Rocket Espresso Switzerland – Portafilter Machines and Commercial Line from Milan

The chrome lever of the E61 brew group is horizontal. You pull it up, the thermosyphon system starts to circulate, you hear the fine gurgle 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 that builds up like honey. That's E61. That has been the heart of Italian espresso culture since 1961. And Rocket Espresso builds machines around exactly this group – and now also around other, modern brew group concepts. By hand, in Milan.

Rocket Espresso Milano has its roots in the 1970s in Milan, when Friedrich Berenbruch built Espresso Company Milano (ECM Italia) – with the Giotto as the 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 re-launch of the Giotto set the tone: Italian tradition combined with modern engineering. This was followed by the Commercial Line and the Appartamento as a compact entry into the world of premium home portafilter machines. Today, Rocket builds the full spectrum in Milan: from the E61 heat exchanger to the touchscreen machine with proprietary brew 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 is directly available, delivery in a few days, showrooms in Bern and Zurich.

Clarification: ECM Italia ≠ ECM Manufacture Heidelberg

The Italian ECM (Espresso Company Milano, 1970s–2007, root of Rocket) is not identical to the German ECM Espresso Coffee Machines Manufacture GmbH (Heidelberg, founded 1996 by Wolfgang Hauck, sister brand of Profitec). Both companies use the acronym ECM, but are independent. 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 makes Rocket special

Three things. First: Craftsmanship from Milan. Every Rocket is built by hand in Milan, with visible chrome presence, the characteristic "R" logo on the cup rail, and a clear Italian design language. Second: Breadth. Unlike brands that only build one heating system or one brew group, Rocket covers a wide spectrum – E61 heat exchangers with standard and actively heated variants, E61 dual boilers, the cylindrical Bicocca brew group, and saturated brew groups in the EPICA and the Commercial Line. Third: Repairability. Rocket machines are designed to remain in use for decades. Parts are interchangeable, service routes are established, and the mechanics are accessible.

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

Comparison table: all active models at a glance

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

Understanding the four Rocket brew groups

Rocket uses four different brew group concepts. Each has its character – which one is more sensible depends on the workflow.

E61 brew group (mechanical thermosyphon group)

Developed by Faema in 1961, today an industry standard for high-quality home espresso machines. Hot brewing water circulates in a thermosyphon circuit through a heavy, preheated metal head. The mechanical lever at the top of the group controls the water flow and, due to its design, provides gentle pre-infusion. Installed in Appartamento TCA, Mozzafiato Cronometro V and R, Giotto Cronometro V and R, and R Cinquantotto. Advantage: classic Italian espresso tradition with high thermal stability. Classic heat-up time is around 20 minutes.

Actively heated E61 brew group (FAST variant)

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

Cylindrical brew group (Bicocca)

Proprietary Rocket development – not an E61, not a saturated group in the classic sense. The group sits directly on the brew boiler, is electrically heated, and PID-controlled. Operation via a 3.5-inch touchscreen instead of a mechanical lever. Only installed in the Bicocca. Advantage: fast thermal response, neat operation with programmable pre-infusion and volumetric dosing.

Saturated brew group (EPICA and Commercial Line)

The saturated brew group sits directly in the boiler or is connected to it in such a way that the brew group is constantly surrounded by boiler water – this results in extremely stable brewing temperatures with no heat-up time between shots. The standard in the cafe sector (comparable to La Marzocco's Linea platform). At Rocket, installed in the EPICA (home statement with additional lever operation for manual pressure profiling), in the BOXER 1- and 2-group (classic cafe machines), and in the RE Doppia 2-group (boutique cafe 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 (thermosyphon) with E61 brew group, copper boiler, vibratory pump, internal water tank. Round laser-cut side panels as a visual trademark, narrow footprint – fits on kitchen counters where other portafilter machines are already at their limit. Hand-crafted in Milan. The TCA variant (Temperature Control Adjustment) has adjustable boiler pressure setpoints that allow the brewing temperature to be influenced – relevant for those who drink light roasts or switch between beans. Available at CCC in several color 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 wooden elements: Chrome/Wood (CHF 2'189.95), Black/Wood (CHF 2'249.95) – Walnut accents on the lever and rotary knobs

