The Rocket Appartamento is a coffee machine manufactured in Milan, Italy. It was designed by engineers from Rocket Espresso, who optimised the internal components without sacrificing quality or features. This machine is based on the earlier Giotto model, which has been a popular choice for home espresso machines since the 1990s. The main difference between the Appartamento and the Giotto is that the Appartamento is smaller and uses simpler technology like a pressure stat instead of a PID.
The Rocket Appartamento is a simplified version of the Giotto model, featuring fewer gauges, a simpler exterior design, and other modifications. The engineers at Rocket Espresso designed the machine by starting with the desired result of perfect espresso and working backwards to create the ideal machine. It is crafted using traditional techniques and advanced technology to bring the experience of a commercial machine to the home. However, every aspect of the machine has been meticulously reworked to achieve this goal.
Andrew and Daniele at Rocket Espresso wanted to break away from the uniformity of stainless steel boxes in coffee machines and create something unique and distinct for the Rocket brand. With the Rocket Appartamento, they achieved this by incorporating two different finishes on the side panels, one of which is the white panel insert, making the machine stand out and memorable. They have also included features from their commercial espresso machines, giving the Rocket Appartamento advanced technology typically found only in full-sized commercial machines. This philosophy has been a part of Rocket Espresso since its inception in the 1990s, with the mission to revolutionise the world of coffee.
Rocket Appartamento machines are designed to have modern internal technology and design while maintaining a traditional and simple exterior. The company has managed to minimise the external presence of modern technology to create a seamless interaction between the machine and the barista, allowing the barista to fully engage in making espresso coffee.
The package of Rocket Appartamento – White includes the machine itself, a complete naked portafilter, a complete double portafilter, a blind filter basket for back-flushing, a group head brush, a plastic coffee scoop and a plastic tamper. However, the plastic coffee scoop and tamper are of little use, according to the company’s opinion.
In the early 1990s, Ennio Berti, an experienced engineer in the field of espresso machines, resigned from one of Italy’s leading manufacturers of espresso machines. He believed the world was ready for a revolution in producing domestic espresso machines, specifically machines that could produce commercial-quality coffee at home. Ennio’s approach was to start at the end goal, the perfect cup of coffee, and work backwards to create the ultimate espresso machine. He meticulously re-designed every aspect of the machine, including the boiler construction, which was made with lead-free brass end plates to increase thermal retention and nickel plated for protection against copper oxidation. He also reconfigured the thermo siphon system and incorporated cool touch steam and hot water wands. Unlike other companies that sought to reduce production costs by using cheaper parts and cutting corners, Ennio’s machines were built with commercial-grade components, regardless of the cost. As a result, he created a visually stunning machine that quickly became a classic.
The Rocket Appartamento has a heat exchange unit, oversized circular feet and a circular design on the side panels. It also features an E61 group head, 1.8-litre boiler, mater pressure stat, vibration pump and a cool touch steam arm. The machine dimensions are 274 x 425 x 360 mm (including cup frame surround), requiring ten amps and 1200 watts. The Rocket Appartamento weighs 20kg.
