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La Marzocco vs Rocket: Which One Should You Pick?

La Marzocco vs Rocket

If you’ve read about home espresso machines before, you’ve probably seen the names La Marzocco and Rocket.

So who are the companies behind these names? And should you pick an espresso machine from either of them?

We’ll help you answer those questions and more by comparing La Marzocco vs Rocket.

Here’s what you’ll find out:

  • The story behind La Marzocco and Rocket
  • Things both brands specialize in
  • Considerations before picking a machine from either one
  • Our suggestions for the best La Marzocco and Rocket espresso machines

History

La Marzocco

In 1927 in Florence, Italy, what would become an espresso giant was born.

From the beginning, La Marzocco was proud of its heritage. They sought to combine innovation and beauty into luxury home espresso machines users around the world would treasure.

That’s why, in the 1930’s, they designed the first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler. Such innovations have kept La Marzocco at the forefront of the barista world.

You can read up on La Marzocco right here.

Rocket

This famous espresso machine manufacturer combines points of view from New Zealand and Italy.

The result of this combination of ideologies is a belief that espresso machines are best made by hand. Their models are produced by a team of craftsmen located in Milan.

This tradition of putting together machines by hand is called “Fatto a Mano,” which literally means “made by hand.” Today, when most things are automated, this makes Rocket truly stand out.

If you want to find out more about Rocket, you can dig deeper here. 

You can also take a look at our full collection of Rocket machines in our store.

Brand Specialties

La Marzocco

If you’ve purchased a La Marzocco machine, you can rest assured that you’ve purchased something elite.

What La Marzocco prides themselves on is their ability to constantly make new high-end home machines. You can expect any of their designs to be chock-full of commercial-level qualities.

Durable builds, eye-catching appearances, and things created to enhance your control over espresso are all common La Marzocco qualities.

Rocket

Unsurprisingly, one of the most unique things about Rocket machines is their impeccable builds.

The fact that each one is put together by hand adds to their characteristic charm. These machines are known among experts for being both beautiful and reliable.

Generally, Rocket is most well-known for their striking home models. But they also make equally superb commercial versions for those who need to demand more from their espresso machine.

Which one should you pick?

History and specializations won’t necessarily answer your more important question:

Which one should you pick?

To answer that question, you’ll need to consider your own situation. The combination of your own personal preferences, budget, and needs will tell you how to pick the right machine.

As far as budget goes, Rocket is typically friendlier. Their home machines are generally quite affordable.

Looks may also be an important consideration for you. Fans of an artistic, hand-made design will adore Rocket’s apparent “made by hand” motto.

At the same time, if you prefer old-fashioned aesthetics, you’ll be drawn to La Marzocco. A lot of their espresso machines incorporate elements that are reminiscent of classic espresso machines.

Aside from their luxury home models, La Marzocco also has commercial machines to offer. So if you’re searching for a machine that can keep up with high-volume demands, consider them a bit further.

Top La Marzocco Espresso Machines

La Marzocco Linea Mini

La Marzocco Linea Mini

If what you want is a small but powerful espresso machine for your kitchen, then the Linea Mini could be your answer.

As an illustration of La Marzocco’s innovation, the Linea Mini comes with an energetic double boiler system. Because of this, it can steam and brew simultaneously to build drinks even faster.

With the paddle, you’ll have the final say over when brewing starts and stops. Once you master the Linea Mini, you’ll essentially be handcrafting beverages like a barista.

  • Machine Type: Semiautomatic paddle
  • Boiler: Dual boiler
  • Groups: 1
  • Dimensions: 15 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 21 inches deep
  • Plumbing: Pour-over
  • Best Use: Home
  • Large Steam Boiler: Capable of holding up to 3.5 liters, the steam boiler in the Linea Mini can keep going for as long as you need.
  • Brew Paddle Controls: Besides looking pleasantly vintage, the paddle gives you total control over the brew cycle. You’ll be able to pull long shots or short ristretto shots as needed.
  • Integrated Group: Because the group is connected to the brew boiler, thermal stability is increased. You won’t need to worry about cold pockets tarnishing your espresso.
  • Barista Lights: Allows you to visually monitor the quality of your espresso at all times – even in the dark.

