Bravo Verdict
Head to head

Breville Barista Express vs Rocket Appartamento

Side by side comparison of two of the best espresso machines on the market. Same category, different priorities.

Breville Barista Express
Breville

Breville Barista Express

4.5 (12,483)
$599

The best all around home espresso machine for beginners who want to grow.

Check price on Amazon
Rocket Appartamento
Rocket

Rocket Appartamento

4.8 (620)
$1,795

Italian heat exchanger for people who take espresso seriously.

Check price on Amazon

How do the Breville Barista Express and Rocket Appartamento compare, spec for spec?

Spec
Breville
Breville Barista Express
Rocket
Rocket Appartamento
Price$599$1,795
Rating
4.5 (12,483)
4.8 (620)
Boiler typeSingle (thermocoil)Heat exchanger
Built in grinderYesNo
PID temp controlYesNo
Wattage1,600 W1,200 W
Water tank2L removable2.5L removable
Pros
  • Built in conical burr grinder
  • PID temperature control
  • 54mm commercial style portafilter
  • Easy to service
  • Heat exchanger brews and steams at once
  • E61 group head
  • Hand built in Italy
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • Single boiler, can't brew and steam at once
  • Plastic drip tray feels cheap
  • Grinder can clog with oily beans
  • Long warm up (20+ minutes)
  • Vibration pump (rotary is a $500 upgrade)
  • Requires a real grinder

Should you buy the Breville Barista Express or the Rocket Appartamento?

Both are strong picks in the espresso machines category. Here's how to decide:

Get the Breville Barista Express if...

Integrated conical burr grinder, PID temperature control and a manual steam wand. Everything a beginner needs and everything an intermediate barista still uses.

Get the Rocket Appartamento if...

Full heat exchanger design lets you brew and steam simultaneously. Built by hand in Milan with rotary pump options.