Rocket Espresso Appartamento Nera | Crew Review

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Check out this stunning update to one of our very favorite espresso machines. The Appartamento Nera is the same exceptional Rocket Espresso Appartamento with a showstopping fresh coat of paint. Get a closer look with Allie!
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[@woosha10]

I’ve had my appartamento for almost a year and it’s awesome 👏🏼. Great machine

[@gavinowen4918]

How do you know when an Appartamento is ready to go? Simple, if the head is too hot to touch, it’s time to make coffee. It’s a very consistent machine and I find turning it on 30 minutes before use is always enough (got it connected to a smart switch so Alexa can turn it on for me). I bought it based on a previous review on this channel. Really appreciate your videos and impartial advice.

[@b7snammar]

i've been enjoying my Appartamento for about a year now. Few months after i got it, i added a E61 Group Head Thermometer and I HIGHLY recommend it. it turns out that i was extracting my shots at less than 80c degrees, and sometimes over 96c. now i know at what temperature i'm extracting.

[@ralpheburns3]

@@b7snammar What make & model thermometer do you use?

[@jstn-consulting]

Allie is the best presenter I've seen on Seattle Coffee Gear so far. This was a fantastic review and she can actually make coffee!

[@JStockinger]

Dream machine! Im enjoying my Breville I ordered from you all a few months ago. Im new to home espresso! The Breville has been great to learn on so far. Thanks! Great, straight forward video!

[@escapadoenophileetcafeolog2522]

I've owned a Rocket Appartamento for two years. First coupled with a Eureka Mignon, it is now accompanied by a Niche Zero grinder. In the same budget, I will take over the same machine. I love my Appartamento. For an E61 group, and since the need to have two boilers is still rare, I don't see the point of spending more (and the PID is not guaranteed useful with an Hx).

[@ahdootm]

Why did you change from Eureka Mignon to Niche Zero?

[@waelps154]

@@ahdootm SNIGLE DOSE NO LOSS AT ALL >> 18 GR BEFORE 18 GRAM AFTER AND ALSO SUPER FINE YOU CAN GO NICE GRINDER I HIGHLY RECOMMAND IT FOR YOU

[@escapadoenophileetcafeolog2522]

@@ahdootm For several reasons.1/ we heard a lot about this Niche, with big conical grinding wheels that have proved their worth at Mazzer (a guarantee). 2/ I had the idea to install some material also at the office, so the Mignon is now at the office.3/ the Mignon can be configured to do Single Dosing, but the Niche was designed from this idea and frankly, the contract is a success. The Mignon is a very good entry-level grinder, solid, but the Niche does not play in the same yard (ex: 50 mm flat wheels on the Mignon, 63 mm conical wheels on the Niche).

[@maveric2881]

escapadoenophile et caféologeek Great pairing. I would absolutely pair the Niche Zero Grinder with the Rocket Appartamento

[@coffeethencomics8366]

The Rocket is a great machine and paired with the Niche Zero puts out top notch espresso. Glad I invested in the pair. Still have a lot to learn, latte art is so difficult lol.

[@Needletalk]

The apartamento has always been my dream home espresso machine, looks amazing in black.

[@waelps154]

since you are dreaming level up plz >> hint : GS3

[@dadamj]

@@waelps154 cool of you to gatekeep someone's dream...

[@Needletalk]

Of course, I mean realistically dreaming lol, but seriously dreaming the R Nine One or as you suggested the La Marzocco's GS3.

[@ashleycarmody6357]

You are the best! Great job on this review--real, real, real. Thanks!

[@squibcakes74]

3:36 love the distribution technique. 😝

[@florian3029]

and as you can see the shot pours fine so what's the deal?

[@squibcakes74]

Florian I know! She can do no wrong! 🥰

[@jjmontana9451]

I went to the Seattle coffee gear in Kirkland Washington, I bought the Appartamento and faustino, they gave me free 8 bags of fresh coffee beans plus a 10% discount and a 65 dollar gift card. Best deal! I went home smiling.

[@Victoria-bl4tw]

I have a Rocket Giotto type V which currently needs servicing after nearly 5 years. Must say I’m disappointed. A local rep referred to me by SCG will be coming tomorrow for servicing. I’m hoping it’s an easy fix but if repairs outweigh the cost of buying a new one, the Apartamento is what I’m considering. It’s a step down but in retrospect, it’s really all I need. I’m assuming that this machine has a vibratory pump. The only feature I wish it had is the PID. Has this machine had any upgrades since your video was made? Thanks! SCG is the best!

[@jakevan1969]

Love this machine so much, wish it had a PID and pump gauge.

