Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine vs Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine

9.3/10 Excellent

4.7★ (1,200 owners)

E61 single boiler, Italian handmade, stainless exterior, compact 27cm, HX. Italian artisan espresso.

Full Review

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,800 owners)

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine	Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine
247Verdict Score	9.3/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (1,200)	4.5★ (6,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.9/10. E61 single boiler, Italian handmade, stainless exterior, compact 27cm, HX. Italian artisan espresso. That said, the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine is worth considering if 1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine

Heat exchanger (HX) boiler enables simultaneous brewing and steaming without dual boiler cost
Italian hand-assembled in Milan — Rocket Espresso workshop craftsmanship since 2004
Compact at 27cm wide — narrowest E61 commercial-spec machine available
Stainless steel exterior ages beautifully — a permanent kitchen statement piece
Lever espresso operation option available — the most tactile espresso extraction experience

HX requires cooling flush before extraction — adds 30 seconds to workflow
£1,800+ for single boiler HX when dual boiler alternatives exist at this price

Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine

Matching 1950s retro design pairs with Smeg kettle, toaster and espresso machine for coordinated kitchen
1.4L carafe serves 10 cups — ideal for households or entertaining
Anti-drip function allows removing carafe mid-brew without spillage
Aroma function blooms the coffee before brewing for better extraction
8 colours match the full Smeg kitchen appliance range

£130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers
No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings
Design premium over functional alternatives at lower cost

FAQ

Which is better, Rocket Appartamento or Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter?

Is the Rocket Appartamento worth the extra cost?

Yes — Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Rocket Appartamento best suited to?

E61 single boiler, Italian handmade, stainless exterior, compact 27cm, HX. Italian artisan espresso.

Who is the Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter best suited to?

1.4L carafe, 10-cup, anti-drip, aroma function, retro design, 8 colours. Design-led filter coffee.

What are the main downsides of each?

Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine: HX requires cooling flush before extraction — adds 30 seconds to workflow; £1,800+ for single boiler HX when dual boiler alternatives exist at this price. Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine: £130 for a filter coffee machine — Moccamaster is the quality upgrade for serious drinkers; No temperature control — brews at a single temperature across all settings.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine sits at 4.7★ from 1,200 verified Amazon owners, and Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine at 4.5★ from 6,800.

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