Rok SmartShot Espresso Maker Review
Introducing the Rok SmartShot
The SmartShot is quite an interesting piece of kit, that has been getting a TON of hype on the internet lately. It is a manual lever machine, that is assisted by springs in each lever. So, how does it work?
Well, you boil water, pour it in the top, lift the levers upwards, and then press down, until they reach their end position. At that point, the energy has been stored in the springs, and they take over, pulling the piston downwards.
After this, you can remove the portafilter, and dump the spent puck.
The Looks and Features
I think what makes the SmartShot interesting is its symmetry. It is symmetric whether you look at it straight on, from the side, or from the top. The tear drop shape is also elegant, and the polished aluminum levers are a joy to use and to look at.
The fins on the body seem to be a moot point, as they’d dissipate heat if anything. But they do add to the visual design.
The included portafilter is a 51mm version, with a wooden handle. It comes with a pressurized basket that can fit around 12-13 grams in it. I have found that the grind needs to be on the finer side for the SmartShot to provide the right pressure. Just beware that the portafilter is Rok’s own design, and no Delonghi or other 51mm portafilter will fit in here, besides Rok’s own.
Rok SmartShot – Symmetry
The bottom of the SmartShot is an oval shape, with concentric ovals as ridges in the design. While this adds to the design, it does also make it a little more difficult to wipe off.
What I like best about the design of the SmartShot are the aluminum levers with integrated springs. These are nicely cast and polished, and feel good to touch. It’s also really fun to watch the springs do their work.
So, the design is awesome, but how is the espresso?
Rok SmartShot – Wings up!
How is the Espresso on the SmartShot?
I took the SmartShot to work, and made espresso for my engineering buddies. While they all thought the machine looks beautiful, they were all a little disappointed by the lack of temperature in the espresso result.
As it turns out, the Rok seems to quickly swallow the heat, resulting in the following extraction temperatures:
- Extraction 1 = 50 C
- Extraction 2 = 55 C
- Extraction 3 = 60 C
So, as you can see, the extractions got successively hotter, but they start off really a bit too cold. To combat this, I’d suggest pre-heating the SmartShot body, and the portafilter.
To do this, fill up the chamber with boiling water, and let it sit 1-2 minutes. Put the portafilter in a large cup, and soak it with hot water, too. Then dump the water out and proceed. This should help to get extractions around 60 C or slightly above.
Rok SmartShot – Espresso
Screenshot
How about the Plastic?
Plastic has been on people’s minds lately, especially when being used for food products, and with hot water and pressure. The Rok SmartShot is made almost entirely of plastic, or what they call “glass composite polymer.”
In the end, the body is plastic, the water chamber is therefore plastic, and the piston is plastic. The portafilter basket however is stainless steel. The levers are cast and polished aluminum – probably to deal with the force.
Can you do a non-pressurized extraction?
Yes, you can do a non-pressurized extraction, although Rok doesn’t recommend it. I have experimented with the IMS Hugh basket shown below, and gotten good results, provided the espresso maker is properly pre-heated.
Pros and Cons of the SmartShot?
Well, I think this machine is honestly kinda weird. It’s not flexible enough for espresso enthusiasts, but it’s also not convenient enough for casual espresso drinkers, who are accustomed to the ease of Nespresso machines. It also requires a ton of pre-heating. But, it does look really cool.
By the way, this was designed in England 🏴 but made in China 🇨🇳.
Pros:
- Beautifully symmetric design
- No electricity needed
- Can make cold espresso if you want
Cons
- Requires a separate water kettle
- Espresso on the cooler side
- Requires a lot of preheating
- Only OEM portafilters fit
- Nearly full plastic build
- A bit instable in the footprint
Alternatives to the SmartShot?
To me, at $169, I figure you might as well go ahead and buy a Delonghi Dedica or Casabrews. These will provide hotter espresso, are in the end easier to use, heat up the water for you, and include a steam wand for steaming milk.
Rok SmartShot Giveaway!
I will be giving away the Rok SmartShot manual espresso machine. I am willing to ship to the countries listed below. So, be sure you live there, or have a contact there, if you enter the contest.
Subscribe to the newsletter (with occasional deal alerts) for a second entry. Please, just one entry per person.
Specifications of the SmartShot:
– Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 14 inches
– Weight: 4 pounds
– Build Materials: glass composite polymer
– 1 year warranty
– Country of Origin: China
Find your SmartShot here:
