The Way of the ROK: A deep dive for beginners with the ROK espresso GC

[@nathangreene3]

This is absolutely the clearest and most instructive video tutorial I've seen on how to make good coffee from home. No "like and subscribe" bullshit, just a soothing voice, quality camera work, commentary, and atmosphere, and a genuine interest in helping others without brand-building and shameless plugs. I just bought a Rok GC espresso maker and grinder. I came here looking for a demonstration of what a good shot looks like, not just the same vague instructions that I've heard from other channels with no proof the shot pulled was actually any good. Thank you so much.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi, Nathan. I appreciate your comment very much. This being my first video, I wasn't sure what kind of reception it would get, but the response has been so positive, and it's very encouraging. I'd like to take this approach to my videos going forward (I'm planning another one now as I'm about to go pick up a ROK Grinder GC from the post office!), so it's really helpful to know that how I've presented things is effective and appreciated. I'll try to do your comment justice moving forward. :) All the best.

[@brandonlee979]

Nathan Greene telling it like it is!!

[@indrahartono6430]

Don:t expect to high to enjoy rich taste of coffee using rokpresso gc. I just bought it..before I buy, I refer to james hoffmann review. After several times, trying to find best ways to get the good result...the outcome is really disappointed. The main issue, is that, there is no enough pressure created by this device..only about 3 bars..how one can expect good espresso quality even close to it. Of course, the result is vary from one to another. One might say I have no experience in pulling a shot and tons of justifications. One may refer to reviews the real sprometheus 'head to head flair pro vs rok gc', Rok vs flair espresso maker' at tv by tom, rok vs flair battle' kopihaii channel..those three gives reliable and balance information about rok, not to mention flair..as I haven't had it yet. For those who just want to having a cup of coffee below par..just bitter taste..you can choose this device..on the other hand, for those who want to enjoy a rich coffee taste..it had better you look around for awhile...find as many testimonies as you can from honest user. Wrong decision can definitely waste money, waste time to do trials and waste your lovely fresh coffee beans. I do hope this commeny is helpful for those who plan to buy manual brewing coffee.

[@feoder1]

There are many videos on KZbin about this Rok Espresso Maker, but your video demonstration is much better than what I have seen so far. Congratulations!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you very much! :)

[@Conservator.]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@DanScrase]

This feels so detailed it's almost a parody! Not sure I'll ever be this keen on making espressos but this is certainly helpful if you want to take things to the furthest point.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

It is indeed a rabbit hole. Glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@dennisb.5279]

Yours probably is the most informative video on the Rok I've seen, and I've seen many, in an effort to pick up a helpful tip or two. I have a Presso, the first version of the Rok, and I keep it in pristine shape. The GC upgrade was a major progressive step in the increase of brewing pressure without the fear of possible coffee explosions. The principle challenge to espresso shots without bitterness in possibly all manual, non-electrically powered espresso machines is sufficient heat regulation. It's not difficult to make crema-laden shots with the Rok; the challenge is achieving all that beauty without bitterness, and that is done through a thorough warming of the machine. I commend you for stressing that very important point.

[@DRxNinja]

I recently bought a Rok GC after being sick of my electric machine clogging up over even the coarsest grinds. So far I haven't gotten a good espresso out of it but now thanks to this video I have began getting some nice shots. It is so nice to have a technique for this machine explained so thoroughly, and the results shown in detail. Thank you for this video!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi Aaron. I'm really glad the video has helped you get some better shots! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@moilami1]

You sir are the master of ROK coffee.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

🙏😁

[@onetwoxplore]

Best tutorial video on this machine. Bought mine 2nd hand for $100. Want to buy upgrade kit from Rok. Hope to learn how to make a good shot to enjoy. Thank you

[@danielenns3588]

Thanks for the video! After several years of brewing espresso with the ROK, I have landed on nearly the exact procedure, coffee to water ratio, and output volume. For me, the scale and timer were essential tools to dial in the shot. I had success with a low cost grinder, like the Hario Mini Mill. One adjustment notch made a huge difference, though, which I was sometimes able to correct by modulating the tamping pressure. Purchasing a better grinder helped with grind size consistency, and final output consistency. This has made the brewing ritual far more enjoyable!

