I've tried and tested enough coffee machines to know that good, simple design trumps high-tech almost every time. When it's time for the essential morning caffeine boost, sometimes you don't want to fumble through a bunch of confusing buttons and fancy settings — you want your espresso hot, fresh, and where it belongs: in your hand. For that, I thought, why not go back to the basics? And what better way than with the ROK Presso Smartshot manual espresso machine?
ROK has always put design at the forefront. The brand's lead designer, Patrick Hunt, explains to me that he wanted to design a powerless appliance that looked just as good on the counter as the espresso it made tasted. And so, the new Presso Smartshot (an already award-winning espresso machine) immerses you in the craft of espresso making, without needing all the bells and whistles.
First impressions: it's impressive, great for small spaces, and undoubtedly a unique conversation piece. But does it walk the walk when it comes to serving a quality cup of coffee? My thoughts, opinions, and full review, below.
The warm gray is the color I tested, and in person, it reads more as a very muted, light sage green. This machine is ideal for those with a more minimalist kitchen design, or who want something that doesn't overwhelm their kitchen counter space.
A colorful espresso maker tends to lean into the art sculpture coffee machine trend — where your appliance looks more like a piece of art than tech. And who doesn't want that?
Of course, you can never go wrong with a sleek black appliance. This colorway is the classic choice for anyone who loves a good cup of coffee without the fuss. Plus, this product comes with a free milk whisk so you can try your hand at latte art.
First Impressions
If this were a job interview, then I would've hired the Presso Smartshot machine on the spot based on first impressions alone. Nothing is worse than having to lug and unload a heavy machine in your kitchen, and do you really want to sacrifice the counterspace?
This machine is shockingly light and small enough to tuck into your bag and take it with you to the office (if that's what you really want/need to do). For someone like me, who lives in a small urban flat, this is the ideal appliance size for making the most of a kitchen with less counter space.
With minimal previous experience in the manual espresso machine world, I was a bit confused upon first glance about how this machine was going to work. However, the instruction manual was clear, and there are only really three steps from grind to cup.
Testing the Machine
The unboxing of the Presso Smartshot definitely left stars in my eyes, but the true test of an espresso machine or coffee maker is how it runs, of course.
The appliance doesn't come with much; just a coffee scoop, a portafiller, and an espresso funnel attachment. However, this machine doesn't actually need anything more.
To operate the Presso Smartshot, you fill the portafiller with grounds and lock it into the machine, then fill the top up with freshly boiled water. After that, you lift the handles slowly, pause, and then press them back down. Thirty seconds later, an espresso shot with a crema layer is ready to drink. It's truly as simple as that.
One thing to note is that because the machine is so light, I found the base to be slightly unstable. And knowing how to handle the portafiller and handles takes some getting used to. But once you do, you're fine.
The beauty of this machine's simplicity could also be a drawback for some — you will need a few additional accessories to make the most out of your experience. For instance, hot water is necessary, so having a kettle nearby (like this one from Amazon) is a good idea. Or if you are a milk-based drink lover, then you'll probably want to invest in a milk frother to practice your milk frothing techniques.
Quality of Coffee
As with all espresso machines, you will need to pull a few shots before getting one that tastes ideal and has the perfect crema top layer. With this machine, it truly doesn't get much easier. The pressurized portafiller does the hard work for you, ensuring that every shot comes out at the right speed and potency.
As for what kind of grounds to use, Patrick says, "You can use virtually any grind size with this device. A super fine grind (something finer than the typical espresso size) may not be ideal, but besides that, it is up to your taste preference and how you like your coffee." I like a strong coffee, so I used espresso-sized grinds from a local coffee shop.
The element that the Presso Smartshot offers that a normal coffee pod machine doesn't is the freedom to choose any specialty coffee, roast, or blend you desire. It's the perfect choice for people who value ease but also want to dive deeper into the coffee-making experience and explore flavor profiles.
Should You Buy the ROK Machine?
So, it comes down to one final question: Is the ROK Presso Smartshot machine worth buying? I genuinely couldn't recommend this machine more. After testing it (and using it in place of my everyday machine), I believe this is a true stand-out appliance in its field.
Not only does it have a design-led appearance, but Patrick explains, "This is a machine that will stay with you. I designed the ROK machine to be lasting, so that you can feel good about your carbon footprint while enjoying the luxury of a great cup of coffee." At just £160, it's a life-long piece that's easy to commit to.
If you have the room and like the appeal of larger, more automatic machines such as the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier, or you prefer milk in your morning coffee, then the ROK machine might not be the machine for you. Alternatively, if you value simplicity, have limited outlets and counterspace, and crave a consistently creamy espresso, then this powerless machine is one to add to your wish list.
Now all that's left is to stock up on all the clever coffee accessories no coffee nook is complete without. The experience is half of what makes a good morning brew.
