How The Rocket Appartamento Compares To The Quick Mill Rubino
Disclaimer - the Quick Mill Rubino is exclusive to Cliff & Pebble in the United States.
Both are heat exchangers. Both are gorgeous. Both have a 1.8 liter copper boiler. Both are awesome. So, which one is better for you? Let's take am in-depth look at the Rocket Appartamento and Quick Mill Rubino.
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Rocket Appartamento vs. Quick Mill Rubino
Let's Get Technical
| Rocket Appartamento | Quick Mill Rubino | |
| Price ($ USD) | from 1,690 | $1,489 |
| Made In | Italy | Italy |
| Height | 14.2 inches |
14.4 inches |
| Width | 10.8 inches | 10.8 inches |
| Depth | 16.75 inches | 17.7 inches |
| Weight | 44 pounds | 44 pounds |
| HOUSING | ||
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Drip Tray | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| WATER RESERVOIR | ||
| Plumbable | No | No |
| Capacity | 2.25 liters | 3 liters |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Low Water Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| BOILER | ||
| Design | Heat Exchanger | Heat Exchanger |
| Material | Copper | Copper |
| Capacity | 1.8 liters | 1.8 liters |
| Insulated | No | Yes |
| Heating Element | 1300 W | 1500 W |
| Automatic Fill | Yes | Yes |
| PUMP | ||
| Type | Vibratory | Vibratory |
| Recommended Brew Pressure | 9 bars | 9 bars |
| Adjustable | Yes (pressurestat) | Yes (thermostat) |
| FLOW CONTROL | ||
| Available? | Yes | Yes |
Let's Talk Flow Control
So you've heard all about this flow control thing, right?
It's pretty awesome and essentially turns your machine in to a pressure profiler at one-tenth the price. But can it be installed on both the Appartamento and Rubino?
Yes!
It can be installed on any machine with an E61 group head.
Here's the deal - it isn't free.
Adding flow control will cost you an additional $225. After that, the Appartamento comes to $1,915 where the Rubino will be $1,715.
At the $1.9k price range, I'd highly recommend simply upgrading to a Rocket Type V (insulated boiler, vibe pump, dual gauges, PID) for an additional $100.
Non-Insulated Boiler (Rocket) vs. Insulated (Quick Mill)
"what are the advantages of having an insulated boiler?"
First-things-first, the boiler's on each machine are essentially the same - 1.8 liter, copper heat-exchangers. Both manufacturers do take a slightly different approach, however. Rocket places their boiler horizontally where Quick Mill leaves it vertical. Not a huge deal however horizontally placed boiler will arguably protect the heating element better.
The boiler on the Rubino, however, is insulated. This translates to a much quiter machine but more importantly, a machine that will hold heat longer and more consistently. A nice plus for the Rubino.
1300 Watt (Rocket) Heating Element vs. 1500 W (Quick Mill)
"is a 200 watt difference worth caring about?"
This is perhaps the largest difference to pay attention to. The Rubino contains an enormously powerful 1500 watt heating element. Compared to the 1300 W of the Appartamento, this is another upgrade. You'll find the Rubino to heat up quicker and will provide higher levels of pressure stability when brewing & steaming simultaneously.
Cosmetic Differences
Perhaps the most recognizable part of the Appartamento are those copper/white side panels. No, you won't find those on the Rubino however what most don't know is Quick Mill actually fabricates their own stainless steel. Their machines are no slouch next to a Rocket.
You can't go wrong with either in terms of appearance. Both machines are stunning works of espresso art that'll instantly become a conversation starter in your kitchen.
Stainless Steel Cup Rail
The one thing we hate the most (and there isn't much to hate) about the Appartamento is the stock plastic cup rail they issue. It can be upgraded however it'll cost you an extra $99.
Quick Mill includes a nice stainless steel rail included in the price (don't need to purchase separately. It can also be adjusted to make more/less room depending on where you're placing your machine.
