Rocket Giotto Rapha Espresso Machine: Limited Edition Review

If you’ve ever wanted a professional-grade espresso machine that looks as refined as your morning routine, you’re not alone. Many home baristas seek equipment that balances performance, aesthetics, and durability without compromising on control. For those willing to invest, the Rocket Giotto Rapha offers a compelling option—but is it worth the hype?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha is a limited-edition espresso machine (just 200 made), priced at €1,700. Built in Italy by Rocket Espresso Milano, it’s based on the classic Giotto model but customized by Rapha, the UK-based cycling apparel brand, with a pink pressure gauge and Rapha Cycle Clue plaque. It retains the core specs and functionality of the original Giotto, making it a serious machine for serious users.

What Is the Rocket Giotto Rapha?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha is a semi-professional, semi-automatic espresso machine built for home enthusiasts who demand high performance. It weighs 23 kilograms and features a robust build with a stainless steel body. Its most visual collaboration touch is the pink pressure gauge—replacing the standard black—and the exclusive Rapha Cycle Clue nameplate. Under the hood, it’s nearly identical to the original Giotto: a compact yet powerful machine geared for consistent extractions.

Key Technical Features

This machine is equipped with a dual boiler system made of pure copper, with a combined capacity of 1.8 litres. That allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming without temperature compromise. It uses a heat exchange system (via the thermosyphon principle) to maintain grouphead stability. The Rocket Giotto Rapha also features a commercial-grade Fluid rotary pump and an E61 grouphead—both staples in professional environments. Temperature and pressure can be fine-tuned, and it offers two water-fill methods: direct plumbing or manual fill. It retains the classic dual pressure gauges (for brew and steam pressure), though one is now styled in Rapha’s signature pink.

Why Rapha Partnered with Rocket Espresso

Rapha, known for high-end cycling gear, ventured into the coffee space by collaborating with Rocket Espresso Milano. This partnership blends Rapha’s minimalist British design ethos with Rocket’s Italian engineering pedigree. The result is a machine that appeals not just to coffee lovers but also to design-conscious cyclists and lifestyle enthusiasts who value heritage and craftsmanship. Only 200 units were produced, each sold with a numbered certificate and accompanied by three custom Rapha espresso cups.

About the Original Giotto Model

The Giotto model was originally created by Italian manufacturer Espresso Company Milano (ECM) in the 1990s and became a cult favourite among home and light commercial users. It featured a classic design with the renowned Faema E61 grouphead, dual pressure gauges, a 1.8-litre heat-exchange copper boiler, a commercial rotary pump, and flexible water intake options. In 2007, ECM shifted focus to commercial machines and discontinued the Giotto. The production rights were acquired by New Zealander Jeff Kennedy, who co-founded Rocket Espresso Milano with Daniele Berenbruch (son of ECM’s founder). Rocket resumed production of the Giotto and later introduced the Cellini series as an extension.

Rocket Espresso Milano: The Maker Behind the Machine

Rocket Espresso Milano is the current custodian of the Giotto lineage. Founded after ECM’s strategic pivot away from the Giotto, Rocket continues manufacturing the machine on the original production line. Their commitment to preserving the Giotto’s professional features—like the E61 group, heat exchange system, and fluid-driven pump—has made it a long-standing choice for discerning users. The addition of the Rapha collaboration adds a unique twist to an already respected lineage.

What’s Included with the Rocket Giotto Rapha?

Each Rocket Giotto Rapha comes with three exquisitely designed Rapha espresso cups, each bearing a unique serial number matching the machine. These accessories reinforce the premium, limited-edition nature of the product. The machine itself doesn’t change functionally from the standard Giotto, but the aesthetic upgrades and collectible elements make it stand out for those who appreciate design-collaboration pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Rocket Giotto Rapha different from the standard Giotto?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha is visually customized by Rapha, featuring a pink pressure gauge and an engraved Rapha Cycle Clue plaque. It also comes with three Rapha-branded espresso cups and a numbered certificate. Mechanically, it is the same as the standard Giotto, with a dual boiler, E61 grouphead, and 1.8L copper boiler.

How many Rocket Giotto Rapha machines were made?

Only 200 units of the Rocket Giotto Rapha were produced, making it a true limited edition. Each machine is individually numbered.

What is the price of the Rocket Giotto Rapha?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha espresso machine is priced at €1,700 per unit. It was sold as a limited edition, not mass-produced.

Does the Rocket Giotto Rapha have a PID controller?

No, the Rocket Giotto Rapha does not include a PID controller. It has manual temperature and pressure adjustment capabilities, but no digital PID display.

Can I plumb the Rocket Giotto Rapha directly into a water line?

Yes, the Rocket Giotto Rapha supports both direct plumbing and manual water filling, giving users flexibility in setup.

What kind of boiler does the Rocket Giotto Rapha use?

The Rocket Giotto Rapha uses a dual boiler system with two pure copper boilers, totaling 1.8 litres in capacity. It employs a heat exchange system for stable brewing temperatures.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Machines

For the Rocket Giotto Rapha, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera SOE for vibrant berry and floral notes, or the Brazil Queen Manor SOE for a balanced profile with chocolate and nuttiness. Both shine under precise temperature control and deliver excellent crema. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.