February 26, 2024 Jason Diep

Rocket Appartamento vs Lelit Mara X

Crafting the perfect espresso at home is an art that demands not just skill but also the right machinery. In the quest for the ultimate home barista experience, the Rocket Appartamento and Lelit Mara X stand out as two formidable contenders.

This article aims to dissect and compare these two espresso machines, highlighting their features, suitability for different types of coffee enthusiasts, and key differences. By exploring each machine's design, functionality, and the unique benefits they offer, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide that will help readers identify which machine best aligns with their espresso making aspirations and lifestyle needs. Engaging and insightful, our comparison will equip you with all the information needed to make an informed decision on which espresso machine will best serve your pursuit of coffee perfection.

Rocket Appartamento

The Rocket Appartamento is a compact, beautifully designed espresso machine that doesn't just aim to fit into your kitchen space but also to stand out as a piece of craftsmanship. Its sleek, circular side panel design is immediately recognisable, encapsulating the essence of Italian style and engineering excellence. The machine's size belies its power and capability, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the fine art of espresso making but are constrained by space.

With a heat exchange boiler at its core, the Appartamento allows for brewing espresso and steaming milk simultaneously, a feature that significantly enhances efficiency without compromising on the quality of the coffee. It's designed for espresso lovers who seek the tactile joy of crafting their coffee in a hands-on manner, offering the satisfaction of manual brewing with the support of high-quality, reliable technology.

Rocket Appartamento Half Close up with Coffee

Consumer Suitability

Compact Living Enthusiasts: The Appartamento is perfect for individuals living in apartments or homes where kitchen space is a premium. Its compact design does not sacrifice functionality for size, making it a jewel in the small but stylish kitchen.

Hands-on Coffee Lovers: This machine appeals to those who enjoy the process of manually making their espresso, from tamping the grounds to adjusting the steam pressure. It's for the barista at heart who finds joy in the ritual of coffee preparation.

Design-Conscious Individuals: With its distinctive design and Italian craftsmanship, the Appartamento is for those who view their coffee machine not just as a tool, but as an integral part of their kitchen's aesthetic. It's a statement piece that says as much about its owner's taste as it does about their love of coffee.

Rocket Appartamento Oblique View with Coffee Shot

Key Features

Heat Exchange Boiler: This feature allows the machine to brew espresso and steam milk concurrently, which significantly enhances efficiency for the user. It means less waiting time between pulling a shot and frothing milk, making it ideal for serving multiple beverages quickly.
Compact Size: The Rocket Appartamento's design is a perfect solution for coffee enthusiasts with limited kitchen space. Its compact footprint makes it easy to fit into small counters, ensuring that users don't have to compromise on quality for the sake of space.
E61 Group Head: Known for its temperature stability, the E61 Group Head ensures that water is evenly distributed over the coffee grounds. This uniform extraction process is crucial for achieving a balanced and flavourful espresso shot.
No Burn Steam Wand: This feature significantly reduces the risk of burns during use and makes cleaning the steam wand much easier. It contributes to a safer and more pleasant user experience, especially for beginners.
Pressure Gauge: By monitoring the boiler pressure, users can make informed adjustments to their brewing process. This visibility into the machine's operation helps in achieving consistent espresso shots, enhancing the overall coffee quality.
Large Water Reservoir: With a generous water capacity, the need for frequent refills is minimised, adding convenience to daily coffee making. It's particularly beneficial for heavy coffee drinkers or when entertaining guests.
Vibratory Pump: While compact, the pump efficiently delivers the necessary pressure for optimal espresso extraction. Its design contributes to the machine's overall compact size and ensures reliable performance.
Stylish Italian Design: Beyond its functional benefits, the Rocket Appartamento's design is a visual treat. The circular side panels not only distinguish it aesthetically but also showcase the machine as a piece of art in any kitchen setting.

Rocket Appartamento Manometer Close Up

Lelit Mara X

The Lelit Mara X is a marvel of engineering, designed to bring professional-grade espresso into the home. It strikes a balance between traditional espresso machine aesthetics and modern technological advancements. With its stainless steel body, the Mara X looks every bit the part of a premium espresso machine, promising durability and reliability. It’s compact yet packed with features that cater to the discerning home barista who doesn’t just want a coffee, but an exceptional coffee experience.

What sets the Mara X apart is its innovative temperature regulation system that ensures the espresso is brewed at the ideal temperature, enhancing the coffee's flavor profile. It's a machine built for those who take their coffee seriously and are willing to delve into the nuances of espresso preparation to achieve the perfect cup every time.

