GIOTTO PREMIUM PLUS. Update! A QUICK LOOK AT THE UPDATED MODEL

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Since writing the revisit of the Giotto Premum Plus, Rocket Espresso has addressed the issues and written to me, as they take the comments seriously. With permission, their reply is shown below.

As a result of the Bella Barista review of our Giotto Premium Plus machine, I have met with our technical and production manager to discuss the points raised in this review.

Primarily the problems were caused by incorrect boiler placement in the machine. The inclination of the boiler within the machine needs to be correct to allow correct alignment of additional internal components. In the machine you reviewed this was not the case, and consequently we have reviewed our jig design to eliminate the unlikely (but possible) cause, so this cannot happen again in the future.

Rocket Espresso is a boutique producer of handmade espresso machines. We believe our machines are capable of producing the finest espresso and strive for excellence of build quality. The review process offered by companies such as Bella Barista ensure that an unbiased view of the machines they sell is available to their customers, and furthermore has indicated an area of our production that can now be enhanced so we are able to deliver an even better product to the market.

Andrew Meo General Manager Rocket Espresso

I think that it’s great to see the manufacturer taking the time to read reviews of their products and using the comments

constructively rather than defensively. This will ensure that your machine is even better than the one I had……and I did like the review machine.

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GIOTTO PREMIUMGIOTTO PREMIUMGIOTTO PREMIUM PLUSGIOTTO PREMIUM PLUS PLUS PLUS –––– (engineering revisit of updated model)(engineering revisit of updated model)(engineering revisit of updated model)(engineering revisit of updated model) Page 2Page Page Page 222 of of of of 202020 20

I was not sure how best to present the information in this engineering revisit. . . Its . purpose was to complete a quick engineering evaluation in light of recent changes and improvements. TTTThe Giotto Premium, now called he Giotto Premium, now called he Giotto Premium, now called he Giotto Premium, now called the Giotto Premium Plus

the Giotto Premium Plus the Giotto Premium Plus

the Giotto Premium Plus has some has some has some has some improvements to the earlier model improvements to the earlier model improvements to the earlier model improvements to the earlier model

As much information in the review of the earlier model is still relevant. I will present the

Changed information first, together with my conclusions, leaving the old review below. Red

Red

Italic text in the old review

Italic text in the old review (Pages

(Pages

(Pages 8

8 8 ––––

8 19)

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19) highlights change

highlights change

highlights changes

ss

s in

in

in the

the

the new

the

new

model

model called

called

called the

called

the

the Giotto Premium Plus

Giotto Premium Plus

and you should refer to the first

and you should refer to the first 7

7

7 pages for more details.

pages for more details.

This allows you to see what’s changed in the model vs. the old and compare photos etc.

One of the immediate differences is the improvement in packaging to something obviously custom made for the Giotto Premium Plus. The manufacturers’ user guide is also produced to a much better standard. It still comes double boxed from Bella Barista to ensure it arrives in good condition

Externally the machine has a few cosmetic changes. The most obvious of which are:

• Improved Feet

• Round Steam boiler pressure gauge, although I personally thought the “half moon” shaped gauge used previously looked good. This one is a better quality gauge.

• Revised Placement of On/Off switch

• Top cup tray now has fixing screws hidden (for a cleaner look)

• Revised and I think much better looking badge, which is also continued on the rear of the machine.

• Improved drip tray rack replacing the old “cheap” looking wire grid.

The details were correct at the time of writing, but the manufacturer and Bella Barista reserve the right to change the technical specification of the packaging, machines and any accessories supplied with the machine (including quantity and type of accessories supplied)

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Item/Description

Picture/Comments

The portafilter handles in the revised Giotto Premium Plus are a much better fit in the group than before and are not too wide. This means no grinding or wearing of the outer chrome part of the lugs on the portafilter

The group gasket is an 8.5mm, but because the portafilter lugs are slightly thicker than on some makes, the 8.5 mm thick group gasket does not result in the best fit. The portafilter has to be pulled round to the right quite hard to ensure the lugs are well engaged. This use of force would be unnecessary if an 8mm thick group gasket was fitted

The portafilter handles are different (manufacturer) to the ones on the previous review machine (still good quality though), but they fit so much better into the group.

