Add Pressure Gauge to Rocket Appartamento (E61 HX)

I recently found this easy and relatively cheap pressure gauge modification for E61 heat exchanger espresso machines, but was surprised there weren't many KZbin videos that show it in action. It looks like a few retailers sell this part, but I got mine from 1st Line along with a couple copper spacing washers: www.1st-line.c....
As always, make sure your machine is off, unplugged, and cold when poking around the interior of the machine, and any adjustments are done at your own risk. Safety first!

[@Cherokie89]

If I'd known it was this simple I'd have installed one of these years ago.

[@1st-lineequipment]

Thank you very much for the video. We appreciate you mentioning us. However, we did have one Rocket customer that purchased this particular item and claimed that it did not fit his E61 Grouphead. Again, thank you for the video.

[@markevans7399]

More views coming your way after Hoffman's video on the Apartamento today!!

[@tomintveld8384]

Yup 😜

[@dhellraisa]

Exactly why I’m here lol

[@markevans7399]

@@dhellraisa mine was 12 with the blind basket. Started at 11 but dropped down to 10 at the end of a 30 second shot

[@keviiino]

Lol u gitt me

[@dpark189]

Ordered the same machine recently and was wondering how to change and monitor the pressure and noticed you answered both of these questions lol. Thank you

[@jayaychare7318]

i would say this is good to adjust the machine's bar from within the machine and then remove it. Im all about the temp gauge installation

[@tomintveld8384]

Hoffman army incoming!

[@markevans7399]

Just installed the pressure gauge. Once the pump is fully engaged the pressure at the grouphead is at 11 but will drop down to 10 over the course of an approximately 30 second shot. Have you experienced a drop in pressure or is yours consistent?

[@wyvern4588]

Sounds like coffee channeling to me- if so, it's not a mechanical failure but rather a technique/grind issue.

[@theFrenchDay]

Hi, thanks for the video, did you remove the white rubber gasket? I had to remove for the gauge to align

[@pjshien]

Wow! 12 bars is default setting from factory? Won't it be too high? Must grind finer than normal 9 or 10 bars machine to achieve 1:2 ratio within 30 secs?

[@matthewm.4507]

Strange, isn't it? I see a lot of people getting 12-13 bars on Rocket machines. I am currently looking into lowering my brew pressure by adjusting the over pressure valve. I might do a second how-to video on that if I can get it calibrated successfully.

[@TheDudeFromKalispell]

@@matthewm.4507 Do it, I did it on my Quickmill Rubino which is a similar style hx machine.

[@TheDudeFromKalispell]

And I see you already did. How are you finding the difference in extraction?

[@matthewm.4507]

TheDudeFromKalispell It’s much better! I reduced it to around 10 bars and I’ve noticed a lot less channeling in my shots. That, combined with picking up a cheap distribution tool, has really increased the consistency of my extractions.

[@Satine_Moisant]

I just installed this very gauge on my Quick Mill Rubino and I'm getting a little over 10 bar of pressure at the group and that seems fine to me.

[@HasanBasriy]

That's what I was looking for. I believe I can do that with my VBM Domobar Super Electronic as well, right?

[@eliranelkiess7811]

hi Matthew, how to place green lamp rocket appartamento

[@CrystalRedTintcoat]

Got one. Doesn’t line up. 0 degrees is at 11 o’clock. 8bar to 10 bar is 4 to 5 o’clock.

[@barrychester6635]

Same here. Ridiculous.

[@andreaisonline]

Same here, but you should have got the plumber tape. I solve the issue with it.

[@damon123jones]

can you adjust it down to 9 bar ?

[@marchamilton7668]

Did you verify the calibration of the gauge before adjusting your brew pressure?

[@muhammadalzubaidi5416]

Perfect, thanks man

[@sippysippywakewake]

Awesome!! I had no idea you could do this. Thanks!

[@BillyBobpeeps]

.....and not try it out!

[@joshcampbell8148]

btw, I got one but for some reason mine is upside down when screwed in. Not a huge deal as I can easily see it but just odd.

[@CorrupteddSanity]

why pressure gauge over thermometer?

[@SuperMatrix59]

I would say temp over pressure. Tamp n grind takes care of pressure

[@inflationistransitory]

Caution Hot

[@Coffeeinthusiast1]

Hi Matthew, since you’ve had a machine for several years, I was wondering what is your cool flush routine once the machine idles for a while/fully warmed up and you are ready to pull your shot?

[@matthewm.4507]

I don't worry about it too much. Sometimes I quickly flush before pulling shots if it's been sitting warmed up for 60+ minutes, but most mornings I don't bother and I've haven't noticed much difference in shot quality.

[@standardhomosapiens]

I find a thermometer to be more useful than a pressure gauge, despite the esthetic appeal.

[@pignosema]

Can anyone provide some details on where to adjust PUMP pressure (not boiler) on the Aparttamento?

[@matthewm.4507]

See the other video on my channel :)

[@chavitavb]

Hey Matthew, How's your machine holding up ? I'm about to buy one of these since I just got my new Rocket Appartamento.

[@matthewm.4507]

Still working great! I really like Rocket machines because they’re so easy to work on. Pressure gauge has been really solid, no leaks or anything. Good luck!

[@chavitavb]

Matthew M. I just installed it today and the gauge is perfect! My machines peak pressure is 11 bars

[@Doc8404]

Do you guys adjust down to 9 bar?

[@chavitavb]

@@Doc8404 I didn't adjust to 9 bars. I've been having perfectly tasty results with the right grind size.

[@Nizamm1]

@@matthewm.4507 hi Matthew😊🙋🏻‍♂️, how is this machine for 30 to 40 max cups a day? plan to put it in office

[@drumbot3553]

Hello, have the same machine and experiencing some channeling almost every single time i make shots of coffee. So i was thinking ether to but a flow control kit or just buy a gauge like yours and adjust a pressure as you did in the other video. What would u suggest to do? Just your opinion. Also i recently ordered a Nichzero grinder i hope it’s gonna at least partly solve the issue

[@matthewm.4507]

I’d first recommend dialing in your Niche Zero and using a cheap distribution tool to get a nice even distribution prior to tamping. If you’re still getting channeling, then look into reducing brew pressure a bit. Those steps should get you pretty close 👍

[@drumbot3553]

Thanks a lot. Will be trying

[@Doc8404]

Why a pressure gauge and not a thermometer?

[@SuperMatrix59]

My end is the temp. I have a temp on mine. When you have the right temp with the grind a little tamp. Gold. You can be at the 9 bar but without that right temp your shot is shot to hell. Don’t get me wrong with a bar pressure too is good but it’s your temp that is the most important factor to pull a shot.

[@Cherokie89]

Aaaand they're sold out. Boo. Can't find them anywhere in USA

[@kargi42]

It looks a cheapo gauge for a beautiful machine like this.