Rocket Appartamento vs Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Blog Image

February 28, 2024 Jason Diep

Rocket Appartamento vs R58

The journey through the landscape of high-end home espresso machines often leads enthusiasts to compare models within the same esteemed brand. This article aims to illuminate the distinctions and similarities between two standout offerings from Rocket Espresso: the compact Rocket Appartamento and the sophisticated Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto Dual Boiler.

Through examining each machine's features, design, and ideal consumer base, we will explore which espresso machine may best suit your coffee crafting aspirations. From the robust simplicity of the Appartamento to the advanced capabilities of the R Cinquantotto, we delve into what makes each model unique, who they're best suited for, and how they stand in relation to one another.

Rocket Appartamento

The Rocket Appartamento is a testament to the adage that good things come in small packages. Designed with the urban espresso enthusiast in mind, it combines a compact footprint with the high-quality craftsmanship synonymous with the Rocket Espresso brand. Its stylish exterior, marked by unique circular side panel cutouts, houses a machine capable of delivering exceptional espresso shots and steam performance, rivaling much larger machines.

Despite its smaller size, the Appartamento does not skimp on features that matter to serious coffee aficionados. With a heat exchange boiler system and the classic E61 group head, it offers temperature stability and the ability to brew and steam simultaneously — all within a design that's as attractive as it is efficient.

Rocket Appartamento Obliqe View with Coffee

Ideal Consumer for Rocket Appartamento

Urban Dwellers with Limited Space: The Appartamento's compact design is perfect for those in smaller living spaces who don't want to compromise on the quality of their home-brewed espresso.

Design-Conscious Coffee Lovers: Its unique aesthetics make it an appealing choice for those who value both form and function in their kitchen appliances.

Hands-On Espresso Enthusiasts: Ideal for coffee purists who appreciate the tactile experience of manual espresso preparation and seek a machine that offers both reliability and performance.

Rocket Appartamento Half Close up with Coffee

Features of Rocket Appartamento

Compact Design: Ideal for users with limited counter space, the Appartamento's compact design ensures that high-end espresso making doesn't require a large kitchen. Its efficient use of space makes it a practical choice for apartment dwellers or small homes, enabling espresso enthusiasts to enjoy premium brewing without sacrificing valuable kitchen real estate.
Heat Exchange Boiler: The heat exchange boiler facilitates brewing espresso and steaming milk at the same time, streamlining the coffee-making process. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy making back-to-back beverages, as it significantly reduces the wait time typically associated with single-boiler systems.
E61 Group Head: Known for its superior thermal stability, the E61 group head ensures consistent espresso extraction by maintaining an optimal temperature throughout the brewing process. This stability is key to achieving a rich and flavorful espresso shot, enhancing the overall quality and enjoyment of the coffee.
No Burn Steam Wand: Featuring a design that stays cooler to the touch, the no burn steam wand minimizes the risk of burns during use and makes cleaning easier. This is especially beneficial for users who frequently prepare milk-based espresso drinks, as it ensures a safer and more user-friendly steaming experience.
Pressure Gauge: The inclusion of a pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on the boiler pressure, allowing users to make precise adjustments to their brewing process. This tool is invaluable for those seeking to perfect their espresso shots, offering a level of control that can elevate the home coffee experience.
Large Water Reservoir: A generously sized water reservoir reduces the frequency of refills, adding convenience to daily operation. This feature is particularly advantageous for heavy coffee drinkers or when entertaining guests, ensuring that the machine is always ready for the next brew.
Vibratory Pump: The vibratory pump offers a balance between effective pressure delivery for optimal extraction and quieter operation suitable for home environments. This allows users to enjoy high-quality espresso brewing without the disruptive noise often associated with more powerful pumps.
Distinctive Aesthetics: The Appartamento's unique circular side panel design not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also symbolises the machine's identity within the Rocket lineup. This feature appeals to design-conscious consumers looking for a machine that stands out for its performance as well as its looks.

Rocket Appartamento Manometer Close Up

Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto

The Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto represents the pinnacle of home espresso machine innovation, with its dual boiler system offering unparalleled temperature stability and control. Aimed at the serious home barista, the R Cinquantotto combines state-of-the-art features with the classic Italian design ethos Rocket Espresso is known for. Its PID temperature control, integrated shot timer, and the ability to precisely manage brew pressure in real-time set this machine apart as a tool for those who demand the utmost from their espresso equipment.