Bella Barista after reading this review may decide to provide an extra 8mm thick group gasket as a “free of charge” replacement for the existing 8.5mm gasket &.if you replace it immediately, the machine should “feel much better”.

Rocket espresso still do not provide a blind filter with the machine*.essential for back flushing the machine with cleaner (so don’t forget to add one to your order, if Bella Barista don’t add one free at their expense).

Improved manufacturers user guide They have made a decent effort with this, although the

supplied Bella Barista user guide will cover many areas not

fully covered by the manufacturer e.g. descaling. The feet are a huge improvement on the earlier

versions with nice metal trim and plastic tips. However, they are still not height adjustable! I simply don’t understand why manufacturers of some machines seem to feel you will not need to level the machine front and back after installing?

The detachable plastic trim (to stop cups from sliding off) on the top of the cup tray looks cheap. It would be far nicer to have a

detachable steel rail that matched the finish of the rest of the machine.

I have not removed the protective plastic film, because this will ultimately become someone’s machine, but it looks no better with the film off.

The Steam pressure gauge was not straight and this does annoy me. It takes but a moment in the factory to ensure these are straight. It’s more difficult to fix it when you have the

machine and is something you notice every time you look at it!

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A brew pressure gauge is very useful as it allows you to easily spot brew pressure issues and adjust the brew pressure to the correct level and for the price I think this model should have one

The steam tip now has 2 holes and should be much easier for home use than the old style 3 hole tip fitted on the previous Giotto I had for testing.

The new (metal) badges front and back are a great improvement on the previous versions

The previous machine I reviewed had a few quality control issues, such as a spinning thread insert, making removal of one of the screws difficult and retightening impossible.

The current machine had a steel machine screw with a stripped thread, making tightening impossible and removal difficult. This screw was one of the 4 required to remove the cup warming tray from the water tank carrier.

I initially could not understand how this could happen, but the cause of the problem became apparent later. The Water tank holder now fits differently and is a separate part screwed to the frame at the bottom. If this is not lined up properly, it becomes difficult to line up all 4 screws. This lack of alignment caused the thread to strip as they assembled the machine at the factory. The reason the water tank carrier would not

align properly follows.

The water tank carrier fouled a fitting at the rear of the boiler, making it extremely difficult to refit and caused further difficulties refitting the 4 screws which hold the cup warmer tray in place.

This simple problem should have been rectified at the factory. When I see things like this I always worry if it reflects a quality control issue, where problems might “lie dormant” for the consumer to find a year or 2 later!

The top picture shows the threaded inserts at the bottom do not line up properly with the holes. This makes the machine screws that hold the water tank carrier in place quite difficult to fit

This picture shows the water tank carrier fouling the fitting at the back of the boiler and is the reason things don’t line up properly.

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The mounting of the Vibration pump concerned me, if you look carefully at the picture you can see that the rubber mounting is distorted (shown by the right hand arrow)&

The reason soon becomes apparent when you look at the left hand arrow and can see the (plastic) end of the Vibration pump it forced downwards by the boiler refill pipe above it. I don’t like the idea of the plastic end of a vibration pump (which vibrates), butted up against a copper pipe. Vibration pumps are on rubber mounts, so they can float freely and not touch anything.

Another quality control concern

This is a minor niggle and is becoming more common. It’s nice to see a machine with a factory fitted UK 3 pin plug, but I do wish they would go to the trouble of fitting the exposed pins with those plastic “plug” protectors to prevent any risk of scratching in transit.

Low Water Alarm – The previous model would quietly loose steam pressure, the light would remain on and with a casual glance you would have no idea that it had switched off the heating element, due to low water. In the new machine the green light flashes which is an

improvement.

Giotto Autolevel controller shown (left)

It’s a shame that they don’t use the same basic Gicar

Autolevel controller as in Izzo machines (right), because these have a buzzer built in, and it sounds when the water level is low.

