Breville Dual Boiler vs. Rocket Appartamento
Today, let’s dive into a comparison between the Breville Dual Boiler and the Rocket Appartamento. These commercial-grade espresso machines are not only robust and powerful but also come with a hefty price tag and substantial size. If you’ve been wrestling with entry-level machines and are ready for an upgrade, both of these contenders deserve serious consideration.
After evaluating various key aspects, the Breville Dual Boiler emerges as the top pick. What sets it apart from the Rocket Appartamento, you might wonder? The Dual Boiler comes equipped with a more comprehensive set of accessories right out of the box, can accommodate larger cups, and is surprisingly mobile thanks to a handy wheel system. Additionally, it allows for fine-tuning the temperature for both brewing and steaming, providing greater control over your coffee-making process. These features collectively give the Breville Dual Boiler an edge over the Rocket Appartamento, making it the superior choice for those seeking a high-quality espresso machine upgrade.
Breville Dual Boiler vs Rocket Appartamento: Specs & Features Comparison
The Breville Dual Boiler and Rocket Appartamento are both impressive commercial-grade espresso machines, but they have distinct differences that set them apart. The Breville Dual Boiler, measuring 20.1 x 17.2 x 17.2 inches and weighing 30 lbs, features a button-operated interface and dual boilers, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming. It operates at 15 bars of pump pressure and includes a pre-infusion feature. The machine is equipped with a manual steam wand, a dual spigot with a 4-inch cup clearance, and a 2.5-liter water reservoir. The Breville Dual Boiler also offers an optional filter and is compatible with pre-ground coffee. Users appreciate its dual boilers, large and easy-to-refill water tank, powerful steam wand, intuitive control panel, and adjustable steam temperature.
On the other hand, the Rocket Appartamento, measuring 17 x 14.2 x 10.5 inches and weighing 44 lbs, features a knob and lever interface and a heat exchanger heating system. It also operates at 15 bars of pump pressure and includes a pre-infusion feature. The machine has a manual steam wand, a dual spigot with a 3.5-inch cup clearance, and a 2.3-liter water reservoir. Like the Breville, it offers an optional filter and is compatible with pre-ground coffee. Users appreciate the Rocket Appartamento’s eye-catching design, the ability to brew and steam simultaneously, great steam pressure, double-wall steam wand, and heat exchanger boiler.
Overall, the Breville Dual Boiler is favored for its comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and greater control over brewing and steaming temperatures, making it a more versatile and convenient option for coffee enthusiasts. The Rocket Appartamento, with its stylish design and powerful performance, remains a strong contender, particularly for those who prioritize aesthetics and steam pressure.
Breville Dual Boiler vs. Rocket Appartamento: Differences
The Breville Dual Boiler edged out the Rocket Appartamento with a score of 3-2. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to explore how these two espresso machines stack up against each other.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Tie
Built-in Grinder:
Neither the Dual Boiler nor the Rocket Appartamento comes with a built-in grinder. The manufacturers intend for you to pair these machines with a high-quality standalone grinder. Although you can use pre-ground coffee, fresh ground coffee from whole beans is ideal to fully utilize their potential.
Dosing & Tamping:
Both machines use well-built 58mm spouted portafilters and come with solid, weighty tampers. The Dual Boiler’s tamper is magnetic and can be neatly stored on the left side of the machine. Additionally, the Dual Boiler includes both single- and dual-wall filter baskets, while the Rocket Appartamento only comes with single-wall baskets.
Heating System:
The Dual Boiler features two boilers, allowing you to pull a shot of espresso and froth milk simultaneously. The Rocket Appartamento uses a heat exchanger, which also enables multi-tasking with a single boiler by maintaining the correct temperature for both brewing and steaming. The Dual Boiler has a digital PID controller for precise temperature control, while the Rocket Appartamento uses a pressurestat, which, although less accurate, is favored by many baristas for its cost-effectiveness and quicker heat-up times.
Brewing System:
The Dual Boiler has programmable pre-infusion, allowing you to set both the duration and pressure. The Rocket Appartamento offers manual pre-infusion by positioning the lever to the halfway point, giving you control over the duration. The Rocket Appartamento also features an exposed E61 group head, which maintains consistent temperature and contributes to thermal stability, essential for perfect espresso shots.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Dual Boiler
Dimensions & User Interface:
The Breville Dual Boiler measures 20.1 x 17.2 x 17.2 inches and weighs 30 lbs, while the Rocket Appartamento measures 17 x 14.2 x 10.5 inches and weighs 44 lbs. Both machines are bulky and may dominate limited counter space. The Rocket Appartamento features a gleaming stainless steel casing with circular accents available in copper and white, while the Dual Boiler offers a few color options including stainless steel, cranberry red, and black sesame. The Dual Boiler has a small screen, a pressure gauge, and buttons, while the Rocket Appartamento uses knobs and a lever for a more tactile experience. The Rocket Appartamento’s gauge monitors boiler pressure, whereas the Dual Boiler’s gauge tracks pump pressure.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
The Dual Boiler can accommodate larger cups with a 4-inch clearance, compared to the Rocket Appartamento’s 3.5-inch clearance. Both machines are designed primarily for espresso cups but allow for drip tray removal to fit larger mugs or glasses.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
Both machines have removable water tanks (Dual Boiler: 2.5 liters, Rocket Appartamento: 2.3 liters). The Dual Boiler features a front-facing window for real-time water level monitoring and includes a water filter to maintain coffee quality and reduce descaling frequency.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Rocket Appartamento
Both machines feature professional steam wands that pivot on a 360-degree ball joint. The Rocket Appartamento’s steam wand is faster and has a double-wall design, preventing it from getting scorching hot. The Dual Boiler includes a stainless steel milk jug, while the Rocket Appartamento does not.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Dual Boiler
Drink Options:
Both machines can make espresso and hot water. The Dual Boiler has a separate outlet for hot water, while the Rocket Appartamento uses its steam wand.
