THE BEST ROCKET ESPRESSO MACHINES: 6 TOP MODELS AND REVIEWS

Rocket espresso machines stand out for their stunning good looks, but it’s what’s inside these top six models that impresses!

Rocket espresso machines make fantastic espresso and cafe drinks thanks to a marriage of classic design and cutting-edge features. Their incredible style is only the cherry on top.

In this round-up, I’ll look at six of the best Rocket Espresso models this year, including some of the finest espresso machines on the market. Each has a unique selling point, so one will surely meet your needs.

The 6 Best Rocket Espresso Machines in 2026

Ready to learn all about the top six Rocket machines this year? Let’s start with short reviews highlighting the special aspects of each. No matter your budget, space, or performance demands, there’s a perfect model for you.

image	product	details
Best Overall Best Overall	R58 Cinquantotto	Dual boiler 1.8 L steam, 0.58 L brew Rotary	CHECK PRICE
Best Heat Exchange Machine Best Heat Exchange Machine	Cronometro Evoluzione Type R	Heat exchange 1.8 L Rotary	CHECK PRICE
Great Value Great Value	Cronometro Type V	Heat exchange 1.8 L Vibration	CHECK PRICE
Best for Small Spaces Best for Small Spaces	Rocket Appartamento TCA	Heat exchange 1.8 L Vibration	CHECK PRICE
Best For Travel Best For Travel	Porta Via	Heat exchanger 1.2 L Vibration	CHECK PRICE
Best Commercial Espresso Machine Best Commercial Espresso Machine	R9 Two-Group	Multi boiler 9 L steam boiler, 1.9 L brew boiler per group Rotary	CHECK PRICE

Best Overall

1. R58 Cinquantotto

• Boiler style: Dual boiler

• Boiler size: 1.8 L steam, 0.58 L brew
• Pump type: Rotary
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 15” x 12” x 17”
• Water tank capacity: 85 ounces

SEE ON CHRIS COFFEE

The R58 Cinquantotto (cinquantotto is Italian for 58) is a new-and-improved version of this semi-automatic espresso machine, a longtime favorite among serious espresso enthusiasts. 

The R58 offers much of what you would expect from a premium prosumer machine. It’s a dual boiler, with the two copper boilers independently controlled by PID and a classic E61 group head (1). A commercial-grade rotary pump means you can run it from its internal water reservoir or plumb directly to a water line.

Like most of Rocket’s line-up, this model includes their patented dual pre-infusion system, which uses a chamber and a mechanical piston to saturate the puck better and improve extraction (2). But the Cinquantotto also includes some impressive upgrades you might not expect.

It’s operated via a color touchscreen, making it easy and intuitive to use. You can program and monitor boiler temperatures and even set it to turn on at a particular time – a basic feature sorely lacking from many high-end machines. 

Cleverly, the touchscreen can be removed when not in use, demonstrating Rocket’s commitment to maintaining the traditional look of this stainless steel machine.

Want to learn more? Read my complete Rocket R58 review.

Best Heat Exchange Machine

2. Cronometro Evoluzione Type R

• Boiler style: Heat exchange

• Boiler size: 1.8 L
• Pump type: Rotary
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 15.74” x 11” x 16.73”
• Water tank capacity: 98 ounces

SEE ON SEATTLE COFFEE GEAR

The Cronometro Type R is Rocket’s higher-end heat exchange machine, featuring much of the same technology afforded the more expensive dual boilers. 

Like the Cinquantotto, it’s a semi-automatic espresso machine with a PID temperature controller and a rotary pump – hence the “Type R.” It also has the same E61 group head featuring the special dual pre-infusion chamber to ensure a flavorful extraction (3). 

The Cronometro lacks a fancy touchscreen, but you can program the boiler temperature using the PID controller, and two pressure gauges keep you informed. The PID display is tucked away behind the drip tray in keeping with the Rocket aesthetic.

Previous versions of this model were called the Evoluzione. The major update to this latest edition is an automatic shot timer, which is why it is now called the Cronometro (or, occasionally, in North America, the Timer).