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

Mid-range: Mozzafiato and Giotto

Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro V and R

The Mozzafiato series ("breathtaking" in Italian) in the classic Cronometro variant with integrated shot timer. E61 heat exchanger, double manometer for boiler and pump pressure. Mozzafiato Cronometro V (Chrome, CHF 1'959.95): Vibratory 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 brew group and optimized heating system for significantly shorter heat-up time (around 12 minutes instead of the classic 20 minutes). Three variants: FAST V / Chrome (CHF 1'989.95), FAST R / Chrome (CHF 2'289.95), FAST R / Black (CHF 2'289.95). For those who want the Rocket E61 culture but don't want to wait 20 minutes every morning.

Rocket Giotto Cronometro V and R

The Giotto series is Rocket's classic mid-range with asymmetrical, three-dimensional side panels – the sister model to the Mozzafiato with its own design language. E61 heat exchanger, shot timer, double manometer. Giotto Cronometro V (Chrome, CHF 1'899.95): Vibratory pump, tank. Giotto Cronometro R (Chrome, CHF 2'299.95): Rotary pump, plumbable. Identical boiler architecture to Mozzafiato – the choice between the two is a matter of design taste.

Rocket Giotto FAST V and R

The Giotto in the current FAST variant with actively heated E61 brew 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, detachable touchscreen PID, integrated shot timer, auto-on timer. Available at CCC in two variants: Chrome (CHF 2'789.95) and Black (CHF 2'789.95). For those who want a classic E61 dual boiler Rocket with a commercial-grade pump and plumbable option.

Modern: Bicocca

Rocket Bicocca Chrome and Black

The most modern Rocket home development – and a break with E61 tradition. Designed by Valerio Cometti and V12 Design Studio. Dual boiler made of stainless steel, both boilers fully insulated. Instead of E61, the Bicocca uses a proprietary cylindrical brew group that sits directly on the brew boiler – fast thermal response, actively heated with PID control. Rotary pump, plumbed or tank mode, 3.5-inch touchscreen directly on the brew group. Programmable pre-infusion and volumetric dosing. Available at CCC in two variants: Chrome (CHF 4'199.95) and Black (CHF 4'299.95). For those who do not see E61 mechanics as a prerequisite, but rather modern operation and thermal stability as paramount.

Premium Statement and Commercial Line

Rocket Espresso complements its home portfolio with a premium lever machine featuring a saturated brew group (EPICA) and a dedicated Commercial Line (BOXER 1-/2-group, RE Doppia 2-group) for boutique cafes, restaurants, and ambitious hotels. All four models use saturated brew groups – the most thermally stable construction in the cafe sector – and are plumbable with a rotary pump.

Rocket EPICA – Premium Lever with Saturated Brew Group

Rocket's pressure-profiling machine for ambitious home setups and boutique cafes. Saturated brew group with lever operation: manual pressure profiling is controlled by the lever movement, while the brew group itself remains thermally stable. Dual boiler made of AISI 316L stainless steel, permanent magnet volumetric pump, plumbed or tank mode, touchscreen display, wood accoutrements on handles and lever. A machine that combines the best of lever character and a saturated brew group. CHF 6'999.95.

Rocket BOXER 1-Group

Rocket's entry-level commercial machine – a single-group classic cafe machine for smaller cafes, take-away locations, offices, and restaurants with moderate espresso volume. Saturated brew group, rotary pump, plumbable, robust cafe 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 cafes with moderate to higher espresso volume. Two saturated brew groups, rotary pump, plumbable, 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 cafe machines, without La Marzocco's price level.

Rocket RE Doppia 2-Group

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

Grinders

Rocket Faustino V2

Rocket's compact home grinder – ideal for setups where the machine and grinder should visually match. Grind-by-time grinder with programmable dosing, compact footprint. Available at CCC in multiple color and material variants: Chrome, Matte Black plus the Appartamento-matched variants (Copper, White, Chrome, Matte Black – color-matched to the Appartamento espresso machine). Prices from CHF 715.00 to CHF 789.95 depending on the variant.

