Rocket Espresso Milano
Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine - Compact E61 Heat Exchanger | Handmade in Italy
Description
The Icon of Home Espresso - Rocket Appartamento
The Rocket Appartamento is one of the most iconic and beloved espresso machines in the world, bringing professional café quality to your home in a stunning compact design. Handcrafted in Milan, Italy by skilled artisans, the Appartamento combines classic Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge espresso technology.
Featuring the legendary E61 group head, a 1.8-liter copper heat exchanger boiler, and Rocket's dual pre-infusion system, this machine delivers temperature stability and extraction quality that rivals commercial equipment. The heat exchanger design allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously—no waiting between shots and milk drinks.
With its distinctive laser-cut side panels in copper or white, mirror-finish stainless steel body, and tactile mechanical controls, the Appartamento is as beautiful as it is functional. This is the machine that brings the Italian café experience to your countertop.
Why Choose the Rocket Appartamento?
Legendary E61 Group Head - Temperature Perfection
The E61 group head is the gold standard in espresso brewing, used in cafés worldwide for over 60 years. Originally designed by Faema in 1961, this thermosyphon brewing group continuously circulates hot water from the boiler through the group head and back, maintaining rock-solid temperature stability shot after shot.
The Rocket Appartamento features an enhanced E61 with dual pre-infusion system—a static pre-infusion chamber combined with a progressively working piston that gently saturates coffee grounds before full pressure extraction. This results in more even extraction, richer crema, and more aromatic espresso compared to machines without pre-infusion.
1.8L Copper Heat Exchanger - Brew and Steam Simultaneously
The 1.8-liter copper boiler with integrated heat exchanger is the heart of the Appartamento. This design allows you to pull shots and steam milk at the same time—perfect for making back-to-back cappuccinos and lattes without workflow interruption.
Copper was chosen for its exceptional thermal conductivity, providing rapid heating, faster recovery times between drinks, superior temperature stability, and natural antimicrobial properties. The 1200-watt heating element ensures the boiler stays at optimal temperature even during high-demand sessions.
The heat exchanger works by running a tube through the steam boiler. As water passes through this tube on its way to the brew group, it's heated to the perfect espresso temperature (around 200°F) while the boiler maintains steam temperature (around 260°F). Brilliant engineering in a compact package.
Why Choose the Rocket Appartamento? Cont.
Compact Design - Commercial Quality, Small Footprint
At just 10" wide x 17" deep, the Appartamento has one of the smallest footprints among prosumer E61 machines. Rocket engineers optimized the chassis layout without compromising quality or features—you get full commercial-grade components in a space-saving design perfect for home kitchens, condos, and small offices.
Despite its compact size, there's no sacrifice in performance. The Appartamento delivers the same shot quality as machines twice its size, making it ideal for those who want serious espresso capability without dedicating half their counter to a machine.
Iconic Italian Design - Form Meets Function
The Appartamento's design is instantly recognizable. The signature laser-cut circular side panels (available in copper or white) give the machine its distinctive retro-modern aesthetic. The mirror-finish stainless steel body reflects light beautifully and stays looking new with minimal maintenance.
Every detail is considered: gear-shaped steam and hot water knobs featuring Rocket's iconic "R" logo, wide feet resembling espresso pucks, tactile mechanical controls, and the classic chrome-plated E61 brew group. This isn't just an espresso machine—it's a conversation piece and work of art.
Handcrafted in Milan - Italian Artisan Quality
Every Rocket Appartamento is hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen in Milan, Italy, maintaining the tradition of "Fatto a Mano" (made by hand). This isn't mass production—each machine receives individual attention, quality inspection, and the care that comes from artisan manufacturing.
The use of premium materials throughout (copper boiler, brass components, commercial-grade stainless steel, professional 58mm portafilter) ensures longevity and serviceability. Rocket machines are built to last decades, not years.
Cool-Touch Steam Wand - Safety Innovation
Rocket's patented cool-touch steam wand technology keeps the wand body safe to handle—only the tip gets hot. This prevents burns during milk steaming and makes the workflow safer and more comfortable. The heavy-duty articulating wand features a 2-hole tip for powerful, dry steam that creates silky microfoam perfect for latte art.
