Which home espresso machine is best?

Your guide to choosing the right espresso machine for serious flavour, control and barista quality coffee at home.

If you're an espresso lover, you want a rich, balanced shot with crema that hits like your favourite café. And that starts with choosing the right machine.

This guide is for people who take their coffee seriously and want to recreate café-like espresso at home. 

What espresso lovers should look for in a home coffee machine

Forget plastic, pods, and gimmicks. Serious espresso needs real engineering. Here are the key features to look for in a home machine:

• 9-bar extraction pressure – this is a standard that delivers proper espresso flavour and mouthfeel.

• PID temperature control – this keeps the brew temperature consistent shot after shot.

• E61 group head – this is the gold standard for thermal stability and flavour.

• Durability – you want stainless steel construction, solid parts for a long lifespan.

Top Rocket Espresso machines compared

At Unknown Coffee, our recommended home coffee machine brand is Rocket Espresso.  

Rocket machines are hand-built in Milan and known for delivering top tier performance in a home setup. Here are the three standouts we sell and service:

Rocket Appartamento TCA

• Compact size, sleek design

• E61 group head + heat exchange boiler

• Great steam pressure for milk drinks

• Ideal for small kitchens or apartment setups

Best for: People who want premium espresso without a huge footprint.

 Rocket Giotto Cronometro R

• PID temp control

• Shot timer

• Rotary pump (quiet, plumbable)

• Slightly larger, commercial feel

Best for: Espresso lovers who want control, power, and style in one machine.

Rocket R58 Cinquantotto

• Dual boiler system for simultaneous brew + steam

• External PID + touchscreen interface

• Commercial-grade build and performance

Best for: The home barista who wants it all.

Why we recommend Rocket

There are a lot of brands out there (Breville, ECM, La Marzocco), but Rocket hits the sweet spot for espresso lovers who want hands-on control without going full commercial, longevity in quality parts, and a stunning Italian design that looks good on your kitchen bench. 

Pro tips for getting the most out of your setup

• Invest in a good grinder (just as important as the machine)

• Use freshly roasted beans 

• Dial in your grind and dose 

• Keep your machine clean (we sell cleaning products)

If you’re ready to level up your home espresso game, purchase a Rocket coffee machine from our Online Store. We’re a Burleigh Heads (QLD) based business that provides you with expert support pre and post purchase. Contact our friendly team if you have any questions. 

Shop online with fast Australia-wide delivery, or visit our Burleigh showroom for a demo.