Original Rocket Brew Head Gasket – E61 Gasket for Rocket, Faema and Gaggia
The portafilter slides into the brew group, you twist it home, and for a heartbeat you hear nothing but the quiet, even hiss of the first water moving through the coffee before full pressure builds. That moment – calm, snug, with no hissing at the edges – depends on a single small ring you never actually see: the brew head gasket, tucked deep inside the group.
It sits between the brew group and the portafilter, turning two metal parts into one sealed unit. With every heating and cooling cycle, rubber loses a little tension – after a few years of daily use, that's entirely normal, nothing to worry about. The portafilter then needs twisting further and further home, or a little water escapes at the rim during the shot. A new gasket restores the snug seal in a few minutes.
That a Rocket gasket also fits Faema and Gaggia brew groups is no coincidence and no overstatement: the E61 brew group was developed in 1960 by Ernesto Valente and brought to market by Faema in 1961 under that name. The patent expired in 1996 – since then, numerous manufacturers have built brew groups to the same measurements, Rocket, Faema itself, and Gaggia's E61 models among them. 73 × 57 × 8.0 mm is therefore not a Rocket-exclusive size but the industry standard that grew out of the E61 design. Our take is one of many, but this match can always be checked against the measurements.
At a glance
| Type | Brew head gasket (E61 style) |
| Dimensions | 73 × 57 × 8.0 mm |
| Suitable for | Rocket, Faema and E61 brew groups, Gaggia |
Who it's for
For anyone maintaining a machine with an E61 or Faema brew group – whether it's a young Rocket on the counter or a Faema that has been in daily use for years. Espresso is complex but not rocket science: changing a gasket is one of those small, honestly satisfying jobs anyone can learn, regardless of experience or budget.
Around your brew group
Replacing the gasket is often the moment for a proper clean too: you'll find suitable cleaning products for brew groups and grinders in our machine and grinder cleaning collection. For everyday portafilter care, our barista tools collection is worth a look. And if you're looking for a new machine with an E61 brew group sooner or later, our Rocket Espresso collection covers the full range, from the compact single-boiler machine to the dual boiler. Our espresso machine advisor helps if you're weighing up a few models.
Frequently asked questions
When should I replace the brew head gasket?
If the portafilter needs twisting further and further home, or water escapes at the rim of the brew group during a shot, the gasket has usually lost its tension. A new gasket restores the tight seal within minutes.
Does the gasket really fit Rocket, Faema and Gaggia at the same time?
Yes. The E61 brew group has become an industry standard since the original Faema patent expired in 1996, and many manufacturers now build to the same measurements. This gasket, at 73 × 57 × 8.0 mm, fits Rocket, Faema and Gaggia's E61 brew groups.
How do I replace the gasket myself?
Remove the portafilter, carefully lift the old gasket out of the groove in the brew group, and press the new one into the same spot. No special tools needed – just a little patience.
Can I see the gasket in person before buying?
Yes, drop by our showroom in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) or Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) – we'll show it to you fitted on a brew group.
Does it also fit other E61 brands like ECM or Profitec?
Very likely, since these manufacturers also build on the E61 design. That said, small manufacturing tolerances exist between individual models – if you're unsure, drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll check it for your model.
A note from our roastery
A freshly seated gasket means even pressure build-up – and that pays off with every bean. For anyone who loves dense, aromatic, full-bodied espresso, we recommend Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight. If you want maximum body with no acidity at all, you'll find it in Very Nutty. And if you're curious about a fruit-forward experience, discover it in Wild Peach. Our recommendation, one of many – every coffee path is valid.
