Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine Review

Learn about the Rocket Appartamento TCA. The new updated "TCA" version of Rocket Espresso's popular machine uses PID regulation in 4 temperature ranges. It features an undeniably cool new design of the classic E61 brew group, new portafilter design, 1.8 liter stainless steel heat-exchange boiler, updated case work, customizing options and a steam tip we're in love with.
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Products
Rocket Appartameto TCA w/Flow Control - Black and Copper: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Rocket Appartameto TCA w/Flow Control - White: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
BWT Water Filters
Aqualizer Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Bestsave in reservoir pad filter: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Sexy Design/History
02:27 New E61/TCA/PID
03:08 Brew Temperatures
04:10 Temperature Tests
05:46 Steaming Tests
06:56 New Steam Tip
07:37 Internal Components
09:46 Water & Filtration
11:58 Flow Control
13:34 Flow Rates
14:14 Exterior Design
14:42 Portafilters
15:20 In the Box
15:39 Final Thoughts
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[@Wholelattelovepage]

Correction on boiler material: Boiler is copper and coated with Tea B technology developed by an Italian company: teaplus.it/en/index.html The hot line copper pipes are treated with the same technology. The product is NSF safe.

[@wisruteb]

Great updated features, and a very informative video review! Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Our pleasure!

[@Coffeeinthusiast]

Rocket Appartamento will always have a special place in my heart as that was my first machine, which I used for several years and produced very good coffee. Since then I have moved on to an ECM Synchronika and been enjoying it very much. Thanks to Marc for always providing great and informative reviews!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi i, You're welcome and I appreciate your sharing! Marc

[@tatemazer]

Wow there's a lot of hidden updates here! New Steam tip, new unpainted solid frame, and insulated stainless boiler are all exciting updates that others have missed. Love how thorough you guys are.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

hi tm, yes there are and thanks for the kind words! Marc

[@Ali_nejatemin]

Yeah, I own the exact same one. I haven’t even noticed most of the new features lol.

[@vittorioascani5615]

The boiler is not stainless steel but coated and treaded copper. Rocket have producing machines with this coating for a couple of years at least.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@vittorioascani5615 Thankjs for that. I did pin this comment a few weeks ago with that correction: Correction on boiler material: Boiler is copper and coated with Tea B technology developed by an Italian company: teaplus.it/en/index.html The hot line copper pipes are treated with the same technology. The product is NSF safe.

[@ozpain1]

Awesome vid! Loved this!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey oz, thanks for the comment! Marc

[@Maybaby1959]

The updates on this machine are excellent. The price reflects this.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Mb, thanks for the comment! Marc

[@user-id2ue9wz7k]

انا حقاً استفدت كثيرا من فيديوهاتك الرائعة ، شكرا جزيلا لك 🌹🌹.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

شكرا على تعليقك! Thanks for your comment! Translation: I really benefited a lot from your wonderful videos, thank you very much

[@ay735]

Hey there! What an in-depth look. This would be incredibly handy as a purchasing consideration. Can the Rocket accept ECM Quick Steam valve assembly?

[@Kats072307]

I’m looking forward for the Rocket Biccoca

[@bertraminc9412]

Great video Mark... still deciding on a top tier machine. The Rocket R Nine One is my current choice but this one has me intrigued now. Might have to call you for a chat.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Right on!

[@Kats072307]

Fantastic video Marc. Just one request for your review videos. Add a 30 seconds espresso brew, in order for us to hear the pump noise

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Kats. Thanks for the comment! Your request is noted! Pump noise is inline with other vibe pump machines. Marc

[@user-id5eu6vd4z]

Merci Mick

[@RandomWalker1995]

Looking forward to comparison with ecm profitec and lelit

[@loiccavalie6187]

Thank you for this great review. Saw at 4:38 that pressure is pretty stable at 9 bars. Did you set it or this is the value out of the box (as the previous Appartamento was known to be closer than 11/12 bars out of the box) ? Thank you for your time.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi l, you are welcome and thanks for the comment and question. That was an out of the box result. Brew pressure was not adjusted prior to testing. Note the reading shown on the TPD is pressure in the portafilter during a simulated extraction. If one were to measure a static pressure with no simulation of the extraction pressure would be a bit higher. Marc

[@loiccavalie6187]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank your for your reply !