This machine is available in two styles, Mozzafiato and Giotto, differing only in aesthetics. The Mozzafiato has classic straight sides, and the Giotto has angled side panels for a more modern look.

For more details, check out my in-depth Rocket Giotto review.

Great Value

3. Cronometro Type V

• Boiler style: Heat exchange

• Boiler size: 1.8 L
• Pump type: Vibration
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 15.75” x 13.19” x 16.53”
• Water tank capacity: 98 ounces

SEE ON SEATTLE COFFEE GEAR

Cronometro Type V is the vibratory pump version of the Cronometro Type R; thus, the R and V designations. It is available with either the Giotto or Mozzafiato design like the Type R.

It shares many of the same features as the Type R model, including the 1.8 L copper heat exchange boiler, updated E61 group with dual pre-infusion, and PID control of temperature (4). Given all that, it is just as capable as the Type R when it comes to producing delicious espresso, but without the rotary pump, it is several hundred dollars less expensive. That’s why we think it’s an incredible value.

True to its Cronometro name, Type V includes a subtle shot timer that activates automatically when the pump kicks in. It also offers the rest of the classic Rocket aesthetic, including height-adjustable feet, the R-logo knob on the stainless steel steam wand, a pressure gauge, a hidden PID display, and a mirror-finish stainless steel casing.

For more details about this great machine, read our full Rocket Mozzafiato review.

Best for Small Spaces

4. Rocket Appartamento TCA

• Boiler style: Heat exchange

• Boiler size: 1.8 L
• Pump type: Vibration
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 14” x 10.7” x 17.6”
• Water tank capacity: 84.5 ounces

SEE ON SEATTLE COFFEE GEAR

The Rocket Appartamento quickly became one of the brand’s top sellers upon its release in 2016, thanks to its compact size, affordable price tag, and beautiful design. In 2024, Rocket added the Appartamento TCA to the line, making a good thing even better!

It also features a few noteworthy build quality and aesthetic upgrades, though the beloved laser-cut side panels remain.

The Rocket Appartamento is a heat exchange machine with a vibratory pump, and despite being just over 10 inches wide, it has the same 1.8-liter boiler as the Cronometro models. The internals have been thoughtfully engineered to maximize space, and the capacity of the water reservoir has been reduced slightly. 

The Appartamento TCA has the same advanced E61 grouphead as the larger models, so you can pull the same high-quality espresso using dual pre-infusion. It just lacks the shot timer and PID controller. 

If you’re not interested in temperature control, the base model Appartamento is still available and will save you a few hundred bucks. But personally, I think the TCA upgrade is worthwhile.

Want to learn more? Check out my Rocket Appartamento TCA review.

Best for Travel

5. Porta Via

• Boiler style: Heat exchanger

• Boiler size: 1.2 L
• Pump type: Vibration
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 21.7” x 9.2” x 17.5”
• Water tank capacity: 98 ounces

SEE ON MY ESPRESSO SHOP

The Porta Via is a unique espresso machine that I definitely won’t claim is right for everyone. In fact, I’d venture its target market is relatively small. But for those who want a fully portable prosumer espresso machine that doesn’t skimp on functionality, it’s the only game in town.

This Porta Via was designed for travel, but only for specific types of travel. I’m not talking about backpacking here; it weighs about 70 pounds. However, it packs away into a hard shell case that makes it easy to take in your car or RV, and it’s even designed so that you can put it away while still warm.

What distinguishes Porta Via from the myriad other “travel” espresso makers out there is that it has the components of a high-end espresso machine. That means a PID-controlled heat exchange boiler, an E61 group, and an Ulka vibration pump. It even has a 2.9 L water reservoir.

I wouldn’t call this a travel espresso machine as much as a great espresso machine that happens to be packable. If a vacation just isn’t a vacation without the guarantee of the perfect espresso, this is the machine for you. 

For more, read my full Rocket Porta Via review.