[@knottymatt]

Would love to see that Rocket grinder against the new Niche from a flavour profile perspective.

[@Nizamm1]

hi🙋🏻‍♂️, how is this machine for 30 to 40 max cups a day? plan to put it in office

[@seand7508]

Any chance you’ll be selling the black metal cup rail separately? Thanks!

[@riccardoemilien2039]

Learning the in’s and outs of espresso with a manual lever machine -flair. Currently Saving up for this one when I’m ready to upgrade.

[@joskaffeekutsche6634]

I really like the flair. I hope you you will enjoy it for a long time!

[@riccardoemilien2039]

Joskaffeekutsche I do to. Just a bit fiddly/time consuming for when I want to maintain consistency and/or make multiple drinks. I’ve invested in additional portafilter, and will definitely use it for travel.

[@jnac216]

Riccardo Emilien do you do anything for latte? Do you have anything for frothing/steaming milk?

[@riccardoemilien2039]

jnac216 I use a bellman stove top steamer.

[@mariuso4879]

New to the espresso world but as far as I read there is a "sweet spot" regarding the pressure used for extracting/ creating that crema of a high-quality espresso shot and that is 15 Bar. What pressure does this machine operates at and do you really need those 15 Bar pressures? Thank you.

[@lucianaamosa6437]

Where the water coming from?

[@chelseapierce2796]

I’m obsessed with SCG’s videos and can’t wait to get my appartamento in the mail! I have a question- what kind of beans do you recommend for dialing in? Is there anything to follow other than buying beans that are the same roast of the beans you plan to use after dialing in?

[@chelseapierce2796]

Wow, thanks!

[@gosman949]

I don't have much cabinet space. Is this the smallest good machine?

[@scottintexas]

Yes

[@LuckyJack99]

Always a great vid from SCG !

[@linnea.]

Can you please review the Technivorm KBS 1 liter? I'd like to know how it compares to the one-cup. Can I brew just one 10oz cup into the KBS? Could I put a mug in place of the glass carafe and just brew 10oz directly into a mug? Would love to know. Thanks!

[@ralpheburns3]

Anyone got a magnet and Appartamento Nera? I'm curious if the black sides and cup rail are magnetic and therefore powder-coated carbon steel (cheaper, relies on the finish) or powder-coated stainless. :-)

[@marklawrence6270]

What kind of grinder is that?

[@ianwarner8894]

Nicely done and well presented. I have a question if I may and please correct me if I am wrong. Isn't this just a standard Rocket Appartamento with black painted sides ? or are there a number of different features compared to the standard model ?

[@ianwarner8894]

@Allie Kraft Thanks for the reply Allie, much appreciated indeed. Keep up the great work 👌👍

[@ralpheburns3]

I'm wondering how well my budget Capresso Infinity burr grinder will sufficiently pair with this espresso machine? My Colorado local "Precision Pours" uses the same grinder!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hi there! We definitely would recommend an upgrade if you're looking at this machine. The Capresso can't quite get fine enough for a high quality shot in a non-pressurized basket like you find on the Appartamento.

[@ralpheburns3]

@@SeattleCoffeeGear I'm good to pair the Appartamento with a Niche Zero or similar at a later date, but wondering how familiar you are with the Capresso Infinity, because it can achieve a grind finer than espresso .

[@HBK_-js3rl]

How many shots rocket appartamento can make ?

[@barnabaas79]

Can the steam want be located on the right side of the machine or is it just the left side?

[@joskaffeekutsche6634]

You can't relocate it.

[@feralferret]

I'd grab one, I just wished these units would heat up to temperature quicker... When folks come around to the house unannounced you can't wait 30 minutes to offer them a drink.

[@lanceklein2746]

Keep it on all day long!

[@billredding2000]

People who buy these prosumer machines aren't into "quick" -- it's an entirely different scene and mentality. For people wanting "quick" they should go appliance-class machines like a Breville, or get a super-automatic machine instead and just push buttons. For people who go prosumer, it's not just the destination (a cup of coffee) but the journey as well, and taking whatever times it takes -- including machine warm-up -- time is not an issue. My HX (a VBM Domobar Super HX) is about 18 minutes at most to avoid needing a cooling flush (and wasting brewing water). I turn the machine on, set a small timer for 18 minutes, go to my PC and do some work, and when the timer goes off go make my coffee. As Lance here said, you can just leave it on all day so it's always ready. After all, prosumer-class machines a designed (quality/durability) to do that as they last almost forever. I don't leave mine on because I only make my coffee once in the morning, not the rest of the day or evening. Of course, if you REALLY want "quick" for visiting friends, make them a cup of instant coffee...doesn't get any faster than that! ;-) -- BR

[@ahmedalhosani1298]

I had appartamento it's a great machine only note is the brewing temperature is so high it's around 98c if the machine kept on for more than 30 minutes.