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The new machine is greatly complemented by the use of a Commercial grade heavy duty Sirai pressurestat (right of picture) to replace the previous MATER – XP110. Although the Sirai pressurestats cost significantly more, they are known to be very reliable, accurate and with a small dead band.

You adjust them by removing the yellow cap to reveal the adjuster screw&.you may need more turns than you are used to say when adjusting a cheaper MATER Pressurestat.

I have one of these in one of my spare coffee machines and although slightly noisier in operation they do give great service.

The thermosyphon tubes have been enlarged, the reasons stated are:

“Superior layout of thermosyphon system resulting in optimum extraction. Generously dimensioned. 20% higher volume as with comparable machines on the market.”. and&“Optimised boiler capacity to

thermosyphon system ratio. Results in fast heat up time”

I thought it worked pretty well before and made great coffee. I did note that the previous model needed less of a cooling flush that other HX machines&..possibly not the case any more. I can also imagine that the heat up time of the group will be reduced&.the light touch nature of this review meant I was not able to test this claim, but have no reason to doubt it! My internal inspection shows a much longer route for the thermosyphon pipes than before, especially the top pipe (probably to make connections easier). I suspect this was also a reason for increasing the diameter of the pipes.

The heating element (1200 watt element) is stated as being, made from special long life material (5 times longer than normal elements). I think this is great, because heating element replacement is one of life’s less pleasant tasks.

I think it’s time that all manufacturers started to insulate the boilers of their machines&It’s not so much a complaint as an observation. Currently most manufacturers do not, but more are insulating them as standard e.g. Quickmill, Izzo, Expobar etc.

I think the Giotto Premium Plus would also benefit from such insulation in the areas of, component life, steaming and reduced power consumption.

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The picture above identifies the major

components of the machine, once the case is removed accessibility for maintenance is good. Removal/refitting of the case is moderately time consuming. The Giotto Premium Plus would be fairly simple to work on for most of the major components requiring replacement over time.

A detailed Tour

Brew Boiler (nickel plated copper) Vibration pump (Ulka) OPV/Expansion Valve, used to regulate brew pressure Heating element (not visible) Autofill, “solenoid valve” Vent tube to prevent vacuum from forming & air to escape

ECM control box, autofill, heating elements etc.

Low water sensor (via electrical conductivity)

Pressure relief valve (Safety valve) Vacuum breaker Autofill, “level” probe Sirai Commercial grade pressurestat Resettable limit stat De Aerator

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Well actually the question put to me was “would you buy a Giotto Premium Plus after some of the problems, or a Vivi”. The answer is not so simple, because they are both great machines and the Giotto Premium Plus is currently about £100 more expensive, but I believe has more than £100 of extra value built into it. For me this value comes in the form of:

1. Commercial Sirai pressurestat 2. Large 1.8 litre Nickel plated boiler 3. No burn steam and water wands 4. No compression Valves

5. Extra Long life heating element 6.

6. 6.

6. Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic water tank system and low water tank system and low water tank system and low water tank system and low water level detection (best in class) water level detection (best in class) water level detection (best in class) water level detection (best in class)

These 6 items alone are well worth the extra cost, without considering some of the higher quality knobs and gauges. I also think it is a very nice looking machine, but again that will be down to personal preference.

The quality of materials is extremely good, The quality of materials is extremely good, The quality of materials is extremely good, The quality of materials is extremely good, but but but but it

it it

it has been let down by has been let down by has been let down by has been let down by a a a fewa fewfew quality control few quality control quality control quality control issues mentioned earlier.

issues mentioned earlier. issues mentioned earlier.

issues mentioned earlier. I have mentioned I have mentioned I have mentioned I have mentioned these for 2 reasons:

these for 2 reasons: these for 2 reasons: these for 2 reasons:

• I don’t think they are a “one off”

(especially as the previous machine had a few issues which I treated as perhaps “one off” problems)

• I think the best way to ensure they get addressed by the manufacturer, is to place them in the review.

I’d like to think they made improvements as a result of the previous review and I sincerely hope that Rocket espresso read this revisited review and rather than react defensively, take the feedback as information they can use to make positive

improvements to the Giotto Premium Plus It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra effort

effort effort

effort and passion on their part and passion on their part and passion on their part and passion on their part,,,, can be reborn as can be reborn as can be reborn as can be reborn as “best in class”.

