Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto | PID Control | Dual Boiler | 58mm E61 Group Head

Prosumer-class espresso machines, such as those made with heavy-duty materials like stainless steel, copper, and brass, are known for their durability and long lifespan. Rocket Espresso machines can last for 15+ years
if properly maintained and serviced according to the owner's manual.

However, many people may not reach the full potential of the machine's lifespan due to the tendency to upgrade or replace it before it reaches its "expiration
date." It's worth noting that commercial-class Italian machines from the 60s and 70s are still in use today after being restored to like-new condition.

Rocket Espresso machines are made in small factories in Italy, mostly by hand, and are built to last as long as proper care and maintenance are maintained.

Temperature stability is crucial for brewing coffee, and different brew methods and roasts require different temperatures.

The Rocket Espresso Giotto Type V features a PID controller, short for Proportional-Integral Derivative, which helps to ensure temperature stability in the espresso machine. These controllers use the PID algorithm to determine the best way to control the temperature in the machine and are more accurate than traditional thermostat-based espresso machines. They also allow you to directly control the temperature of the machine and are usually visible on the machine with control buttons to increase or decrease the brewing temperature. This feature is particularly useful for home baristas who like to experiment with different roasts and temperatures.

A PID temperature controller is not a necessary component for an espresso machine to operate, but it does provide an added level of precision and consistency in temperature control for baristas.

There are some key differences when comparing the Rocket Espresso Appartamento to the Giotto Type V.

Pressure Guages:

One of the main differences is that the Type V has both brew and steam pressure gauges, while the Appartamento does not. Having a brew gauge allows you to see the bar count during extraction, which can help you understand what you're doing right and wrong, and adjust your grind, dosage, and tamp pressure as needed.

PID Controller:

The Type V also has PID temperature control, which allows you to control the temperature in the boiler with the touch of a button, while the Appartamento does not. Additionally, the Type V's boiler is insulated, which makes the machine quieter, provides better thermal stability, and protects the boiler. The Appartamento's boiler is not insulated, but Rocket Espresso can provide you with a recommendation on how to manually insulate it.

Shot Timer:

Other differences include the Type V having a shot timer and the Appartamento does not.

Which machine is right for you?

Consider how much control you want over the making of your drinks, and whether you want extra room to experiment or customize. Experienced baristas and aficionados may appreciate the advanced features such as the PID controller and combination of group and pressure gauges on the Giotto Type V, while beginners or those looking for something more basic may find the Appartamento to be sufficient. Remember to also take the budget into account when making your final decision. The Giotto Type V is the more advanced machine, but ultimately, it's important to choose the machine that fits your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

To minimize scale buildup and ensure a good taste, it's best to use filtered or bottled water in your espresso machine. However, using RO (reverse osmosis) or distilled water is not recommended, as these types of water lack the necessary minerals for a delicious shot and may cause problems with the machine's water sensor.

All Rocket espresso machines, including the Appartamento, Giotto Type V, and R58 are hand-built in Italy!

Descaling is an important part of maintaining your Rocket Espresso machine, but it should be done with caution. If not done properly, regular descaling can lead to damage of the group head and void your warranty. To avoid this, it is recommended to clean and maintain your machine regularly, and have it descaled by a professional technician. This way, you can ensure that the descaling process will not cause any damage to the machine.

The Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto uses a standard 110V plug.

Dual-boiler rotary pump

The E-61 group is a feature that provides consistency and enhances the flavor of the espresso. It circulates hot water through the boiler and group head continuously, maintaining the appropriate brew temperature range at the group head. Additionally, its automatic pre-infusion function saturates the coffee in the group head when you start extraction, leading to a more evenly extracted and refined flavor profile. The best part is that this feature operates on its own, so it does not require any special actions from the user to benefit from its performance. This is the result of good design.

The Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto machine comes equipped with a single spout and double spout portafilter that includes both 14g and 7g baskets. However, for an improved performance, it is recommended to upgrade to a VST 18g or 20g basket.

While some people leave their Rocket Espresso machines on all day, it's not recommended. To prolong the lifespan of the machine, it's best to turn it on in the morning and turn it off when no longer in use to minimize the internal components exposure to heat over time.