[@aal180]

so whats the best time for the shot after switch it on ..

[@b7snammar]

@@aal180 i recommend that you get a E61 Group Head Thermometer and you'll know the exact time.

[@5hamo]

looks amazing :)

[@Kuchen340]

Can someone tell me if you can remove this little spout cover on the portafilter? I've tried to find information online but no luck...

[@TheJPenguin]

If it's like the spouts on my Rocket Giotto, then not really. The cover screws on and is removable but the screw goes directly through the front of the spouts and if you left the cover & screw out you'd end up with a messy 3 spout. If you tried to put the screw back in without the cover it may work but I think it might still leak or drip. I prefer to use a bottomless portafilter most of the time now, I just switch to the 2 spout when I need to split a double.

[@howardsmith2090]

Yes you can, just replace the screw after removing it.

[@pablo-zn1mg]

if this had a pid it would be the perfect machine

[@AdnanAlsannaa]

whats the difference between Nera and the non Nera version?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

One has black accents.

[@Aldocello1]

HIIIIIII Ally 🥰

[@champagnepogi]

Is this smaller than the appartamento? Why is called nera?

[@scottintexas]

This is the Appartamento; the Nera version has black sides.

[@jsanford01]

Everyone in Quarantine watching these while drinking coffee and deciding to use PUAC funds to buy one 😅😅😅😅😅

[@IPv6Freely]

Must be nice to get PUAC...

[@SavoirLife]

Can you please include the details of the water supply in your reviews, is it plumbed in, bottled water or straight out of the tap? Also on another note I have an Illy Milky Frother and the milk taste is overpowering the coffee shot, is that normal for frothers? Btw I use semi-skim milk. Finally, is the Rocket a better bet than a similar priced Sage Barista? Questions questions sorry...

[@SavoirLife]

Poor listening skills on my end , doh!! Will try adjust coffee to milk ratio. I’m keen to move away from a capsule system as I really want that coffee shop taste as inexpensively as possible whilst enjoying the kit. If you had just one machine for the home and wanted to make great flat whites what would it be?

[@DarkPa1adin]

Why don't coffee machines come with bottomless filter?

[@billredding2000]

Maybe one reason is bottomless porta-filters (PF) are usually REQUIRED if one is using a triple-shot basket, as they usually don't fit in a "normal" PF -- but most people may not be using triple-shot baskets, so they're not included in the box. True, a bottomless PF is also used to see who your grind is doing during the pour (to diagnose any issues), but maybe most users have little interest in that info. I think MOST people use double-shot baskets only. Hardly anyone (IF anyone) uses a single-shot basket...but they may still be included in the box anyway. I use a bottomless (aka: "naked") PF exclusively -- and a La Marzocco triple-shot "Strada" basket -- for making my morning Cappuccinos/Lattes. -- BR

[@Richard-HiFiMan]

I believe SCG now includes a 'free' upgrade kit if you buy a new Rocket Espresso Appartamento. Looks like the kit contains a bottomless portafilter, with a triple basket, and a few other goodies. www.seattlecoffeegear.com/rocket-espresso-pro-upgrade-kit

[@marcmadler454]

Bill Redding I got a Bottomless Portafilter for my Profitec Pro 600 includet in the box!

[@billredding2000]

@@marcmadler454 I didn't! Way back then (when I got my current espresso pairing*) I guess they were considered "exotic" and most people didn't use them...or even know they existed. -- BR *Vibiemme (aka: VBM) Domobar Super HX Switchable Manual/Rotary espresso machine and a Mazzer-Mini Electronic Type A grinder. My triple-shot portafilter basket is a La Marzocco Strada. The Cafalat VST tamper (58.5mm) fits the Strada perfectly.

[@MarcesAurelius]

Hi Allie, is there an E61 machine with and ? I have a Breville Oracle v1.0 for about 6 years and it is leaking, thinking about replacing it rather than repairing it

[@martinc8149]

Mark D you can do that with a sonoff plug. I do that with my appartamento!

[@zipfelquest]

The Bezzera Matrix/ Duo festures Auto-on/off

[@omaralnazer3504]

I love the design and ease of use, but add a Rocket grinder and now you’re in the $2300 range or so, that’s a lot for coffee.

[@raze2400]

Is the matt black the only difference In this version?

[@maryannkastorff9680]

@Allie Kraft What material are these side panels made of? And thanks for a great review!

