Rocket R58 Espresso Machine Review: Blast Off to Espresso Bliss!

In today’s Rocket R58 review I’ll be taking a look at an extremely premium home espresso machine.

I usually avoid reviewing machines at this price point, seeing as most Coffeeness readers aren’t willing (or able) to spend multiple thousands of dollars on a coffee maker. Still, the Rocket R58 Cinquantotto is a truly remarkable prosumer machine that merits consideration.

So, this review is for those of you looking to take your espresso game to the highest level. Trust me, it really doesn’t get much better than this!

Overview: Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Review

During this initial review I’ll be focusing on the updated Rocket R58 Cinquantotto. This successor to the original R58 is essentially the same machine with a few notable improvements.

As it happens, cinquantotto means “58” in Italian, which is appropriate seeing as the manufacturer intended to give the machine more Italian style. One example is the new leg design, which heightens the Rocket R58’s bella forma. Elsewhere, the machine is more streamlined and features a new metal cup rail. I’ll discuss other updates and improvements throughout this Rocket R58 review.

The Rocket R58 is about as good as it gets for a home espresso machine. What’s more, this beauty could be used as a commercial espresso machine in some settings. It has all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from Rocket Espresso, including dashing good looks, a relatively compact footprint and premium construction.

What’s more, the R58 Cinquantotto brings commercial features to the table such as dual PID-controlled boilers and a rotary pump. Heck, you can even plumb the machine into a water line.

At this point, I should remind you that the Rocket R58 is for true espresso aficionados. Besides, the $3,000 asking price is bound to deter casual dabblers. After all, no one can argue that three grand is a huge chunk to drop on an espresso machine.

So, if you’re looking for a prosumer espresso machine that’s a little more approachable and affordable, consider checking out my Rocket Appartamento TCA review and Stone Espresso Machine review.

Incidentally, you should plan on buying a suitable espresso grinder to pair with any of these machines. I mean, if you don’t have a good coffee grinder for espresso, why bother trying?

Rocket R58 Espresso Machine Features

Now that we’ve established what we’re dealing with, let’s dig deeper into the features you can expect from this wonderful prosumer espresso machine.

Size and Design

Like all Rocket espresso machines, the R58 Cinquantotto is built by hand in Milan, Italy. That means you can expect a machine that’s both beautiful and functional.

In my opinion, the manufacturer has created a line of iconic models that pay homage to classics of days gone by. Featuring an exposed E61 group head and mirrored metal housing for miles, the Rocket R58 has a gorgeous retro-industrial vibe that’s hard to resist.

Rising to just under 17 inches, the R58 will fit under most kitchen cabinets. Still, you’ll need to access the removable water tank from time to time. Plus, there’s an effective cup warmer up top, surrounded by a classy metal cup rail.

Overall, the Rocket R58 is fairly compact, meaning it should fit nicely in any kitchen. Just remember that you’ll need space for a burr coffee grinder too.

User Interface

The Rocket R58 offers a hands-on experience that encourages you to get involved in every aspect of the espresso making process.

So, rather than a bunch of buttons and dials, there’s an old school lever for activating the group head as well as chunky knobs for opening the steam and hot water wands. What’s more, the machine is equipped with a pair of gauges for monitoring pressure in the boiler and at the group head.

With all that said, the Rocket R58 is a thoroughly modern machine with tricks up its sleeve. For starters, there’s a small digital shot timer on the front panel. Even better, the R58 Cinquantotto comes with a sophisticated PID controller, which I’ll discuss next.

Rocket R58 PID Controller

Perhaps the Rocket R58 Cinquantotto’s most exciting feature is its auxiliary digital PID controller. This was also a feature of the original R58, but the manufacturer has made a bunch of improvements to what was a rather clunky system.

The Cinquantotto comes equipped with a highly responsive touchscreen controller that attaches neatly to the side of the machine. Using the controller you can adjust the temperature in both boilers, which is really cool. Plus, the PID itself maintains precise temperatures at all times.

Unfortunately, you don’t have any information on the temperature at the group head. However, the manufacturer does provide information on how to calculate that.

The touchscreen controller also offers menu options for turning on eco mode and setting the machine to turn on at specific times. Oh, and if you don’t want the controller spoiling the vintage vibes you can simply remove it altogether.

