ROK Espresso Maker Review | 2 Years Later

Summary

In this two-year review, the Rock Espresso Maker is praised for its ability to produce high-quality espresso with excellent crema. Despite the lack of milk steaming capabilities, the Rock's minimalistic design and flow control feature make it a strong competitor among entry-level espresso machines. The reviewer highlights the machine's durability, ease of use, and the unique staccato shot method it enables. However, they note the inconvenient spoon/tamper design and the absence of a pressure gauge as drawbacks. Overall, the Rock is recommended for its value and portability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Rock Espresso Maker has been a reliable device for making quality espresso over the past two years.
• 🎥 The reviewer has released an espresso and latte art course on Skillshare, promoting it in the video.
• ☕ The Rock can produce excellent espresso with rich crema, rivaling more expensive semi-automatic machines.
• 🥛 It lacks a milk steaming feature, but the reviewer suggests alternatives like a nano foamer or stovetop steamer for milk-based drinks.
• 🛠 The device is simple and minimalistic, focusing on the mechanics of espresso extraction rather than additional features.
• 🌟 A standout feature of the Rock is the flow control, allowing for variable extraction based on the user's pressure application.
• 📈 The reviewer prefers the Rock for certain coffee beans that benefit from more extraction, even over their semi-automatic machine.
• 🎞 The video will cover the staccato method, which the Rock is well-suited for, promising a future tutorial on this technique.
• ⚖️ The Rock does not come with a pressure gauge, which is a feature available in more expensive lever machines like the Flare.
• 🗑️ The included spoon/tamper is criticized for being clunky and less effective for tamping, suggesting a redesign for future versions.
• 🔧 Despite minor issues, the Rock has proven to be mechanically reliable with no major breakdowns over two years of use.

Q & A

How long has the presenter owned the Rock Espresso Maker?

The presenter has owned the Rock Espresso Maker for a few years.

What is the main advantage of the Rock Espresso Maker according to the presenter?

The main advantage of the Rock Espresso Maker is its ability to make amazing espresso with a finely tuned, minimalistic mechanism that focuses on the essential aspects of pulling a good espresso shot.

What is the presenter's opinion on the crema produced by the Rock Espresso Maker?

The presenter appreciates the crema produced by the Rock Espresso Maker, noting that while it doesn't significantly add to the taste, it greatly contributes to the texture of the espresso.

What alternative methods for milk-based drinks does the presenter mention?

The presenter mentions using a nano foamer or a stovetop milk steamer as alternative methods for creating milk-based drinks since the Rock Espresso Maker cannot steam milk.

What is the presenter's view on the importance of flow control in espresso making?

The presenter values flow control highly, stating that it allows for the extraction of different flavors from the coffee beans by controlling the pressure applied during the espresso shot.

How does the presenter use the Rock Espresso Maker differently from a semi-automatic machine?

The presenter uses the Rock Espresso Maker to extract more from certain types of coffee by controlling the pressure applied, which is not as easily achievable on a semi-automatic machine like the Silvia.

What is the presenter's opinion on the included spoon/tamper of the Rock Espresso Maker?

The presenter finds the spoon/tamper included with the Rock Espresso Maker to be clunky and less effective for tamping, suggesting that a separate tamper would be more useful.

What cleaning tip does the presenter provide for the Rock Espresso Maker?

To clean the portafilter easily, the presenter suggests placing a cup under it after pulling the shot and then raising and lowering the arms to expel the remaining water, resulting in a dry puck that's easy to dispose of.

What is the presenter's experience with mechanical issues over the two years of using the Rock Espresso Maker?

The presenter has not experienced any mechanical issues with the Rock Espresso Maker over the two years of use, which contrasts with the multiple issues encountered with their other espresso machine, the Ranchillo Silvia.

What is the presenter's recommendation for those interested in the Rock Espresso Maker?

The presenter recommends the Rock Espresso Maker for its price and performance, stating that it's a great choice for making espresso without the need for heavy maintenance or complex features.