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.