[@syuwono]

For the flow control, is it included ? Checked the product brochure and didn’t see it installed thanks for the great video

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi s, You're welcome and thank you for the comment and question. Flow control on the ATCA is a custom option we install. It may not be available from other retailers: www.wholelattelove.com/products/rocket-espresso-appartamento-tca-espresso-machine-with-flow-control-black-and-copper Also available without flow control: www.wholelattelove.com/products/rocket-espresso-appartamento-tca-espresso-machine-copper Marc

[@nickshay82]

Fantastic video, thank you! This narrows the gap between the Appartamento TCA and the Mozzafiato. Other than aesthetics what should I consider to help decide between the two? E.g. Is the rotary pump worth the upgrade?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey ns, You're welcome! The Rotary pump version of Mozzafiato is plumbable direct to waterline. Of course the rotary pump has a more pleasant sound and has higher potential flow rate than a vibe pump. Also has a shot clock, dual gauges and degree by degree control of temps via the PID controller hidden behind the drip tray. It's also available now with flow control from us: www.wholelattelove.com/products/rocket-espresso-mozzafiato-cronometro-r-nera-espresso-machine-with-flow-control Hope that helps! Marc

[@desun75]

The machine is excellent! A hidden shot clock would've been a nice upgrade like their other machines.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi d, took them a long time to put the clocks on even their higher-end rotary pump machines. Marc

[@Gaggiaclassic]

Hi Mark, does it already come pre set at a 9 bar or we need to have it adjusted from out of the box? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Gc, thanks for the question. The machine comes out of the box set for proper pressure in the group during an actual extraction. I made no OPV adjustments on the machine in the video. Note the pressure reading during my temperature test using the TPD device showing ~9 bar during a simulated extraction. Marc

[@back_to_the_bike8820]

thanks for this video! always top-notch! I've owned an Appartamento Rocket for almost 6 years (it will be 6 years in April). I wanted to equip it with a Flow Control system, but a professional told me this: "With the Rocket machines, you have to be a little careful, because the pressure trumpet is made of ceramic. This results in a high resistance to deposits, but the trumpets are somewhat sensitive." Was this warning valid, and if so, does it change with the new appartamento? Thank you for your help.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi bttb, You are welcome and thanks for the question! Also, thanks for sharing re. your Appartamento. The stock E61 Mushroom (trumpet) in Rocket machines I've used for a number of years now are ceramic. Helps with metal flaking that used to happen with old plated mushrooms and resists scale. But, they are brittle - so you don't want to drop on floor etc. The flow control we install in the Appartamento TCA and every FC I've used from other. manufacturers is metal, stainless steel and completely replaces the ceramic part in the Appartamento's group so no worries. Hope that helps! Marc

[@back_to_the_bike8820]

@@Wholelattelovepage yes, thank you very much!

[@Maybaby1959]

Great vid Marc. Question I picked up another machine from you. The Bezzera matrix. Question. What is optimum tds for the copper water and should I use tap with bwt pitcher and lime ale pouch for tank or Poland spring in bwt pitcher plus pouch. I’m downstate from you in Westchester so my water hardness is 250 with out pitcher and when run through pitcher about 150 or so. Thank you much.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi May, Thanks for the comment and question. If that 150 out of the pitcher is TDS then it's measuring all minerals and calcium portion is low enough for no scale. You should be all set with tap water and pitcher with no need for bottled water or pouches.

[@user-be9ge8se9w]

What if your using RO water with TDS of 80 ppm would the machine recognize it?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@user-be9ge8se9w Yes, 80ppm should be fine!

