Rocket Espresso

Rocket Espresso Coffee Machines Switzerland – Portafilter and Commercial Line from Milan

The chrome-plated lever of the E61 group sits horizontal, and as you pull it up, the thermosiphon system starts to circulate – you hear the faint bubbling in the copper pipe. Ten seconds later you lift the lever all the way up – the pump kicks in, and the shot begins to flow from the bottomless portafilter. Dark, slow, with a hazelnut-brown crema building up like honey. That's E61. It has been the heart of Italian espresso culture since 1961. And Rocket Espresso builds its coffee machines around exactly this group – and by now around other, modern group concepts too. By hand, in Milan.

Rocket Espresso Milano has its roots in Milan in the 1970s, when Friedrich Berenbruch built the Espresso Company Milano (ECM Italia) – with the Giotto as its legendary flagship model. In 2007, Andrew Meo and Daniele Berenbruch (Friedrich's son) took over the home espresso machine division of the Italian ECM and founded Rocket Espresso Milano. The relaunch of the Giotto set the tone: Italian tradition combined with modern engineering. The Commercial line followed, along with the Appartamento as a compact entry point into the world of premium home portafilter machines. Today Rocket builds the full spectrum in Milan: from the E61 heat exchanger, through the touchscreen machine with a proprietary group (Bicocca), to the premium lever machine (EPICA) and the classic Commercial line (BOXER, RE Doppia). Coffee Coaching Club is a partner of Rocket Espresso Switzerland – the entire portfolio available directly, delivery within a few days, showrooms in Bern and Zürich.

Clarification: ECM Italia ≠ ECM Manufacture Heidelberg

The Italian ECM (Espresso Company Milano, 1970s–2007, the root of Rocket) is not the same as the German ECM Espresso Coffee Machines Manufacture GmbH (Heidelberg, founded in 1996 by Wolfgang Hauck, sister brand of Profitec). Both companies use the acronym ECM but are independent of one another. Wolfgang Hauck worked with the Italian ECM in the 1990s, then founded his own German ECM in Heidelberg. The Italian ECM became Rocket in 2007. So when we talk about "ECM" in this world, we mean the German manufacturer in Heidelberg.

What defines Rocket

Three things. First: Craftsmanship from Milan. Every Rocket is built by hand in Milan, with a visible chrome presence, the characteristic "R" logo on the cup rail, and a clear Italian design language. Second: Range. Unlike brands that build only one heating system or one group, Rocket covers a broad spectrum – E61 heat exchanger in standard and actively heated variants, E61 dual boiler, the cylindrical Bicocca group, and saturated groups in the EPICA and the Commercial line. Third: Repairability. Rocket machines are built to stay in service for decades. Parts are interchangeable, service channels are established, and the mechanics are transparent.

All Rocket espresso machines use 58 mm portafilters – the industry standard, compatible with IMS and other precision baskets as well as 58 mm tampers.

Comparison table: all active models at a glance

All figures according to official Rocket specifications. Prices incl. CHF, as of 17.05.2026. Several models available in multiple colour and material variants. BOXER 1g/2g are delivered including delivery, installation and water filter package.

Understanding the four Rocket groups

Rocket uses four different group concepts. Each has its own character – which one makes more sense depends on your workflow.

E61 group (mechanical thermosiphon group)

Developed by Faema in 1961, today the industry standard for high-quality home espresso machines. Hot brew water circulates through a thermosiphon loop through a heavy, pre-warmed metal head. The mechanical lever on top of the group controls the water flow and, by design, delivers a gentle pre-infusion. Fitted in Appartamento TCA, Mozzafiato Cronometro V and R, Giotto Cronometro V and R, as well as R Cinquantotto. Advantage: classic Italian espresso tradition with high thermal stability. Heat-up time classically around 20 minutes.

Actively heated E61 group (FAST variant)

The same E61 group, but with electric heating directly on the group body. Fitted in Mozzafiato FAST and Giotto FAST. Advantage: heat-up time drops to around 12 minutes – relevant for anyone who wants the E61 mechanics and pre-infusion character but doesn't want to wait 20 minutes every morning. Mechanics and lever operation stay identical to the classic E61.

Cylindrical group (Bicocca)

A proprietary Rocket development – no E61, no saturated group in the classic sense. The group sits directly on the brew boiler, is electrically heated and PID-controlled. Operated via a 3.5-inch touchscreen instead of a mechanical lever. Fitted only in the Bicocca. Advantage: fast thermal response, streamlined operation with programmable pre-infusion and volumetric dosing.

