look the the appartamento better, but really its about the machine. Will the PID on the Giottto really make a difference in getting the temp right comparatively?
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
Best Answer: I think it is entirely up to your espresso work flow! For light day-to-day home use you likely won't see much of a difference between the two machines.
Where the PID, in my opinion, truly shines is if you like to try different coffees often and want the ability to moderate boiler temperature (and thus brew temperature) to accommodate different roast types, blends or single origin beans.
It's also worth it to point out that with the Premium Plus you also get a gauge for brew pressure, whereas the Appartamento only has a boiler pressure gauge.
Hope this helps!
Where the PID, in my opinion, truly shines is if you like to try different coffees often and want the ability to moderate boiler temperature (and thus brew temperature) to accommodate different roast types, blends or single origin beans.
It's also worth it to point out that with the Premium Plus you also get a gauge for brew pressure, whereas the Appartamento only has a boiler pressure gauge.
Hope this helps!
What are the differences between V2 and Apartamento? Is there any tech differences or is it only the size?
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
Best Answer: The V2 has a rotary, rather than a vibratory pump, which makes it quieter and allows it to be connected directly to the water line for continuous automatic filling, If you do this, there is no need to ever refill the tank. It's also better insulated, has a pre-infusion system that brings the pressure up in two stages for improved brewing, and has an additional pressure gauge that tells you when the boiler is fully up to temperature.
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· Laurence H on Aug 22, 2016
Is there a way to adjust boiler temperature on this machine so the steam pressure is a little higher than the 1 on the pressure dial?
Best Answer: Yep! All you have to do is take the top of the case off and adjust the pstat with a flathead screwdriver.
However, increasing your boiler pressure will also increase your brew temperature, so you'll have to find the right balance for your preferences.
However, increasing your boiler pressure will also increase your brew temperature, so you'll have to find the right balance for your preferences.
Trying to choose between the Breville Dual boiler and Rocket Appartamento, what are the top three differences I should be thinking about when making a choice? I see warmup time, the forgiveness of pressurized baskets, and product lifetime, but would like your thoughts. For the past seven years I've been using a Sirena (now beginning to leak)
Best Answer: Hello! If you want to go feature-for-feature, you'd be in for a lot of analysis! Instead, I'd think on what 'style' of home barista you are.
The Rocket Appartamento is about as classic as you can get in a semi-automatic machine. The electronics are minimal and brewing espresso is a very hands-on process. You'll have to learn your little machine's quirks and preferences, and find a workflow that fits you. The machine is beautiful, Italian and handmade, but not exactly 'cutting-edge' brew technology.
The Breville Dual Boiler is an entirely different type of machine. It's new technology in spades, and takes a lot of the learning curve out of home espresso. Its automatic, very temp stable, and full of never-ending little features that aim to save time and effort.
As an upgrade from the Sirena, you really can't go wrong. but in short:
Pick the Appartamento if you're looking for that bespoke espresso experience.
Pick the Dual Boiler if you're technologically inclined or after low-effort lattes.
The Appartamento will have better steam pressure, and is sturdier, simpler, and more easily repairable than the BDB. Tradeoff: temperature swings you'll have to manually account for (do some research on flush-and-go or water dance techniques for HX machines)
The BDB is incredibly temp stable with separate PID-controlled boilers and an electronically heated group. Tradeoff: build quality is not as good, and you'll have less steam power for back-to-back milk drinks.
Hope this helps!
The Rocket Appartamento is about as classic as you can get in a semi-automatic machine. The electronics are minimal and brewing espresso is a very hands-on process. You'll have to learn your little machine's quirks and preferences, and find a workflow that fits you. The machine is beautiful, Italian and handmade, but not exactly 'cutting-edge' brew technology.
The Breville Dual Boiler is an entirely different type of machine. It's new technology in spades, and takes a lot of the learning curve out of home espresso. Its automatic, very temp stable, and full of never-ending little features that aim to save time and effort.
As an upgrade from the Sirena, you really can't go wrong. but in short:
Pick the Appartamento if you're looking for that bespoke espresso experience.
Pick the Dual Boiler if you're technologically inclined or after low-effort lattes.
The Appartamento will have better steam pressure, and is sturdier, simpler, and more easily repairable than the BDB. Tradeoff: temperature swings you'll have to manually account for (do some research on flush-and-go or water dance techniques for HX machines)
The BDB is incredibly temp stable with separate PID-controlled boilers and an electronically heated group. Tradeoff: build quality is not as good, and you'll have less steam power for back-to-back milk drinks.
