This guide is going to provide you with an in-depth comparison of the Rocket Appartamento vs Giotto Evoluzione R. You'll find all of the indispensable information right here to help you decide which machine is right for you or your business.
Here's what we're going to cover...
- Key similarities between the Rocket Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R.
- Features that are different on these espresso machines and how they work.
- What to consider when choosing a machine that fits your needs.
Quick Summary
Rocket Appartamento
Featuring an E-61 commercial group and no-burn steam and hot water wands, this lever-operated espresso machine delivers high-quality results in a home, office, or small restaurant setting. It's perfect for prosumers and professionals looking for character, functionality, and user friendliness.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R
Adding to the commercial-grade elements of the Appartamento, the Giotto Evoluzione R boasts plumbing options, a PID temperature controller, and new height adjustment capabilities. Choose this model for a home kitchen, office, or small business for the plumbed connection and upgraded features.
Similarities
Lever-Operated Semiautomatic Machines
Unlike many push-button semiautomatic machines, the Rocket Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R are operated by lever.
The user pushes the lever into position to begin the brew cycle and then back into the original position when the correct volume has been reached.
Semiautomatic machines call for a certain amount of know-how in comparison to automatic machines, which deliver a predetermined water volume per programming.
What intermediate and expert baristas love about semiautomatic machines—and the lever-operated Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R in particular—is the ability to customize every espresso shot and gain a higher level of control in the brew process.
Output Capacity
At 20 espressos per hour, the Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R are more than high-performance home espresso machines.
With this output capacity, these Rocket models are ready to caffeinate an office with a small- to medium-sized staff.
Small restaurants and low-volume locations can also add cappuccinos to their menus, knowing that they're offering their customers a truly exceptional experience.
Style
The similar style is probably the first thing you'll notice about these machines. Made of sturdy 304 stainless steel, they gleam on your countertop.
Most notably, the Appartamento is designed with rows of circular side panel cutouts in different color options. Instead of these cutouts, the Giotto Evoluzione R features a clean, angular design on the side panels.
Otherwise, these models bear a striking resemblance from the steam and hot water valves to feature organization. If you're curating a modern look for your home or business, these machines will fit right in.
E-61 Commercial Group
Thermal stability is a crucial element of consistency in espresso.
The E-61 commercial groups in the Rocket models siphon water from the boiler to the brew group continuously, keeping water circulating for the optimal brew temperature.
But there's more that the E-61 commercial group offers. With automatic pre-infusion, the Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R pre-wet the coffee in the group head when the brew cycle is activated.
This stage of brewing produces a fuller extraction of all of the coffee particles, resulting in a more well-rounded espresso.
Heat Exchange Boiler
The ability to brew and steam simultaneously depends on the boiler system in an espresso machine.
Single boiler machines require a break between each function to allow the boiler to adjust and reach the correct temperature. The heat exchanger bypasses this requirement.
Inside the Rocket boilers are separated compartments and copper tubes drawing water to the group heads, heating it to the right brew temperature so that you can brew a shot while you steam milk.
Low Water Sensor
If the water level in the Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R reservoirs dips too low, the machines will automatically cut power to the heating elements and motors as a safety precaution.
You'll also see the power lights on the front of the machines flashing, signaling that it's time to refill the reservoirs.
As a built-in maintenance indicator, the low water sensor is helpful whether you're the only one using the machine or there are several different baristas operating it at any given time.
No Burn Hot Water and Steam Arms
No one likes an unexpected burn working the espresso machine. To make your experience safer and more pleasant, the Appartamento and Giotto Evoluzione R hot water and steam wands remain cool to the touch.
Whether you're leaning a little too close or giving the steam arm a wipe after using it, accidentally touching it won't be a nasty shock.
And since the wands stay cooler, milk won't burn onto them. This means easier cleaning after frothing milk.
Metal Tamper
You'll get a sleek metal tamper with either Rocket you purchase. Not only will you be able to tamp with better control, you'll love the look.
Plastic tampers commonly come with espresso machines, and especially with home machines. While they work, they tend to lack the weight of metal tampers that helps you aim for the optimal tamping pressure.