Lelit Mara X Silver Left Side Close Up

Consumer Suitability

Serious Home Baristas: The Mara X is aimed at coffee enthusiasts who are serious about their espresso and are looking for a machine that can deliver a café-quality experience at home. Its advanced features provide the precision and control needed for crafting exceptional espresso.

Tech-Savvy Users: With its innovative temperature regulation and other advanced features, the Mara X appeals to individuals who appreciate the integration of technology in enhancing the coffee brewing process.

Quality and Durability Seekers: Constructed with high-quality materials, the Mara X is for those who consider durability and reliability non-negotiable in their espresso machine. It’s a long-term investment in the pursuit of perfect coffee.

Lelit Mara X Side View

Key Features

Advanced Temperature Regulation: This system adjusts the brewing temperature in real-time, ensuring the espresso is always brewed at the ideal heat level. It maximises the flavour extraction from the coffee, providing a superior taste experience.
Stainless Steel Construction: The durable build not only ensures longevity but also exudes a professional look. It's resistant to wear and tear, making the machine a long-term investment for serious coffee aficionados.
Compact Design: Despite its advanced features, the Mara X maintains a compact profile, making it suitable for kitchens of various sizes. It ensures that users don't have to sacrifice performance for space efficiency.
PID Controller: This precise temperature control allows users to dial in the exact brewing temperature, catering to different coffee beans and roast levels. It empowers users to explore a wider range of flavours and profiles.
Quiet Operation: Designed to minimise noise during use, the Mara X enhances the morning coffee ritual by ensuring it can be enjoyed without disruptive sounds. It's especially appreciated in quiet households or early mornings.
E61: Just like the Appartamento, the Mara features the legendary E61 group head.
Eco Mode: By reducing the machine's energy consumption when not actively brewing, the eco mode appeals to environmentally conscious users. It helps in lowering electricity bills and minimising the environmental footprint.
Pre-Infusion System: This gentle soaking of the coffee grounds before full pressure extraction leads to a smoother, more evenly extracted espresso shot. It enhances the complexity and depth of the coffee's flavour, making for a more enjoyable drinking experience.

Lelit Mara X Top Right Close Up

Differences Between Rocket Appartamento and Lelit Mara X

Temperature Control: The Mara X features an advanced temperature regulation system, offering more precise control compared to the Appartamento’s heat exchange boiler.

Design and Build: The Appartamento showcases a unique circular design and compact size, while the Mara X leans towards a professional, stainless steel construction.

Energy Efficiency: The Mara X includes an eco mode for reduced energy consumption, a feature not highlighted in the Appartamento’s design.

Pre-Infusion: The Mara X’s pre-infusion system is specifically designed to enhance the espresso’s flavour, a feature not as emphasised in the Appartamento.

Manometer Display: The Mara provides a dual gauge within the one manometer showing both steam and pump pressure, whereas the Appartamento only shows the boiler pressure.

Specifications

	Rocket Appartamento	Lelit Mara X
RRP	$3,499	$2,600
Boiler	1.8L Heat Exchanger	1.8L Heat Exchanger
Pump	Vibratory	Vibratory
Water Reservoir (Litres)	2	2.5
Tank/Plumbed	Tank	Tank
Pump Pressure Adjustable	No	No - Requires Flow Control Kit Upgrade
PID (Temperature Control)	No	Yes
Pre-Infusion	Yes - Mechanical	Yes - Mechanical
Portafilter Size	58mm	58mm
Dimensions (W x H x D cm)	27.4 x 36 x 42.5	22 x 35 x 41
Weight	20kg	18.8kg

Conclusion

Choosing between the Rocket Appartamento and Lelit Mara X comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and what one values most in their espresso experience. The Appartamento appeals to those who prioritise design, compact size, and the hands-on joy of espresso making. In contrast, the Mara X caters to the technologically inclined coffee enthusiast who values precision, durability, and quiet operation. Both machines offer a route to exceptional home-brewed espresso, but they cater to slightly different desires and needs within the coffee community.

Ultimately, whether you lean towards the artistic flair and compact design of the Rocket Appartamento or the advanced features and professional build of the Lelit Mara X, both machines stand as a testament to the joy and artistry of espresso making at home. This comparison should serve as a detailed guide, helping you to choose the machine that will best suit your coffee crafting journey, ensuring every cup is not just consumed, but savoured.