Key Features of the Rocket Appartamento
- E61 Group Head – Thermosyphon heating with dual pre-infusion system
- 1.8L Copper Heat Exchanger Boiler – Brew and steam simultaneously
- 58mm Commercial Portafilter – Professional size, standard basket compatibility
- 1200W Heating Element – Rapid heat-up and excellent recovery
- Dual Pre-Infusion – Static chamber + mechanical piston for even saturation
- Cool-Touch Steam Wand – Patented safety technology, 2-hole tip
- Vibration Pump – Quiet operation with anti-vibration enhancements
- Cup Warmer – Passive heating from boiler, removable guard rail
- 2.5L Water Reservoir – Large capacity with easy access
- Pressure Gauge – Monitors boiler pressure
- Hot Water Spout – On-demand hot water for Americanos and tea
- Mechanical Controls – Tactile switches and knobs, no electronics to fail
- Laser-Cut Side Panels – Distinctive copper or white circular cutouts
- Mirror Stainless Steel – Premium 304 stainless steel body
- Anti-Vacuum Valve – Prevents backflow, maintains group cleanliness
- Eco Mode – Auto shut-off after 90 minutes of inactivity
- Made in Italy – Handcrafted in Milan by skilled artisans
- 3-Year Warranty – Industry-leading coverage
Technical Specifications - Rocket Appartamento
- Model: Appartamento (Multiple color variants available)
- Boiler Type: Heat exchanger (single boiler)
- Boiler Material: Copper
- Boiler Capacity: 1.8 liters
- Group Head: E61 thermosyphon with dual pre-infusion
- Portafilter Size: 58mm professional
- Water Reservoir: 2.5 liters, removable
- Pump Type: Vibration pump (52W, quiet operation)
- Pump Pressure: 9 bar at group head
- Heating Element: 1200W
- Power Requirements: 110-120V, 60Hz (US/Canada) / 220-240V, 50Hz (EU/International)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 10" x 17" x 14.5" (25cm x 43cm x 37cm)
- Weight: 37 lbs (17 kg)
- Cup Clearance: 4.5 inches
- Control Type: Mechanical switches and knobs
- Safety Features: Cool-touch steam wand, anti-vacuum valve, eco mode
- Body Material: 304 stainless steel with mirror finish
- Side Panels: Laser-cut copper or white circular inserts
- Certifications: CE certified, NSF listed
- Warranty: 3 years parts and labor
- Made in: Milan, Italy
What's Included with Your Rocket Appartamento
- Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine
- Single shot portafilter (58mm, spouted)
- Double shot portafilter (58mm, spouted)
- Single shot filter basket (58mm)
- Double shot filter basket (58mm)
- Blind filter basket for backflushing
- 58mm tamper
- Coffee scoop
- Group head cleaning brush
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Backflush cleaning tablets
- Cup rail (removable)
- 2-hole steam wand tip (installed)
- Water softener filter
- Instruction manual
- 3-year warranty registrationWhat's Included with Your Rocket Appartamento
- Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine
- Single shot portafilter (58mm, spouted)
- Double shot portafilter (58mm, spouted)
- Single shot filter basket (58mm)
- Double shot filter basket (58mm)
- Blind filter basket for backflushing
- 58mm tamper
- Coffee scoop
- Group head cleaning brush
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Backflush cleaning tablets
- Cup rail (removable)
- 2-hole steam wand tip (installed)
- Water softener filter
- Instruction manual
- 3-year warranty registration
Perfect For Serious Home Baristas
The Rocket Appartamento is ideal for:
- Home espresso enthusiasts wanting café-quality drinks
- Latte and cappuccino lovers who need simultaneous brew/steam capability
- Small kitchens and condos requiring compact prosumer machines
- Design-conscious buyers who appreciate Italian craftsmanship
- Upgraders from entry-level machines ready for serious equipment
- Multiple drink households needing efficient back-to-back brewing
- Anyone who values longevity, serviceability, and timeless design
- Coffee professionals wanting commercial capability at home
- Collectors of iconic espresso equipment
Heat Exchanger vs. Dual Boiler - Understanding the Difference
The Appartamento's heat exchanger (HX) design offers distinct advantages:
How It Works: A single 1.8L boiler maintains steam temperature (~260°F). Water for brewing is heated by passing through a tube inside this boiler, reaching espresso temperature (~200°F) on demand.
Advantages:
- Brew and steam simultaneously without waiting
- More compact than dual boiler machines
- Faster warm-up time (15-20 minutes vs. 30-40 minutes)
- Simpler mechanics, fewer points of failure
- Lower purchase price than dual boilers
- Adequate steam power for home use
Considerations:
- Requires "cooling flush" if machine sits idle 30+ minutes (3-5 second flush before brewing)
- Brew temperature adjusted via pressurestat (requires opening machine)
- Not as precise as PID dual boilers for temperature control
Best For: The HX design is perfect for home baristas making 2-8 drinks per session who value workflow efficiency and compact size over absolute temperature precision.
E61 Group Head - The Gold Standard Since 1961
The E61 brew group revolutionized espresso when Faema introduced it in 1961. Key innovations include:
Thermosyphon Heating - Hot water continuously circulates through the group via convection, maintaining stable temperature without pumps or electronics.
Thermal Mass - The large brass group head acts as a heat reservoir, preventing temperature drops during extraction.
Mechanical Pre-Infusion - A progressive spring and piston system gently wets grounds at low pressure before full 9-bar extraction.
