Rocket Espresso Setup & First Startup Guide

Rocket Espresso First Startup Guide & Troubleshooting

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Congratulations on acquiring your new Rocket Espresso machine. When receiving the machine for the first time, some customers face a common issue where the machine does not work or does not pump water. In reality, most of these cases are not a technical malfunction, but rather occur due to not performing the initial startup and system filling (Priming) steps correctly.

This guide explains the correct way to start up the most important Rocket machines step-by-step, to ensure you get the best extraction from the very first cup.

Basic Preparations Before Startup

Before brewing coffee, the machine must be set up correctly to ensure its safety and longevity. Follow these preliminary steps:

Preparation and Location: Start by carefully removing all packaging materials. Place the machine on a level and stable surface, away from direct heat sources.
Electrical Connection: Plug the machine into a dedicated wall electrical outlet, and avoid using extension cords to ensure voltage stability.
Heat-Up Time: When turning on the machine for the first time, the pump will run automatically to fill the internal boiler; let it run until it stops. After that (and after applying the priming and air bleeding steps mentioned below), wait 20 to 30 minutes for a full heat-up before preparing your first cup.

Pro Tip:
For optimal extraction and to prolong the machine's lifespan, always use filtered, fresh water (browse our water filters). We also recommend using a good grinder that highlights the capabilities of Rocket machines, such as the Rocket Fausto grinder.

Very Important Warning:
Never run the pump without water in the tank, as this can permanently damage the pump and void the warranty.

Does the Initial Startup Differ Between Rocket Machines?

Generally, the basic concept applies to all Rocket machines. The constant basics include: filling the water tank, running the pump, bleeding the air, and testing the water flow.

A diagram illustrating the basic steps to successfully prime a Rocket machine system and bleed the air.

Initial Startup Steps for Key Rocket Machines

1. Rocket Appartamento Machine

This is the most common machine, and its startup steps are as follows:

Fill the water tank completely, then turn on the machine.
Run the pump until water starts coming out of the steam wand or the hot water valve.
Continue pumping until the water flows smoothly without air.
Open the steam valve for 5 to 10 seconds to release trapped air.
Run water from the Group Head as an initial flush.

2. Rocket Appartamento TCA Machine

The new generation of Appartamento. It operates with the same steps as the classic model, with minor differences in the hidden digital control panel that allows adjusting temperature and pressure. However, the core of the initial startup and air bleeding method remains exactly the same as the previous model.

3. Rocket Giotto Fast Machine (R & V)

This classic machine comes in two versions and relies on a heat exchanger system:

Giotto Fast V (Vibratory Pump): Fill the water tank and run the pump to fill the boiler and bleed air from the steam wand.
Giotto Fast R (Rotary Pump): Can be connected to a direct water line. Make sure to open the water valve before starting, then follow the same air bleeding steps.

4. Rocket Bicocca Machine

A Rocket masterpiece with a dual boiler. It features a smart touch screen. Upon initial startup, ensure the tank is filled (or direct water is connected), then follow the instructions that may appear on the screen to fill both boilers, and don't forget to run water from the group head to ensure stable flow.

5. Rocket R58 Tune Machine

Fill with water and turn on the device to start filling the internal circuits.
Open the steam and hot water valves to fully bleed the air.
Run the group head until the water flow stabilizes.

6. Rocket R9 One Machine (Rocket R Nine One)

A top professional tier with variable pressure profiling. Run the internal filling pump via the control panel and ensure the boilers are full, then test the electronic pressure via the smart screen after bleeding air from the steam and water ports.

Alert for Dual Boiler Machines:
Machines like (R58, Bicocca, and R9) need more time for the system to fill completely compared to heat exchanger machines due to the size of the two boilers, so do not worry if drawing water takes a bit longer.

Important Note for First Startup:
In all models, if water does not come out on the first startup attempt, this is completely normal and is often due to trapped air in the pump that requires continuing the priming process for a few extra seconds to push it out.

Most Common Reasons for the "Machine Not Working" Issue on First Use

If you face an issue, be sure to review the following list before worrying:

Not filling the water tank correctly or not securing it tightly in place to press the sensor.
Trapped air inside the pump preventing water intake.
Not opening the steam and hot water valves during the initial priming phase to release air.
Attempting to brew coffee immediately without waiting for the warm-up period and boiler filling.

When Should I Consider It a Real Problem?

You should contact the Maintenance and Technical Support Department immediately only in the following cases:

The pump does not work at all and emits no normal vibration sound when lifting the brew lever.
The machine does not draw any water whatsoever despite the tank being full and repeatedly attempting to bleed the air.
There is a water leak from the bottom of the machine or frequent tripping of the house's electrical breaker upon startup.

Guide Summary:
The initial startup steps differ slightly between Rocket models in the control interface, but all machines rely on the same principle of filling the system with water (Priming) and bleeding the air before first use to avoid non-pumping issues.