The Rocket Appartamento is a handmade prosumer espresso machine made by Rocket Espresso Milano in Milan, Italy. Unlike super-automatic espresso machines where you simply touch a button, the Appartamento is a fully automatic espresso machine. You'll be doing it all. Grinding the beans, tamping them down, steaming your own milk - everything!
The Appartamento is a single-boiler heat exchanger. Unlike dual boiler espresso machines that contain two boilers working independently of one another, the Rocket Appartamento contains one sole boiler (1.8 liters, made of copper) containing heat exchanging capabilities. A heat exchanger boiler allows the user to brew espresso shots and steam milk simultaneously cutting down the amount of time it takes to make a cappuccino, latte, or any other drink containing milk.
Does the Appartamento have a built-in grinder?
No. Not prosumer espresso machine contains a built in grinder. At least none worth purchasing, in our opinion. You'll need to purchase a conical burr grinder separately and in fact, the grinder is by far the more important part of the espresso-making equation!
Machines with built in grinders usually miss the mark in terms of grind quality. They are cheap, and inconsistent. Not to mention storing your beans in your grinder's hopper is not advisable - especially when the grinder sits on top your machine.
Why? Well, heat rises. Any espresso machine with a heating element is going to produce heat. That heat will rise essentially killing your beans sitting up there waiting to be ground. Pair your Appartamento with a nice grinder and avoid all these issues.
Is the Rocket Appartamento worth it?
This is a very difficult question to answer as it depends on your needs, desires, and how much control you want over your machine and espresso making.
If you're someone that simply wants to press a button and walk away from your machine as it brews, then no, the Appartamento is certainly not for you.
However, if you're someone who wants complete control over the process, is looking for much higher quality tasting espresso (café-quality) and is interested in the process, then yes, the Appartamento is a wonderful machine to start with.
The Appartamento has been a top seller for many reasons however we feel this is due to it's build quality and appearance. Take care of your Rocket Espresso machine and they'll last decades. In our opinion, Rocket machines are some of the best looking in the marketplace today and really become a focal point in your kitchen. After all, if you're going to spend this much money on a machine that makes coffee, it better look good.