Programmability:
The Dual Boiler shines with its PID controller, allowing users to set steam temperature between 265 and 285℉ and brew temperature from 190 to 205℉. The Rocket Appartamento lacks a PID, offering no option to adjust brewing temperature.
Overall, the Breville Dual Boiler stands out with its greater control over brewing and steaming temperatures, user-friendly design, and comprehensive features, making it the superior choice for coffee enthusiasts. The Rocket Appartamento remains a strong contender with its stylish design and powerful performance, particularly for those who prioritize aesthetics and steam pressure.
Quick Overview Of Breville Dual Boiler
The Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine BES920XL, in brushed stainless steel, is a high-end espresso maker designed for home use. It features dual boilers, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming, which is ideal for making multiple coffee drinks quickly. The machine has a large and easy-to-refill water tank, a powerful steam wand for creating microfoam milk, and an intuitive control panel. Additionally, it offers adjustable steam temperature, providing greater control over the coffee-making process.
Pros:
- Dual boilers.
- Large and easy-to-refill water tank.
- Powerful steam wand.
- Intuitive control panel.
- Adjustable steam temperature.
Cons:
- No built-in grinder.
- Bulky.
The Breville Dual Boiler is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-performance espresso machine at home. Its dual boilers and adjustable settings make it a standout choice for those who value precision and efficiency in their coffee-making routine.
Quick Overview of Rocket Appartamento
Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine, Copper
The Rocket Appartamento is a compact and stylish espresso machine designed for both functionality and aesthetics. With its heat exchange boiler, you can brew espresso and froth milk simultaneously, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. The heated group head ensures consistent shot temperatures, while the small footprint makes it suitable for space-restricted kitchens. The manual controls provide a hands-on brewing experience, perfect for those who enjoy the art of making espresso. Additionally, it comes with a three-year warranty, offering peace of mind for your investment.
Key Features:
- Heat Exchange Boiler: A 1.8-liter boiler that allows simultaneous brewing and frothing.
- Heated Group Head: Maintains consistent shot temperatures.
- Small Footprint: Designed for small counters and tight spaces.
- Manual Control: Provides a hands-on brewing experience.
- Three Year Warranty: Includes parts and labor support for three years.
Pros:
- Eye-catching design.
- Brew and steam at once.
- Great steam pressure.
- Double-wall steam wand.
- Heat exchanger boiler.
Cons:
- No PID controller.
- Small cup clearance.
The Rocket Appartamento is a great choice for those who value a combination of design and performance. Its ability to brew and steam simultaneously, along with its attractive design and compact size, makes it a valuable addition to any coffee enthusiast’s kitchen.
Conclusion:
In the comparison between the Breville Dual Boiler and the Rocket Appartamento, the Dual Boiler edges out its competitor with a score of 3-2. Both of these commercial-grade machines offer impressive performance and features, making them strong contenders for coffee enthusiasts seeking an upgrade from entry-level models. However, the Breville Dual Boiler stands out in several key areas, making it the superior choice.
The Breville Dual Boiler excels with its dual boilers, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming. This feature, combined with the precise temperature control provided by its digital PID controller, ensures consistent and high-quality espresso extraction. The machine also offers programmable pre-infusion, an intuitive control panel, and a large, easy-to-refill water tank with a front-facing window for real-time monitoring. Additionally, the Dual Boiler includes both single- and dual-wall filter baskets and comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a stainless steel milk jug.
On the other hand, the Rocket Appartamento impresses with its eye-catching design, compact footprint, and powerful steam wand. The heat exchanger boiler allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, and the E61 group head ensures thermal stability for consistent temperatures. However, the lack of a PID controller means less precise temperature control, and the smaller cup clearance and absence of a milk jug are minor drawbacks.
Overall, while both machines offer exceptional performance, the Breville Dual Boiler’s advanced features, user-friendly design, and greater control over brewing and steaming temperatures make it the superior choice for home baristas seeking a high-quality espresso machine. The Rocket Appartamento remains a strong contender, especially for those who prioritize aesthetics and powerful steam performance.