Made by hand. Named for the stars.
Rocket Espresso was born from the enthusiasm of a group of young friends who wanted to make coffee at home in a truly workmanlike manner. They named it by looking at the stars — to symbolize a fascination for exploration. Every machine is still handcrafted in Milan. That hasn't changed.
Handmade in Milan, Italy. A team of craftsmen and inventors committed to focusing and having fun — a workspace where life does not stop at the entrance. Cliff & Pebble is your authorized US dealer.
Italian craft. No compromises.
In 2007, two New Zealanders were distributing an Italian espresso brand called ECM in their home market. The Italian operation was failing. Rather than lose the machines their business was built on, Andrew Meo and Jeff Kennedy bought the company outright, brought in an Italian partner, Daniele Berenbruch, to run it, and relaunched it in Milan as Rocket Espresso.
They named it by looking at the stars — a nod to space exploration, and to the idea that a company starting over should aim high. Nineteen years later, every machine is still assembled by hand in Milan rather than on an automated line. That hasn't changed, and it's most of why these machines cost what they do.
"We've sold Rocket longer than most retailers have heard of them. After thousands of machines, the pattern doesn't vary: Rocket buyers become Rocket owners for life."
That loyalty isn't about badge appeal. It's that a Rocket bought in 2012 is still running in 2026, still serviceable, still worth putting a gasket in. These are machines you repair rather than replace — which is an increasingly unusual thing to be able to say about anything with a heating element in it.
We're an authorized dealer, so we'll tell you the other half too: Rocket is not the cheapest route to good espresso, and for some kitchens it isn't the right one. That's what the comparison below is for.
Find your Rocket.
14 machines available now. Every one handmade in Milan, and every purchase backed by our 365-day guarantee and 3-year warranty.
Appartamento TCA
Giotto FAST V
Mozzafiato FAST V
Giotto FAST R
Mozzafiato FAST R
R58 Tune
Bicocca
R NINE ONE
Fausto Touch
Chicago experts. Not a catalog.
We're not a big-box retailer with Rocket buried in a SKU list. Espresso is all we do, and Rocket has been central to the lineup for over a decade.
When you call, you get someone who has sold hundreds of these machines and will tell you honestly whether the Appartamento TCA, the R58, or a Lelit Bianca is the right one for your kitchen and your morning. Sometimes the answer is the cheaper machine. Sometimes it's that you should spend the difference on a grinder instead.
Rocket vs. Lelit. We sell both.
We're one of the few retailers carrying both Rocket Espresso and Lelit in depth. Here's the honest comparison — no brand loyalty, just what's right for your kitchen.
Most buyers in this range end up choosing partly on how the machine looks on their counter. If that's an honest criterion for you — and it is for most people — Rocket wins that comparison every time. If extraction precision is the single priority, start with a Lelit.
Everything you want to know
What is the difference between a Giotto and a Mozzafiato?
Only the case. They use identical boilers, group heads, pumps and electronics, and cost the same at each trim level. The Giotto has angled, asymmetric side panels; the Mozzafiato has straight sides and is 26mm narrower. Choose on looks and counter space.
Should I get the V or the R version?
R if you'll plumb the machine into a water line — it uses a commercial rotary pump, runs noticeably quieter, and never needs the tank refilled. V if it's going on a counter with no plumbing nearby. An R model can still run from its reservoir, but don't pay for a rotary pump you'll never connect.
How long does a Rocket take to heat up?
About 15 minutes for the FAST models and roughly 12 for the Appartamento TCA, thanks to an actively heated group. Traditional E61 machines without that feature need 25 to 35 minutes before the group itself is genuinely at temperature, even though the boiler is ready much sooner.
Are ECM and Rocket the same company?
Not today, though they share an origin. Rocket Espresso Milano was formed in 2007 when Andrew Meo and Jeff Kennedy, who distributed ECM in New Zealand, bought the struggling Italian operation and relaunched it in Milan. The two have been separate businesses with their own ownership and ranges ever since.
Heat exchanger or dual boiler — which do I need?
A heat exchanger lets you brew and steam simultaneously and is the right choice for most households. A dual boiler sets brew temperature directly rather than inferring it from boiler pressure, which matters if you drink light roasts or want to dial in precisely. For one or two milk drinks a morning, the heat exchanger is plenty.
Does the warranty depend on where I buy?
Yes, and it catches people out. Manufacturer warranty coverage generally requires purchase from an authorized dealer — grey-market machines often aren't covered, and you find out when something goes wrong. Every Rocket we ship includes a 3-year parts and labor warranty and a 365-day in-home trial.
What grinder should I pair with a Rocket?
Rocket's own Fausto Touch is the matching option. More broadly: if you're choosing between a more expensive Rocket and a cheaper Rocket plus a better grinder, take the grinder. The gap between a good grinder and a mediocre one changes the cup more than a step up the machine range does. Call us and we'll talk through the pairing.
What maintenance does a Rocket need?
A weekly backflush with the blind disc and detergent, a group gasket every 9 to 12 months, and — most importantly — treated water. Scale is the leading cause of espresso machine failure and isn't covered by any warranty. Get the water right and these machines run for fifteen years.
The machine you'll still own in 2040.
Every Rocket Espresso machine sold through Cliff & Pebble comes with our 365-day in-home trial, free shipping, and the full 3-year Rocket warranty. If it's not right, we'll make it right.
Talk to a Chicago espresso expert
Tell us what you drink and how many, and we'll tell you which machine fits — including when it's the cheaper one.
800-410-8867 Mon–Fri · Chicago-based experts sales@cliffandpebble.com We reply the same business dayNo scripts, no upsell.
