Rocket Espresso Appartamento TCA - Steel / White

If you are buying a Rocket in the UK, there are many options, but there are actually only three official distributors. Yes you can buy them for cheaper elsewhere, but you do so at your own risk.

1. Lower prices usually means that the reseller has cut costs elsewhere, like UK plugs, full warranties and maybe cheap shipping.

2. If you do choose to buy from an unofficial source to save money on the initial cost, if anything does go wrong and you need official warranty cover, you can only get it from an official Rocket partner, who only provide this service for their own sales - not others.

1. We have been a Rocket partner for 10 years now, so we have in-depth knowledge and can advise you honestly. We are the longest running official Rocket partner in the UK.

2. We hold stock in the UK and don't drop ship from abroad which often results in damage. 

3. We offer approved 2-year warranties that we honour in full. We even hold parts to make any repairs etc fast for you.

4. We re-test each machine before it's shipped to you, as machines from Italy often generate problems having been in transit.

5. We are an independent UK speciality coffee roastery, with a pedigree in both coffee and equipment and a rich understanding of how to help our customers get the very best tasting coffee from these machines. 

What is the Rocket Appartamento TCA BL/BL?

Rocket machines are known as pro-sumer (commercial grade for domestic use), delivering coffee in the home or small business, that's as close to commercial grade as you will find at this level. This machine is the 2nd step up in their range, just above the standard Appartamento models.

The Appartamento itself was originally released 5 years ago, coming first in classic chrome with the option for either copper or white panels. This was followed a year later by the Serie Nera version, which was the exact same machine, but with black powder coated outer panneling. It fast became Rocket's best selling machine, due to price, quality and of course - stunning design.

The TCA is the latest release from Rocket, which is a revamped version of the Appartamento. It still has the same boiler design, that being an HX (Heat Exchanger), but has had numerous design and tech features added to give it that extra edge that many serious coffee drinkers are after in todays market. The two additions of note are a new economy mode (with a power off function based on time), and an accessible boiler pressure adjustment, allowing you more hand on control over boiler pressure / temparature.

Who is it suited to?

The Appartamento TCA is geared towards those wanting to drink great coffee in the home or office, that recognise the value in going a stage further than the bare basics. Yes the price point is £1600, but the jump up in quality is so vast, you quickly understand what you pay a higher price for this type of machine. If you are looking to upgrade from the likes of a Sage, Gaggia Classic, Di-Longhi or similar, this is an excellent choice and will deliver results that are much better than you have experienced before.

How is it better than what I have already?

It's an HX (Heat Exchanger), which means it's a huge jump up in quality from the likes of a Gaggia Classic, Rancilio Silvia, Dualit, Di-Longhi etc. All these machines are single boiler 'cycle' machines, so they suffer from poor temperature and pressure stability - essential for brewing good espresso. The HX design supports excellent temperature & pressure, so it can brew espresso and steam milk accurately and at the same time without missing a beat.

The design is further enhanced by the E61 group head, which is the large curved piece of metal at the front of the machine (weighing approx 5.1KG), which is what drives it's solid temperature stability. Together, the HX boiler and E61 group help deliver rich, silky espresso that is much higher in quality than any cycle machine.

What is the build quality like?

The Appartamento TCA is built like a tank. It weighs around 25KG, so it's reassuringly heavy. The unit is housed around a solid stainless steel chassis, so it's very stable (No plastic body or core parts here). The attention to detail is exceptional, with excellent finish both inside and outside the machine. It has beautiful clean lines across it's production, which give it a luxury feel.

How do I use it?

Once the reservoir is filled up, it takes around 12 mins to get fully up to temperature (20 if you want to see full heat transfer across the entire machine). It's a manual activated machine, meaning you have to manually pull the lever up to start the shot and down to end it. It's also a stand alone machine, so you need a separate grinder to run alongside it (See HERE). It has separate (cool to touch) steam wand for steaming milk and hot water tap for topping up black coffees.

What do I get included?

Inside the box you will also find: Single & dual portafilters, single, double & blank baskets, high quality Rocket metal tamper, micro-fibre cloth, group cleaning brush and training manual USB.

For more information on specification and features, please contact us.

The Rocket Appartamento TCA Warranty:

The Rocket Appartamento TCA HX comes with a 2 year back to base warranty (domestic use only) with Machina. See our Terms and Conditions page for all the information.

• Brew Group: Commercial 58mm bronze E61 brew group (weighing 4.05kg)

• Portafilter: Industry standard, commercial grade 58mm portafilter

• Steam wand: Cool to touch (anti-burn) stainless steel wand

• Hot water tap: Separate hot water tap

• Gauge: Boiler pressure gauge

• Boilers:1.8l insulated pure (Cu 99.9%) copper boiler (with brass end plates)

• Pump: High-grade vibration pump

• Reservoir: 2.5l removable internal water reservoir

• Construction: Heavy gauge mirror stainless steel

• Finish: Chrome plated

• Cup Tray: Large cup tray with minimal surround

• Drip tray: Large stainless steel drip tray

• Power: Standard UK 13amp plug (1350w / 220v)

• Weight: 22KG

• Dimensions WDH: 270mm Width x 3448mm Depth x 358mm Height