If you’ve ever drooled over those shining stainless steel machines in specialty coffee shops or on Instagram, chances are you’ve been admiring a Rocket. Why does this one espresso machine stand out from the crowd? Today, I’m sharing the story behind Rocket Espresso Milano, a brand that’s become something of a legend in the coffee world.
The Beginning: A New Zealand-Italian Partnership
The Rocket Espresso story starts in 2007, but its roots go back even further. Two passionate entrepreneurs—Andrew Meo from New Zealand and Daniele Berenbruch, an Italian engineer—joined forces to acquire the home espresso division from a company called ECM (Espresso Coffee Machines).
ECM wasn’t just any company—it had built quite a reputation since the 1980s for its hand-built espresso machines, particularly one called the Giotto. When Meo and Berenbruch took over, they kept that commitment to craftsmanship but added their own vision.
Why “Rocket” Espresso? The name reflects their passion for precision and innovation, drawing inspiration from the technological achievements of the space race. And setting up shop in Milan, Italy—a city where coffee culture runs deep—was the perfect choice for a brand dedicated to exceptional espresso.
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The Giotto: Where It All Began
Rocket’s first machine, the Giotto, launched in 2007 as an improved version of ECM’s original design. This wasn’t just another pretty appliance—it packed serious features like a heat exchanger boiler system, copper boiler, and an E61 group head (a component that serious coffee people get very excited about).
What made the Giotto special was its ability to produce café-quality espresso in your kitchen while looking absolutely stunning on your countertop. This combination of performance and design quickly won over coffee enthusiasts who weren’t willing to compromise on either aspect.
Rocket’s Evolution
As Rocket Espresso gained popularity, they expanded their lineup to cater to different needs:
The Cellini offered Giotto’s performance in a more compact package—perfect for those with limited counter space but unlimited coffee ambitions.
In 2012, they introduced the R58, featuring dual boilers and PID temperature control. This was a win for home baristas who wanted precise control over their brewing. With separate boilers for brewing and steaming, you could pull shots and foam milk without waiting or compromising temperature stability.
One of their biggest hits came in 2019 with the Appartamento. Designed specifically for apartment dwellers with limited space, it features distinctive circular cutouts on the side panels that can be customized with different colors. It’s like the iPhone of espresso machines—functional, beautiful, and with just the right amount of personalization.
Fatto a Mano: The Italian Way
What really sets Rocket apart is their commitment to “Fatto a Mano”—Italian for “made by hand.” In an age of mass production, every Rocket machine is still meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in Milan using high-quality materials like stainless steel and brass.
Their workspace isn’t your typical factory. It’s described as a vibrant community where creativity thrives. Rocket emphasizes restraint and timeless design principles, blending tradition with modernity. The result? Machines that not only make amazing coffee but are also works of art that you’ll be proud to display in your kitchen.
Not Just Pretty Faces: Technical Innovation
Don’t let the classic looks fool you—underneath those polished exteriors are some serious technological innovations:
Heat Exchanger Technology lets you brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously—a must for making those morning lattes without waiting forever.
Dual Boiler Systems in models like the R58 give you precise control over brewing and steaming temperatures for optimal extraction.
More recently, they’ve introduced Temperature Control Adjustment (TCA) in models like the updated Appartamento, giving even entry-level users greater control over their brewing temperature.
Beyond Home Brewing
While Rocket started with a focus on home machines, they’ve expanded into the commercial market. Models like the Rocket Boxer cater to smaller coffee shops looking for compact yet high-performance equipment. Their R9 series takes things even further with features specifically designed for busy café environments.
Today, Rocket Espresso has global reach with strong presences across North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. They’ve also branched out beyond coffee, sponsoring cycling teams and collaborating with world-class cyclists—partnerships that reflect their dynamic approach to business.
The Sustainable Future
In recent years, Rocket has placed greater emphasis on sustainability, working to improve energy efficiency across their product range. They continuously refine their machines based on user feedback, ensuring they remain reliable while reducing environmental impact.
Why Rocket Stands Out
What makes these espresso machines worth their premium price tag? It’s that rare combination of form and function—machines that deliver exceptional espresso while serving as statement pieces in your kitchen. Each one represents countless hours of craftsmanship and engineering, built to last for years of daily use.
Whether you’re just starting your home barista journey or looking to upgrade your café’s equipment, Rocket Espresso offers machines that deliver quality in every cup. They’re not just selling coffee makers; they’re preserving the legacy of Italian craftsmanship while embracing innovation.
Have you had the chance to try coffee from a Rocket machine? Or are you saving up for one of your own? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experiences with these iconic espresso makers!