Hope this helps!
Suffering from serious chrome-love with the Appartamento. But a question about grind: We buy our favorite, bricks of Lavazza Rossi, would that work OK in this machine?
Best Answer: I wouldn't recommend using pre ground coffee with a machine like this - it's impossible to know if the extraction time will be correct. Expect to spend at least $300 or more on a nice grinder - some say that a nice grinder is more important than the machine (check out the $1k Rocket grinder).
Let's compare it to buying a home stereo. It would be stupid to buy really nice speakers and then hook a tape deck into it. Buying freshly roasted coffee with a nice grinder is essential to getting the most out of this machine.
Search "How To: Dialing in a Coffee Grinder" on youtube for a Seattle Coffee Gear video on how grinding beans for espresso works.
If you aren't ready to take the plunge and invest around 2k for a machine, then I would recommend an aeropress with freshly ground coffee.
Let's compare it to buying a home stereo. It would be stupid to buy really nice speakers and then hook a tape deck into it. Buying freshly roasted coffee with a nice grinder is essential to getting the most out of this machine.
Search "How To: Dialing in a Coffee Grinder" on youtube for a Seattle Coffee Gear video on how grinding beans for espresso works.
If you aren't ready to take the plunge and invest around 2k for a machine, then I would recommend an aeropress with freshly ground coffee.
can you tell me dimensions on the aparmento?..Need to measure my space
Best Answer: Sure thing!
The Appartamento is 10.5 inches wide, 14.5 inches high and 17 inches deep. With the portafilter in, the depth is 22.5 inches, and you'll need some extra space to get to the water tank, which pulls out from the top of the machine. I'd also recommend adding a couple inches of free space to either side of the machine to make sure you have room to operate the steam and hot water wands.
Hope this helps!
The Appartamento is 10.5 inches wide, 14.5 inches high and 17 inches deep. With the portafilter in, the depth is 22.5 inches, and you'll need some extra space to get to the water tank, which pulls out from the top of the machine. I'd also recommend adding a couple inches of free space to either side of the machine to make sure you have room to operate the steam and hot water wands.
Hope this helps!
Do you know how many drink per hour this can pull?
Best Answer: The machine is a semiautomatic machine, which means that the amount of time to prepare several shots of coffee would depend on external tools (grinder), barista ( collecting the coffee grinds, compacting it, placing the portafilter on the machine, etc) and on the machine itself. Assuming that the water thank is full, that you are using a single shot portafilter, that you are an average machine user with a decent grinder I would say grinding, compacting, cleaning, etc... would take around 20- 60 seconds and pouring a shot another 25-30 seconds, all in all for a single shot would be 45-1:30, so in an hour a person should be able to do between 40-80 shots using the machine with a single shot portafilter. Notice that you will need to keep filling the water tank ( its capacity is about 2 litres and it has to be manually filled), this is perhaps why this machine is better suited for a home rather that for a comercial application.
I see that the depth of the machine is 17 inches. Does anyone know the distance between the feet of the unit from front to back? Thanks!
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
In these machine you can regulate the boiler pressure???
Best Answer: The Appartamento only has one pressure gauge. It is for the boiler, and goes up to 1 bar when the temperature is sufficient to make espresso. There is no pump pressure gauge to determine if the pressure is 9 bars for proper brewing. I think the pump pressure is set at the factory.
What brand of coffee grinder would be best to get for Rocket appartamento espresso machine? Aside from the rocket coffee grinders since they are very expensive.
Best Answer: Many of our customers pair their Rocket with a Eureka Mignon Grinder! It has a small footprint, timed dosing, great espresso distribution, stepless bottom burr adjust (great for cleaning), and the polished version matches the case of a Rocket fantastically.
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/eureka-mignon-burr-grinder
Hope this helps!
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/eureka-mignon-burr-grinder
Hope this helps!
Please, what are the actual dimensions of the apartmento by rocket? I have the Classico, and by luck it fits with 1 inch to spare in my kitchen! All by fortuitous chance. I'd like to know the actual size differences. Thanks!
Rocket recently released the metal cup warmer rail. Will you guys be offering this?
Do you have any maintenance training videos?
Best Answer: None yet dedicated to the Appartamento, but these will work just as well!
