BLACK
FRIDAY
SALE
Sale Ends 12/9/26
Rocket Appartamento TCA HX Espresso Machine
From: $2,300.00
An update to the popular Appartamento. Updated body and the Temperature Control Adjustment (TCA), a 4-stage temperature setting to adjust to your coffee roast.
Commercial Terms
- For more information, please see Terms & Conditions.
3-year parts & labor warranty limited to manufacturer's defect
- Defects due to limescale buildup are not covered under warranty. Please read about Limescale Prevention.
- For any issues within your warranty period, please contact us.
Shipping is included on orders over $99
- Top cover is removed and packaged separately to help protect the unit during transit.
- Standard ground shipping within the contiguous 48 states. Alaska & Hawaii shipping costs extra.
- Total order must be over $99 after all discounts.
- For more information, please see Shipping Included.
- Must be logged into your online account when purchasing to accrue EspressoPoints.
- For more information, please visit EspressoPoints.
Frequently Bought Together
Overview
Rocket Appartamento TCA HX Espresso Machine
The Rocket Appartamento TCA combines Rocket Espresso’s signature Italian design with modern refinements for the home espresso enthusiast. Building on the popular classic Rocket Appartamento, the TCA introduces four-stage temperature adjustment, distinctive body panels, and updated steam and hot water knobs.
Its heat-exchange boiler system and traditional E61 grouphead provide the foundation for brewing espresso and steaming milk, while adjustable temperature settings offer greater flexibility when dialing in different coffees. For enthusiasts looking to explore more advanced extraction techniques, an optional E61 flow control device offers another way to customize the brewing process.
With its compact footprint, distinctive styling, and hands-on brewing experience, the Rocket Appartamento TCA is an appealing choice for home baristas seeking a premium espresso machine that balances Italian craftsmanship, everyday functionality, and greater control over their espresso.
Videos
Features
Heat-Exchange (HX) System
The Rocket Appartamento TCA’s heat-exchange system allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, making it convenient to prepare cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks without waiting to switch between brewing and steaming. This is particularly useful when preparing multiple drinks for family or guests.
The machine features a copper boiler, valued for its excellent heat conductivity. To help reduce limescale adhesion to the boiler’s internal surfaces, Rocket uses a T.E.A.+ coating designed to help protect the boiler and support long-term performance. Regular descaling and maintenance may still be necessary, depending on your water quality and usage.
E61 Grouphead
The Rocket Appartamento TCA features a traditional E61 grouphead, where circulating hot water helps maintain thermal stability during brewing. The grouphead’s substantial metal mass also helps retain heat, supporting consistent brewing conditions when the machine is properly heated and prepared for use.
For additional control over espresso extraction, the E61 grouphead is compatible with an optional flow control device. This accessory allows you to adjust water flow during extraction, giving experienced home baristas more flexibility to experiment with different brewing techniques and flavor profiles.
Vibration Pump
The Rocket Appartamento TCA uses a 41-watt vibration pump rated for pressures up to 15 bar. While the pump is capable of generating higher pressure, espresso is typically brewed at approximately 9 bar, depending on the machine’s pressure calibration and brewing conditions. The pump’s wattage alone does not determine its durability or service life.
Vibration pumps are a cost-effective solution for home espresso machines. Like all pumps, they can experience wear over time and eventually require replacement. When service is needed, a vibration pump generally costs less to replace than a rotary vane pump, making it a practical option for home baristas.
Construction and Design
The Rocket Appartamento TCA combines a compact footprint with distinctive Italian styling. Its low-profile feet keep the machine positioned less than 1 inch above the countertop, creating a clean, integrated look on your espresso bar.
Compared with the original Rocket Appartamento, the TCA features updated body panel styling that wraps around the machine for a more continuous, streamlined appearance. Combined with its signature circular side-panel design and refined details, the TCA brings a contemporary look to Rocket Espresso’s recognizable Appartamento range.
Water Tank and Reservoir System
The Rocket Appartamento TCA features an accessible water reservoir with an open top, making it easy to refill and clean. For best results, remove the tank before filling it to help prevent spills and ensure it is properly seated when returned to the machine. The wide opening also provides convenient access to the inside of the reservoir for routine rinsing and cleaning.
Reinstalling the reservoir is simple: position it with the Rocket logo facing forward, toward you, to help ensure it is correctly oriented.
Steam/hot water wand
The steam and hot water wands feature rotational knobs for easier control of steam and hot water intensity, with the steam knob showcasing the iconic Rocket “R”. The multi-directional wands provide greater movement and flexibility, while the no-burn design allows you to reposition the wand by touching anywhere along the arm. Please note that the tip and valves will still become hot. The 2-hole steam tip provides a slower, more gradual steam flow, allowing for greater control when creating silky microfoam.
Pressure gauge
- Steam pressure: Optimal range is between 0.9 and 1.5 bar.
Parts/Accessories included
- Portafilters: Single spout portafilter & dual spout portafilter. Both measure 58 mm with the Rocket logo stamped on the filter head.