Rocket Giannino

The mid-range grinder from the Rocket lineup. Solid construction for home use, three programmable doses plus continuous mode, touch display, stepless grind adjustment. Currently available at CCC in the Chrome/Black variant (CHF 849.95).

Rocket New Fausto Black

The larger grinder for more demanding home setups or small-scale gastronomy. Programmable dosing for single and double shots (timer-based), robust construction. CHF 1'029.95 (Black variant).

Rocket in Comparison

La Marzocco operates exclusively with saturated brew groups, Florentine engineering aesthetics, and app integration in the home and cafe segments. Rocket covers a broader range of concepts with E61 classics, actively heated E61, the cylindrical Bicocca brew group, and the saturated brew group (EPICA, BOXER, RE Doppia). ECM Manufacture Heidelberg and Profitec are the German E61 specialists under the Hauck family umbrella – technically related to Rocket's E61 line, but with a different design language and engineering tradition (Bammental instead of Milan). None of the brands is "better" – they are different answers to the same question. For cafe machines, the Rocket BOXER and RE Doppia directly compare with La Marzocco Linea Classic S – and the Rocket EPICA with La Marzocco Leva X.

Who is Rocket Espresso for?

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

Those who exclusively want a saturated brew group with app control for home use: La Marzocco Linea Micra or Linea Mini R. Those who prefer manual lever extraction without electronics: Flair Espresso. Those who prefer German E61 construction: ECM Manufacture or Profitec. Those looking for flow profiling with a needle valve: Slayer Espresso. Those looking for paddle flow profiling in a different platform: Lelit Bianca V3.

What Goes Well With It

A Rocket demands a suitable grinder. The obvious choice: a Rocket grinder from its own range (Faustino V2 for compact setups, Giannino for the mid-range, New Fausto for more demanding requirements). Alternatives from other brands: Varia VS3 or VS4 (VS4 with 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 directly at the grinder: Mahlkönig E64 WS or X64 SD for single dose. For the classic Mignon class: Eureka Mignon Specialita or Libra. For cafe setups with BOXER or RE Doppia: Mahlkönig E80 Supreme as a cafe standard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Rocket machine is right for me?

For compact kitchens and classic E61 entry: Appartamento TCA in one of the color variants (from CHF 1'639.95). For 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 classic E61 mid-range with rotary pump and plumbable: Mozzafiato Cronometro R or Giotto Cronometro R (each CHF 2'299.95). For E61 with shorter heat-up time thanks to actively heated group: Mozzafiato FAST or Giotto FAST (from CHF 1'989.95). For E61 dual boiler flagship: R Cinquantotto Chrome or Black (CHF 2'789.95). For modern touchscreen operation with cylindrical brew group: Bicocca Chrome (CHF 4'199.95) or Black (CHF 4'299.95). For a lever statement with saturated brew group: EPICA (CHF 6'999.95). For cafe 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 cafes?

Yes. Rocket Espresso currently offers three commercial models in the CCC assortment: BOXER 1-Group (CHF 5'599.95, incl. delivery, installation, and water filter package) for smaller cafes, take-aways, and offices; BOXER 2-Group (CHF 6'659.95, incl. delivery, installation, and water filter package) for cafes with moderate volume; and RE Doppia 2-Group (CHF 9'199.95) as a premium commercial machine for specialty cafes. All three feature saturated brew groups, rotary pumps, and direct water connection. Additionally, there is the EPICA (CHF 6'999.95) as a premium lever machine with a saturated brew group and manual pressure profiling, suitable for ambitious home setups and boutique cafes looking to make a statement.

What brew groups does Rocket use?

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

What is the difference between BOXER and RE Doppia?

Both are commercial machines with saturated brew groups. The BOXER is Rocket's entry-level cafe machine – in 1- and 2-group variants (CHF 5'599.95 / CHF 6'659.95), at CCC including delivery, installation, and water filter package. For smaller cafes, take-away locations, offices, and restaurants with moderate volume. The RE Doppia (CHF 9'199.95, 2-group) is Rocket's premium commercial machine – more robustly built, optimized for specialty cafes with higher demands for brew stability and workflow speed. Direct competition to the La Marzocco Linea Classic S.

