Breville Bambino vs Rocket Espresso Appartamento

It'll be a pain in the butt if you don't like the ritual of it. If you don't want manual, it's probably around $600 for true quality espresso with a Breville Bambino and Eureka Notte or Sette 270. That will give you good shots and also has the milk frother if you ever want it. A good chunk of change though

There is no PID, no pre programmable modes, and no automatic steaming. It is just a straightforward and well executed heat exchanger. Something that I...

It's pretty easy after some practice and there's plenty of video tutorials so definitely give it a try. - Big water tank, easy to remove and fill - High clearance lets me easily fit my cup and scales directly under the portafilter - Simple to use. Dials and stuff would be cool but honestly so long as it pumps out adequate pressure and maintains a consistent temperature between shots, being able to monitor those variables is nice but redundant. Use a timer and cheap scales to dial-in shots, then taste, adjust grind/dose as needed, and you're all set

This machine is fantastic. High quality parts and finishes. Trim panels look great and are interchangeable. Very manual operation, yet easy to use and achieve consistent results

But having already returned one machine (the pathetic De Longhi Dedica) I simply was too demoralized by the experience, and, so far, my friend and I have simply tried to adapt to the inferior Bambino. Perhaps we'll change our minds, but I honestly suspect that the problem with the Bambino, as probably with the De Longhi Dedica, is that smaller machines simply DO NOT WORK due to a basic design problem: they end up being structurally incapable of generating the kind of steam pressure required. At least, this is what I suspect. Perhaps far more expensive, smaller machines don't have this problem

4. Rocket Appartamento - right size, right looks, right price point, probably a decent step up from a BBE (copper internals, no PID or dual boiler..

But if you like a great coffee in less than a minute then this device is for you. What ever you choose, make sure it has the heat sink technology this device has. You need a contestant temperature in 3sec , don’t get an older model that you have to wait 15 mins for the machine to heat up.

wise the Appartamento would be better; the 4 kg heavier copper/brass boiler helps to keep the temperature more stable (but needs longer warming up from start). The other 2 have lighter stainless steal boilers, they can accumulate less heat. All these machines have a 4 kilo E61 group, with build in automatic pre infusion cilinder (no need to stop the lever half way, talking to you Mark @wholelattelove and many other Yankees ;) that would be to much extra pre infusion). To get this group head hot faster only de MaraX overheats the boiler at the start

That was after it operating presumably all day while I was away before I was able to notice it though. Only two things keep me from giving this one star. The features and the fact that it does, in fact, make a decent espresso- when it works. The automatic steam wand is excellent for beginners, but you will soon be left wanting to be more involved in that process

Narrowed down to Rocket Appartamento and the new Crem one/expobar HX PID from whole latte love. I like the rocket design but love the features in the new Crem One with PID, larger drip tray ,and insulated boilers. I make 3-4 coffees a day and normally have milk based drinks.

You can definitely find a less expensive unit, but you'll be compromising in key performance and construction areas, something I just wasn't willing to do. So, if you're looking for an aesthetically attractive, small-footprint, well-constructed machine that is simple to use and creates exceptional Espresso and Cappuccino, you will be truly pleased with this unit.

If you want to stare at the beautiful chrome and E61 of the Appartamento while you are struggling to control its temperature, get the Appartamento.