Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine vs Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine
Two espresso machines side by side. They differ on boiler / heating, water tank, width, depth. The Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time, while the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock.
Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine
Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine
What actually differs
- The Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time, while the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock.
- The Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine has a larger water tank (1.9 L against 1.7 L for the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine).
- The Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine is lighter at 12.7 kg; the Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine weighs 22 kg.
- Voltage: the Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine has 220-240V / 115V, the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine has 120 V.
- The Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine has a longer warranty (3 years against 1 year for the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine).
- Size, Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine against Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine: width 27 cm against 22.2 cm, depth 44.8 cm against 43.3 cm, height 35.8 cm against 36 cm.
Which one should you buy?
Home users seeking a tank-based heat exchanger machine with temperature adjustment.
Buyers who want a heat exchanger setup with PID adjustment and a tank-fed design may find it suitable. The listed features support countertop use without plumbing connections.
Skip it if: Users who require direct plumbing into a water line.
Full specs and review →Home baristas moving up to a real portafilter machine for straight shots and the occasional milk drink
Suits home baristas moving up to a real portafilter machine for straight shots and the occasional milk drink. The trade-off is thermoblock heating, which is less temperature stable than a boiler machine.
Skip it if: You make several milk drinks back to back
Full specs and review →Where each one wins
- A larger water tank
- A longer warranty
Specs compared
Rows where they differ are highlighted. Specs are from manufacturer sources; blanks are left blank, never estimated.
| Spec | Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine | Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$$$ $1,500+ | $$$$ $1,500+ |
| Machine type | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Boiler / heating | Heat exchanger | Thermoblock |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Pressure gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Can be plumbed in | No | No |
| Water tank | 1.9 L | 1.7 L |
| Width | 27 cm | 22.2 cm |
| Depth | 44.8 cm | 43.3 cm |
| Height | 35.8 cm | 36 cm |
| Weight | 22 kg | 12.7 kg |
| Voltage | 220-240V / 115V | 120 V |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
What they have in common
Both record the same value for: machine type (Semi-automatic); portafilter size (58 mm); pressure gauge (Yes); can be plumbed in (No).
Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine vs Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine: common questions
What is the main difference between the Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine and the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine?
The Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time, while the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock. The Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine has a larger water tank (1.9 L against 1.7 L for the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine).
Do the Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine and the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine use the same portafilter?
Yes, both use 58 mm.
Is the Rocket Appartamento TCA Espresso Machine or the Smeg EMC02 Espresso Machine more expensive?
Both sit in the same typical price band, $$$$ $1,500+.