[@wendy1908]

I've had a rok for 10 years but learnt more here and have an even more delicious expression now, thank you from Australia

[@9ooglesuxballs]

I'm the same type of guy - wouldn't call myself a coffee nerd, but I do love drinking a properly made espresso, and I love to tinker, and applying that love to the process of making espresso. I enjoyed the heck out of this video, thanks heaps

[@ardiarfikriarbar7480]

That, sir, is a beautiful cup of espresso!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you!

[@dhletro]

The most convincing video I've found for the ROK. It is now what I will purchase (as I'm wore out with watching videos on manual espresso machines and drooling over the shots). This video presentation plus the smooth, quiet voice and calming music is, for me, like a perfect shot. Glad I found this video and many thanks. ☕🙋‍♂️📖

[@rdcampos1]

This was great!!! I appreciate the level of detail and the camera shots showing exactly what you were talking about. I just recently added a ROK to my collection of coffee gadgets! I will be using the ROK for the first time tomorrow. Thanks again!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Welcome to the ROK community, Rob, and thanks for the kind words. I hope you have fun with it and get some great coffee in the process!

[@snappysounds7702]

As a new Rok user I found your video very informative. Just the right amount of information, delivered well! I think I know now why I haven't yet managed to create an espresso with crema. Now that I am armed with a set of useful tips I'll be able to go off and practice.

[@liammullan2197]

Great video, many thanks. Lovely camera work at the end on the bottomless portafilter. I am just tip-toeing into the world of specialty coffee, with a limited budget, having just bought a 2nd hand rok grinder. I think this video has persuaded me that the rok espresso maker might be my next move - hopefully I can find one 2nd hand like you did.

[@hiflyer53qwc]

As a matter of practice I always take the barometric pressure before brewing. Doing that allows me to determine which of the grinds and grinders that I will use. I find that without that step the final results will be undependable. Thanks for the video. Nice work!

[@frenchlewis8687]

I just found your video (been a long time ROK user). I was happy to see that we independently came up with a very similar workflow. Thank you for a fantastic video.

[@dolcesfogato3223]

cheers, your video made me buy a second hand ROK machine, it changed my espresso-life, especially on the road (holidays), still use it every day, now with the ROK grinder that beats every electric and expensive altetnative, many thanks!

[@barrientoscraig]

Great instructional video mate! I pretty much have the same method, the only difference is that once i lift the arms up, I press down until I feel a wee pressure and hold there for preinfusion. I guess this just helps soak the puck and little better and helps with channelling. But that's my understanding, if any baristas out there want to correct me :) After pre infusion and then lift the arms and go hard. I can notice almost straight away from the pressure if the grind is too course. Would be good if we could tell how close to 9 bars we are getting with our extraction as well. Keep up the great extraction shots!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hey Craig, and thanks for the feedback! Yeah, I tried that a couple of times but never really stuck with it-not sure why, really. I have heard others prefer to do that as well. I would LOVE for ROK to have a pressure gauge upgrade. Maybe in a future update! Thanks once again and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@adamgrubb5081]

@@dhmacdonald8605 I also found just as good results with passive preinfusion. the pressure gauges do exist, I think maybe the first link here is even an official Rok upgrade, hopefully more available soon: www.tokopedia.com/bartman and instagram.com/dr.leva.macchina/ :)

[@dhmacdonald8605]

@@adamgrubb5081 Yes, I checked out the link at the FB group and that looks very promising indeed! It's a logical next step for ROK, I think, as would be an option for a precision basket. There's also this manufacturer, who makes a ROK pressure guage in small batches,as well as some other very nice-looking things: instagram.com/somedaysomehow_project?igshid=rs2mwboiv69w

[@thsmchnslrnng]

Heya! This is one of the best tutorial videos I've ever seen! I totally need to get a ROK. Thanks for sharing this

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hey, thank you so much! I really appreciate that. Let me know if you get one and if you have any questions.