Saturated group (EPICA and Commercial line)

The saturated group sits directly in the boiler, or is connected to it so that the group is permanently surrounded by boiler water – this produces extremely stable brew temperatures with no heat-up time between shots. The standard in the café segment, comparable to well-known Linea-style platforms. At Rocket, fitted in the EPICA (a home statement machine with an additional lever for manual pressure profiling), in the BOXER 1- and 2-group (classic café machines), and in the RE Doppia 2-group (a boutique-café workhorse). Advantage: thermal reproducibility, built for continuous operation.

The Rocket family at Coffee Coaching Club

Heat-exchanger entry: Appartamento

Rocket Appartamento TCA

The classic for compact kitchens. Heat exchanger with E61 group, copper boiler, vibration pump, internal water tank. The round laser-cut side cutouts serve as a visual signature, narrow footprint – fits on kitchen counters where other portafilter machines are already at their limit. Handmade in Milan. The TCA variant (Temperature Control Adjustment) has adjustable boiler pressure setpoints that let you influence brew temperature – relevant for anyone drinking light roasts or switching between beans. At CCC in several colour and material variants:

• Stainless steel-copper (CHF 1'639.95)
• Stainless steel-black (CHF 1'639.95)
• Stainless steel-white (CHF 1'639.95)
• Matte black (CHF 1'689.95)
• black-copper (CHF 1'689.95)
• With wood elements: Chrome/wood (CHF 2'189.95), black/wood (CHF 2'249.95) – Walnut accents on the lever and knobs

The Appartamento has been one of the best-selling Rocket models for years, and the honest way into the Italian E61 world.

Mid-range: Mozzafiato and Giotto

Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro V and R

The Mozzafiato line ("breathtaking" in Italian) in the classic Cronometro variant with an integrated shot timer. E61 heat exchanger, dual gauge for boiler and pump pressure. Mozzafiato Cronometro V (chrome, CHF 1'959.95): vibration pump, internal water tank. Mozzafiato Cronometro R (chrome CHF 2'299.95, black CHF 2'299.95): rotary pump, plumbable.

Rocket Mozzafiato FAST V and R

The Mozzafiato in the current FAST variant – with an actively heated E61 group and an optimised heating system for a significantly shorter heat-up time (around 12 minutes instead of the classic 20). Three variants: FAST V / chrome (CHF 1'989.95), FAST R / chrome (CHF 2'289.95), FAST R / black (CHF 2'289.95). For anyone who wants the Rocket E61 culture but doesn't want to wait 20 minutes every morning.

Rocket Giotto Cronometro V and R

The Giotto line is the classic mid-range with asymmetric, three-dimensional side panels – the sister model to the Mozzafiato with its own design language. E61 heat exchanger, shot timer, dual gauge. Giotto Cronometro V (chrome, CHF 1'899.95): vibration pump, tank. Giotto Cronometro R (chrome, CHF 2'299.95): rotary pump, plumbable. Identical boiler architecture to the Mozzafiato – the choice between the two comes down to design taste.

Rocket Giotto FAST V and R

The Giotto in the current FAST variant with an actively heated E61 group and shorter heat-up time. Three variants: FAST V / chrome (CHF 1'989.95), FAST R / chrome (CHF 2'289.95), FAST R / black (CHF 2'289.95).

Dual boiler: R Cinquantotto

Rocket R Cinquantotto Chrome and black

The E61 dual-boiler home flagship. "Cinquantotto" means 58 in Italian – a tribute to the 58 mm E61 group. Two independently PID-controlled boilers, rotary pump, plumbable, removable touchscreen PID, integrated shot timer, auto-on timer. At CCC in two variants: chrome (CHF 2'789.95) and black (CHF 2'789.95). For anyone who wants the classic E61 dual boiler at Rocket, with a commercial-grade pump and the plumbed-in option.

Modern: Bicocca

Rocket Bicocca Chrome and black

Rocket's most modern home development – and a break with E61 tradition. Designed by Valerio Cometti and V12 Design Studio. Dual boiler in stainless steel, both boilers fully insulated. Instead of E61, the Bicocca uses a proprietary cylindrical group, which sits directly on the brew boiler – fast thermal response, actively heated with PID control. Rotary pump, plumbed-in or tank mode, 3.5-inch touchscreen directly on the group. Programmable pre-infusion and volumetric dosing. At CCC in two variants: chrome (CHF 4'199.95) and black (CHF 4'299.95). For anyone who doesn't see E61 mechanics as a requirement, but puts modern operation and thermal stability first.

Premium statement and Commercial line

Rocket Espresso complements the home portfolio with a premium lever machine with a saturated group (EPICA) and a standalone Commercial line (BOXER 1-/2-group, RE Doppia 2-group) for boutique cafés, restaurants and ambitious hospitality venues. All four models use saturated groups – the most thermally stable design in the café segment – and are plumbable with a rotary pump.