Without a doubt, metal tampers look nicer than plastic types. As a home or professional barista, you'll notice the difference.
Key Differences
Pressure Gauges
Where pressure gauges are concerned, what these models have in common is the boiler pressure gauge.
Just like it sounds, a boiler pressure gauge shows the pressure in the boiler. What it does for you is indicate when the machine is ready to brew and steam.
In addition to the boiler pressure gauge, the Giotto Evoluzione R comes with a group pressure gauge.
Monitoring this gauge will help you craft better espresso. By tracking the pressure produced during the brew cycle, you'll know if you should be making adjustments in your brew ratio.
Pump Type
The Giotto Evoluzione R runs quietly with a rotary pump, which may be appreciated in a quieter business location.
Though the vibratory pump in the Appartamento is a little noisier, it won't disturb customers and employees in a typical commercial or busy office setting.
Most espresso machines aren't especially noisy whether they have a rotary or vibratory pump. Noise level also may or may not be a concern for you. But if it is, the Giotto Evoluzione R is a good option.
Reservoir Size
The 2.25 liter water tank in the Appartamento is fairly large for a single-group machine. With this capacity, you won't be needing to refill it constantly.
Sporting an even larger reservoir, the Giotto Evoluzione R can hold up to 2.9 liters.
A bigger water tank is often better for busier environments where espresso orders are coming in at a steadier pace.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R Plumbing Options
Like many pour-over machines, the Appartamento is pour-over only—it doesn't come with an option for a direct connection to a water line.
Setting the Giotto Evoluzione R apart, the plumbed option will allow you to switch to an automatic water feed at any time. This ensures that you have access to the best of both worlds.
Even if you're not sure whether a pour-over or a plumbed-in machine is the better choice, having both in one machine can take the pressure off and give you some flexibility.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R PID Temperature Controller
The Proportional-Integral-Derivative (a.k.a. PID) controller gives the Giotto Evolutione R the ability to regulate machine temperature with precision.
An algorithm in the PID system detects a number of variables and continuously calculates for the optimal temperature.
This system gives you greater accuracy and stability as well as the opportunity to change the temperature settings as desired.
Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R Adjustable Feet
For many locations, compact machines like the Rocket models are a necessity.
By adjusting the feet on the Giotto Evoluzione R, you can raise or lower the machine to a comfortable height.
Coupled with the removable cup guard (which the Appartamento also comes with), you can reduce the Giotto Evoluzione R to about the height of the Appartamento (14.25 inches) and get more wiggle room for cups placed on the warmer.
Price Considerations
We always aim to price our espresso equipment at Majesty Coffee with different budgets in mind.
Our Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine is available with White circular cutouts for $1,700 or with Copper cutouts for $1,750.
We offer the Rocket Giotto Evoluzione R Espresso Machine in classic stainless steel for $2,550.
So Which Should You Buy?
Not sure which Rocket machine is the one for you? The good news is that you can get closer to the answer with the right questions.
The first question is pretty simple—do you need an espresso machine for your home or business? If it's for a business like an office or a small restaurant, the Giotto Evoluzione R is ideal with its plumbed option and larger water tank.
You can benefit from a plumbed option in a home machine, too. It's perfect if you like the idea of easy water filter or softener installation to minimize scale buildup and maintenance.
If you're shopping for your home kitchen, the next question to ask is how much control you want in an espresso machine. If you're looking for more, you'll get greater value from the PID controller and adjustable height in the Giotto Evoluzione R.
But not everyone needs these functions. This leads us to the next question: What's your budget?
If you don't need the extras on the Giotto Evoluzione R, you can save money and get the same high-quality performance and results from the Appartamento.
Bottom line: While the Giotto Evoluzione R makes an ideal machine for commercial use, either model is an excellent prosumer option for the home. Use your budget and preferences as your guides to figuring out which is best for you.
For expert service and the best prices online, see the Rocket Appartamento and the Giotto Evoluzione R here on Majesty Coffee...