[@phillydelphia83]

Marc do you know if the flow control kits will be available seperately and compatible with the Giotto/mozzafiato v?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey p83, we do offer the Mozzafiato V with flow control so it's compatible. We currently do not offer the FC individually but if you purchased the machine from us you can check with our sales team here for availability: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us Marc

[@Jaimel0l]

Would you recommend the Appartamento TCA over other machines at this price such as the Lelit Mara X, Profitec Pro 500 PID etc?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi J, thanks for the question. It really comes down to what's important to you. All the machines you mention are very capable. And there are others like the Profitec Pro 400 and the ECM Mechanika VI Slim which operate with PID controlled temperature presets similar to the TCA. For some it may be a style choice. For others it's price, customizing options, size, accessories, etc. Maybe a shot clock and brew pressure gauge are important to you. Hope that helps! Marc

[@Oran_h]

I just received the ecm mechanika vi slim 2 weeks ago and it’s amazing! Not a lot of reviews online but I think it’s incredible, nice size, and amazing results pairing it with the eureka mignon specialita

[@Maybaby1959]

Marc I spoke to you before about my water my Poland when I run through bwt is about 43 ppm and slightly alkaline. Is that to low. My tap water through bwt is about 140 ppm. I know you said before that the tap through bwt and pouch in tank is good. Should I just go for Poland or stay with tap. If I do plumb machine I would still be using Poland or tap. Or would you recommend when I plumb to run through filter? Thanks for advice.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey May, 43ppm is on the low side but not concerning. The 140 through the BWT is fine. For both of those ppm readings understand you're likely measuring all the minerals in the water (and maybe other dissolved solids as well). We're really only concerned with the calcium level and at your ppm's it's very unlikely there's enough calcium in the water to cause scale. You do not need to use the BWT pitcher and Bestsave pouch together. Not going to hurt anything but both are not needed. If you plumb the machine I recommend using tap water and the BWT Bestmax premium inline filter. Marc

[@Maybaby1959]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thank u much marc

[@user-rg8vo2jy9v]

Hey Marc, I’m have a difficult time choosing an espresso machine. What would your top 3 PID with E61 be at the 1500 to 2300 range

[@Wholelattelovepage]

HI u, The Profitec Pro 500 is the most popular machine in that range with full PID control. Profitec Pro 500: www.wholelattelove.com/products/profitec-pro-500-pid-espresso-machine-with-flow-control Bezzera Aria: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bezzera-aria-pid-espresso-machine-with-flow-control-black-with-rosewood Bezzera Magica: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bezzera-magica-pid-espresso-machine Hope that helps! Marc

[@user-rg8vo2jy9v]

Thanks 👍

[@manish4777]

Can you tell whats the default temperature settings when you unbox.and what the temoerature of water coming out of it and temperature of espresso shot?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi m, Thanks for the question. As I recall the machine was set to the medium setting out of the box (2 flashes in programming mode) which gives in portafilter brew temp of 200F/93C during simulated extraction as shown in the video. Temperature of espresso shot is determined by local variables like ambient temperature, cup temperature, length of shot, etc. Hope that helps! Marc

[@thetonymachado]

This is a very interesting machine. I noticed on the website there are a lot of reviews. However, the machine is relatively new and some of the reviews are pretty old. Are the reviews for the older Apartamento accidentally showing up for the TCA on your website?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey TM, Thanks for the comment and question - yes, those reviews from previous version.

[@thetonymachado]

Why leave them up? It’s very misleading. WLL are a good company, I know that’s not your intent but it should be corrected.

[@thetonymachado]

Why leave them up? It’s very misleading. WLL are a good company, I know that’s not your intent but it should be corrected.