Rocket EPICA – premium lever with saturated group

A pressure-profiling machine for ambitious home setups and boutique cafés. Saturated group with lever operation: manual pressure profiling runs through the lever movement, while the group itself stays thermally stable. Dual boiler in AISI 316L stainless steel, permanent-magnet volumetric pump, plumbed-in or tank mode, touchscreen display, wood accents on the handles and lever. A machine that combines the best of lever character and saturated-group stability. CHF 6'999.95.

Rocket BOXER 1-Group

Rocket's Commercial entry machine – a single-group classic café machine for smaller cafés, takeaway spots, offices and restaurants with moderate espresso volume. Saturated group, rotary pump, plumbable, rugged café construction. At CCC including delivery, installation and water filter package for CHF 5'599.95.

Rocket BOXER 2-Group

The two-group variant of the BOXER – for cafés with moderate to higher espresso volume. Two saturated groups, rotary pump, plumbed-in, classic Commercial construction. At CCC including delivery, installation and water filter package for CHF 6'659.95. The BOXER line positions itself as an accessible entry into the world of Italian café machines, without La-Marzocco price levels.

Rocket RE Doppia 2-Group

The premium Commercial machine in the Rocket portfolio – a two-group boutique café machine with saturated groups, optimised for specialty cafés and workshop settings. Rugged stainless-steel construction, rotary pump, plumbable, classic Italian café aesthetic. CHF 9'199.95. The RE Doppia is an honest alternative to the Linea Classic S 2-group (La Marzocco) for café operators who prefer Italian café craftsmanship from Milan.

Grinders

Rocket Faustino V2

The compact home grinder from Rocket – ideal for setups where the machine and grinder are meant to match visually. Grind-by-time grinder with programmable dosing, compact footprint. At CCC in several colour and material variants: chrome, matte black plus the Appartamento-matched variants (copper, white, chrome, matte black – colour-matched to the Appartamento espresso machine). Prices from CHF 715.00 to CHF 789.95 depending on variant.

Rocket Giannino

The mid-range grinder from the Rocket lineup. Solid build for home use, three programmable doses plus continuous mode, touch display, stepless grind adjustment. At CCC currently available in the chrome/black variant (CHF 849.95).

Rocket New Fausto black

The larger grinder for more demanding home setups or micro-hospitality use. Programmable dosing for single and double shots (timer-based), rugged build. CHF 1'029.95 (black variant).

Rocket compared

La Marzocco works exclusively with a saturated group, Florentine engineering aesthetics and app integration across the home and café segment. Rocket covers a broader spectrum of concepts with E61 classics, actively heated E61, the cylindrical Bicocca group, and the saturated group (EPICA, BOXER, RE Doppia). ECM Manufacture Heidelberg and Profitec are the German E61 specialists under the roof of the Hauck family – technically related to the E61 line described above, but with a different design language and engineering tradition (Bammental instead of Milan). Neither brand is better – they are different answers to the same question. For café machines, the Rocket BOXER and RE Doppia compare directly with the La Marzocco Linea Classic S – and the Rocket EPICA with the La Marzocco Leva X.

Who is Rocket Espresso for

Rocket suits anyone who values Italian craftsmanship and wants to choose deliberately between different group concepts. E61 classics for home baristas who see their shot as a ritual: Appartamento TCA in one of the colour variants, Mozzafiato or Giotto (Cronometro for classic heat-up time, or FAST for 12-minute readiness), R Cinquantotto as the dual-boiler flagship. Modern touchscreen operation with a cylindrical group: Bicocca. Lever statement with a saturated group for ambitious home setups: EPICA. Café machines with a saturated group as an Italian alternative to La Marzocco: BOXER 1-/2-group or RE Doppia 2-group.

For anyone who wants exclusively a saturated group with app control at home: La Marzocco Linea Micra or the Linea Mini R. For anyone who prefers manual lever extraction without electronics: Flair Espresso. For anyone who prefers German E61 construction: ECM Manufacture or Profitec. For anyone looking for flow profiling with a needle valve: Slayer Espresso. For anyone looking for paddle flow profiling on another platform: Lelit Bianca V3.