With its robust build and professional-grade components, the R Cinquantotto is as much a statement piece as it is a functional appliance, designed to satisfy the demands of those who view espresso making not just as a morning routine but as a culinary art.
Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Close Up Dials

Ideal Consumer for Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto

The Home Barista Aficionado: For those seeking to replicate the café experience at home with no compromise on the quality or control over the brewing process.

Tech-Savvy Coffee Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the integration of technology for enhancing brewing precision and flexibility.

Entertainers and Large Households: The machine's capacity and speed make it suited for those who frequently entertain guests or have high coffee consumption needs.

Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Side View Close Up

Features of Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto

Dual Boiler System: With separate boilers for brewing and steaming, the dual boiler system provides unmatched temperature stability and control. This allows users to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously without compromise, ideal for those who demand efficiency and precision in their coffee crafting.
PID Temperature Control: The PID temperature control offers exact temperature management, enabling users to dial in the perfect brewing conditions for different coffee beans. This precision is crucial for exploring the full flavor spectrum of specialty coffees, making it a key feature for aficionados.
Integrated Shot Timer: An integrated shot timer aids in achieving consistent extraction times, a critical factor in the repeatability of espresso quality. This feature benefits serious home baristas by providing a visual cue for timing shots, ensuring each espresso is brewed with precision.
Rotary Pump: Quieter and more robust than vibratory pumps, the rotary pump enhances the machine's overall reliability and performance. Additionally, it enables the option for a direct water line connection, offering convenience and eliminating the need for manual water reservoir refills.
Direct Water Connection Option: The ability to connect directly to a water source simplifies operation for high-volume users or those who entertain frequently, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water for coffee brewing and steam production.
Large Dual Boilers: The substantial size of both boilers ensures ample steam power for milk texturing and stable brewing temperatures for espresso extraction. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize speed and consistency in preparing multiple beverages.
Adjustable Feet: Adjustable feet allow for easy leveling of the machine and accommodation under kitchen cabinets, offering flexibility in placement and ensuring the machine fits seamlessly into a variety of kitchen layouts.
Sophisticated Interface: Featuring a PID display and pressure gauges, the sophisticated interface provides detailed control over the brewing process. This allows users to monitor and adjust brewing parameters in real time, catering to those who seek a granular level of control over their espresso.

Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Oblique Close Up

Differences Between the Machines

Boiler System: The single heat exchange boiler of the Appartamento versus the dual boiler system of the R Cinquantotto offers different levels of temperature stability and control.

Size and Footprint: The Appartamento's compact design is ideal for smaller spaces, while the R Cinquantotto requires more room but offers more brewing capacity.

Technology Integration: The R Cinquantotto's advanced features like PID temperature control and an integrated shot timer offer more precision than the Appartamento's more traditional setup.

Price Point: Reflecting its advanced features and capabilities, the R Cinquantotto is positioned at a higher price point compared to the Appartamento.

User Experience: While both machines cater to espresso enthusiasts, the R Cinquantotto is geared towards those who want more control and customisation in their brewing process.

Specifications

	Rocket Appartamento	Rocket R58
RRP	$3,499	$5,200
Boiler	1.8L Heat Exchanger	Dual Boiler 0.58L Brew and 1.8L Steam - Both Copper and Brass
Pump	Vibratory	Rotary
Water Reservoir (Litres)	2	2.5
Tank/Plumbed	Tank	Tank
Pump Pressure Adjustable	No	Yes
PID (Temperature Control)	No	Yes - Brew and Steam
Pre-Infusion	Yes - Mechanical	Yes - Dual Mechanical and Static
Portafilter	58mm	58mm
Dimensions (W x H x D cm)	27.4 x 36 x 42.5	31 x 38.5 x 44
Weight(kg)	20	29

Conclusion

Choosing between the Rocket Appartamento and Rocket Espresso R Cinquantotto depends largely on personal needs, space considerations, and how deeply one wishes to dive into the nuances of espresso brewing at home. The Appartamento offers simplicity, style, and functionality in a compact package, making it ideal for those with limited space or who are new to home espresso. In contrast, the R Cinquantotto is a testament to Rocket Espresso's commitment to innovation and quality, designed for those who demand professional-grade performance and precision in their pursuit of the perfect espresso.

Both machines embody the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal Rocket Espresso is renowned for, ensuring that whichever model you choose, you're investing in a machine that will elevate your home coffee experience and delight you and your guests with exceptional espresso for years to come.