[@martinhayes6845]

We've had a Presso for about 12 years(?) and I just followed their instructions. Thanks for some different ideas and techniques to try out. My coffee doesn't look anywhere as good as yours. Thanks.

[@tracypunshon7100]

I just got the ROK grinder to go with my ROK GC but even down at 1 click (almost the finest) I am getting too much coffee coming through way too fast and no crema. I have had the ROK for several years and I love it, but I am dismayed with the results of the grinder. This is a great video, and has inspired me not to give up.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks so much for the kind comment, Tracy. It's definitely worth pursuing. Since I made this video, I've actually also come to own a Rancilio Silvia espresso machine, and I'm being honest when I say that espresso can be a frustrating endeavor even with an electric machine and grinder. I've never tried the ROK grinder; I was *this* close to buying one, but instead opted for the Baratza grinder you see in this video, mainly because I was tired of hand-grinding each shot with my Hario Skerton Pro. :) I wish I had some experience with it so I could offer something more. Have you tried reaching out to ROK to see if they can offer any assistance? In my experience, they are quite helpful, and they may be able to tell you something about the grinder and its settings that could help. Let me know how you're making out! Feel free to get in touch via Instagram, too, if you use it: @dh_macdonald.

[@sindhujhakumaran]

Yes, I have this problem too. I have had the ROK grinder for a while and recently bought the espresso GC, and so far 1 click is the best setting I could find. As for the crema, I think the tamping affects this a lot. I have seen my shots improve a lot with good tamping, takes a bit of practice.

[@robincooney1263]

By far the best review of the ROK GC I've seen. Thank you.

[@aguywhodoesstuff]

I purchased a Rok GC (Black) and am waiting for it to arrive. Thankyou from Australia for providing something so informative. I think I'm going to try and make a step by step guide to make sure I don't forget a process point. I like the idea of weighing the beans.. I've historically just filled the portafilter on my smeg with whatever looks right.... and whilst its always produced good coffee, I think your method would bring even better consistency

[@deepestsagara]

Finally a beautiful espresso after a long long journey. I bought a new Rok Espresso Maker GC, and tomorrow it should arrive. By watching your video I would understand and lower my expectation for my first shot 😂. Have a great coffee journey mate 👍

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks, Yeremias! I hope you enjoy it. I'm sure you'll be making good shots soon enough. Enjoy the learning process. 👍🏻✌🏻

[@Paul-dn2or]

I'm so excited: just ordered my Rok, will arrive after the weekend. This video is such a great help to prepare myself for what's coming. Thanks!

[@Paul-dn2or]

My new ROK arrived today. The 5th shot started to have a nice crema, and the 6th also a balanced taste, with so much more depth than my 5 times more expensive, full-automatic Siemens espresso machine. Still lots to learn about mastering the ROK (and my new Korean grinder), but getting good espresso on 6 shots is very promising. I could not have done this without your tips, DHM. Sharing this video now with ROK Thailand (the ROK is very popular here, and we even have a ROK CG Pro, with pressure gauge...