“best in class”. “best in class”. “best in class”.

I just thought….I never answered the question.

Yes

Yes,,,, I would buy one if I was looking for a

I would buy one if I was looking for a

single boiler Heat Exchanger espresso

machine

machine....

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A C L O S E R L O O K

H T T P: / /W W W.B E L L A B A R I S T A.C O.U K

The Giotto Premium arrives well packed (Rocket Espresso use heavy grade packaging and Bella Barista also double box the machines). The build quality is good with high quality (industry standard) components and a lot of care has been taken with assembly. Constructed using chrome plated steel, outside a black painted steel frame insideinsideinsideinside.... The quality is noticeable when lifting the machine as the Giotto Premium is a heavy machine.

This type of heat Exchanger (HX) machine internally, is slightly more complex than

cheaper non HX machines, but much simpler to operate. There are fewer controls and no need to do anything special (apart from filling the water tank occasionally) to draw steam, hot water or espresso at any time. The Giotto Premium automatically maintains the water level in the boiler as required and if run low on water in the tank the Giotto Premium switches off the heating element as a safety precaution, but has no low water alarm

but has no low water alarm but has no low water alarm but has no low water alarm.

The machine is attractive and fits comfortably under standard height kitchen cabinets. The Giotto Premium compares favourably with other similar prosumer machines that have a heritage and reputation for looking good.

Some coffee enthusiasts buy second hand commercial machines that are very large, plumbed into the mains and with 3-6kw heating elements in 5 litre or larger boilers to make quality beverages at home. The Giotto Premium can make the same high quality drinks), without the hassle.

Overview

Inside This Review

Overview 9

How it works 11

Inside the Giotto Premium 12

A detailed Tour 13

Key Features 14

Using the Giotto Premium 18

Final Thoughts 19

Gallery 20

The details were correct at the time of writing, but the manufacturer and Bella Barista reserve the right to change the technical specification of the packaging, machines and any accessories supplied with the machine (including quantity and type of accessories supplied)

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for the previous model, any t

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highlighted in red Italics indicates

highlighted in red Italics indicates changed areas

changed areas

changed areas in the

in the

in the new

new

new Giotto

Giotto

Premium Plus and you should refer to

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GIOTTO PREMIUM GIOTTO PREMIUM GIOTTO PREMIUM

GIOTTO PREMIUM –––– A A A A

CLOSER LOOKCLOSER LOOKCLOSER LOOKCLOSER LOOK Page 10Page Page Page 1010 of 10 of of of 202020 20

The Giotto Premium went out of production some time ago and has been reborn under the care of Rocket Espresso. A legend, built again, to the same standards, in the same way as before. The Giotto is a great machine both for the customer to use and the reseller to

support. It will provide years of reliable service with the minimum of maintenance. Once in position on the counter the machine looks nice and does not dominate on a standard sized work surface. The height of the machine is very convenient and gives plenty of room under standard height kitchen cupboards. It has a nice large cup warming tray. Placing the Giotto Premium in a corner is ideal, especially when located near the sink.

The Giotto Premium comes well packed, in a

tough box and with comprehensive

documentation covering all aspects of

operation, routine maintenance and production of espresso based drinks. A valuable addition to the Italian manufacturer’s written User guide that comes free with the Giotto Premium.

Even if you are completely new to coffee making and this type of machine, you will have no problem making all those great coffee drinks in a very short time The Giotto Premium is easy to keep clean, a quick wipe with a damp cloth and a buff with a micro fibre cloth is all that’s required to keep it looking great. The more complex tasks such as backflushing and descaling are actually very easy to do and the supplied Bella Barista user guide

explains how to do them in detail.

Overview – cont.

