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Rocket Appartamento vs Profitec 300

Wondering what a Rocket Appartamento vs Profitec 300 comparison looks like? In this guide, we're taking an in-depth look at these home espresso machines to help you figure out which one is right for you.

ROCKET APPARTAMENTO VS PROFITEC 300

Here's what you'll find in this guide...

  • Similarities between the Rocket Appartamento and the Profitec Pro 300.
  • Key differences between these espresso machines and how they benefit you.
  • How to decide which machine to buy based on your needs.

Quick Summary

Rocket Appartamento

Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine

The Rocket Appartamento is a robust home or office espresso machine with lever-operated brewing, automatic pre-infusion, and other features intermediate to expert baristas will enjoy. Pick this model for its unique style, powerful steaming, and a more traditional barista experience.

Profitec 300

Profitec Pro 300 Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Another high-quality home or office machine, the semiautomatic Profitec Pro 300 offers PID temperature control and an integrated shot timer for easy brewing. It's a user-friendly choice for home baristas looking for the ability to manually set brew and steam boiler temperatures.

Similarities

Semiautomatic Design

If you feel like you're sacrificing too much control with an automatic espresso machine, a semiautomatic might be for you.

Whereas automatic machines perform most of the brew process per programming, semiautomatic machines are steered by the barista. You'll decide exactly when to end the brew cycle according to the appropriate time and volume with every espresso shot.

As a lever action semiautomatic machine, the Rocket Appartamento is fun to operate. A little differently designed, the Profitec Pro 300 is straightforward with a flip switch that starts and stops brewing.

All semiautomatic machines take a bit more training than automatic machines to use, but the upside is that you're on the path to perfecting your craft.

Pour-Over Type

These pour-over espresso machines come with reservoirs that require manual refilling.

If you're used to direct-connect machines that plumb into a water supply, these will be a little different as you'll need to pay attention to the water level.

The benefit is that you can use these machines in any location, regardless of proximity to a water line.

Low Water Sensor

How will you know when reservoir is running out? Don't worry—the Rocket Appartamento will tell you.

When the green light on the front of the machine is flashing, your water tank needs replenishing. As a safety precaution, the Rocket will also cut the power if the water level is too low.

As a high-end prosumer espresso machine, the Profitec also comes with this low water function. It makes machine operation easier in the home as well as in the office where it can be difficult to keep track of the water tank's status.

No Burn Articulating Steam Wand

Steaming milk is a pleasure with these machines. The articulating wands move in any direction you need to angle your milk pitcher just so.

As the steam wands are insulated, they stay cooler, which means less of a chance of accidentally burning yourself on them—definitely a plus.

Cooler wands also mean less milk residue burned onto the surface, so cleaning is also easier.

Boiler Pressure Gauge

A boiler pressure gauge in these espresso machines shows you exactly what's going on in the boilers.

Why is this important? The main function in terms of everyday use is to indicate when you can brew and steam.

If you've just turned the machines on and you're waiting for the them to warm up, you won't have to guess when they're ready.

Stainless Steel Casing

Encased in shining stainless steel, the Rocket and the Profitec look professional on your countertop.

Built with specialty 304 stainless steel, the premium Rocket Appartamento has an incredibly durable shell.

Like the Rocket, the Profitec housing is stainless steel from the side panels to the drip tray.

Cup Warmer

Preheated cups keep your lattes and cappuccinos warm so that you can enjoy them for longer.

To preheat cups, you can add a splash of hot water from the hot water spigot—or simply use the cup warmers on top of the Rocket and Profitec.

The cup warmers also double as a storage area for espresso cups. If there's no room in your cabinets, you can keep them right on top of the machines.

Dimensions

Though the Rocket and the Profitec have slightly different dimensions, they're quite similar in size.

The Rocket stands at about 14.25 inches high, 10.5 inches wide, and 17 inches deep. The Profitec is approximately 15.5 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 16.5 inches deep.

The approximate one-inch difference in height probably won't make a huge impact in most environments, but it can if you just need that teensy bit of room at the top to fit the machine under a low cabinet.

Key Differences

Style

While these machines are both stainless steel on the outside, it wouldn't be fair to call them similar in style.

With its circular cutouts on the side panels and White or Copper inserts, the Rocket brings a unique aesthetic to your kitchen.

The Profitec is plainer, but that's not a bad thing. It's an attractive machine with clean lines and a more minimalist feel.

You could say that both of these machines have a certain industrial vibe, though the Rocket is perhaps a little more artistically designed.

Copper Heat Exchange Boiler vs Stainless Steel Dual Boiler

Depending on what type of boiler system your espresso machine has, you're going to notice characteristic brewing and steaming functions. 

With a heat exchanger in its boiler, the Rocket is capable of brewing and steaming simultaneously (unlike what you'll find with standard single boiler machines).

