The Quick Mill Carola is an espresso machine with a single-boiler system and PID control. You can find out why it makes excellent espresso but no milk foam in our test report.
Let's start with the best part: for 1000 Euros / 1200 Swiss Francs, the Quick Mill Carola combines some excellent components within its mere 20 cm wide and 45 cm deep casing. A Faema E61 brew group in combination with PID control brings joy and, most importantly, good espresso. The single-boiler espresso machine is consistent. This is also because the boiler doesn't have to foam milk and make espresso. The Quick Mill Carola completely foregoes the steam wand function. But in return, it makes no compromises when it comes to espresso. But one thing at a time.
Workmanship and Material
From the start, the Quick Mill Carola makes a good impression with its chrome-plated casing and cleanly finished outer edges. The compact portafilter weighs around 15 kilograms and distributes that weight over a mere 20 cm width, 45 cm depth, and 37 cm height. If you're looking for a small but good espresso machine, the Quick Mill Carola is the one. Its size allows it to fit into any kitchen niche.
A manometer indicates the brewing pressure, and the insulated brass boiler holds approximately 0.75 liters. The machine's water tank holds 1.6 liters. Conveniently, the top lid, like a tray, can be lifted with the cups to access the water tank. While the lid is well-designed, the water tank falls short. Due to the lack of a handle or grip opening, removing the water tank is fiddly. However, it can be done. Alternatively, water can simply be poured in from above.
The Quick Mill Carola is available with a red, black, or stainless steel side panel. We also noticed the positive feature of the fall protection for cups on the machine. On many machines in higher price ranges, this is made of plastic and has to be purchased separately in metal. The Quick Mill Carola doesn't cut corners here and already has it installed.
Space in the Drip Tray
The drip tray of an espresso machine doesn't determine the quality of the espresso preparation. For me, however, it's still really important. The smaller the drip tray, the greater the risk of making a mess when trying to empty it in the sink.
High-priced espresso machines usually have the option of connecting the drip tray to a drain. If that's not possible, a large tray is appreciated. The Quick Mill Carola has such a tray. Even if you make several espressos and rinse in between, the tray won't overflow.
Really Good Espresso with the Single-Boiler and PID Control
In about 10 to 15 minutes, the machine reaches operating temperature and stops heating. To ensure the E61 group is also thoroughly heated, it is advisable to run a blank shot or two. Even the first shot makes it clear: this machine can make espresso, and the E61 brew group packs a punch. The massive brass structure of the thermosiphon delivers in the proven E61 manner.
The combination here lies in the connection of the single-boiler system and PID control. As a reminder: with single-boiler espresso machines, the water for brewing coffee is drawn from the same tank that also produces steam for frothing milk. The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is between 92 and 94 degrees Celsius. However, to froth milk, the boiler must heat up to around 120 degrees to produce enough steam. No single-boiler can manage the switch between these two tasks really well and thus has to make compromises in quality. In our review of the Rancilio Silvia, we discuss this topic in detail.
The Quick Mill Carola completely foregoes the frothing function. Yes, you heard right. No cappuccino! However, the machine makes no compromises when it comes to espresso quality. Thanks to the PID control, the boiler temperature can be precisely adjusted. The temperature is maintained and remains constant.
The PID control of the Quick Mill Carola
A PID control in this price range is an absolute rarity. We simply have to praise that. The operation is a bit fiddly, but not difficult to master. The manufacturer could have invested in a small digital display here. But: the control does what it's supposed to.
On the back of the Carola, two screws need to be loosened. Behind them is the control unit. The operating instructions describe how to set the temperature. 6 small switches can be set to "on" or "off" and adjusted accordingly. For example, the operating instructions state that temperature 123 is to be set with On, On, Off, On, Off, On.
The problem with the whole thing, however, is that the machine is delivered with a fairly large offset. Offset means that the measured temperature does not match the indicated one. Our test machine was initially set to the positions for temperature 110. During the tasting, we already found the espresso too bitter, which is why we measured the temperature. Effectively, 99 degrees came out of the group head.
After some testing, we landed at a PID temperature of 106, which gave us an effective brewing temperature of 93 degrees. And that then remained very constant. Of course, even with the Carola, you have to flush before brewing espresso, i.e., let water run for about two seconds. However, this is the case with every E61 brew group.
Configuring the PID Control
It is generally not complicated to set the group temperature well. However, you will need a measuring device. Coffee machine technicians use a portafilter with a built-in measuring device for this purpose. Here I return to my argument as to why you should buy espresso machines locally and not from online shops. With a local contact, you can have the temperature adjusted in consultation. Good dealers also set the temperature before selling the machine. Amazon and co. generally don't do that.
Of course, you can approximately measure the temperature with any thermometer with a temperature range between 90 and 100 degrees. And you can also taste if the temperature is right. If the espresso tastes good, everything is perfect. If your coffee is rather too bitter, then lower the temperatures. If the coffee is rather sour and unbalanced, raise the temperature. And important: always rinse thoroughly in between so that the temperature in the boiler adjusts. If you increase the temperature, you must wait until the boiler has reheated.
Who is the Quick Mill Carola suitable for?
The Quick Mill Carola is a truly good espresso machine in the literal sense: it makes good espresso. It is consistent and maintains the temperature. The PID control is a fine thing once the temperature is set. The button mechanism does not invite flexible adjustment. Anyone who likes to regularly change the temperature will probably not find this practical enough with the Carola. However, since almost all espresso roasts reach their peak with a properly set temperature of around 93 degrees Celsius, the adjustability of the temperature is more for freaks.
Frothing milk is not possible with the Carola. There is no milk wand. Hot water for tea, however, can be dispensed. So, if you like to drink cappuccino or latte macchiato, you won't be happy with just this machine. A separate milk frother can help here.
The espresso from the Quick Mill Carola was so good that I prefer the option with a separate milk frother to the quality compromise of a switchable single-boiler (see also the article on the Silvia).
Pros and Cons
Pros that speak for the Quick Mill Carola:
- The espresso quality is an absolute pro argument. The Quick Mill Carola makes no compromises there.
- A PID control in this price range is appealing.
- The machine's workmanship is top-notch, and the classic E61 brew group delivers what it promises.
- The compact format makes the machine interesting for confined spaces.
- The drip tray is not too small.
Cons that speak against the Quick Mill Carola:
- Milk cannot be frothed with this machine.
- The water tank is difficult to remove due to the lack of a handle.
- The PID control is a bit fiddly, and the temperature has a fairly large offset from the effective brewing temperature.
Did we forget anything? What are your experiences with the Quick Mill Carola? Please add to the post so others can benefit from your experiences and tips.
- Operating Instructions Quick Mill Carola.
- Quick Mill Carola in our shop.