The Giotto The Giotto The Giotto The Giotto Premium, Premium, Premium, Premium, p p p

positioned in the ositioned in the ositioned in the ositioned in the corner of my corner of my corner of my corner of my kitchen kitchen kitchen kitchen

Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in

an air an air an air

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How it works

The diagram shows a simplified The diagram shows a simplified The diagram shows a simplified

The diagram shows a simplified diagram of the Giottodiagram of the Giottodiagram of the Giottodiagram of the Giotto. The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with . The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with . The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with . The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3

water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3 water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3

water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3----1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water 1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water 1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water 1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water is above boiling point and has

is above boiling point and has is above boiling point and has

is above boiling point and has an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker). an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).

Steam Steam Steam Steam

The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, steam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instant

steam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instant steam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instant

steam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instantly flashes to ly flashes to ly flashes to ly flashes to

steam, giving a continuous supply. steam, giving a continuous supply. steam, giving a continuous supply. steam, giving a continuous supply.

Hot Water Hot Water Hot Water Hot Water

The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is opened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the ho opened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the ho opened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the ho

opened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the hot water t water t water t water

outlet. outlet. outlet. outlet.

Coffee Brew Water Coffee Brew Water Coffee Brew Water Coffee Brew Water

Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through the hot boiler. As t

the hot boiler. As t the hot boiler. As t

the hot boiler. As the cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct he cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct he cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct he cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct temperature for brewing coffee.

temperature for brewing coffee. temperature for brewing coffee. temperature for brewing coffee.

Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally releases the pressure (all 140 ps

releases the pressure (all 140 ps releases the pressure (all 140 ps

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A close inspection of the Giotto Premium shows a machine that has all the usual refinements internally that one would expect. Internal build quality is good, with great attention to detail. Components are well positioned, neatly assembled; all cables are well away from hot spots and comprehensively tied to avoid movement.

Some internal shots below;

Inside the Giotto Premium

The vibe p The vibe p The vibe p

The vibe pump tucked under the boilerump tucked under the boilerump tucked under the boiler ump tucked under the boiler

Clever managements of the tanked water supply

Clever managements of the tanked water supplyClever managements of the tanked water supply

Clever managements of the tanked water supply

The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with

the removal of only 6 screws the removal of only 6 screws the removal of only 6 screws the removal of only 6 screws

Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all

components, e.g. heating element. components, e.g. heating element.components, e.g. heating element. components, e.g. heating element.

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The picture above identifies the major

components of the machine, once the case is removed accessibility for maintenance is good. removal/refitting of the case is moderately time consuming

This machine would be fairly simple to work on for most of the major components requiring replacement over time.

A detailed Tour

MA-TER XP110 pressurestat Brew Boiler (nickel plated copper Position of cold water tank Vibration pump (Ulka) Resettable limit stat Vacuum breaker

Pressure relief valve (Safety valve)

OPV Valve, used to regulate brew pressure Heating element Autofill, “level” probe Autofill, “solenoid valve” Vent tube to prevent vacuum from forming & air to escape ECM control box, autofill, heating elements etc. Brew Switch (activated by group lever

Low water sensor (via electrical conductivity)

A detailed Tour

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• Ball Joint steam and water arms (no burn) • Nice quality internal water tank

• “Clever” low water sensor and tanked water supply mechanism

• “non compression” steam & water valves • “No burn” steam and water valves

• Adjustable pressure stat.

• Attractive retro design and chromed steel case

• 2 portafilter holders and 2 filter baskets as standard

Item/Description

Picture

Comments

Chromed Steel external case with plenty of room for internal components to stay cool. The case is a good fit, but does require care during removal and refitting. Access to some components is quickly achieved from the top via removal of 6 screws. More involved maintenance requires case removal, which is moderately time

consuming. One or two areas need a little care and may pose difficulties for the inexperienced, some very small spanners and small/slim sockets are required (as are slim/long fingers).

Good routing of internal cables and pipes, avoiding hot spots and areas of vibration scuffing.

Nice quality nickel plated boiler with good brazing

High quality internal components All components quite accessible. This makes servicing easy

Very accessible pressurestat that is not too sensitive to adjust. This makes pressure adjustment extremely easy and can be adjusted without removing the entire case, just the water tank carrier needs to be removed (4 screws)

Key Features

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A nice quality metal badge. For a change a machine with a badge that actually is in keeping with it’s value.

It is even riveted in place, which means it won’t fall off&.something that occasionally happens on some espresso machines with constant exposure to heat and steam.

Readers of past reviews will know that I am not a fan of cheap badges, especially when stuck on, or even worse, not level.

Nice quality cold water tank holding 3 litres and simply slots in the top, no tubes to worry about. Refilling can be done with the tank in or out of the machine and there is a handy access hatch for filling.

Nice large cup warming tray. You can get plenty of cups on there, definitely no lack of space. The little hatch for refilling means you don’t have to remove every cup.

The Giotto Premium is heavy, because the internal frame is rigid and constructed with a quality (thick) steel

The feet are not height adjustable and the machine is difficult to slide around. You will want to slide it around to refill it if it is under cupboards.

The feet are soft and rubbery, with a metal screw holding them to the frame in the centre. Should the

rubber tear or wear, there is a risk of the screw scratching the work surface!

I strongly recommend the use of felt bottomed (or Teflon faced) castor cups for a few pounds, to make it easy to move and protect your worktop.

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The drip tray is not the largest I have seen and holds around 250-300ml before it needs emptying (it can hold more but you will spill liquid whilst trying to empty it).

It is all steel and nice quality.

The Giotto is a powerful steamer and it’s 3 hole tip foamed large quanitites of milk with ease. It took some practice to microfoam smaller quantities of milk, to the texture I like (aprox 100-120ml) and would certainly be easier with a single hole tip or one with smaller holes.

Professional quality no compression steam valve and ball joint “no burn” steam wand. It was also long enough to reach to the bottom of all my smaller pitchers.

I like the ball-joint mounted steam and hot water arms, both of which are “no burn” . I also like the large knobs with

“non-compression valves”, much more tactile and look good too.

“No Burn” – a wand with an airspace preventing

the walls from heating up when water (or steam) is drawn. However even these wands do eventually get hot.BUT cleaning the milk from the steam wand is MUCH easier.

“non compression” valves - use a spring and

seal to seat. Opening the valve typically “pushes” the sprung seal open, closing simply allows the spring to close the valve, there is no

“compression” of a washer as in some taps. Commonly found in the commercial environment, because the seals connot be damaged by “ham-fisted” operators closing them too tightly.

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The equipment supplied with the Giotto: The review machine had 2 portafilter holders (good quality) with single and double baskets and the usual plastic tamper (usless) and measuring scoop. It would have been nice to see the “necessary backflushing blind filter basket provided as standard.

On my review machine the portafilters were quite a tight fit into the group, but better when the group was hot. Rocket Espresso stated that they would take time to “bed in”, and they have improved a little as the review progressed.

The machine switches off the heating element when low on water, the boiler then goes cold and the pump will not run. However, there is NO low water alarm and no visible indication that the machine is off apart from the slowly decending boiler pressure gauge. Also the green power light stays on,so it is not apparent from a distance, or from a casual glance that the machine has switched off the heating element. I really think that in a machine of this value, an audible alarm should be added. It can be very irritating to go to make a coffee only to find that the machine switched off the heating element an hour ago and then have to wait 20 minutes or more for it to warm up.

It was nice to see a De-Aereator fitted to a machine as these seem to have gone out of fashion in recent years (it’s certainly

cheaper for the manufacturer to omit them!). This device simply bleeds air from the outlet side of the pump, this prevents air in the system causing the OPV valve to screech

I believe the reason for OPVs screeching, is air in the brew line, this is often caused by scale (the reasons for this are beyond the scope of this review). However, the fitting of a de-aerator can only be helpful should air enter the brew line for whatever reason especially

when priming the pump (it makes it much easier).

The rating plate, placed on the underside of the machine

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The Giotto Premium runs quite hot, which is usual with Heat Exchanger (HX) machines, because of the tight compromise between continuously available steam, and production of brew water for espresso. The pressure in the boiler is directly related to the temperature, a higher pressure gives higher temperatures. Because of the way HX machines work most require a cooling flush prior to drawing the first in a series of espressos, the Giotto Premium in common with other machines of this type also requires this “cooling flush”. However, However, However, However, I I I I felt felt felt felt the the the the Giotto did not need as large a co

Giotto did not need as large a co Giotto did not need as large a co

Giotto did not need as large a cooling flush as oling flush as oling flush as oling flush as many HX

many HX many HX

many HX machines machines machines machines

You can alter the pressure/temperature of the boiler if required, although I found the factory settings to be perfect.