Made of copper, the Rocket's boiler is antimicrobial and a natural heat conductor. It also provides some serious resistance to corrosion, making it long-lasting.

The Profitec's dual stainless steel boiler system consists of completely separate boilers for brewing and steaming at the same time.

The especial advantage is that you have generous temperature consistency. Generally, with the heat exchanger, a certain amount of brew group flushing is required before pulling a shot.

E-61 Commercial Group vs Saturated Group

When it comes to brew temperature stability, both the Rocket's classic E-61 and the Profitec's saturated brew group are designed for high performance.

The E-61 moves water between the boiler and the group at all times on a circuit, keeping the brew temperature around the optimal range while the machine is idling or in use.

Connected directly to the boiler, the Profitec's saturated group eliminates heat loss and creates incredible group temperature stability with a shorter warming period.

Reservoir Size

Able to hold 3 liters of water, the Profitec's reservoir is massive for a single-group home espresso machine.

Even the Rocket's 2.25 liter reservoir is considered large for a home machine. With typical use, you won't need to refill the water tanks constantly with either of these models.

Tampers

So that you can get started making fine espresso right away, tampers are included with the Rocket and Profitec.

With the Rocket you'll receive a durable metal tamper with a nice weight balance to help you apply the perfect tamping pressure.

The Profitec's plastic tamper might be considered a little more of a temporary device, unless you prefer plastic tampers.

In terms of longevity and appearance, the Rocket's metal tamper has a little more going for it, but overall, it's convenient that both machines include tampers.

Rocket Appartamento Automatic Pre-Infusion

One of the perks of the E-61 group is the incorporation of automatic pre-infusion technology.

Pre-infusion is a stage of brewing that immerses the coffee bed in water before the pump builds full pressure.

What this creates is better flavor in the cup. It minimizes the risk of channeling and ensures that all of the coffee particles are evenly extracted for a richly flavored espresso.

Rocket Appartamento Steam Power and Non-Compression Valves

Though the Profitec has a separate steam boiler, it's fairly small—.75 liters—and doesn't produce quite the same steam power as the Rocket. However, the typical home user won't be making back-to-back drinks, so this generally won't create a noticeable effect.

Famous for its steaming capabilities, the Rocket Appartamento will create perfect microfoam in a shorter space of time than many home machines on the market.

More fluid steam and hot water operation is guaranteed by the Rocket's non-compression steam and hot water valves. And if you ever need to replace them (keep in mind that they're built for longevity), it'll be cheaper than replacing compression valves.

Rocket Appartamento Removable Cup Guard

A practical feature of the Rocket Appartamento is the removable plastic cup guard that surrounds the warming tray.

This can prevent your espresso cups from flying off in case anyone accidentally bumps into the machine.

It's also nice to be able to take the cup guard off to clean the warming tray and the guard itself. 

Profitec 300 PID Temperature Controller

A PID temperature controller is a fine-tuned thermal regulation system based on an algorithm that ensures consistency.

The Profitec's PID controller allows you to adjust the temperature in the boilers to your own specifications at any time.

You'll see the machine temperature displayed on the digital screen for easy monitoring and adjustments.

Profitec 300 Fast Warm-Up

One of the promises the Profitec Pro 300 makes is to warm up faster than the average home machine when you turn it on.

Whereas many machines ideally need up to 25 minutes, the Profitec is said to be ready in as little as 10 to 15.

With the warm-up time reduced, you're that much closer to your morning latte.

Profitec 300 Shot Timer

A well-timed shot is part of the equation to brewing excellent espresso. Typically, you're looking for somewhere in the area of 20 to 30 seconds.

With the Profitec's built-in timer, you won't have to check your smartphone timer when pulling a shot.

Price Considerations

Here at Majesty Coffee, we always price our espresso equipment with your budget in mind.

We offer the Rocket Appartamento with White cutouts for $1,700 and with Copper cutouts for $1,750.

So Which Should You Buy?

It doesn't make your decision any easier that both of these espresso machines are well-built options for the home or office.

Especially considering that they're equally affordable, your personal preferences are probably going to take center stage in your decision making. Both the Rocket and Profitec offer espresso enthusiasts something they'll be keenly interested in.

The Rocket's automatic pre-infusion tech ensures even extraction and a nice bloom for well-developed flavor. On the other hand, the Profitec's PID controller gives you the opportunity to set and experiment with temperatures in your brew process.

Style may also come into play—these machines deliver completely different aesthetics that can appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Where application is concerned, one thing to think about is the Rocket's extra steam power. It can be an asset in an office environment, especially if it's serving a group of employees.

Bottom line— 

The Rocket Appartamento and the Profitec Pro 300 are excellent prosumer espresso machines that can be used in the home or office.

Think about your style and function preferences as well as specific applications when choosing between them and you'll know which one is better suited to your individual needs.

For the best price online, check out the Rocket Appartamento here on Majesty Coffee...

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