Is The Rok EspressoGC Coffee Maker Right For You? Our No-Nonsense Review

While we love our single-serve coffee machines and all the other lovely electrical gadgets out there, there are times when what we want is a simple, straightforward, sturdy machine that is a leader in its field.

Since sustainability is increasingly important, it can sometimes be useful to remind ourselves of some of the machines out there that don’t require power. The Rok espresso maker fits the bill perfectly.

Rok Espresso Maker Review

As a company, Rok has over 20 years of experience in the field. This is an updated version of the original manual espresso maker. This machine was originally on the market as the Presso, in around 2004; it became the Rok in 2012.

The Rok EspressoGC has a very distinctive look and its design would fit in perfectly with any décor. The machine has a polished metal finish and the metal components are guaranteed for 10 years – yes, we really did say 10 years, so make sure you file your receipt somewhere safe.

 

ROK EspressoGC Coffee Maker 

The pressure chamber is made from a BPA-free glass composite. The shower screen is made from silicone, which makes for a pretty clean extraction. There are 4 keys on the back, so you know it’s secure and generally leak proof. The fact that the holes are smaller than on the older models also means you can rely on a precision placement for your coffee.

While it’s an ideal gadget for a full-size kitchen, it’s compact enough for other settings like an RV or dorm room, and will appeal to those who like to take control when they’re making espresso.

 

Features And Benefits Of The Rok EspressoGC

This is a very handsome machine. It measures 5.1 x 8.6 x 11.8 inches and weighs less than 5 pounds. Shipping adds around another 1.5 pounds to the package. This compact machine is less than 12 inches high. The four rubber legs under the base of the GC mean it’s very stable while you use it, as long as it’s on a level surface.

This machine comes with a single spout stainless steel portafilter, a detachable plastic double spout with attachment, and a measuring cup. The water reservoir is plastic; there’s a ten-year warranty on the metal parts.

The piston gauntlet has been upgraded so that the pressure is much better than on the original Rok, and the pressure chamber has improved insulation. This model requires less force to extract than previous versions.

There is no electricity required – this is a manual brewing machine, and you will need to apply a reasonable amount of force on the arms, although don’t overdo it. There is a storage tin to make it easy to transport, although we wouldn’t suggest taking it on an airplane unless it’s your only carry on item. It is, however, ideal for road travel, camping, or as part of your kitchen kit in an RV or on a houseboat.

 

What You Need To Make The Most Of Your Rok EspressoGC

You’re completely in control with the Rok Espresso GC, making it especially suitable for those who enjoy the craft of making the perfect espresso. You choose the brewing temperature, so that, in general, this machine will give you espresso as hot (or not) as you like, with excellent crema.

As we’ve mentioned already, it will probably take you a few attempts to get the hang of crafting the perfect artisan espresso. It’s a good idea to warm the cups and water tank first – one technique is to pour boiling water into the vessels first, before you even start the brewing cycle. Empty the water before you start on the real business of making the espresso with fresh water at the temperature that’s right for you.

 

ROK EspressoGC Machine 

Some owners have also found warming the portafilter helps them to brew the perfect espresso. In this case, the portafilter needs to be placed inside a container that can cope with boiling water. After heating, empty the portafilter over the sink, then dry with a paper towel or similar.

Before you start brewing, make sure the coffee is tamped tight in the filter, and you are likely to find pre-ground coffee is not really fine enough to generate the pressure needed for espresso release. Ideally, you need freshly ground coffee beans.

You will also get better results if you weigh your coffee – or at least use the same spoon or measuring device, to keep it consistent.

 

Can You Make An Authentic Espresso With The Rok EspressoGC?

While the instruction manual suggests a two-step extraction, this may result in a brew that’s a little bitter yet a little weak for some tastes.

Once you get the hang of it, this machine is super-easy to use. You just fill the water reservoir, lift the arms, lock the portafilter in place, and plunge the arms downward, slowly and gently. This technique should extract a crema-rich espresso.

It might sound elementary, but press out all the water before you remove the portafilter after you’ve made a shot, otherwise it can get a little messy!

 

Pros And Cons Of The Rok EspressoGC Coffee Machine

While opinions vary a little on this machine, for every negative review from a Rok EspressoGC user, there are around three positive reviews of the machine. Users speak very highly of the crema in particular, and the fact that it helps them stay in touch with the artisan aspects of making coffee. The manual milk frother that comes with the machine isn’t the most sophisticated in the world, although it does the job.

Users also liked the fact that it’s a very easy machine to clean – you simply need to rinse it out, and you should find there’s relatively little residue left on the screen.

 

Alternatives To The Rok EspressoGC

We always like to explore our options when we’re deciding on a coffee machine, and our review of the Rok is no exception to the rule. We’ve taken a look at three alternatives in a little more detail.

 

Flair Espresso Maker 

The Flair Espresso Maker is another manual machine for those who like to be completely in control of the whole espresso process. It’s the only machine we’re aware of at the time of writing with a detachable brewing head. The press stand is made of aluminum and the brewing head is made of stainless steel. This machine comes with a metal carrying case and a five-year warranty.

It tends to run a little more expensive than the EspressoGC, but like the Rok EspressoGC, there is no need for electricity.  The dimensions are 12 x 6 x 10 inches and it weighs around 5 pounds.

 

The NISPIRA Syphon Coffee Maker 

This opulent looking coffee maker from NISPIRA is another alternative to the Rok EspressoGC. The body is gold and chrome in color, with a wooden board; the water retainer is made of stainless steel. The glass for the alcohol burner is, necessarily, heat-resistant. Those who are interested in watching the chemistry of coffee at work may find this particularly appealing.

The dimensions of this coffee maker are 12.2 x 5 x 15.7 inches and it weighs just over 5.5 pounds. The machine comes with a measuring spoon and cup. This machine is usually a little cheaper than the Rok EspressoGC, although not by very much.

 

Rok Manual Espresso Maker 

Our final alternative is another product from Rok – Rok Manual Espresso Maker. Like the Rok EspressoGC, it looks lovely; its dimensions are 14 x 14 x 14 inches and it weighs just under 8 pounds. It ships with a case, a coffee scoop to allow you to measure your coffee accurately, a manual milk frother and extra gaskets for the water chamber.

The body is made of aluminum and this machine is easy to clean, but it is considerably more expensive than the EspressoGC and it’s a little tricky to see why.

 

We recently put together a round-up review with the best vacuum coffee makers of 2023. Feel free to check our ultimate guide.

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Conclusion – Do We Recommend The Rok EspressoGC?

Using the Rok EspressoGC to make your coffee is not unlike a ritual: it reminds you that making coffee is an art at least as much as it is a science.

Although it’s not a cheap machine it’s not overly expensive either. The Rok EspressoGC is a very good value for money and, used correctly, should last you a long time. It is true that you do need to invest a little time and effort to learn how to use this machine, and you also need to allow time to brew your espresso – but then, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

 

ROK EspressoGC Maker 

  Last update on 2023-03-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.