Dual Boilers

A big part of what makes the Rocket R58 such a high-performance machine is its dual boiler system. There’s a 0.6-liter brew boiler and a 1.8-liter steam boiler, both of which are made of copper. Oh, and as we’ve already learned, each boiler is equipped with its own PID.

In my experience, a dual boiler system like this is so much more stable and precise than a heat exchanger or dual boilers with a pressurestat. Essentially, you can almost guarantee that the Rocket R58 will consistently perform to the highest standards.

Group Head

As I mentioned earlier, the Rocket R58 features an E61 group head, which has been a premium choice for decades.

There’s a good reason why the very best prosumer machines always have this exposed brew group. Ultimately, it provides exceptional temperature stability, thanks to the fact that the thermosiphon keeps water constantly circulating through the group.

Next to the E61 group head you’ll find the manual brewing lever, which is just so satisfying to use.

The lever offers two stages of movement, the first of which engages pre-infusion. Trust me, it’s so great to be fully in control of your pre-infusion time, before pushing the lever all the way down to begin extraction. And once you’ve found the sweet spot, your espresso shots will be way more consistent and complex.

Portafilter

To no one’s surprise, the Rocket R58 comes with two 58mm portafilters. However, I am surprised that both the single and double portafilters are spouted.

Whenever I test an espresso machine I like to use a bottomless portafilter, seeing as it produces superior results.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen a bottomless option included with the R58, but I guess you can’t win ’em all. Anyway, you can buy a Rocket Espresso Bottomless Portafilter on Amazon for $69.95.

Interestingly, the double filter basket has a rather limited 14-gram capacity. With that in mind, you can expect to find yourself pulling ristretto shots with the Rocket R58.

Rocket R58 Flow Control

These days, pressure profiling is super popular among elite level baristas. With that in mind, some of you may be disappointed to learn that the Rocket R58 doesn’t come equipped with a flow control option.

With that said, you can easily install an aftermarket flow control valve, and you won’t have to spend too much.

Rotary Pump

I mentioned the Rocket R58 Cinquantotto’s rotary pump earlier, but I felt like I should circle back and talk about why it’s such a big deal. Essentially, a rotary pump is what commercial espresso machines use, and offers quieter and smoother performance than a (cheaper) vibratory pump. What’s more, having a professional-level rotary pump means you’re able to directly plumb the R58 to your water line.

That means you’ll never have to refill a water reservoir again!

Steam Wand

Located on the left side of the machine, the Rocket Espresso R58 steam wand is ball joint-mounted for versatility of movement.

Thanks to its double-wall insulation, you won’t have to worry about burning yourself on the steam wand. And trust me, I’ve seared my arms on older commercial machines enough times to know how painful it can be.

Thanks to the whole dual boiler thang, you can prepare espresso and steam milk at the same time, which will be a game changer for latte freaks. Plus, the Rocket R58 comes with a 1.5-millimeter steam tip and a 1.2-millimeter tip.

The latter option will slow things down a bit, which you’ll surely appreciate as you’re getting used to the massive amounts of steam pressure on offer here.

Tamping

The Rocket R58 Cinquantotto comes with a perfectly good metal espresso tamper. In fact, I’m fairly sure it’s the same one I used when I was testing the Rocket Appartamento.

While the included tamper will be fine, I’d really recommend picking up a calibrated tamper. I’ve been loving how precise these things are, and I’ve noticed a definite improvement in consistency across my espresso shots.

While I’m on the subject, consider getting hold of a WDT tool for distributing grounds in the portafilter. And of course, if you don’t already own a coffee scale, now’s the time to make that purchase!

How to Use the Rocket R58 Espresso Machine

I’ve made it clear that the Rocket R58 is no beginner espresso machine. With that said, don’t feel intimidated if you aren’t an expert barista. I mean, there will be a learning curve involved when you’re getting to grips with this machine, but it’s actually quite straightforward.

Once you’ve unboxed your new espresso machine, I’d recommend spending time with the user manual. That way you’ll know how to set up the R58 properly for first use.

That said, you should remember that there’s no water filter option, so be very careful with what you put in the reservoir. Personally, I’d consider using bottled water or, at the very least, well-filtered tap water. Not only will your shots taste better, you’ll be extending the lifespan of your expensive espresso maker!

