Searching for a comparison of the La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi vs Rocket Giotto? In this guide, we're explaining the details to help you figure out which machine is the better fit.
We're going to cover...
- The features that the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R have in common.
- Key differences between these espresso machines and how they work.
- Advice on choosing the machine that will meet your needs.
Quick Summary
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II
Making a great home, office, or small restaurant espresso machine, this pour-over model comes with volumetric dosing for easy operation and consistent results. This model is for you if you're looking for a machine anyone from beginner to expert barista status can make great espresso on.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R
This semiautomatic machine comes with plumbing options and features that give you the ability to customize espresso shots. It's the model for home users looking to hone their craft, or for an office or small restaurant catering to espresso lovers.
Want to learn more about commercial espresso machines? See the guide below...
https://majestycoffeeschool.com/best-commercial-espresso-machine/
Similarities
1 Group
The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R are designed with a single group.
This makes both of these espresso machines perfect for home use or for small business environments.
You'll want to match the number of groups in an espresso machine to your coffee service volume so that you don't end up with an excess.
Output Capacity
These machines are rated for an average production capacity of approximately 20 espressos per hour.
In a business setting, they make excellent options for locations that don't need to set a demanding pace for espresso production but can still comfortably serve all employees or customers.
Hot Water Spigot
Espresso machines that come with a hot water spigot will make Americano and tea service much more convenient.
The hot water spigot on the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R and La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II can replace the need for an external hot water tank, or even for the extra step of boiling water in a kettle.
For businesses, this means that employees don't have to carry hot water back and forth between a hot water source and the espresso machine, minimizing spillage risks.
Articulating Steam Wands with 4 Hole Steam Tips
The Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R and La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II come with stainless steel articulating steam wands to help you angle the milk pitcher and gain better results from steaming.
With a four-hole steam tip, the Mini Vivaldi II will create silkier microfoam and easily enhance volume for cappuccinos.
Though the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R has a standard two-hole steam tip, you'll also receive a four-hole steam tip to switch to if you prefer it.
Pressure Gauges
Making operation of the machines simple, boiler and brew pressure gauges will show you detailed information about these functions.
The boiler pressure gauge will indicate when the machine is ready to brew and steam, which is especially helpful for beginners.
The brew pressure gauge in the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R shows how much pressure is being supplied while brewing. An inadequate amount of pressure can tell you that your brew ratio needs a little adjustment.
Cup Warmer
The cup warmers on top of these espresso machines keep cups nice and toasty. That way, a hot drink won't become instantly cooled in a chilly ceramic cup.
There are also rails in place that keep the cups from sliding off of the espresso machine in case it's bumped.
On the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R, this rail is removable, making it easier to clean.
Built-in Pump Safety Mechanism
The Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R is equipped with a low water sensor that will tell you when the tank is running out of water and cut the power to the pump and heating unit to protect the machine if the water level gets too low.
Like the Giotto Evoluzione R, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II also comes with a safety cutout for the vibratory pump to protect it.
Key Differences
Plumbing Options
A major difference between the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R lies in the plumbing options.
The S1 Mini is a pour-over model, which means that it comes with a water reservoir that the user refills when it starts to get low.
Something that makes the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R really unique is the choice the user has between manual refilling and activating an automatic water feed.
The automatic refill is accessible by plumbing the Giotto Evoluzione R into a water line (this is not an option with the S1 Mini Vivaldi II).
This feature makes the Giotto perfect for businesses that don't have time to attend to manual refill maintenance while retaining portability as it doesn't necessarily need to be near a water line.
Volumetric Dosing vs Manual Dosing
As a volumetric machine, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is instantly accessible even to users with little experience on an espresso machine.
It features programmable dosing controlled by the machine. When the user hits the brew button, the machine will dispense the correct amount of water and stop the cycle automatically for consistently optimal results.
The Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R operates by manual dosing. It requires the user to know when to stop the brew cycle. However, it's a straightforward process. Just hit the brew button and when the correct volume has been reached, press the button again.
Proficient baristas appreciate the volumetric dosing system's ability to support consistency and efficiency and the manual dosing system's ability to augment creativity as they can pull longer or shorter shots on the fly.
Pre-Infusion
Automatic pre-infusion in the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R ensures that the flavors of the coffee are fully extracted.
Pre-infusion can be considered the first phase of brewing on machines that feature it. When the brew button is pushed, the machine releases a gentle stream of water into the group head.
With the Rocket, the coffee bed will become saturated before the pump reaches the full amount of pressure during extraction.
As a result, all of the coffee particles are evenly extracted and all of the nuances of the espresso have the opportunity to open up.
Though the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II does not come with electronic pre-infusion, there is an optional pre-infusion chamber you can select that will mimic it.
Dual Boiler vs Heat Exchanger
While a dual boiler and a heat exchanger system both allow you to brew and steam at the same time, they take different approaches.
You'll need two different temperatures to brew espresso and steam milk. Built with a dual boiler system, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II has one boiler for steaming and one for brewing so that it can maintain the correct temperatures at all times.
A heat exchanger in the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R consists of a boiler with an isolated internal compartment and a copper tube that draws the water to the group head, heating it along the way.
Both systems keep temperatures separate so that you can steam milk for a latte at the same time that you brew the espresso, significantly cutting down on time.
Water Tank Size and Position
The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II places its 2.4-liter water tank at the front of the machine, providing fast access, particularly if overhead space is limited.
The 2.9-liter reservoir in the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R has a more standard placement on top of the machine, thought it will hold a little more water.
Steam Triggers
Like many traditional espresso machines, the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R has a steam valve that twists to turn and steam wand on and off.
With a steam lever, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II adds an ergonomic element to steaming. The user can push it into an instant on or off position.
It's a detail that can be helpful if you're working on the espresso machine for longer periods of time.
Rotary Pump vs Vibratory Pump
Though a rotary pump and a vibratory pump will produce the same espresso quality, they have slightly different advantages for the espresso machine owner.
The rotary pump in the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R builds pressure with a rotating disc sectioned by vanes and positioned inside a larger chamber.
The motor spins the disc and the water enters the larger gaps in the chamber until it's squeezed out as the disc rotates to a position where the space closes.
If your espresso machine has this type of pump, you'll usually find that it's quiet. A bonus is that it will generally have a longer lifespan.
The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II's vibratory pump creates pressure via a piston and a magnet where electrical currents push the piston back and forth to move the water.
A vibratory pump is known to be louder than a rotary pump, but it's comparatively inexpensive and easier to replace.
Temperature Control
With a programmable offset differential, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II allows you to adjust the group temperature in increments of one degree Fahrenheit.
La Spaziale measures and programs the difference between brew and steam temperature before you receive the machine so that you'll get accurate results when you set the temperature.
Built with PID temperature control, the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R uses an algorithm to automatically calculate ideal temperatures.
This is a "smart" thermal regulation system commonly utilized in industrial equipment to ensure precise temperatures at all times.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R No Burn Steam Arm and Hot Water Spigot
If you've ever been burned by the steam arm or the hot water spigot on an espresso machine, you'll appreciate the burn-free Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R.
The steam arm and water spout are designed to stay at a cool enough temperature so that they won't cause accidental injury when cleaning (or leaning too close).
An additional advantage of the cooler steam wand is that milk won't stick to it as much, so it will be easier to clean.
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II Built-In Diagnostics
If espresso machine maintenance seems like something that has a habit of slipping through your fingers, you'll get plenty of use out of the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II's built-in diagnostic system.
The machine will alert you to internal problems and maintenance checkpoints so that you can keep it working in peak condition.
The more diligent your maintenance routine, the longer the machine will last.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R Adjustable Feet
Adding to the adjustability of the machine's height is the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R adjustable feet feature.
If you need to carefully negotiate counter space, but you need to keep the cup guard on top of the machine, the adjustable feet will give you a little more room.
Price Considerations
At Majesty Coffee, we're dedicated to bringing you the best espresso equipment at the most affordable prices.
Our Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R comes in shiny stainless steel for $2,550. Our La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is available in Black or Red for $1,895 or in Wood for an additional $350.
So Which Should You Buy?
It might be tough to choose one espresso machine over the other, especially considering that these models share so many similar features.
Both would make great home espresso machines for anyone looking to take their coffee to the next level.
Both can also accommodate a small business like a restaurant or an office, and picking the right machine will likely come down to preference.
If you want less everyday machine maintenance, the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R is a good option with its plumbed-in function. With automatic pre-infusion, it will also instantly improve the quality of your coffee.
The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is great for users of all skill levels since the machine can take care of accurate dosing.
Here's the bottom line with these espresso machines.
For users with a bit of training, the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R features can go further and produce high quality espresso while preventing steam wand burns. Plus, the adjustable height can be a crucial feature for your space.
For beginners who want a certain level of consistency right off the bat and a preliminary diagnostic system, the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is a good option.
For expert service and the best prices online, see the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R here on Majesty Coffee...