However, as with any espresso machine, we got better results from freshly ground coffee than from pre-ground - we felt that a tighter grind than the type of “espresso” coffee sold in supermarkets allowed us to get nicer and sweeter shots consistently. It’s simple, and it works consistently.Īfter using it about half a dozen times, dialing in the grind and refining our level and tamp technique, we achieved consistent results from shot to shot. Since there’s no boiler or pump, you pour boiling water into the top of the column, then pull up the arms to create vacuum pressure, and then press them downwards (after about 10 seconds of waiting for the grinds to infuse) to extract the coffee. The Rok’s well-built portafilter and removable basket attach using a familiar bayonet mount and are similar to those in consumer-grade espresso machines that you might find from Delonghi or Breville, though in a relatively small 40-millimeter size. The Rok features a mostly metal design, with a metal base, metal arms, a heavy metal portafilter with a plastic handle, and a plastic water chamber.Īt the bottom of the column, you’ll find a brew head, and you load your coffee similarly to how you’d use a regular espresso machine, filling up the portafilter with finely ground coffee, tamping it (using a supplied plastic scoop-tamper-leveling tool) and locking it into place. Attached to that are two swing-out arms that resemble larger versions of those you’d find on a wing-style wine bottle opener these operate the piston. Mounted on an oval base and supported by substantial metal legs, the squat central column of the Rok contains a piston and a water-loading chamber. With a little practice, you can produce an espresso shot that compares with what you’d pull using a medium-level consumer espresso machine, with a reasonable amount of crema in it. It edged out the very similar Cafelat Robot by virtue of its superior ease of use. If you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money and want a decent espresso, our choice would be the Rok EspressoGC.

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Expresso coffee making