[@dennisb.5279]

Yours is probably the most informative video on the proper use of the Rok, and I've seen many in an effort to improve my results. I own a Presso, the first version of the Rok, and it's in pristine condition. Since upgrading my Presso with the GC kit, there is no longer the challenge of sufficient brewing pressure and the constant fear of a coffee explosion in the event I ventured too far. The principle challenge remaining with the Rok and all manual, non-electric espresso machines is heat regulation. It's not difficult to pull gorgeous, crema-laden shots with the Rok; the challenge is achieving it without bitterness, and that can only be done through proper heating of the group head. You stressed that point quite well in your excellent video.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi, D., and thanks for your comments! I loved the GC upgrade. 100% better, I think. Regarding heat regulation, this is the reason I was excited by the launch of the new Flair 58...the built-in heat regulation. It's one of the challenging things about the ROK, but it becomes second-nature with enough practice, as you probably know. I used to wonder how I could do that with the ROK without using water: could I insert some kind of heating element in the water chamber without hurting the unit? Could I get a heating mat for it with a timer so it was already hot when I woke up? In the end, I just used the water from the kettle and rolled with it. :) I like how your two comments are just slightly different from one another...did you have to re-type, thinking one got deleted? :) Thanks again.

[@chebbohagop]

I’m looking at lever-type espresso makers as a gift for my husband - Your video is excellent! Your result is even excellent-er! 😁

[@southernasylum]

I enjoyed this video. I’ve been using the ROK for about a year with varying success. One tip I do is cheat the pre heat. Once my portafilter is loaded and attached I hold the ROL over the sink and pour hot water from the kettle over it from a top angle. This lets the body and the portafilter absorb heat without filling the resivoir and saves from having to do a blank shot. Give it a try. Thanks for the great video!

[@criddyla696]

Excellent video sir, I have the Rok Grinder and I am wondering about getting this, looks good

[@davet9655]

I'm new to the ROK, appreciate your videos honesty; pulling a lot a shots before you perfected to your taste.

[@litestreamer]

Great demo. Great music. Feels like a meditative ritual of espresso awareness..very eye opening!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you very much. Hopefully the mood is not too sedate for the subject matter, but I guess it could be a nice antidote to over-caffeination! :)

[@m_requiem5267]

very informative and helpful video, though i havent own a Rok espresso gc yet but i'd say i'd definitely come back for these tips once i got mine ! thanks mate for the video!

[@rinky_dinky]

this is like a cross between a chef's table documentary and a vice documentary

[@pennyfogel6011]

Very thorough start to finish demo. Thank you.

[@viktorporseschalin5629]

Really well made video! I bought the ROK gc which will arrive in a few days. I´m a total beginner at making espresso with a manual lever machine, so this will be very helpful in getting started :-)

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks, Viktor. Enjoy the many coffees you will drink! I hope you have fun learning. Comment again sometime as you get used to the machine ; I'd love to hear about your progress. Cheers.

[@chrisj2848]

Just got my new ROK. Let the journey begin. Thank you for the great primer 👍

[@dhmacdonald8605]

You're welcome! Good luck and enjoy the espresso!

[@madhupandji5944]

Thanks mate! Good clear instructions, and beautifully shot, well, shots.

[@EnricoCotulelli]

Wonderful description on how to use the Rock.

[@ILT12345]

I got my ROK yesterday, and today I tried 5 times to make it work, but I just can't. Grind sizes that would work on my Flair 58, Pro 2, and Robot, just flows too fast on ROK. I kept grinding finer until it choked on ROK (1 revolution from zero, on my JX-Pro), but then I noticed the water dripping from my portafilter handle. I'm taking a break now and just browsed KZbin with keyword "rok presso no pressure", and stumbled upon your channel. Very good quality content here! I'll try again tomorrow.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you! Any luck since your comment?

[@leandroruilopez8900]

Hello!! I write from Argentina. Your video is excellent!! I can't get that crema. When you grind the coffee beans, how thin do you make it?

[@robertwevans84]

Well done, looks a great shot. Thanks for sharing.

[@VicTaurie]

The best video...clear explanation...i am looking forward to try my ROK out..many thanks!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks, Victoria! I'm happy you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. All the best.

[@FartPanther]

This is great, clear informative and spectacularly beautiful

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Wow, thank you!

