Rok Presso SmartShot. | The best espresso machine for beginners.

Big thank you to Rok for sending us this machine. Please check their links here:
www.rok.coffee/
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[@PercussionAndLungs]

By using an espresso grind you create more pressure for a smooth crema. Also the scoop doubles as the 6:07 tamper

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Yeah, you can do pre tamping with it, although I would not call it a proper tamper as the diameter is much smaller than 50mm. Overall, nice and simple espresso machine.

[@suferick778]

I started on a Presso (predecessor of the Rok) back in 2010. It's the ideal gateway drug

[@mycoffeeshow111]

It seems like a very interesting concept for sure. I will have to try their more advanced models next.

[@andrewlambert5095]

Ok I received my ROK Smartshot unit today. I had some coffee ground from the day before for a different brew style. My grinder recommended setting for espresso is between 30 and 60 clicks. The coffee was ground at 50 clicks so a coarse end of espresso grind. Fit about 14 grams into portafilter and made my first ever espresso with it. I didn't pre heat anything, water straight off boil and followed instructions. After first press I tasted it and then did second press to push through last of water as they suggested you could. More yield and no change in flavour. I was very surprised by just how great it tasted. I will tweak the grinder settings over the next few days to really get things dialled in! To say I am rapt with this machine is an understatement! I am looking forward to exploring all the different ways to brew with this! I used a medium to dark roast blend coffee. Thanks again to you Jack and your in depth look at the ROK! It helped me decide to get one and definitely no regrets. I am still gobsmacked that I made a beautiful espresso the very first time ever.❤🙏👍🤛

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@andrewlambert5095 hi, congratulations! You got yourself a great machine. Keep playing with it for even better results. All the best!

[@andrewlambert5095]

Ok been using mine twice a day for the 6 days I have had it. I followed ROK's instructions in the box to a T. Pre heating portafilter then loaded 14 grams of coarse espresso grind (twelve clicks finer than largest recommended for my grinder). Grinders espresso range is 30 to 60 clicks so was on 48 clicks. They say not pause from top of lever press and should only take three seconds to press all way down to lock. Works perfectly so only variant I had to play with for my favorite flavour was grind size. So pour in water, lift levers all way up then press straight back down without pause in between.

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@andrewlambert5095 Happy to hear that you like it. Looks like you nailed it. Still, I would say experiment and explore. This is a great machine to have.

[@andrewlambert5095]

@@mycoffeeshow111 definitely will be.

[@rizki-jr5zx]

51mm naked portafilter is it really fit and can be used? I'm afraid if it can't be used.

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@rizki-jr5zx mine was 51mm and I used it for a week with this machine.

[@jestergeming7232]

May I ask for beginners, is it better to use GC presso skirt or GC smartshot presso skirt for selling?

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@jestergeming7232 not sure if I understand question correctly but this smartshot is definitely great for beginners

[@clickid7824]

Thanks a lot mate!, I'm wondering if we can use a tamper of 51mm for this Rok standard portafilter, or do we need a 49.7mm tamper?

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@clickid7824 Thx for watching. I used 51mm tamper for when I swapped to IMS basket. Would have to double check if it works with standard basket as well.

[@clickid7824]

@@mycoffeeshow111 That would be great. Thanks. I'm curious if the 51mm tamper works with the standard basket.

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@clickid7824 ok, I just checked. My 51mm Normcore tamper is too big to tamp standard basket in this machine.

[@clickid7824]

​@@mycoffeeshow111 Oh okay thanks a lot for checking. 🙏🏼

[@rollerball]

Still waiting for the release here in USA. Perfect lever espresso without the fuss

[@mycoffeeshow111]

It is not available yet in UK but it will be very soon.

[@jonnykano121]

Could you tell me what size naked portafilter you used please?

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@jonnykano121 I used 51mm from La Pavoni and it worked well but Rok sells their own at 50.5mm if I remember correctly.

[@bambangirawan6413]

eing using it for while & it does make espresso easir than evem, but if we talking about accesorry say basket 49mm it's harder than other size..say if we want to have tamper, distribution if it not pricey than last resort go to 3d printing... 1 thing that havent try much..if we use unpressurised basket will it produce same quality espresso...?

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Thx for watching and sharing your thoughts. On unpressurised baskets, I prefer them as they extract more flavours but this machine is all about simplicity, for some who doesn’t care about puck prep, grind size ect.

[@bambangirawan6413]

@@mycoffeeshow111 may i ask which grind did you use... currently i use 54-55 clik on my kinggrinder K2 & that fine but so fine...as i'm planned on buy unpresurised porta & basket

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@bambangirawan6413 I used electric grinder for my tests. I would say start with upper range of espresso settings, whichever grinder you use.