[@shotowong8866]

I don't think it's correct to say that the Appartamento TCA has PID. It has temperature adjustment control, but this is not achieved via a PID. It's achieved via pressure adjustments. Even the Rocket site doesn't mention PID. The Espresso Coffee Shop from Italy indicates it doesn't have a PID.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi s, The original Appartamento was a pressurestat controlled machine. On the new TCA version there is no pressure measuring device on the boiler. I did show the temperature probe here in this video. It's the black wire with gray cap entering the side of boiler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqa2pYuHZ8aiga8si=JhW9D51ujaicWTnu&t=508 Many familiar with PID are used to machines which have degree by degree adjustment of temperature so this setup is a little different with temperature ranges.

[@manish4777]

mark tell me one thing .My TCA after waiting for 20-25 minutes after turning it on Water comes at temperature of 82-85°c in the pre warmed shot glass. So is it ok?.considering it is in medium settings (default setting / out of the box haven't changed anything)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi m, The medium setting should produce about 93C in the portafilter during an extraction. Cooling to 80 - 85C in the cup sounds about right. I'd expect a drop of at least 5C if measuring directly in stream of espresso as it drips from portafilter. And that's a temp read by a fast acting technical temperature probe. So larger difference if measuring an in cup temperature with a more standard type of thermometer. I hope that helps! Marc

[@manish4777]

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks a lot. Yes indeed it helped a lot.

[@aniketphatak2829]

Hi Marc, Could you kindly tell me what is the default brew pressure without flow control on this machine ? Is it 9 bars out of factory ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi ap, sure! As seen on the Pesado TPD device during the temperature tests in this video pressure in the portafilter ranged from 8.5-9.5 bar when tuned to simulate an extraction. Marc

[@aniketphatak2829]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks Marc ! I am in process of getting a new espresso HX and facing a dilemma with Appartamento TCA and Mechanika SLIM VI. Can you help me make that choice please !

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@aniketphatak2829 It may come down to the style you prefer. The machines are fairly similar. The Slim VI has a 3 way switch to select temps while the TCA has 4 presets selected by moving the group lever while in programming mode. On either machine, I think most users will only use 2 of the presets. The Slim has a pre-infusion mode and a brew pressure gauge not found on the Appartamento. Here's my in-depth video on the Mechanika kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJPKdIiVnd-sesU Hope that helps! Marc

[@aniketphatak2829]

@@Wholelattelovepage Hi Marc, Thank you for the insights, also I heard that Mechanika Slim and Profitect 400 had some issues with the rubber gasket breaking when the steam valves are over tightened. Does that issue still persist ? or would you suggest investing some extra and going for Mechanika Max ?

[@SamPosten]

Hey did you see you guys were tagged in True Detective? :)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

No, what do you mean? I’m currently binging TD

[@PanzerIV88]

Very good looking machine, probably the sexiest I've seen! Go figure however why their most beautifully designed machines are their least good (-_-) I wish I could have that look on my 2019's Rocket R58 but there's no way I will be trading performance and quality in exchange of a nicer look. It's also goddamn time that they finally add a PID which the first one should have already, but not only this comes like 10 years too late after the entire competition... it comes at an extra cost of +300$CAD which ain't nothing considering Rocket was probably already the priciest Heat Exchanger with the least good price/quality ratio compare to all ECM, Profitec, Lelit, etc. I've installed a Flow Control on my R58 and ended up never using it. I find the one on the Bianca V3 I also bought, much more user-friendly but still never use it. I'm realllly not a fan of the "no screen at all". At the very least they could have hidden it into the drip tray like they did on the Mozzafiato which I used to have. I hated that but at least there was a way I could precisely see AND adjust the temperature rather than some blinking lights which you have to guess. Otherwise, the (Lelit MaraX) I bought for my GF is a better value imo for something with a similar concept and it has a dual-PID with a "Steam vs Coffee Priority" feature which is very clever for a Heat Exchange machine. Nice review though, WLL makes the best out there on KZbin!