When you’re ready to start pulling shots, be prepared to spend time dialing everything in. But keep in mind that once you know the ropes, you’ll be brewing up very delicious and consistent espresso day in, day out.

Espresso Preparation

Because I care, I’ve decided to include a tutorial covering how to make espresso with the Rocket R58 Cinquantotto. Of course, I’m counting on the fact that you’re using high-quality espresso beans in tandem with a very precise and versatile coffee grinder. I’m also going to assume that you own a coffee scale that’s slim enough to fit under your espresso cup.

Anyway, here’s how to make a shot using the double portafilter:

Rocket R58 Cleaning

You just spent $3,000 on a home espresso machine. Don’t imagine for a second that you can get away with the bare minimum of maintenance. Seriously, if I owned this thing I’d be treating it as though it were my first born child!

Jokes aside, if you develop a few good cleaning habits, you’ll find that there really isn’t;’t that much to do on a daily basis. Of course, you should rinse the portafilter after each shot, and make use of the included group brush to scrub stray grounds from the dispersal screen.

At the end of each day’s use I’d recommend removing the filter basket and giving it and the portafilter a good scrub. While you’re at it, remove and clean the dispersion screen and give the group head a once over.

As for backflushing, it makes sense to do so once a week or so. You can use the included blind basket for this, as well as a pinch of espresso machine cleaning powder. I’ll leave it to the user manual to explain the juicy details.

As far as the dreaded descaling goes, you shouldn’t have to worry too much if you only use bottled or well-filtered water. However, copper boilers certainly aren’t immune to mineral buildup, which could ultimately start to cause performance issues.

To be honest, I’d consider consulting the professionals for descaling services. If it were me, I’d be afraid of causing permanent damage.

Rocket R58 Cinquantotto Specifications

Rocket R58 vs Other Espresso Machines

Let’s take the time to see how the magnificent Rocket R58 measures up in comparison to a couple of other prosumer espresso machines.

Rocket R58 vs Appartamento

I’ll admit that I was crushed out on the Rocket Appartamento before I’d even seen the thing in real life. And once I’d put the Appartamento through its paces in my test, I fell in love a little bit.

Costing $1,700, the Rocket Appartamento is certainly more approachable price-wise than the R58. That makes the Appartamento the best Rocket espresso machine for those on a tighter budget.

Still, don’t imagine that the manufacturer toned down the quality to make the Appartamento more affordable. Sure, it doesn’t have dual boilers and sophisticated PID controls. However, the Appartamento is still a powerful prosumer machine with commercial-grade components. And it looks gorgeous into the bargain.

Ultimately, if you’re determined to own a prosumer machine but can’t swallow the R58’s price tag, I’d heartily recommend the Appartamento. Trust me, it can make spectacular espresso and milk foam.

See Also: Rocket Appartamento Review

Rocket R58 vs Lelit Bianca

The beloved Lelit Bianca is an espresso machine that can go head-to head with the Rocket R58 Cinquantotto in every department. In fact, many would argue that the Lelit Bianca outperforms the R58 in some areas.

Costing the same as the Rocket R58, the Lelit Bianca will be a tempting proposition to those with larger budgets. I mean, just look at the thing – it’s absolutely breathtaking! What’s more, the Bianca has the same features, components and build quality.

In saying that, I’m referring to the machine’s dual boilers and PID controls, as well as the fact that it’s handmade in Italy.

To be perfectly honest, the Lelit Bianca offers even more flexibility than the Rocket R58 when it comes to perfecting your espresso shots. The level of programmability on offer is staggering, and the Lelit is equipped with a flow control feature.

Put simply, this is the machine espresso nerds hope they’ll find when they walk through the Pearly Gates!

See Also: Lelit Bianca Review

Rocket R58 vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto Review

If I were a rich man, I’d have a coffee lab full of machines like the Rocket R58 Cinquantotto and the Lelit Bianca. Then I wouldn’t have to wonder whether I’d made the wrong purchase. Still, you really can’t go wrong with either machine.

At the end of the day, the Rocket R58 is a superb home espresso machine with tons of thoughtful features. And as long as you’re willing to put in the time, you’ll be able to pull shots as good as any you’ll get from a fancy third wave cafe.

Just don’t skimp on that espresso grinder. How many times do I have to tell you?!

Rocket R58 Review FAQ