November 23rd is National Espresso Day, and our Gift Of The Day is ROK Coffee’s manual espresso machine, designed by the London-based company ROK Kitchen Tools.

We love ours, although it wasn’t designed with us in mind.

It was designed for outdoor enthusiasts—hikers and campers—and travelers who must have their espresso. This easily portable machine—no electricity required—is the way they can have their espresso fix no matter where they are.

Designed for durability and ease of use on the road, the ROK Presso Smartshot is a lighter, more compact version, less expensive, and (we think) much more attractive version of the ROK Classic model, which is intended for more sophisticated users.
 

[4] Lift the arms, then bring them down.
 
 
So why do we—the opposite of this target market—love our ROK PRESSO SMARTSHOT?

In our tiny kitchen, its small footprint allows us to pull an espresso whenever we like.

When we’re done making our cup and turn the machine sideways, we only need a tad more than four inches of space. It doesn’t get more compact than that! (The horizontal dimension is seven inches.)

So, if you or those on your gift list are in the first group—the outdoors and traveling folk—you know why they need a ROK.

If you’re in the second group—espresso lovers with limited counter space—it’s a welcome addition to your kitchen.
 
 
Here’s what it’s done for us:

For espresso enthusiasts facing space constraints or outlet limitations (we have both), the ROK EspressoGC Classic PLUS offers an elegant solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.

This manually operated espresso maker not only proves that a good cup of espresso doesn’t require electricity or extensive counter space—it’s fun to use.

With all the fancy espresso machines on the market, many might assume manual operation means inferior results. The ROK turns this notion on its head.

[1] Place ground espresso in the basket and add hot water. Then raise and lower the arms (photo #4 at left; all photos © ROK Kitchen Tools).

[2] Watch the espresso fill your cup.
 

[3] With plenty of crema.

The physical feedback you get through the levers teaches you to feel when you’re hitting that sweet spot of extraction. And in 25 seconds, ecco fatto*, crema and all.

> Here’s a video.
 
 
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

The ROK’s die-cast aluminum construction feels substantial and well-weighted.

 
The ROK does require a water heater and, if you want your beans ground right before brewing, a separate grinder (the company makes a version that is also portable and electricity-free).
 
 
THE EXPERIENCE

There’s something deeply satisfying about the ritual of pulling a shot from the ROK.