[@adambromley6972]

They should change the name

[@AlkalineGamingHD]

I never get transferring to another cup after pulling a shot. So much is left in the shot glass!

[@feralferret]

I think it was more for shot measurement, but yes it does disturb all that lovely oily crema goodness.

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

1700$... jeez pro level

[@aficionado7178]

at least it had to have pid

[@aliciastaley-best7763]

It's a lovely machine but I cannot justify the cost. I wish Rocket did a more affordable range, I love their style.

[@feralferret]

I think the Appartamento is meant to be their affordable one! It's the cheapest in Rocket's catalogue.

[@billredding2000]

Many people who get into the prosumer-class espresso machine (AND don't forget, a prosumer-class GRINDER to pair with it!) don't try to justify the cost. And many buy them just to have "bling" in their kitchen -- "art" that "coincidentally" happens to make great coffee! ;-) But in reality when you look at cost, over the MANY YEARS these machines last (20-30 years or more if taken care of -- no real limit) the initial cost amortized over that period of time is dirt-cheap for what you GET. Appliance-class machines you may send in to an "authorized service center" for repairs, or if THAT is too costly and doesn't make $$ sense to DO, not even bother to get fixed when they break -- just throw them out when they fail and buy another. Prosumer-class machines are designed/built to be worked on by the owner (like an auto-mechanic if you will, with simple hand tools) and kept going indefinitely. Also re: prosumer-class machines, most people UPGRADE their pairing (machine & grinder) maybe every 3-4 years, LONG BEFORE their first one is anywhere near the end of it's life. In fact, many "espressoists" go through several (or more!) upgrades over the years, and sometimes the process continues indefinitely. It's not that the even MORE expensive upgrade actually makes $$$$ better espresso than their $$$$ machine/grinder they already have (it doesn't) it's just that it's more "bling." People who own prosumer-class machines/grinders WANT to upgrade -- they don't HAVE to. ;-) HUGE difference between the 2 "scenes" if you will: Prosumer vs. Appliance. AND between mindset of the people who get them. As there is for people who are into super-automatic espresso machines (which are also appliance-class machines no matter how many $$$$ they cost). So QUALITY is going to COST -- be it a quality-made car or quality-made espresso machine (or grinder!) -- and since prosumer-class machines are made of quality materials (stainless steel, copper and brass -- most of it HEAVY!), AND are hand-made/assembled (mostly in Northern Italy, as Italians STILL make the best espresso machines/grinders for over 100 years now), all that is going to cost. People looking for a machine that makes decent espresso but is WAY less costly buy appliance-class machines (and grinders). The others go prosumer. -- BR

[@aliciastaley-best7763]

@@feralferret affordable? It's over £1000 last I checked!

[@aliciastaley-best7763]

@@billredding2000 yes I understand. When I get a regular decent income I'll definitely be happy to splash over a £1000 on an espresso machine but I'm just finishing up my masters. So I got the sage bambino, I thought this was a good machine for someone just learning as it can be automatic and manual and I have the sage smart pro grinder to go with it which seems pretty damn awesome to me. Just the grinder makes the espresso so much richer and tastier! So I'm working on dialing in espresso and learning to steam milk well, as I'm vegan and so use plant milk, I am finding this especially difficult. My husband has dairy milk though so I get to practice with both options 😁 one day a rocket would be amazing! I just can't splash the cash just yet 😅

[@billredding2000]