[@johnswicegood7000]

Do I need this machine at home?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey john, for sure it's wonderfully compact and "sexy"! Marc

[@coreano77]

Hello Marc, the truth is that I'm a little confused. I love the apartment. I was about to buy the last one and this new TCA comes out and I just fell in love. Only that watching different videos and comments I'm disappointed by what they say about this new TCA and I don't know if it's the right thing to buy it. Since, as we well know, it is not a very cheap machine. I want a machine that is good, that lasts a long time and that is worth what it costs, do you think that this machine is really worth it or what machine would you recommend to me? I wouldn't like to buy it and that a month it comes out that it's the worst rocket in the world hahahaha. Another question, if you had the money in your hands, would you buy this TCA? Or which machine would you buy?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi c, The Appartamento TCA is a good, well built and striking machine. The look of the group is very unique. It should be as reliable as similar competing machines so long as you feed it good water and do the routine maintenance. The only real knock I've seen on the machine is a slightly longer heat up time than other similar E61 group machines. Very easy to deal with that using a smart plug so you can schedule on/off times. It may come down to a style preference like having the "port hole" color options on the Appartamento TCA. The closest competing machine is the Profitec Pro 400: www.wholelattelove.com/products/profitec-pro-400-espresso-machine-in-matte-black-with-flow-control-and-walnut The Pro 400 is currently priced lower than the TCA. Instead of adjusting temps using the lever programming of the TCA the Pro 400 has a 3 position switch. Some may find the switch easier to use. The TCA has 4 temperature presets and the Pro 400 has 3. If you do a lot of milk drinks, the frothing on the TCA is slightly more powerful (even at lower temps) than the Pro 400 so that might be a consideration. I honestly don't see myself changing temperature settings very often so If going for a style statement I'd go with the TCA. If looking for similar capabilities at lower price I'd go with the 400. Hope that helps! Marc

[@coreano77]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks marc🙏🏼

[@moealyasini2784]

@@Wholelattelovepagedoes the Profitec Pro 400 have PID? Are we comparing apples to apples ?

[@edwts]

It's a good machine, but in my opinion you better off with the profitec pro 400.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi ed, Thanks for sharing your opinion. The Pro 400 is a fine machine with similar capabilities. Marc

[@bobok760]

e61 machines takes tons of time to heat up, look at Ascaso machines with thermoblocks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi b, Thanks for the comment. Not familiar with those but in my experience with appliance grade machine's using thermoblocks they have poor thermal characteristics, inconsistent brew temps, lower steaming power, unheated group heads/portafilters.

[@bobok760]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks, it has integrated PID and preinfusion timer, there is also interesting machine Quickmill Luna or Sunny

[@edwardkim1349]

[@sdufg]

i thought HX machines didn't need PID....they were supposed to be stable by HX design.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi s, HX machines without PID that run on pressurestats for temperature control operate in a wider swing of temps in the boiler. Some machines of that type are better than others but most will require a fairly aggressive cooling flush if on and idle for long periods. Marc

[@stephan3077]

The Swiss Kaffeemacher team just published very extensive test results for this machine. The temperature tests are *very* disappointing. It takes this machine 42 minutes to get up to temp! It's 2024, Rocket can't do better than that?? The original model was better!

[@PhuPhillipeTran]

@Wholelattelovepage could you confirm these results? The review was pretty devastating for the TCA.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi s, I cannot confirm/deny the 42 minute heat up time. I did not test for that. I have tested other E61 group machines in the past and found full temperature stability reached (by measuring group surface temp) at 28 to 35 minutes. If it's an extra 10 minutes I would not consider that devastating. Those concerned with heat up time should go with a smart plug or similar so any E61 machine is heated and ready to go when needed. There are E61 machines like the Profitec Drive which have fast heating modes using brew boiler overheat plus a flush and non-E61 electrically heated groups like Bezzera's BZ which can be ready to brew sooner. Marc

[@c0mbat15]

Wow! How much electricity will you use per year heating it for a coffee in the morning and a coffee at lunch? It would likely cost a fortune?

[@jjlad5037]

No thanks...I come from the school of KISS. I'll stick to my Pavoni.