[@bobbyb3543]

I dont own a Rok but that was a beautifully done video. Cheers

[@HoonsCoffee]

Well done.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate it.🙂👍🏻

[@astriarianidianisyah9006]

Such a beautifull Crema! I just bought Rok 3 days ago and already tried 3 times and failed :) There are many of videos shared about these, but your video demo waaayy better. I will try it! Thanks Mac, greeting from Indonesia!

[@iamachine92]

would you please update the outcome? would love to hear success stories ! cheers!

[@Freedom89984]

Great vid. For me the quality and freshness of the beans are most important to get a good espresso. You can do everything right, but without the right beans it’s not coming together.

[@akalalutube]

Thank you for a near perfection video - your techniques helped get mine going. I bought the version with the pressure gauge, which helps me hold ~7 bars during the full 30 sec pull. Have you upgraded? Also, I noticed that you pour boiling water into the ROK, and I've been trying 195-205F, and wondered if you've had more success with your technique with the temperature losses that happen inside the ROK.

[@tkd4zgqg]

Great instructions, thank you so much!!! The man who designed the rock also has a KZbin video explaining how to use it. It is different but can provide insight into making a good cup of espresso

[@armandorc]

Thanks a lot for the video, it was very informative and to the point. Also... Great camera work and editing.

[@kurtstruve]

I love this video! It has very clear and straightforward instruction. I would like to see you make a video of your entire process, in real time (one take) to see how long it takes you. I also own a ROK and I'm very happy with it. I'm always trying to improve my results, so I stumbled across your video. Thanks!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you, Kurt! I will keep that in mind. As you can probably tell, I'm not a very prolific KZbinr ;). However, I appreciate the suggestion and will try to get to it someday.

[@ahmettunay1804]

After a long time of making espresso with my single boiler machine I wanted to focus a bit on manual brewig. For making espresso I found 2 options. The Flair and the ROK. Because of the absolutely terrible delivery terms (might be because I am living in Austria) of the Flair the only option was the ROK. Until I saw your video I thought it's imossible to make some nice shots. After watching your video I thought it would be nice to start this 'challenge' and so I bought one. GOOD CONTENT!!!!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi Ahmet. Sorry for the delay in responding to you! I'm really glad if my video helped you decide what machine to get, and I appreciate the kind words. I also really like the challenge the ROK presents. Before I got my ROK, I saw quite a few reviews about how the Flair is better, and while I haven't tried it yet (I hope to someday), I'm really pleased with what the ROK can do and I think it can produce some excellent shots. I'm really fond of it and I'm glad I gave it a shot. How are you progressing? Thanks again.

[@agnaldoFSJ]

Thanks for share your experience.

[@scozember]

Thus is a great video of teaching how to rok. Thank you !

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you very much! I'm happy you enjoyed it. :)

[@afzansa8469]

Thanks, I like the way you describe what you wrote... very helpfull..

[@darlinah8090]

❤❤❤❤ amazing . Love it

[@lordepl]

very good video!

[@istvanhideg5416]

Hello there. Thank You for this honest video on the ROK. I have one question. Does ROK use a 51mm basket? and it seems using a 2 wing portafilter

[@lukefortier1259]

This is really satisfying, thanks for doing the heavy lifting of trial and error. Just got one of these for my birthday and got a lot of questions answered through this video. I am curious though, have you noticed a pattern of how fast any parts wear out? Such as the portafilter basket or the shower screen? Thanks again for the video

[@dhmacdonald8605]

My parts have lasted quite well. I have the competition shower screen now and I imagine it will last quite a long time. The previous ones were also made of durable silicone and lasted well...I never wore one out. The baskets should last for years, I'd think. I have to say that one of the ROK's main pros is that you can easily and fairly inexpensively replace all the moving parts.

[@dukededesmo7717]

You know it's a good video when someone who doesn't drink coffee stuck around for the whole 11 minutes. Fucking hypnotized. This guy just put me in a trance over a coffee machine damn that covid shot fucked me up or this guy is good.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

I'm smiling because I love this comment, and because you got the vaccination. :) Thanks for watching the whole thing and stay healthy!