What goes with it

A Rocket calls for a matching grinder. The obvious choice: a Rocket grinder from its own lineup (Faustino V2 for compact setups, Giannino for the mid-range, New Fausto for more demanding needs). Alternatives from other houses: Varia VS3 or VS4 (VS4 with the SCA Best New Product Award 2026, exclusive Swiss importer) as an honest start. For flagship setups: Weber Workshops EG-1 or Option-O Lagom P80. For Grind-by-Weight right at the grinder: Mahlkönig E64 WS or the X64 SD for single dose. For the classic Mignon class: Eureka Mignon Specialita or Libra. For café setups with BOXER or RE Doppia: Mahlkönig E80 Supreme as the café standard.

For the scale: Acaia Lunar with flow rate, or an affordable option from the Normcore Collection. For puck prep: Normcore for everyday use, Weber Workshops for a premium option. For airtight bean storage: Airscape (exclusive Swiss importer). For precise brew water: Apax Labs (exclusive Swiss importer). Background on extraction, the E61 group and heating systems in our Sensory World.

Frequently asked questions

Which Rocket machine suits me?

For compact kitchens and a classic E61 entry: Appartamento TCA in one of the colour variants (from CHF 1'639.95). For a classic E61 mid-range with vibration pump and tank: Mozzafiato Cronometro V (CHF 1'959.95) or Giotto Cronometro V (CHF 1'899.95). For a classic E61 mid-range with rotary pump and plumbed-in: Mozzafiato Cronometro R or Giotto Cronometro R (each CHF 2'299.95). For E61 with a shorter heat-up time thanks to an actively heated group: Mozzafiato FAST or Giotto FAST (from CHF 1'989.95). For the E61 dual-boiler flagship: R Cinquantotto chrome or black (CHF 2'789.95). For modern touchscreen operation with a cylindrical group: Bicocca chrome (CHF 4'199.95) or black (CHF 4'299.95). For a lever statement with a saturated group: EPICA (CHF 6'999.95). For café operation: BOXER 1-Group (CHF 5'599.95), BOXER 2-Group (CHF 6'659.95) or RE Doppia 2-Group (CHF 9'199.95).

Does Rocket have Commercial machines for cafés?

Yes. Rocket Espresso carries three Commercial models in the current CCC range: BOXER 1-Group (CHF 5'599.95, incl. delivery, installation and water filter package) for smaller cafés, takeaway spots and offices; BOXER 2-Group (CHF 6'659.95, incl. delivery, installation and water filter package) for cafés with moderate volume; and RE Doppia 2-Group (CHF 9'199.95) as a premium Commercial machine for specialty cafés. All three with saturated groups, rotary pump and plumbed-in connection. On top of that, there's the EPICA (CHF 6'999.95) as a premium lever machine with a saturated group and manual pressure profiling, suitable for ambitious home setups and boutique cafés with statement appeal.

Which groups does Rocket use?

Four different concepts. The classic E61 group in Appartamento, Mozzafiato Cronometro (V and R), Giotto Cronometro (V and R) and R Cinquantotto – thermosiphon loop, mechanical lever, classic espresso tradition. The Actively heated E61 group in Mozzafiato FAST and Giotto FAST – the same E61 mechanics, but with direct electric heating of the group for around 12 minutes heat-up time instead of the classic 20. The Proprietary cylindrical group in the Bicocca – directly on the brew boiler, electrically heated, PID-controlled, touchscreen operation. The Saturated group in EPICA (with lever), BOXER 1- and 2-group, and RE Doppia 2-group (classic café operation).

What's the difference between BOXER and RE Doppia?

Both are Commercial machines with saturated groups. The BOXER is the café entry point – in a 1- and 2-group variant (CHF 5'599.95 / CHF 6'659.95), including delivery, installation and water filter package at CCC. For smaller cafés, takeaway spots, offices and restaurants with moderate volume. The RE Doppia (CHF 9'199.95, 2-group) is the premium Commercial machine – more robustly built, optimised for specialty cafés with higher demands on brew stability and workflow speed. Direct competitor to the La Marzocco Linea Classic S.

What is the Rocket EPICA?

The EPICA is the premium lever machine with a saturated group – the combination of two worlds. The saturated group is permanently surrounded by boiler water and therefore thermally extremely stable (as with café machines). The lever operation allows manual pressure profiling through the lever movement – you control pre-infusion and the pressure curve yourself. Dual boiler in AISI 316L stainless steel, permanent-magnet volumetric pump, plumbed-in or tank, touchscreen display, wood accents on the handles and lever. For ambitious home setups and boutique cafés. CHF 6'999.95.

What's the difference between Mozzafiato Cronometro and Mozzafiato FAST?

The Cronometro variant is the classic Mozzafiato with an E61 heat exchanger and shot timer, heat-up time around 20 minutes. The FAST variant uses an actively heated E61 group and an optimised heating system – heat-up time drops to around 12 minutes. The mechanics and E61 lever operation are identical in both. Both variants come as V (vibration pump, tank) and R (rotary pump, plumbable). The same concept applies to Giotto Cronometro vs Giotto FAST.