As long as a cooling flush is performed, the Giotto Premium makes consistently good espressos and easily maintains the temperature during the pour. Domestic volumes of espresso one after another will be absolutely no problem with this machine. The brew pressure when tested was set to 10.5 bar, but could easily be adjusted lower (the good quality OPV is quite adjustable).

It’s nice to have really hot water on tap, recovery time after drawing hot water for an Americano is very fast. Although I always say for regular hot water production a kettle is a better option in areas where lime scale is a problem and saves having to descale your machine so often.

The E61 group is an industry standard (as are many of the components in the machine), so parts such as, pumps, gaskets, shower screens, filter holders, filter holder handles etc. are all a standard size and readily available from multiple suppliers. This also means that the pricing of these spares is highly competitive.

The Giotto has powerful steam performance and you will not run out of steam. To steam that 500ml of milk will not take long! In fact, it takes a little while to get used to steaming, especially with smaller quantities of milk. What worked for me was to be careful not to open the steam valve too far with these smaller quantities.

Pressure Settings

Espresso

Steam Production

Hot Water

The E61 group

Using the Giotto Premium – simple and easy to use!

I felt the Giotto did not need as large a

cooling flush as many HX machines

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This was an opportunity to review a machine that has been “reborn”. The Giotto Premium is being produced to the same plans and standard as before. The Giotto Premium was always considered a very good machine and certainly nothing has changed.

It definitely holds its own against other similar machines and is often significantly better than more expensive offerings from the competition. I truly believe it is one of the finest machines you can buy for the money.

It’s heavy at 23kg, but not too large, although slightly deeper than some machines. It’s also not too tall and I do prefer machines that are a little more balanced in this way. A commercial 1 group (which would make similar beverages), would be significantly bigger, heavier and overkill for the home user.

As a reviewer, with my 20/20 hindsight, there were a few things, especially considering the price of the machine.

• A low water alarm should be added to

the machine, I do not think it’s now

acceptable to not have one of these. especially when the only indicator of low water, is a falling boiler pressure gauge.

• I would like to see a brew pressure gauge as well, or if space is limited a dual pressure gauge (one dial for boiler pressure one for brew pressure).

• Improved quality, height adjustable

feet.

But these are minor items on a machine that has many admirers and do little to detract from its day to day operation.

There are people who are going to love the looks of the Giotto and as a lifestyle choice (for some), nothing else will do. It is a fine looking machine and it makes espresso as well as other machines in the prosumer class.

Its vibration pump is not as quiet as an Izzo Vivi, but is about the same as an Andreja Premium or Expobar machine. The overall quality of the machine is good and towards higher end of the prosumer machine category. It does need a slightly smaller cooling flush and the water refilling/management is easier than on some machines. It’s detection of low water level is excellent (and reliable) and the entire tank is used before the machine switches off the heating element (and pump).

I would have liked Rocket Espresso to have addressed the issue of; low water alarm, feet and brew pressure gauge, when they bought the rights, and re-started production, of the Giotto Premium; I think it’s a lost opportunity.

The Giotto Premium is a great machine, with fantastic retro styling, that any owner would, and should be proud of.

Anything you would change?

Conclusions

Final Thoughts – so what’s the bottom line!

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The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just

waiting waiting waiting

waiting to make that espresso or latte!to make that espresso or latte!to make that espresso or latte!to make that espresso or latte!

Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable access, removing a further side panel can give very good access, removing a further side panel can give very good access, removing a further side panel can give very good access, removing a further side panel can give very good

access for maintenance access for maintenance access for maintenance access for maintenance 2 high quality group handles, with

2 high quality group handles, with 2 high quality group handles, with 2 high quality group handles, with

single and double baskets single and double baskets single and double baskets single and double baskets