Best Commercial Espresso Machine

6. R9 Two-Group

• Boiler style: Multi boiler

• Boiler size: 9 L steam boiler, 1.9 L brew boiler per group
• Pump type: Rotary
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 19.6” x 29.9” x 23.2”
• Water tank capacity: n/a

SEE ON CHRIS COFFEE

The Rocket R9 is one of the more high-tech commercial espresso machines on the market, capable of delivering shot after perfect shot of espresso even in high-volume situations. It is available with two, three, or four group heads, though in my experience, it’s efficient enough that even a mid-sized cafe could get by with the two-group model.

What sets the R9 apart from many other commercial espresso machines is that it is a multi-group dual boiler machine instead of the more common HX design. The groups share a single large steam boiler but have independent coffee boilers. And each coffee boiler has its own PID controller.

The group heads are a saturated design rather than the more common E61. Saturated groups are more expensive but offer improved temperature stability. They tend to be found on higher-end brands like La Marzocco espresso coffee machines.

The Rocket R9 has a few other efficiency tricks up its sleeve. It uses pressure transducer technology to speed steam boiler recovery times, and it relies on programmable volumetric dosing. This gives baristas more time to interact with customers, further facilitated by this machine’s low-profile design.

Rocket also makes a single-group version of this model, the R Nine One, which is suitable for home or light-duty commercial use. It’s fantastic, and the only reason it isn’t my top pick is that the price is likely out of reach for most home baristas.

How to Choose the Best Rocket Espresso Machine

Coffee enthusiasts know Rocket espresso machines for their impressive build quality, attention to detail, and impeccable style. These traits are common to every model, thanks to the vision of co-founder Andrew Meo (5).

Rocket makes some of the finest espresso machines on the market. Finding the best model for you means digging a little deeper into the key specs. This buyer’s guide is here to help.

Boiler designs and why they matter

Rocket Espresso machines have two boiler designs – dual boiler or heat exchanger – both with pros and cons. Just because dual boilers are generally more expensive, they aren’t necessarily better for everyone. 

Dual boilers, especially those with PID temperature control like the Rocket R58, allow you to independently set the temperature of each boiler. You can precisely control brewing temperature without impacting steam pressure and vice versa. If you like to experiment with different single-origin specialty coffees, especially lighter roasts, you’ll get your money’s worth. 

Playing with temperature can be the key to unlocking the more subtle and unique flavors of different coffee beans, according to barista trainer Andrew Easthope (6).

With a heat exchange machine, you only control the steam pressure, either with a PID or a pressure stat. The brew temperature is automatically adjusted as a function of the boiler design, so you don’t have the same degree of control. 

However, heat exchangers have advantages. They are smaller and less expensive. And using cooling flushes, you can adjust the temperature much more quickly than you can with a PID.

The pros and cons of direct plumbing

Both vibration pumps and rotary pumps produce the pressure needed for a proper espresso. A rotary pump is a bit quieter and more expensive, but the most significant difference between them is that a rotary pump allows you to direct-plumb your espresso maker to a water line. 

Direct plumbing is convenient because you don’t need to worry about keeping the water reservoir full. However, the downside is that it limits the locations you can put your espresso machine, and once you install it, it’ll be an ordeal if you want to move it to a new place.

The importance of size and capacity

Size is rarely an issue when buying a standard home kitchen appliance; they’re designed to fit in home kitchens. But prosumer espresso machines can be huge, so it’s essential to measure your space and buy accordingly.

If you’re limited in counter space, a heat exchange machine will always be smaller than a comparable dual boiler because it only has one boiler. In particular, the Rocket Appartamento is the perfect choice for smaller kitchens or office break rooms. Indeed, the name Appartamento refers to the fact that it was made for apartment-dwelling coffee lovers. The 969 Coffee Elba is another impressively slender option.

The Verdict

Look no further than Rocket if you’re searching for a handmade Italian espresso machine that combines quality espresso with great style. The company makes a range of models to suit all espresso lovers, from commercial behemoths to compact designs. 

My favorite this year is the impressive Rocket R Cinquantotto. With two boilers, independent PID temperature control, a rotary pump, and touchscreen controls, there’s little this espresso machine can’t do – including making the most delicious espresso shot or silky latte you’ve ever tried.