What's the difference between Mozzafiato and Giotto?

Technically, both lines are sister models with an identical E61 heat-exchanger architecture, the same boilers and the same pump options (V/R). The differences lie in the design: Mozzafiato has a more reduced line with clean surfaces, Giotto has three-dimensional, asymmetric side panels and a more pronounced industrial look. Functionally, both are equivalent – it's a matter of design taste.

What's the difference between vibration and rotary pumps at Rocket?

A vibration pump is more compact, cheaper, a bit louder – fitted in the Appartamento and the V variants of the Mozzafiato and Giotto (Cronometro and FAST). A rotary pump is quieter, more consistent in pressure build-up and plumbable – fitted in the R variants of the Mozzafiato and Giotto, in the R Cinquantotto, Bicocca, EPICA, BOXER and RE Doppia. For a plumbed-in connection at home or in a café, the rotary pump is the prerequisite.

Which Rocket models are plumbable?

The models with a rotary pump – Mozzafiato Cronometro R, Mozzafiato FAST R, Giotto Cronometro R, Giotto FAST R, R Cinquantotto, Bicocca, EPICA, BOXER 1- and 2-group, RE Doppia 2-group – are plumbable. The models with a vibration pump (Appartamento, V variants) use the internal water tank.

What about the Rocket R Nine One?

The R Nine One (R91) is an internationally important pressure-profiling flagship with a saturated group and a manual paddle for pressure-curve control. It is currently not in the CCC range. For a similar pressure-profiling experience in a home setup, we recommend a look at the Rocket EPICA (lever with saturated group, CHF 6'999.95), the Slayer Espresso Single Group V4 with needle-valve flow profiling, or Lelit Bianca V3 with paddle control. If you're specifically looking for an R Nine One, feel free to reach out – we'll give you an honest overview.

How is Rocket Espresso related to ECM?

Rocket Espresso emerged in 2007 from the Italian ECM (Espresso Company Milano) – Andrew Meo, together with Daniele Berenbruch (son of Friedrich Berenbruch, co-founder of the Italian ECM), took over the home espresso machine division and renamed it Rocket Espresso Milano. The German ECM Manufacture Heidelberg is an independent company of the Hauck family (since 1996) and is not the same as the Italian ECM. Both companies use the acronym ECM but are independent of one another.

Which Rocket grinder suits the machine?

For a visual match with the Appartamento: Faustino V2 in the matching Appartamento-matched colour variant (copper, white, chrome or matte black, from CHF 715). For mid-range needs (three programmable doses, touch display): Giannino (CHF 849.95). For more demanding needs or micro-hospitality: New Fausto black (CHF 1'029.95). If you want to combine a Rocket machine with a non-Rocket grinder: sure, many customers combine Rocket machines with Eureka, Mahlkönig, Varia or Option-O.

Can I see Rocket machines before buying?

Yes. In the showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zürich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) there are several Rocket models on display. Bringing your own beans is welcome. Lifting the E61 lever and directly comparing the heat-up characteristics of Cronometro vs FAST can't be conveyed through photos. For Commercial machines (BOXER, RE Doppia) and the EPICA, please ask ahead briefly – they aren't permanently running on site, but can be set up for an appointment.

How are Rocket machines delivered in Switzerland?

Standard shipping across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days. Click and collect in Bern and Zürich. For larger home machines like the R Cinquantotto, Bicocca and EPICA, an on-site setup with installation, plumbed-in connection advice and an on-site introduction can be booked on request for an extra fee – just ask briefly. The BOXER 1- and 2-group Commercial line is delivered including delivery, installation and water filter package. For the RE Doppia 2-group, delivery and installation are coordinated individually. Financing via Heylight is available.

Personal advice: +41 76 789 15 79 (Mon–Sat 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–18:00) · office@coffeecoachingclub.pro
Showrooms: Bern, Gerberngasse 44 (Mo–Sa 10:00–18:00) | Zürich Oerlikon, Hagenholzstrasse 50b (Di–Sa 10:00–17:00)
Delivery: 2–4 business days across Switzerland · click and collect · free shipping from CHF 60 · BOXER 1g/2g incl. delivery, installation and water filter package · on-site setup for larger machines bookable on request for an extra fee · financing via Heylight available

Model overview as of: 17 May 2026 (v3.2 with Commercial line). Sources: official Rocket-Espresso specifications, CCC product database (vendor=Rocket, Shopify catalog with productType espresso machine/commercial machine).