What is the Rocket EPICA?

The EPICA is Rocket's premium lever machine with a saturated brew group – combining two worlds. The saturated brew group is constantly flushed with boiler water and therefore extremely thermally stable (like in cafe machines). The lever operation allows for manual pressure profiling via lever movement – you control pre-infusion and pressure curve yourself. Dual boilers made of AISI 316L stainless steel, permanent magnet volumetric pump, plumbable or tank, touchscreen display, wood accoutrements on handles and lever. For ambitious home setups and boutique cafes. CHF 6'999.95.

What is the difference between Mozzafiato Cronometro and Mozzafiato FAST?

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

What is the difference between Mozzafiato and Giotto?

Technically, both lines are sister models with 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 streamlined design with clean surfaces, while Giotto has three-dimensional, asymmetrical side panels and a more distinctive industrial look. Functionally, both are equivalent – it's a matter of design preference.

What is the difference between vibration and rotary pumps in Rocket?

A vibration pump is more compact, cheaper, and a bit louder – installed in Appartamento, V-variants of Mozzafiato and Giotto (Cronometro and FAST). A rotary pump is quieter, more consistent in pressure buildup, and plumbable – installed in the R-variants of Mozzafiato and Giotto, in R Cinquantotto, Bicocca, EPICA, BOXER, and RE Doppia. For direct water connection at home or in a cafe, a rotary pump is a 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 Rocket's internationally important pressure-profiling flagship with a saturated brew group and manual paddle for pressure curve control. It is currently not in the CCC program. For similar pressure profiling experiences in a home setup, we recommend taking a look at the Rocket EPICA (lever with saturated brew 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 are specifically looking for an R Nine One, please contact us – we will give you an honest overview.

How is Rocket Espresso connected to ECM?

Rocket Espresso was founded in 2007 out of 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 identical to the Italian ECM. Both companies use the acronym ECM but are independent of each other.

Which Rocket grinder matches the machine?

For visual matching with Appartamento: Faustino V2 in the matching Appartamento-matched color variant (Copper, White, Chrome or Matte Black, from CHF 715). For medium requirements (three programmable doses, touch display): Giannino (CHF 849.95). For more demanding requirements or small gastronomy: New Fausto Black (CHF 1'029.95). If you want to combine a Rocket machine with a non-Rocket grinder: no problem, many customers combine Rocket machines with Eureka, Mahlkönig, Varia or Option-O.

Can I see Rocket machines before purchasing?

Yes. Several Rocket models are on display in the showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). You are welcome to bring your own beans. Lifting the E61 lever and directly comparing the heat-up characteristics of Cronometro vs FAST cannot be conveyed through photos. For commercial machines (BOXER, RE Doppia) and EPICA, please inquire briefly beforehand – they are not continuously operated on site but can be set up for an appointment.

How are Rocket machines delivered in Switzerland?

Standard shipping throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days. Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich. For larger home machines like R Cinquantotto, Bicocca, and EPICA, an on-site setup with assembly, direct water connection consultation, and on-site introduction can be booked upon request for an additional charge – a brief inquiry is sufficient. The commercial line BOXER 1- and 2-group includes delivery, installation, and a water filter package. For RE Doppia 2-group, delivery and installation are coordinated individually. Financing through Heylight is possible.

Personal Consultation: +41 76 789 15 79 (Mon–Sat 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–18:00) · office@coffeecoachingclub.ch
Showrooms: Bern, Gerberngasse 44 (Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00) | Zurich Oerlikon, Hagenholzstrasse 50b (Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00)
Delivery: 2–4 working days nationwide · Click and Collect · Free shipping from CHF 60 · BOXER 1g/2g incl. delivery, installation, and water filter package · On-site setup for larger machines available upon request for an additional charge · Financing through Heylight possible

Model overview status: May 17, 2026 (v3.2 with Commercial Line). Sources: official Rocket Espresso specifications, CCC product database (vendor=Rocket, Shopify-Catalog with productType Espressomaschine/Gastromaschine).