Rocket Espresso
ActiveOverview
Rocket Espresso manufactures hand-built espresso machines and grinders for home and commercial use, emphasizing traditional Italian craftsmanship ('Fatto a Mano') combined with modern features like dual boilers and PID controls.245 Originating from a split with ECM in the 2000s, the brand focuses on prosumer machines with E61 groupheads, targeting serious home baristas and small cafes.167 It holds a position in the high-end segment of the specialty coffee market, known for aesthetic design and performance consistency.13
History
Rocket Espresso traces its roots to ECM, founded by Carlo Ernesto Merighi in the 1980s, which split in the early 2000s into ECM Germany for commercial machines and Rocket Espresso Milano for high-end home machines.1 In 2007, three espresso enthusiasts—Jeff Kennedy, Andrew Meo, and Daniele Berenbruch—purchased rights to ECM's domestic line, including the Giotto and Cellini models, and rebranded as Rocket Espresso.238 Key milestones include the launch of the iconic Giotto, the R58 with dual boilers and PID, and expansion into commercial models like the Boxer.12
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Giotto (Domestic Espresso Machines) | Iconic prosumer home machines | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Appartamento (Compact Home Machines) | Space-saving home espresso | $1,800 - $2,500 |
| R58 (Dual Boiler Home Machines) | High-performance home barista | $3,000 - $4,500 |
| Boxer (Commercial Espresso Machines) | Compact professional cafe machines | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| MOCCA (Entry-Level Home Machines) | Affordable prosumer introduction | $1,500 - $2,200 |
| Milano Grinders (Coffee Grinders) | Precision home and commercial grinding | $800 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
Rocket Espresso machines are hand-built ('Fatto a Mano') by a small team of craftsmen in Liscate, Lombardy, Italy.256 Production emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, using components like E61 groupheads, copper boilers, and rotary pumps.7
Notable Products
- Giotto - First iconic model with angled sides and E61 grouphead for home use.
- R58 - Dual boiler machine with PID control, popular for temperature stability.
- Appartamento - Compact dual boiler design for smaller home kitchens.
- Boxer - Commercial model for small cafes with high performance in limited space.
- Cellini - Early prosumer machine with commercial-grade features.
Reputation
Rocket Espresso is highly regarded by home baristas and professionals for its elegant Italian design, build quality, and reliable performance with features like E61 groupheads and PID controls.137 Enthusiasts praise the craftsmanship and consistency for specialty coffee extraction.6 Criticisms occasionally note high prices and the premium positioning that may limit accessibility.1
Sources (8)
- https://espressooutlet.com/blogs/blog-articles/history-of-rocket-espresso
- https://rocket-espresso.com/about
- https://gentscafe.co/2024/07/19/rocket-espresso-craftsmanship-and-technology-in-a-cup/
- https://rocket-espresso.com
- https://rocketreach.co/rocket-espresso-ltd-profile_b4607090fc5daab7
- https://visionsespresso.com/espresso-machines/brands/rocket-espresso/
- https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/collections/rocket-espresso
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2xv_Q3NoPg