[@viranjith]

The most excellent video! Thank you

[@goldclip752]

Great vid. Good luck on Your KZbin journey!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks so much, Ray!

[@iamachine92]

excellent video Sir, straight to the point without any narcissistic narration What would've happened if you tamp it harder, like as hard as you possibly could? what would be the outcome? thank you god bless

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi! Thanks for your comment and I'm glad I'm not annoying. :) If you tamped as hard as you could, I imagine that you could potentially have trouble getting any water through the puck at all. At best, you would have a very VERY long pre-infusion and a very long pull. It might taste fantastic, it might taste kind of "meh", and it might be downright horrible. If you have some coffee to spare, try tamping harder, but just don't break your machine. :) Also, keep in mind that forcing the arms down if they don't want to move can make hot water spray out and can lead to injury. Be safe!

[@iamachine92]

@@dhmacdonald8605 injury and water splash never comes into my mind, make sense, will stay away from that. Thank you Sir and have a good day!

[@bobclark4994]

Well presented vid! I have a ROK on order, cant wait.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks very much. That's great! I think quite a few people got one as a gift this year. :)

[@stuartconnon5857]

This was such a brilliant video ! Thank you

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@drewpyper]

Bloody fantastic video. Thank you.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thanks so much!😀

[@manuabecassis]

this is craziness :) thanks for video :)

[@1967davidfitness]

Lovely workflow! But it was only 20 seconds from the moment the coffee dripped into the glass, did you try a little bit finer too? thanks.

[@frankcreamer661]

Wonderful video however, the discharge from my Porto filter is not that steady stream that you show but instead a bit of an uncontrolled flood. Any thoughts?

[@luhandejager1610]

Fantastic video I really want this so bad

[@muddyfunker3014]

Nice video thanks. I just picked one up 2nd hand from FB marketplace yesterday, the black version with a few extras including the naked portafilter, £100 which seems a fair price. I've then gone for a grinder upgrade from timemore c2 to kingrinder k4 I roast my own beans in a popcorn popper 😂 Looks like you've really nailed the process with your set up 👍🏻

[@niekvandenberg205]

Me encanto muy buena calidad el café sabe delicioso

[@Satrio_Piningit_1]

Could you tell me: how many gram coffee and mililitre hot water for each (single) espresso and or doppio (double espresso) to get optimum crema, please?. I just know that we need 11-12 gram for (single) espresso and or 17-18 gram for doppio. I am so sorry that we are not talking about brewing time, tamping, force, grinder size, etc. I just want to know about water compositition that we need it if we want to make single espresso & double espresso (=doppio) in ROK Presso.

[@nathansmith8312]

I just found this and after about 4 years with my ROK I scrounged up off eBay then have been updating it to the same set up you have. I'm curious however, what is the scale you are using if you don't mind?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi Nathan. This scale is just a inexpensive one from Amazon but doesn't work anymore. I've since gotten an Acaia Lunar, but there are many more decent scale options these days. I found that having one that's spillproof is a good idea for working with liquids. 😁

[@nurebad]

The art of manual brew.. I'm the user of rok for 1 wedk from now.. And it took time for the perfect espresso.. But if you brew and try and it better and better every you brew..

[@rosehernandez5927]

Thanks for the great information.

[@ahmadimanimustafa1556]

thanks for this video!!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@menelaos951]

Very nicely done!! I was surprised that your process is essentially identical to the one I eventually arrived at after playing with my RokGC for a while. The only major difference is I am duplicating what Flair described on the their www site for their manual espresso maker. I actually press down (lightly) during the pre-infusion phase, which you could easily monitor as you have the naked portafilter. After about 15 seconds of light pressure on the handles, I increase the pressure till I get liquid flowing into the cup. It is important to not release the pressure on the handles between the two phases. Just a thought, you clearly have a solid process which produces very good results!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Much appreciated, thank you! I've actually been using light pressure for my preinfusions, too. 😊

[@kamrankhaleeli9087]

Fantastic review. Thank you!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you, Kamran!