Backflushing:
https://youtu.be/vwVXZRf9v5U
Steam wand maintenance:
https://youtu.be/eZtSgef9-C0
And eventually (not for a long while) you'll change the brew gasket and screen:
https://youtu.be/8sl_vLSbMks
Backflushing:
https://youtu.be/vwVXZRf9v5U
Steam wand maintenance:
https://youtu.be/eZtSgef9-C0
And eventually (not for a long while) you'll change the brew gasket and screen:
https://youtu.be/8sl_vLSbMks
What does the gauge do on the Appartamento?
What gauges are missing on the Appartamento compared to the other Rocket espresso machines?
How important are the missing gauges?
What gauges are missing on the Appartamento compared to the other Rocket espresso machines?
How important are the missing gauges?
Best Answer: The Appartamento's gauge is for boiler pressure! Other Rocket machines add a gauge for brew pressure, which can be helpful for dialing in your shots. I find in practice I only glance at the boiler pressure gauge to see if the machine is up to temp, and I don't use the brew pressure gauge at all. I'd say its definitely nice, but not necessary for delicious shots.
How much room is there between the drip tray and the Portafilter? Would a regular sized mug fit to catch the espresso shots?
Does the Portafilter fit with the Breville smart grinder attachments?
Does the Portafilter fit with the Breville smart grinder attachments?
Is the pid the only difference in this and the apartmento? Are there other differences inside?
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine
Best Answer: Yep! A decent number of differences actually, the Mozzafiato:
Uses an SSR (solid-state relay) instead of a pressurestat to regulate heat (part of the PID controller layout, no pstat 'clicking' sounds)
The boiler is 'wrapped' (insulated)
Has a group pressure gauge on the front left of the machine
The cup rails are built in and metal (Appartamento currently only has plastic)
Uses an SSR (solid-state relay) instead of a pressurestat to regulate heat (part of the PID controller layout, no pstat 'clicking' sounds)
The boiler is 'wrapped' (insulated)
Has a group pressure gauge on the front left of the machine
The cup rails are built in and metal (Appartamento currently only has plastic)
Is it fine to flush through the brew head with the portafilter, or only the brew head?, I have a Pavoni Euripocola and use to flush the brew head together with the portafilter to have all parts at similar temp. What is the right procedure for this machine?
is it normal that my Appartmento does nothing when the lever was lifted to the pre-infusion position? No water or bubbling at all.
Hey guys - what if any downside due to non insulated boiler? Shots are pretty consistent, right? Thanks
Best Answer: Hello!
There will be very little difference for shot-to-shot consistency.
Insulation is much more important for large-boiler commercial machines, which take more power to heat and are rarely turned off (and tend to put off more heat into their environment). For a small home machine like this little guy, the insulation isn't likely to make much difference.
There will be very little difference for shot-to-shot consistency.
Insulation is much more important for large-boiler commercial machines, which take more power to heat and are rarely turned off (and tend to put off more heat into their environment). For a small home machine like this little guy, the insulation isn't likely to make much difference.
What is best water for this unit? I see Gail uses a Brita...just received unit and dont want to get into any bad habits...and want to lessen scaling if possible
Best Answer: A Brita filter is a great option, especially since replacement filters are easily available and many people already have them!
We also have Rocket water filters that go directly into the reservoir if you don't have a Brita: https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/rocket-espresso-water-reservoir-filter
It's best to used filtered or bottled water in your machine to keep scale buildup low. That said, avoid RO (reverse osmosis) or distilled water, which lack the required minerals to pull a tasty shot, and may not play nice with the Appartamento's water sensor.
We also have Rocket water filters that go directly into the reservoir if you don't have a Brita: https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/rocket-espresso-water-reservoir-filter
It's best to used filtered or bottled water in your machine to keep scale buildup low. That said, avoid RO (reverse osmosis) or distilled water, which lack the required minerals to pull a tasty shot, and may not play nice with the Appartamento's water sensor.
is it easy to remove the water reservoir from the rocket appartamento?
Is there a way to insulate the boiler ourselves to reduce noise?
Best Answer: The boiler itself doesn't make much, if any noise. What you're hearing is the vibratory pump, which is already pretty insulated by the steel case. There really isn't much in the way you can do about the sound of a vibe pump, which is pretty standard across most espresso machines. If you're worried about noise, I'd recommend a roatary pump driven machine like the R58.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
We have very hard water where we live, is there a option for a filter??!
Best Answer: You're in luck! https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/rocket-espresso-water-reservoir-filter
I just bought a Rocket Appartamento. I am now looking for the right grinder. My budget is $500.00. I will mostly use it for the Rocket (espresso). Any suggestions?
Best Answer: Many people choose the Eureka Mignon to pair with their Rocket machine! In particular, the polished housing looks fantastic next to the Appartamento.
