Rocket Giotto Rapha: Limited Edition Espresso Machine

If you’ve ever wished your espresso setup looked as refined as your road bike kit, here’s your answer. The Rocket Giotto Rapha Espresso Machine isn’t just another high-end home espresso maker—it’s a collaboration between iconic British cycling brand Rapha and Italian espresso machine manufacturer Rocket Espresso Milano. Built for cyclists who also happen to be coffee lovers, this machine blends function and design in a way few others do.

This is a limited-run espresso machine: only 200 were made, each priced at €1,700. It weighs 23 kilograms and is built on the foundation of Rocket’s Giotto model, with custom styling by Rapha. Most of its specs mirror the original Giotto, but the upgrades are what make it special.

What Is the Rocket Giotto Rapha Espresso Machine?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha is a semi-automatic, professional-grade espresso machine produced in a strictly limited edition of 200 units. Each machine is individually numbered and retails for €1,700. It weighs 23 kilograms and combines Rocket’s trusted Giotto build with exclusive design elements by Rapha, the well-known British cycling apparel company. The majority of its internal components and functionality are identical to the original Rocket Giotto, making it a serious piece of equipment for home baristas.

Design and Aesthetic Details

Rapha reimagined the visual identity of the classic Rocket Giotto. While the core build remains unchanged, the most noticeable alteration is the pressure gauge: its traditional black-and-white dial now features a distinctive pink needle, matching Rapha’s brand colours. Additionally, each unit includes a branded Rapha Cycle Clue nameplate. The machine also comes with three handcrafted Rapha-branded coffee cups, each etched with a unique serial number. These aesthetic details are purely visual—but they transform the machine from a workhorse into a statement piece.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Beneath the surface, the Rocket Giotto Rapha retains the dependable engineering of the original Giotto. It uses a dual-boiler system, both constructed from pure copper, with a combined capacity of 1.8 litres. This allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming without temperature instability. The machine employs a thermosyphon (heat exchange) system to maintain optimal brewing temperatures. Temperature and pressure adjustments are available, giving the user control over extraction variables. It offers two water fill methods: direct connection to a water line or manual filling. Like the standard Giotto, it’s built for consistent performance in a home or light commercial environment.

The Legacy of the Giotto Model

The original Giotto espresso machine was first developed in the 1990s by Espresso Company Milano (ECM), where it quickly gained popularity among home and light commercial users. However, in 2007, ECM shifted focus to larger commercial machines and discontinued the Giotto line. The production rights were then acquired by New Zealander Jeff Kennedy, who co-founded Rocket Espresso Milano with Daniele Berenbruch—the son of ECM’s founder, Frederich Berenbruch. Rocket resumed production of the Giotto using the original manufacturing setup, later expanding the range to include models like the Cellini. The Giotto remains a respected platform for high-quality home espresso extraction.

Why This Collaboration Works

Rocket Espresso Milano brought engineering precision and a legacy of quality, while Rapha contributed style rooted in cycling culture. The result is a machine that appeals equally to coffee enthusiasts and design-savvy riders. The colour-matched gauge, serial-numbered cups, and minimalist branding elevate the Giotto into something more exclusive—without compromising performance. It’s aimed at discerning users who value both craftsmanship and aesthetics in their gear, whether on two wheels or in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rocket Giotto Rapha Espresso Machine?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha is a limited-edition, semi-automatic espresso machine created through a collaboration between Rapha and Rocket Espresso Milano. It is based on the Rocket Giotto model but features custom Rapha-designed elements including a pink pressure gauge and branded nameplates. Only 200 units were produced.

How many Rocket Giotto Rapha machines were made?

Only 200 Rocket Giotto Rapha Espresso Machines were produced. Each unit is individually numbered, adding to its exclusivity.

What is the price of the Rocket Giotto Rapha?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha Espresso Machine is priced at €1,700 per unit. Its high price reflects its limited availability and bespoke design features.

Does the Rocket Giotto Rapha have unique features compared to the standard Giotto?

Yes. While it shares most technical specifications with the standard Rocket Giotto, the Rapha edition includes a custom pink pressure gauge, Rapha Cycle Clue nameplates, and comes with three numbered Rapha-branded coffee cups. The core brewing functionality remains the same.

What kind of boilers does the Rocket Giotto Rapha use?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha is equipped with a dual-boiler system, both made from pure copper, with a total capacity of 1.8 litres. It supports simultaneous brewing and steaming with stable temperatures thanks to its heat exchange (thermosyphon) system.

Is the Rocket Giotto Rapha suitable for home use?

Yes. Despite its professional-grade components, the Rocket Giotto Rapha is designed for home use. It offers manual or plumbed water fill options, precise temperature and pressure adjustment, and durable construction suited for regular home brewing.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Espresso

For use with the Rocket Giotto Rapha, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright, floral, and juicy with notes of bergamot and stone fruit, perfect for highlighting clarity in espresso. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Honduras Finca El Paraiso, a balanced washed coffee with caramel and citrus, great for milk drinks. Or go deeper with FrontStreet’s Indonesia Sumatra Lintong, a classic heavy-bodied espresso with herbal sweetness and low acidity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.