Looking for a compact, stylish espresso machine that brings commercial-grade performance to your kitchen? The Rocket Appartamento is a beautifully designed heat exchanger (HX) machine that offers excellent value and serious steam power.

In this review, we'll dive into the machine's core features, its Italian design flair, and a few minor points to consider before you buy.

Jump straight into our video review. 

Design & Aesthetics: Italian Flair

Rocket has put a distinctive stamp on the classic chrome E61 espresso machine.

• Signature E61 Group Head: The Appartamento features the traditional E61 group head, renowned for thermal stability and pre-infusion capabilities.

• Rocket Details: Look for the signature 'R' embossed on the large steam and hot water knobs, adding a touch of elegance.

• Customizable Side Panels: The machine’s side panels feature stylish cut-out circles that come standard in white or copper, allowing for a quick and easy customization option.

• Finish Options: It is available in classic Stainless Steel with a choice of copper or white side panel inserts.

Performance and Core Specs

The Appartamento is built solid, offering powerful heat and steam in a compact chassis.

Steam Power and Extraction

• Insulated Boiler: The 1.8-liter HX boiler is well-insulated, contributing to its lower 1200-watt power consumption compared to some 1500-watt competitors. It provides a bucket load of steam ideal for achieving silky, glossy milk texture.

• Cool-Touch Wands: Both the steam wand and the hot water tap feature a cool-touch design.

• Extraction: The vibration pump delivers the necessary pressure, ramping up to 9 bars for a powerful, consistent extraction.

Accessories and Portafilter Perks

Rocket is generous with the accessories included with the Appartamento, notably providing a kit that enhances the value proposition.

• Group Handles: The machine comes with quality group handles that feature the embossed Rocket logo.

• Naked Portafilter (HUGE Plus!): Uniquely, the standard kit includes a naked (bottomless) portafilter—a fantastic tool for diagnosing your extraction quality.

• Commercial Basket: You get a straight-walled portafilter which easily fits a 21-gram commercial-sized basket (as opposed to the tapered 18g basket), making dosing consistent.

• Extra Goodies: The kit also contains an aluminum tamper, a cleaning cloth, group head cleaner, and a USB stick with care and maintenance guides.

Tamping Tip (Reversed Spouts)

One quirk of the Rocket handles is that the spouts are angled inward toward the machine. While this ensures your espresso drops perfectly into a cup sitting far back on the drip tray, it can make tamping awkward (as the spouts hit the bench).

Quick Fix: We highly recommend purchasing an aftermarket tamping rest or mat to elevate the spouts off the bench, allowing for a flat, clean tamp without getting grounds stuck on the spout.

Final Thoughts: Minor Cons and Great Value

The Rocket Appartamento is a solid, aesthetically pleasing machine that performs beautifully, offering great value just under the $3,000 price point.

While the machine is excellent, there are two minor areas for potential improvement:

1. Plastic Cup Rail: The cup rail on the top is plastic. This is a point of concern when putting pressure on the machine (e.g., when removing the water tank), where a full-cast metal rail would be sturdier.

2. Small Drip Tray: The standard embossed drip tray is functional but a bit small. A larger reservoir would reduce the frequency of emptying.

Overall Verdict: The Appartamento lives up to the Rocket standard, offering powerful steam, precise extraction, and a highly customizable design. It's a fantastic entry point into the world of high-quality E61 home espresso.