Rocket Espresso Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine (Stainless/Black)

Replaced my cherished 20 year old Rocket, which was beginning to challenge my limited barista skills...now, with my new Appartamento: Best shots I've ever pulled, period. New grinder a huge help too, of course, but the Appartamento is simple to operate, the additional internal logic helps minimize my power consumption, and it is beautiful in that classic industrial lustrous stainless way all the Rockets display.

I recently upgraded from a decade old Saeco manual machine; it was time. We absolutely love this Espresso machine! This is way more commercial/prosumer grade and I cannot say enough about the build quality not to mention the awesome espresso I am able to derive. It's next level plus. We also bought a Eureka Oro XL to compliment it. I like the manual experience and true flexibility, these turned out to be the perfect combo for us. Both my kids came home from college for the holidays and loved learning how and using it daily. Currently we have it on the kitchen counter now but due to its good looks my wife now wants to build a built-in coffee bar/beverage center in our new home to display it. Thank you SCG for all your help!

There's nothing "entry level" or compact about this machine! It's absolutely beautiful and works great!

If you're considering this, go for it. I've watched a bunch of reviews and read lots of comments, and it came down to the Lelit Bianca and this one. Some hardcore coffee aficionados might say don't bother with a Heat Exchanger or a machine with a vibration pump. But Rocket upgraded the OG Appartamento with more adjustments, better in every way than before. I just wanted something as simple as a Nespresso machine-no messing around with flow valves or constantly monitoring pressure and temperatures for each shot. Making espresso should be enjoyable, not stressful. The TCA works really well straight out of the box; I didn't have to adjust anything to get consistently good espresso shots. It heats up super fast too, in about 15 minutes.

Absolutely love the machine! It's a work of art and its operation is really top notch. I came from an Rancilio Silva original and the Rocket is noticeably the next level(s). Only issue we had was after getting it from the Seattle store all the way home to Hawaii, we noticed the damage! A small dent in the back and uneven top. We were welcome to bring it back swap it out but you can imagine how much of an undertaking that is to hand carry like we did. Less than a week later the same machine but not the new model was on sale for $500 cheaper than we paid for the latest apartment, I wasn't happy about that. Nothing was offered as a kind gesture in regards to that.

I own the original Appartamento by Rocket and haven't had any issues with this unit. I do the recommended back flows; and only use filtered water by the Berkey filtration system.My system has never had any regular tap water used in it, and scaling has never been an issue, for more than a year.It is to me, an effortless system to maintain and is very dependable. I use my Appartamento daily and the quality of the express is exceptional ever time, and even when I use it to make an Ameriicano (a regular cup of coffee) it took a little getting use too, modifying shot-processing for regular size tumbler, but now, I'm a expert and typically use this method for my daily cup. I can't praise this coffee brew system enough and its dependability is exceptional.I only wish that Rocket would make it more accessible to get access to the necessary parts they recommend for maintaining this system. Although I haven't had to replace any parts as of yet-I have acquired all the necessary parts, (the wearable ones), that are recommended to maintain a healthy E61 GroupHead system. Also, although there are several videos from various Brewster, some detailing the necessary maintenance for a E61 group, it would be so much more thoughtful if Rocket provided a video tutorial (DVD) with each system sold or downloads for customers that will walk them through cautions; necessities; thorough maintenance and tear downs; to help maintain these expensive machines.Remember, should you purchase one and live across the pond, it is not feasible to ship your system back to Milan for typical maintenance and adjustments. This can be very expensive and Rocket needs to ensure they are advising buyers of the necessary labor these systems must have to continue to produce a quality product.Nonetheless, and most likely because Im a seasoned, trained mechanic, I feel it is not too difficult to maintain my Appartamento but I can see where someone with no knowledge of using a wrench may be intimidate if they have to open this machine up for maintenance or repairs!Likewise, having kits available directly fro Rocket for specific maintenance or repairs, would be equally beneficial and more attractive for marketing this system!

I like it. But for the price, I expected more features like a thermometer showing temp at the group head (which I added); a timer; better temperature control; faster heating; better control materials, not cheap rubber ( I added wood). But I like the looks. It's a heavy machine. Steam is almost too strong. I'm mixed at this point: 4 weeks owning it. I'm still learning how to use it and dialing in.

Only had it a couple of months, but no issues and I love the look of the black/copper. This replaced a Diletta Bello that was having problems. This time around I wanted PID on an E61 machine and the Rocket TCA was in sale. Hopefully this will be more reliable than the Bello.

I've had this machine for almost a month now, and I'm quite satisfied with it. However, I've encountered an issue where the machine produces too much water, resulting in a watery and not so creamy espresso. I've adjusted my grinder to a very fine grain, but I'm not sure if the expresso basket that comes with the machine has large holes. All the videos I've seen showcase a creamy and slow-flowing espresso. I'm hopeful that I can resolve this issue soon.

Beautiful equipment, fair espresso.