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/eureka-mignon-burr-grinder
Hope this helps!
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/eureka-mignon-burr-grinder
Hope this helps!
How hot do the side of the machine get? Gail mentioned in a vid that the sides get hot and to be careful.
Best Answer: The sides of the Appartamento get warm, (maybe ~100 degrees) but definitely not hot enough to burn you. You will want to be careful around the group head though, as the E61 is heated from the steam boiler and definitely gets hot enough to burn.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Does this machine has a E61 brew head?
How long do I need to wait for machine to reaches 1 bar? I have been waiting for 20min already.
Best Answer: Rocket's heat exchanger espresso machines are calibrated at the factory by measuring water temperature at the brewhead. Each pressure stat will be set a little differently machine-to-machine for proper brewing temp. We've found that the Appartamento tends to calibrate a little lower on the spectrum, ~0.9 bars, than other machines.
We generally recommend waiting ~30 minutes for a machine to come to temp, but you're likely pretty much ready to go at the 20-minute mark after a flush.
Hope this helps!
We generally recommend waiting ~30 minutes for a machine to come to temp, but you're likely pretty much ready to go at the 20-minute mark after a flush.
Hope this helps!
Does this machine have an auto turn-off feature if the boiler is empty? Seems like it should but there's no info on that feature.
Reviews
- Excellent machineReview by David
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I had a Rancilio Silvia V2 for ~9 years and wanted to move up, plus I was tired of temperature surfing to make cappuccino. I am very happy with this machine after 1 month of use. It did take a little while to dial in the grind on my Ascaso i-Mini (old version) but once I got it then it was off to drinking espressos and other drinks. The steam wand is extremely powerful compared to the Silvia. I like the Frankenstein look of the machine, versus sleek ones, and manual controls. I'm tired of programming stuff. (Posted on 7/26/2017)Price Quality Value - Oooooooooooo.................................Sweet!Review by Keith
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I've wanted a Rocket for years but they wouldn't fit my space until.........Appartamento! Looks so cool in the kitchen and believe me this is a real machine. Hand built Italian. Function is flawless and my espresso drinks are beyond great. I bought the white side circle version and the only detractor is when I'm staring at it I sometimes want to get out the florescent permanent markers and go to town on those circles with some crazy art! (Posted on 6/25/2017)Price Quality Value - Great machine in a compact packageReview by Marko
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This machine has what you need to make great espresso drinks... Great components, a sizable boiler, plenty of steam power, and in an eye-catching unit that's slightly smaller than peers... Only gripe is the cheap plastic cup rail, hence 4 stars...c'mon Rocket!Price Quality Value
Only one pressure gauge (boiler), but I rarely refer to it, once the machine has gone through about 20-30 min warmup. Don't forget to flush the grouphead for several seconds before extracting, to bring the temp to a more reasonable range, otherwise, too hot...
SCG just raised the price 3% ($50), not sure why? Popularity? Hence lost a value star.
Be sure to pair this beauty with a quality grinder, you'll be very pleased....
Grazie, SCG!
(Posted on 5/2/2017) - This is one rockin' espresso machine!Review by Chuggs
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Okay...so I selected this machine based on price,...no looks,...no quality,...oh no never mind. Anyway...this machine has really improved my outlook on life. There's nothing quite like waking up to an espresso machine in your own kitchen that is this capable of producing excellent espressos...time after time. No more standing in line...and hoping that the coffee is fresh and properly prepared. I purchased this machine along with the Baratza Sette grinder. The duo is awesome. I pull shot after shot of delicious espresso using locally roasted beans by Oceana Coffee Roasters just two miles away from my house. The combination is mind blowing.Price Quality Value
I know it doesn't have an insulated boiler...but hey --- I kinda like my cups to be warm when I wake up. It's not like I'm leaving this thing powered up all day. I set it to turn on 30 minutes before I get out of bed...and it's all stable ready to go...and my cups are warm. Wrap the boiler with insulation...and how warm are my cups going to be in such a short period of time??? (Posted on 3/14/2017) - You're gonna have to practice...Review by itsGREGSWORLD
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I've had this beautiful work of art espresso machine for three months now. That has given me ample time to really work with it. I have wasted a few pounds of coffee. I am certain of this.Price Quality Value
First off, this machine is solid. It is beautiful. Easily the most attractive thing in my house (other than the girlfriend.) I agree with Gail about the cheap plastic cup rail on top. I snapped it within the first few weeks while trying to get the water container out of the back. After supergluing it, I quit removing it and just filled with a pitcher. I have also written Rocket about it. They still have no date to make a legitimate replacement.