[@tomnamashivaya]

Is the base of the ROK PressoGC Smartshot the same as the (non smartshot) PressoGC? So if I buy the ROK naked portafilter i have the same as the regular EspressoGC with the naked filter or is there a difference?

[@mycoffeeshow111]

There are few differences but the size of group head is the same so you can get naked portafilter. The difference between this and original Rok is the way you pull a shot as this is a kind of spring lever machine.

[@andrewlambert5095]

What brand of naked porter filter were you using there Jack? Can you please put a link up for it

[@andrewlambert5095]

I think I have found it. I think I will stick to getting the ROK. Naked for the presso

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@andrewlambert5095 that was a 51mm naked portafilter from La Pavoni Esperto, with IMS basket. It cost almost as much as the whole Rok Presso and you can find cheaper options on Rok website. If you insist on the one I used, I found one here: theespressoshop.com/products/esperto-bottomless-portafilter-20g-ims-basket-2953032

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@ good choice. Please let me know how you like it.

[@andrewlambert5095]

@@mycoffeeshow111 ah yep ROK more my budget currently 🙄🤣

[@andrewlambert5095]

@@mycoffeeshow111 thanks Jack! Will do

[@deborahbrockett7070]

Is this model better than the original rok from 2013, and if so in what way? Or are they effectively the same and no need to upgrade

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@deborahbrockett7070 tbh I don’t know the original one. This is so far my first and only Rok. They advertise it as something new so I would think there must be some substantial differences.

[@jonitan76]

based on other review. old ROK need more power to push the lever and need more time to master if you re beginner and more likely to fail (because you re not a pro) it will be a problem if you re an older person or female or a kid with less hand strenght, and the result will be not consistent. with this ROK smartshot anyone can make a good espresso with it.

[@nichj487]

Hey mate! I’m very interested in this product, but only if I can use non-pressurized baskets. I have a La Pavoni Europiccola at home - is the portafilter you used the same as this one? Many thanks for the informative video!

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@nichj487 Thx for watching. I used 51mm portafilter from my LP. If yours is 51mm as well it should work. If it is 49mm I am not sure.

[@andrewlambert5095]

I own a KinGrinder K6 which is more than capable of espresso grind, however I have never made espresso before. Would you recommend this to me?

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@andrewlambert5095 It would be a great first machine, very easy to use.

[@andrewlambert5095]

@@mycoffeeshow111 Thanks Jack! Awesome review by the way. As always straight down the line, honest opinion on anything you review. Have really enjoyed your videos

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@andrewlambert5095 thank you very much for your kind words! Will be reviewing new portable brewer very soon.

[@andrewlambert5095]

@@mycoffeeshow111 I watched that video again last night and realised that you used it towards the end with a naked portafilter too which is good. I can purchase one separately and then dial in my grinder and learn how to make great coffee the best way. Pressure filter appealed to me for the 4am brewing when I am not fully awake 🤣🤣

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@andrewlambert5095 keep watching them videos. Each time you do I earn $0.2 😛 You can definitely experiment with this machine and learn alot alongside

[@TomDickenson-pg1wr]

Which coffee roasters in the uk do you recommend? Thanks...great channel by the way

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Thx for watching. Plot Coffee Roasters are interesting. St Martins coffee roasters if you are looking for something cheaper and still drinkable.

[@andrewdickinson1981]

Rave coffee, Italian blend.

[@ishantsingh3366]

I think the normal rok (manual lever with pressure gauge) is much better looking...for anything below flair neo flex is better

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Never tried other Roks. I had Flair Pro 2 and it was really good but I didn’t like the workflow. This one is an interesting option for someone who wants decent coffee without the hassle.

[@ishantsingh3366]

@@mycoffeeshow111 yes flair has come up with a new model called neo flex, it comes with two portafilters - pressurized and non pressurized so that a beginner can switch as they advance. Also it has a pressure gauge and doesn't need to preheat the chamber according to them. All this under $100. It's amazing

[@mycoffeeshow111]

@@ishantsingh3366 I think I saw it. In fact I contacted Flair some time ago. They were very nice at explaining why I am not famous enough for them right now but they will put me on their waiting lists for potential aspiring influencers.

[@ishantsingh3366]

@@mycoffeeshow111 oh man 😂😂😂

[@mhmmd_arsal]

nice video, very helpful 🙏🏻

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Thank you!

[@kdkd476]

Great video!

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Thx for watching!

[@averagefreak]

Thanks Jack, have had one for a few months - purchased on a whim when Rok sent an email througfh offering 100 of their production prototypes at 2/3 retail - a good enough reason to subscribe to these companies but have to say you appear to be one of the first to review it

[@mycoffeeshow111]

Thx for watching. The company is based in London so it is always nice to support the local businesses.

[@sunflowerdeath]

Yess nice machine! Give it to me! 😅😅

[@mycoffeeshow111]

I want to experiment with cold drinks first 😛