@@aliciastaley-best7763 Alicia, I took out a Bank Loan (!) to get my $3K "espresso station" (the $2K machine & $1K grinder): Went into my local Wells Fargo (in Colorado Springs at the time, 2015) and said, "Hey guys, I need $8K for new espresso equipment!" The banker was speechless. ;-) But then I explained yes, I "needed" a new espresso pairing (always think of the machine AND grinder as a well-paired entity, not soemthign just thrown together) but ALSO the $$$$ was for to consolidate/pay-off 3 CCs. Fifteen minutes later the $8K was in my acc't and I ordered my espresso stuff the same day...AND paid-off those 3 pesky/nagging CCs. Then I pad the loan off about 6 months early. ;-) I hope I didn't give you the impression I was "belittling" anyone not buying prosumer-class equipment -- the "espresso scene" (using semi-automatic prosumer-class equipment, not a auper-automatice push-button machine no matetr how much it costs) is somewhat obscure and not that populated, if you will -- so I was just addressing people who criticize the cost of it right up front (that's all they see) yet know nothing about why it's so costly, what it really takes knowledge-wise/equipment-wise to MAKE excellent espresso/milk-based drinks (the most complicated & expensive way to make coffee!), and why some of us get that equipment anyway regardless of it being "a tad pricey." As in other things in life, the cost may or may not be that important. And no, soem of us aren't "rich" people, but may be just a bit "financially reckless" perhaps. But Life is Short, so what the heck, yes? ;-) As for "justifying" a purchase -- whatever expensive item it is (house/car/espresso machine) -- I do it this way: Can I make the monthly loan/CC payments comfortably and (2) can I throw additional $$$ at it each month to pay it off sooner! If yes, then I CAN "afford" it. Example: I just paid-off my current Daily Driver (a Honda Pilot) and am throwing THAT saved $$ each month at my CCs to get them down to zero BEFORE I move back to CO. Then in 2021, plan to buy a new Daily Driver, but soemthign more suitable for the "Colorado Scene" (off-roading AND dealing with Winter snowstorms on occasion) -- a Chevy Colorado ZR2. I can't "afford" that, either (don't have ~$44K cash) but that's okay: Will put as much $$$$ down as I can and pay it off early. I know some people say, "If you can't pau cash then you can't afford it," but how many of us can pay cash for our house/condo? Or a new car?Or a decent USED car? Hardly any of us. So "the American Way" (!) is to make pay'ts. I'm okay with that if they're "comfortable" pay'ts and I can accelerate pay'ts and pay it off sooner vs. later (vs. going the original term of the loan). I FIRST had a $40 Mr. Coffee "espresso" (it wasn't, even though is said so on the box) machine for a few years. Then I upgraded to a Rancilio Sylvia III and a Rancilio Rocky Doserless grinder as my pairing. Then after about 5 years upgraded to my current setup...no NEED to upgrade, but if I did, it'd just be a "want." As I mentioned earlier, a $$$$ MORE costly machine won't make $$$$ "better" espresso (IMO, but I'm not an expert), it's just "more bling" that also makes great espresso. Also as mentioned earlier, for most "espressoists" (made that term up, TMK) it's a "journey" and they go through a number of upgrades during their life (or until they quit the scene, for whatever reasons) so one's first pairing may not be the last. You sound more "financially responsible" than I am (but I DO have excellent credit-score/FICO rating, and THAT is important for me to maintain -- so I'm not THAT reckless!), but sometimes, you just gotta get something you really don't NEED, but simply got the "bug" you WANT it. And then do some "creative justifying" so you feel better about spending all that money. ;-) Hey...have your husband try using H&H (milk & cream) instead of whole milk for frothing...it makes Lattes/Cappuccinos taste richer. I tried whole milk...too bland. And the 2% stuff is terrible! IMO... Best wishes to you on YOUR espresso journey, -- BR P.S. Yes, Espresso Rule #2 (made that # up) is "Pay 2-3X MORE for your grinder than your espresso machine cost" since (as you noted) the GRINDER makes the REAL difference. This is especially true on the appliance-class espresso machines, but when you get into prosumer-class machines, the rule no longer holds. For example, let's say you pay $1500 for an "entry-level" prosumer espresso machine (such as a decent prosumer-class HX machine) -- you do NOT need a $3000+ grinder...a $2K grinder is fine ($1.5K minimum I'd say). Actually, last time I checked (quite a while back though) a really top-drawer prosumer grinder (meaning for use @ home, not a commercial-class grinder for a coffee-shop, although SOME people DO have HUGE commercial-class stuff @ home!) was no more than $2.5-$3K. In fact, I don't know how you could get an BETTER prosumer-class grinder than one costing $2.5K-$3K. So if you got a $1500 espresso machine AND a top-drawer $2.5-$3K grinder, you'd NEVER "need" (performance-wise) to upgrade your grinder, just the espresso machine. But again, many espressoists upgrade just because they WANT to, not because they NEED to, or because their prosumer-class equipment wore out (it lasts decades!) as the espresso produced isn't THAT much better really to "justify" (!) that extra few grand. I could write much more, but I hope all that above helps you with you planning. Cheers...

[@peterpan69]

wow... first time to see there's no hiccup pouring that milk in her videos

[@arpit5317]

She’s not a good reveiwer. Sorry but she tamped without leveling the coffee and seems kinda rushed and nervous

[@blasterzone100]

Didn't like how that expresso pouring

[@technoalah]

It’s funny but all these machines look the same and do same thing.

[@billredding2000]

Of course HX (Heat Exchanger) machines DO the same thing! But they for sure do not all LOOK the same, even if most of the E61 group "polished stainless steel cases" machines do. Do some more research into prosumer semi-automatic espresso machines and see for yourself... The same can be said for DB (Double Boiler) machines also: THEY do the same thing but can look very different. Wake up and smell the espresso... ;-) -- BR