Serviceability - Universal E61 parts availability means easy repairs and maintenance for decades.
Rocket enhances the classic E61 with their dual pre-infusion system, adding a static chamber that further improves saturation evenness. This results in richer, more aromatic shots with excellent crema development.
The Appartamento Advantage - Why It's an Icon
Proven Track Record - The Appartamento has been a best-seller for over a decade, with thousands of units in homes worldwide. This popularity means abundant user knowledge, modification options, and proven reliability.
Resale Value - Rocket machines hold their value exceptionally well. A well-maintained Appartamento can sell for 60-70% of original price years later—unusual for espresso equipment.
Upgrade Path - The Appartamento uses standard 58mm accessories, allowing you to upgrade to precision baskets, bottomless portafilters, and professional tampers as your skills develop.
Community Support - Massive online community with tutorials, modifications, troubleshooting guides, and enthusiast forums dedicated to Rocket machines.
Service Network - Widespread dealer network and parts availability ensure you can service your Appartamento anywhere.
Color Options Available
Appartamento (Chrome/Copper) - Classic mirror stainless steel with copper circular side panel inserts
Appartamento (Chrome/White) - Mirror stainless steel with white circular side panel inserts
Appartamento Nera (Black/Copper) - Black powder-coated body with copper inserts (premium finish)
Appartamento Nera (Black/White) - Black powder-coated body with white inserts
All variants feature the same internal components and performance—choose based on your aesthetic preference.
Rocket Appartmento Warranty Information & Coverage Details
What it Covers: Rocket Appartmento Espresso Machines
Rocket Appartamento Warranty Terms Length:
- Standard warranty covers up to 1 years parts and labor.Warranty fulfilled by Pro Coffee Gear.
Product User Manual: Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine
Frequently Asked Questions
The Appartamento typically reaches operating temperature in 15-20 minutes from a cold start. This warm-up time allows the 1.8L copper boiler to reach steam temperature and the E61 group head to fully heat via thermosyphon circulation. For optimal temperature stability, many users warm up for 20-30 minutes, especially for lighter roasts. The compact boiler size means faster warm-up than larger machines (which can take 30-45 minutes), making the Appartamento practical for morning routines. You can pull acceptable shots after 15 minutes, but peak performance comes with full heat saturation. Some users put the machine on a timer to automatically start 30 minutes before their morning coffee.
A cooling flush is only necessary if the machine has been idle for 20+ minutes between shots. When the Appartamento sits idle, the heat exchanger tube becomes superheated from the steam boiler, which can cause over-extraction. The cooling flush (running brew water for 3-5 seconds without the portafilter) purges this superheated water and brings the group to optimal temperature. If you're making multiple drinks back-to-back, no cooling flush is needed between shots—the regular brewing process keeps temperatures in the ideal range. This is a minor workflow step that becomes automatic. Many users don't mind it, considering the trade-off for simultaneous brewing and steaming capability in a compact machine.
Yes! This is the major advantage of the heat exchanger design. You can pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously, then immediately pull another shot and steam more milk—no waiting for temperature changes like single boiler machines. The 1.8L boiler provides ample steam for 3-4 milk drinks consecutively before needing brief recovery time. The E61 group head's thermal mass maintains stable brew temperature throughout. For home use (typically 2-6 drinks per session), the Appartamento's workflow is excellent. Commercial environments with 20+ drinks per hour would benefit from larger machines, but for home baristas, the Appartamento handles entertaining guests and family drink service beautifully.
The Appartamento is straightforward to maintain with regular care. Daily maintenance takes under 5 minutes: wipe steam wand after each use, brush shower screen, purge group head, empty drip tray. Weekly maintenance includes backflushing with detergent (5 minutes using the blind basket), descaling the steam wand tip if needed. Monthly or as-needed involves descaling the boiler if you have hard water (use filtered water to minimize this). The E61 design makes the brew group easy to access for cleaning. Many owners report running their Appartamento for years with only this basic maintenance. The mechanical design (no complex electronics) means fewer failure points. Parts availability is excellent given the machine's popularity, and the standard E61 group means many parts are universal.
The Appartamento offers 85-90% of the performance of Rocket's larger machines in a much more compact package. All three use E61 groups and copper boilers, so shot quality is comparable. Key differences: The Giotto has a 2.0L boiler (vs. 1.8L), rotary pump (quieter than vibration), and PID temperature control—better for high-volume use and temperature experimentation. The R58 has dual boilers (independent brew and steam temperatures), PID, rotary pump, and flow control—the ultimate for those who want maximum control. The Appartamento is 30-40% less expensive, much more compact, uses less energy, and warms up faster. For home use making 2-6 drinks per session, the Appartamento delivers essentially the same espresso quality. Choose larger machines if you need true dual boiler workflow, volume capability, or temperature precision. For most home baristas, the Appartamento is the sweet spot of performance, size, and value.