[@tobytheone8596]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@coffeeblogua]

Thanks for sharing. It would be great to have some understanding of how hard should you press. I know, that it could be done by practice and you can easily spot visually, will shot be good or not. But in your experience, what it feels like?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hello, and I'm very sorry for the late reply. When pressing, I look for a fair bit of resistance: enough that you have to exert effort to press, but not enough that you are straining. If you press and nothing is coming out, it's advisable to not force it, and you should try a coarser grind. There should be a slow and steady downward movement in the ROK's arms, maybe about 1-2 centimetres per second, and you're looking for the press to take roughly between 25 and 30 seconds, give or take a few seconds, from when you start the press to when you reach your target weight in the glass. I wish I could say "exert X force on the arms," but I'm afraid practice (and your tastebuds) will be the best guide. You will eventually get a feel for what is right. I've gotten to the point where I know if I have close to the right grind from how the press feels in the first few seconds...you will, too. :) Good luck

[@PasqualeGalasso]

Ciao è passato molto tempo da quando hai fatto questo video. Rok è ancora la tua macchina manuale preferita? Aiutami a capire se Flair o Cafelat Robot possono essere migliori o peggiori, il tuo video mi fa andare verso Rok.

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Ciao, Pasquale. Purtroppo non ho provato nessuna delle altre macchine manuali, anche se mi piacerebbe provarle tutte. Suggerisco di fare molte ricerche online, guardare molti video di KZbin e pensare a cosa vuoi ottenere con il tuo espresso. Penso che tutte le macchine possano funzionare bene, ma non ho l'esperienza per consigliarle una rispetto all'altra. Vorrei poterti essere di più aiuto, ma grazie per la tua domanda!

[@PasqualeGalasso]

Many thanks 🙏

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, Wonderful video dear. I enjoyed watching. Hope to see you soon...

[@stevenpyl4313]

Hi, I have a new Rok but when i make an espresso I don’t have any pressure at all. Whit my old one I did press just enough and I wait 12 sec and then I press so the water came out. But now I put the arms up and there already drips coffee out. Can you help me please?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi Steven. I'm wondering if everything is seated correctly in the assembly: shower screen is properly in place, etc. Perhaps try to check that? If it's not that, I know ROK has great service, so you may wish to contact them directly in case there is a malfunction, or see if you can find a troubleshooting guide. Sorry I can't be of more help, but I hope you can get it solved. Let me know how you get on!

[@stevenpyl4313]

@@dhmacdonald8605 thanks but the ring is at the right place. I bought it on a secondhands app. The guy who sold it say’s a new machine… it looks like it’s new too. The guy said maybe old beans ( the beans are 4monds old.) I’ll try with new beans.

[@runner2345]

Thank you for the great video! what is the burr grinder model name??

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Thank you! The grinder is a Baratza Sette 30, but I replaced the adjustment assembly with the one for the Baratza Sette 270.

[@IvanZehirov]

I can't get the foam to flow. Maybe it's from the coffee I use pre-ground in a bag.

[@michel.adrien]

Yep, try freshly grinded beans instead (but you need a good grinder)

[@websobreruedas]

muy bueno el video, me ayudo un monton !!! voy a seguir tus consejos y practicarlo con la rok, nose donde comprar el portafiltro abierto, tu podrias decirme ? alguna oferta por amazon?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Assuming that you found one by now, but I would recommend trying to find your local distributor, because then you can be sure it will be the correct size.

[@PositivelyNice]

Thank you for this!

[@michaelfreeman2399]

Very enjoyable video! I havent been sure whether to pull the trigger and get one of these, but I am eager to learn and the price point gets me. Do you think I would regret it? Thank you!

