Exceptional Espresso Machine
This is an amazing espresso machine. I was skeptical that a machine with no motor, engine, or even a plug would create enough pressure to make a great espresso. I was wrong. This is all it says it is and more. I have had it for about a month and I think it is the single best coffee item I have ever purchased. It creates an exceptional espresso with a rich crema that will leave you amazed. Also, and almost as important, it might be the easiest thing in your kitchen to clean. It is remarkable how little of this unit needs to be cleaned, and when it does it is exceptionally easy.
Few things:
1) The tamper is adequate but you want to find a good 49mm one asap. I bought one here and it is great.
2) Follow the directions, read the tips online. It really gives you the best way to make a great espresso
3) Have fun! It is easy to clean, easy to use and makes great coffee drinks.
Enjoy!
Great Espresso Maker, Would Buy Again
I liked the idea of no pumps or electricity. Most of the cheap electric units have longevity issues. I use this twice a day and have not noticed any problems in the first month. I finally figured out the best tamp/grind combination and have been producing good quality espresso with a lot of crema. At first I wasn't tamping enough and got lots of foaming but have finally achieved a dense crema from multiple types of beans. I would recommend buy a stronger metal tamp to get uniform pressure on the portafilter and I picked one up for ~$5. I fill the portafilter to the recessed line and pack gently until the firmest pressure keep the grinds under that line. This seems to be working well and produces a full double shot at the appropriate strength. One last note is that I recommend overfilling the water reservoir for added pressure during the extraction. You won't use all of the water and that's fine, just drain it into a separate cup when you are done.
Update October...
Beautiful to look at. A joy to use.
If you want the freedom to choose your coffee and become involved in the process of making espressos and other milky coffees, then you will love the ROK. It is beautifully designed and does what it says; but it needs you to do it. I have read other reviews which complain about certain aspects they don't like. It's like buying a pen and then criticising it for not having a keyboard. The ROK is manually operated. It is not a one button electric machine. That is the beauty of it. You become involved and it grows with you the more you learn about it. Unlike typing on a keyboard or the corporate version of what coffee is, the ROK is like a pen - the handwriting is all your own, an expression of you. With the ROK the coffee you get out is dependant upon the love and care you put in. If you can't be bothered then buy an electric one button machine. If you appreciate great design and the flexibility to be creative buy the ROK. You'll love it.
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