Currently, we don't have La Marzocco espresso machines in the Majesty Coffee store. That doesn't mean you can't get something similar to the Linea Mini from us, though. We do carry the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II, which is an even more compact machine that still manages to have impressive dual boilers.

La Marzocco GS3 Volumetric

La Marzocco GS3 Volumetric

Even a complete beginner will be able to make professional-level beverages with the GS3 Volumetric.

For one thing, it’s an automatic machine. That means it will handle timing each espresso shot for you using pre-programmed settings.

It also has a double-walled steam wand that always stays cool. Unlike with some other espresso machines, you won’t need to worry about burning your fingers here.

  • Machine Type: Automatic
  • Boiler: Dual boiler
  • Groups: 1
  • Dimensions: 15 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 21 inches deep
  • Plumbing: Pour-over or direct-connect
  • Best Use: Home, small restaurant/office
  • Pour-Over or Plumb-In Convertibility: The GS3 gives you the flexibility of a pour-over and reliability of a direct-connect machine in one. You can go back and forth between these configurations based on your needs.
  • Cool Touch Steam Wand: Even the steam wand on this machine is beginner-friendly. Accidentally brushing against it or cleaning it won’t ever burn you.
  • Customization: You can customize the GS3 to suit your unique needs. You can change just about everything, including even the side panels.
  • Pre-Infusion: Erases any of the errors made in tamping with a soft stream of water prior to extraction.

Like the look of the GS3 Volumetric? You may not be able to find it in the Majesty Coffee store, but we're pleased to offer an alternative: the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi II. This powerful dual boiler machine is easy for beginners but challenging enough for experts, as well, thanks to its effortless automatic dosing and adjustable settings.

Be sure to take a look at our La Marzocco collection to view other La Marzocco espresso machines. 

Top Rocket Espresso Machines

Rocket R58

Rocket R58

From its glittering stainless steel case to its durable boilers, the R58 is a powerful little machine.

Aside from making it possible for you to froth milk and brew espresso at the same time, its dual copper boilers are naturally antimicrobial. This increases the sanitation of your brewing conditions.

The R58 uses an E-61 commercial group, too. This means you get two benefits: increased thermal stability, and automatic pre-infusion which protects your espresso from tamping mistakes.

  • Majesty Coffee Price: $3,000
  • Machine Type: Semiautomatic
  • Boiler: Dual boiler
  • Groups: 1
  • Dimensions: 16.25 inches high, 12.25 inches wide, and 17.50 inches deep
  • Plumbing: Pour-over with direct-connect convertibility
  • Best Use: Home, small restaurant/office
  • E-61 Commercial Group: The group comes with two advantages: first, it circulates water from the boiler to the group for thermal stability. Second, the group uses automatic pre-infusion that settles your grounds before extraction, resulting in a well-rounded flavor.
  • Copper Boiler Construction: The boilers are built to be efficient at conducting heat and are antimicrobial due to the copper.
  • 304-Grade Stainless Steel Case: The R58’s case looks sleek and is strong enough to shield the machine’s parts from damage.
  • Rotary Pump: Because the pump operates quietly, sensitive environments like offices won’t be disturbed by the R58.
Rocket Appartamento

Beloved by many, the Rocket Appartamento is a classic home espresso machine.

It has the distinct Rocket look with a bonus: artistic circular cutouts on the side panels. These cutouts are available in copper or white colors to suit a range of settings.

Aside from its appearance, the Appartamento was built with convenience in mind. It has a cup warming shelf built on top that you can use to keep your mugs toasty and as a storage space.

  • Majesty Coffee Price: $1,690
  • Machine Type: Semiautomatic
  • Boiler: Heat exchange
  • Groups: 1
  • Dimensions: 14.25 inches high, 10.50 inches wide, and 17 inches deep
  • Plumbing: Pour-over
  • Best Use: Home, small restaurant/office
  • Burn-Free Hot Water and Steam Arms: Both the steam wand and hot water outlet on the Appartamento are safe to touch. No need to worry when it comes time to clean them.
  • Cup Warmer: Helps keep your drinks warmer longer by pre-heating your cups for you.
  • Pressurestat: Controls the pressure in the boiler for you to increase the Appartamento’s safety.
  • Non-Compression Hot Water and Steam Valves: Not only do the valves make steaming effortless, but they’re remarkably easy to replace if you ever need to.

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