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hmm, that's hard to say for someone else! :) I didn't regret it, that's for sure. If it's kept in good shape, which isn't too hard to do, you can always re-sell if you don't really think you'll use it much or if you want to try a different machine. I got mine second-hand. I found the ROK is a great device for learning about making espresso and figuring out what you like and don't like. If you're eager to learn, you might really like it! Thank you!

[@IvanZehirov]

thank you

[@robotinthebrain]

I am getting the crema with wacaco pump but not the rok. Though the taste is a little more genuine than the one from wacaco

[@Matt_J95a]

Unintentional ASMR :)

[@zoltankarolyi9226]

'This is the way'

[@Thelivewire64]

I've had it from new for about 18 months. Mostly nice espresso. Maybe my grinder (it's old) doesn't produce consistent small enough grind. But I just don't get the amount of crema you have. I use specifically sourced beans mostly (various roasters), though I have used supermarket beans. Also I have a different portafilter. Maybe I should try the one in the video?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

If it's old, you might first want to consider whether a new burr would help. They do wear out with age. It could be that it's not an espresso-geared grinder, in which case, yes, something designed with espresso in mind might be a good way to go. The one I use in the video (the Baratza Sette 30 with the added-on adjustment assembly from the Sette 270) is a great entry-level espresso grinder , but there are others that may compare in the same prince range. You could also consider the Comandante C40 with the "red clix" add on, which gives you a greater number of grind sizes that go into the espresso range. However, although it's a great grinder, it's a manual grinder, and that's a lot of grinding by hand. Something to keep in mind.

[@jakobw135]

What is the hot water chamber on top made of? Is it available in stainless steel, or brass or copper? How does this compare to the cafelat robot? Can a pressure gauge be added to this?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

The chamber is made of what ROK calls glass composite, hence the "GC" in the name. So, something like a fibreglass. I haven't used a Cafelat Robot, so unfortunately, I can't compare them. In certain markets, ROK has a pressure gauge version available. For example, see: cafune.ca/products/rok-espresso-gc-pro?_pos=1&_sid=73d1df7a0&_ss=r If you're handy, you can add one on your own. :)

[@american1911]

I own the All-Clad version. It’s the ROK predecessor from the early 2000’s. May I join?

[@kohitone4065]

Very informative video tutorial, you did a great job! but I'm still not sure whether to buy a rok presso or a flair pro 2. can rok presso make a great shot?? I've seen a lot of videos that say that the quality of the shots produced by the flair is better than the rok presso. So what do you think?

[@dhmacdonald8605]

I think the ROK can make a a great shot; however I will fully admit that it can take time to get used to and to produce those. Unfortunately, I've never had the chance to try the Flair Pro 2, so I can't really give my opinion on it. I think any espresso setup can be challenging in its own way, and it takes work to understand the process. I've certainly heard great things about the Flair Pro 2, and with the pressure gauge, you might find it allows you to more easily replicate your shots from one to the next since you can use the pressure as a guide--this may or may not be important to you, but it would be a major consideration for me if I were purchasing another manual espresso maker. A pressure gauge is on my wish list for future ROK versions! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@swedishdad]

Wonderful tutorial. Do you still use the ROK? I've been wondering whether it works well for turbo shots

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi! I still use it occasionally, but never really tried the turbo shot thing. I'll have to do so sometime soon, as I feel like the ROK might handle those quite well. Thanks for your comment!

[@balongfish]

Hey I have some issue, so I found the perfect grind setting for my beans and able to get the perfect shot in around 30 seconds but 2 weeks later using the same beans and grind settings suddenly the espresso flow became faster only takes less than 20s..

[@dhmacdonald8605]

Hi Samuel! My guess is that your beans have simply aged a bit since you last made espresso. It's normal that they would lose some of their moisture over this time, and this would change the type of grind you need to get the same shot time. Storing the beans in an airtight container might help to slow down the loss of moisture and keep them fresher longer. You can try grinding finer and probably get close to same extraction time again. I hope that's helpful!