I think I'm still dealing with the shock of bringing a piece of Milan home to Wisconsin. I've had my Rocket Giotto Evoluzione for almost two weeks now. When I first unpacked it I was floored by it's beauty and grace, but also had a bad case of remorse for buying this much of a machine. I replaced a Rancilio Silvia that I've had for six years now. I knew all of it's tricks and troubles and could pretty consistently pull a great shot. However, my frustration was with the inconsistency I was getting with frothing my milk as I mostly drink lattes. When I was evaluating the various options I was very very tempted by the Breville Dual Boiler especially when a large retailer was offering 30% off but in the end I decided if I was going to upgrade I was going for what I really wanted which was the Rocket.

The first few days were pretty ugly. I struggled to pull a shot as well as I could with my Silvia. I played with the grind, dose, flushing, and even my tamp. But almost all the shots were thin with little crema. Then I stepped back and thought for a bit, and realized my problem was the coffee I was using. I got a "free" pound of espresso beans with the machine which I should have just thrown in the garbage when I unpacked it. Because as soon as I bought a fresh pound of espresso beans from my local roaster my shots improved. As a matter of fact my first shot was pretty good considering it was my first guess at the grind.

Anyway, I'd love to hear more about experiences people are having with their Rocket Giotto. I'm also hoping to post a video once I get more comfortable with the machine.

Keep us posted on the Evoluzione. I'm about to go for the same machine and would like to hear how the first weeks go for you (are you glad you went with it?).

I'm pleased to see more and more Rocket owners on this site! I've had my machine for the better part of a year now and am still quite happy with it. Making good shots and good microfoam is now second nature. Once in a while, i'll hit paydirt and pull something really special.

Eric's thermometer and a scale are necessary tools to add to your machine, if that's not already done.

I have had zero problems with this machine so far, lubed the brew level once and checked for scale via the mushroom on the E61. Seems like quality build that will last. Now all i need to do is plan to plumb it in.

Here's a pic of my rocket and the end result: yummy cappa! Have fun.

Randy G. wrote:Jodie,
At this point, that Rocky is certainly a major limiting factor

+1. Yup now that you've stuck you finger in the gears ( this is a French expression, not sure if it translate to English well) you might as well spend more money and get a grinder that can do your machine justice. I wish I had sprung for a compak k10 when I had the chance!

I followed a similar upgrade path from a Silvia to a Rocket Evo. I've had my Evo about 3 months and it's been a real joy. You definitely need to use fresh beans. And, as others have said, you'll get better results with a higher end grinder.

Don't be surprised if the learning curve goes on for awhile. An HX machine like the Rocket will stretch your skills. I'm still learning to fine tune my technique to get best results. I'm also experimenting with other beans since the Evo reveals more flavor in my pours than the Silvia ever did.

I definitely be following along as I couldn't resist and just bought a Cellini Evoluzione (the Giotto's sister machine), and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I'm moving up from an Expobar Pulser and figured my new Mahlkonig ProM deserved a new espresso machine.

rgs1218 wrote:I definitely be following along as I couldn't resist and just bought a Cellini Evoluzione (the Giotto's sister machine)

That's right, Cellini rules!

spiffdude wrote:That's right, Cellini rules!

It's true! Almost as much as the Giotto! I mean that extra $200 I paid for a couple bends in the side panels must mean better coffee right?

Anyhow I'm also happy to see more Rocket owners. Although jgirl, I have to say that after trying the Breville's steaming I'm kinda jealous of it in that department. Effortless and perfect microfoam every time.

You see, that's italian sensibility for you. They know some like 'em slim and some like 'em curvy. So they made both! I still like you Nixter, even if you are a Giotto person