- Filter baskets: 1-cup, 2-cup, & blind basket for backflushing.
- Tamper: 58mm aluminum. No need to upgrade.
- Cleaning brush: Specifically for grouphead.
- Cleaning tablets: For backflushing.
- Cloth wipe: For general cleaning of the body.
- Instruction manual: Beautifully printed book version and a digital copy on the USB drive.
Specifications
| Brand | Rocket Espresso |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 14.25, approximate |
| Width (inches) | 10.75, approximate |
| Depth (inches) | 17.75, approximate |
| Weight (pounds) | 49 |
| Wattage (watts) | 1200 |
| Voltage (volts) | 110 – 120 |
| Boiler capacity (liters) | 1.8 |
| Tank capacity (liters) | 1.9 |
Notes
-
Each unit is bench-tested with water before shipping. As part of this process, we cut the original white shipping straps and replace them with black straps. Additional protective packaging is added, and the top cover is removed and packaged separately to help protect the unit during transit.
General Espresso Machine Notes/Warnings:
- Upon first use (tank/reservoir models): On the initial start-up (or after a long period of non-use), it is important to make sure the pump is removing water from the tank. When the machine is powered on, you will hear the pump running. After 5 seconds, squeeze the in-line hose in the tank (usually the longest hose, has a particle filter attached). if you hear a different sound, this means the pump is working correctly. If not, immediately power down the machine and contact us. For more information, visit this page General Manual Pump Priming.
- Electrical: To avoid electrical damage to this espresso machine which is not considered a manufacturer's defect, please acquire and install a single-outlet surge suppressor rated at 1080 joules or higher. Without the recommended surge suppressor, the espresso machine can be damaged at the power switch, the electronics, the heating element, the pressurstat, or the wiring inside. For more information, visit this page Power Protection.
- Water: To increase the useful life and not damage your espresso machine, please use softened water. Softened water is water without calcium and magnesium, but still has other minerals for espresso extraction. Do not use distilled, purified, or reverse osmosis water as these types of water create oxidation with the metals and cause the same damaging effects as limescale. For more information, visit this page Water Choice.
- Descaling: We do not recommend descaling unless there is an issue with the espresso machine. Too much descaling can eat away at the metals and gaskets inside an espresso machine. As a preventative measure, we recommend using softened water as explained in the bullet point above.
- Backflushing: This procedure of cleaning the grouphead will need to be performed from time to time. For more information, visit this page Espresso Machine Backflush – Why 50?
Support
Reviews
FAQ
Submit Questions for FAQ
Please review the FAQ to confirm the question or topic was not previously covered.
Questions and topics can be submitted to F.A.Q.
Any followup questions for FAQ should be requested as a separate FAQ submission.
-
Just received my machine, The black cup rail is lifting off the machine. It looks like maybe it is meant to be screwed in but is not? What should I do about this? 2. The pressure gauge itself is rotated, not straight. It still works fine but at $2,000, am surprised to see this was not installed more precisely. Is this common? 3. It is temperature control yes? But it's not clear how to adjust temperature. How do I do this?
-
Q Just received my machine, The black cup rail is lifting off the machine. It looks like maybe it i...... Read more answer nowAsked on November 6, 2026 12:55 pmA Thank you for asking and sorry about the issues. We are sorry that the cup rail shifted in transport as we video tape every machine before it leaves our facility. Sorry our tech missed the gauge not being properly centered and we are seeing on the remaining stock. A reason why we check every machine we sell. As for the temperature, please read the instructional manual as well as use the following: To change the brew boiler temperature on the Rocket Appartamento TCA espresso machine, use the machine's programming mode via the brew lever and indicator light. Steps to Change the Temperature 1. Power off the espresso machine. 2. Raise the brew lever on right side of grouphead all the way up. 3. Power the machine back on while keeping the lever raised. 4. Wait for the indicator light to turn yellow (or orange), then lower the brew lever immediately. 5. The indicator light will begin blinking red, showing your current temperature setting: • 1 blink: Low temperature (0.9 bar) • 2 blinks: Medium temperature (1.0 bar) • 3 blinks: High temperature (1.1 bar) • 4 blinks: Very high temperature (1.2 bar) 6. Cycle through the settings by quickly lifting and lowering the brew lever until you reach the number of blinks you want. 7. Save the selection by lifting the lever up and holding it there until the red light turns solid red, then lower the lever. 8. Exit programming mode by powering the machine off and back on (or proceeding through the Eco mode prompt and restarting).
Hi. just an inquiry Regarding the Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine TCA with Flow Control. Is the Flow Control parts/equipments are already installed in the machine or “We” as buyers will be the one to install?? iust want to clarify. 🙂 Thank you
-
Q Hi. just an inquiry Regarding the Rocket Appartamento Espresso Machine TCA with Flow Control. Is ...... Read more answer nowAsked on July 18, 2024 12:23 pmA
It can not be installed prior to shipping as the packaging will not accommodate the flow control for safe transport. If picking up in our facilities, then we may be able to install it prior to pick up.