Secondly, it took me FOREVER to finally dial in a shot. I am using the super cool Breville grinder. I think this thing has like 200 plus grind settings. I ended up using 14 to get the best pour (with original burr placement).
Third, I think my machine is too hot. The Appartamento is the only machine from Rocket that cannot be temperature adjusted. If my grind is off, or I accidentally tamp too hard, I get burnt coffee. I haven't tested the temp of the head, but I can assure you, having owned other machines, this one is too hot. That leads me to the final issue. The steam wand.
I watched Gail steam her milk maybe 30 times in the first few weeks after I received my Appartamento. Ultimately, I figured out that Gail had a machine that wasn't as hot as mine. And perhaps even with less pressure. My steaming method took THREE months to perfect, and I still feel as though it requires me to get too violent with the milk. The pressure and temperature are extreme. I find myself nearly freezing my milk before frothing, just to give me an extra second before it scalds. This steam wand is a nightmare. Google it. Others feel the same. Sure, there is a technique. But after three months, I should be seeing some success.
In closing, I am happy I bought the machine, and use it every day. However, you had better be ready for a learning curve and a steep one at that. You are getting a super powerful machine that is both magnificent to look at and considerably difficult to master. (Posted on 3/2/2017) - Love it!Review by Walter
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I have had the machine for a few weeks now and love it. I did a ton of research before down-selecting Rocket. I live in small house, the Apartmento was my best choice. It makes excellent coffee and looks amazing to boot. (Posted on 11/23/2016)Price Quality Value - Received my Appartamento last week and love it.Review by My New Toy
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Since 1990, I have loved espresso drinks. People would laugh, but I started with a Krups espresso/coffee machine. I moved onto a Saeco machine which wore out. I have been going to the Portland store for the last few years.Price Quality Value
When the Appartamento was released via the web, I feel in love.
This machine does everyone one would want. I have it paired with a Eureka Mignon grinder.
I now just need to practice my milk frothing in order to create latte art in my drinks.
One thing I would say, make sure you have the room for this machine in your kitchen. It is big even though it has a small footprint. (Posted on 9/27/2016) - Buy it!Review by Hoppity Hop Espresso
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The Rocket Espresso Appartamento is my first espresso machine. I've been using this machine for about a week now, and I love it so far. I think it's the best looking machine in Rocket's lineup. I had some reservations about buying a machine without a PID or insulated boiler, but I'm glad I bought this machine since it makes great espresso, especially with the Velton's Bonsai Blend that SCG included with my order. For light home use, I don't think you can find a better HX machine for the price.Price Quality Value
Expect for your first few shots to be horrible until you get the grind right. I'm using a Compak K3 grinder with this machine, and I had to make several adjustments before I started pulling good tasting shots. As SCG pointed out, this machine is loud, which is why I gave it four stars instead of five for quality. It sounds like a small air compressor, so expect this when you turn on the machine for the first time while the boiler fills with water. However, after the boiler fills up completely, it only makes noise for a couple seconds when you first turn it on and when you are pulling shots. Other than that, everything else is great. This machine has plenty of steam power too. It can easily froth a pitcher of milk while you are pulling a shot, but whether or not you can do that with great results takes practice. Frothing milk for latte art is difficult until you master it. I don't blame the machine for this: You just have to practice getting the microfoam just right. I expect this will take me a few more months to perfect. (Posted on 7/31/2016) - Looks wonderfulReview by JCS
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Rocket upped their game with this one. My only suggestion for improvement is to add 25 cents worth of insulation to the boiler to keep the machine at a more desirable temperature. Two thumbs up overall. (Posted on 6/14/2016)Price Quality Value
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Warranty Information
What it Covers: Rocket Espresso machines
Length: Home Use: 2 year parts and labor (R60v, R58, Evoluzione R, Type V, Appartamento, Fausto Grinder), Commercial Equipment: 1 year parts, 3 months labor
Who Supports the Warranty: Seattle Coffee Gear, read more about Seattle Coffee Gear's Warranty coverage.
Warranty Contact Information: 866-372-4734 or email us at warranty@seattlecoffeegear.com
Eligible for SCG Extended Warranty? Yes, for home equipment only
Can SCG Repair? Yes, read more about our repair services
Care and Maintenance
- Brush the brew head filter daily.
- Perform a weekly backflush.
- Soap out the drip tray and water reservoir weekly.
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