Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo Review: New and Improved
Are you in the market for an end-game espresso maker? One so packed with features that you’ll never need to upgrade again? Then this Quick Mill Vetrano 2b Evo review is for you.
The Vetrano 2B Evo is a top-of-the-line dual boiler with all the bells and whistles. It may very well be the last espresso maker you ever buy.
Summary: The Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo
- Semi automatic dual boiler espresso machine with rotary pump and E61 group head
- Independent PID temperature control of both boilers
- Remarkably high steam power up to 2.1 bar for fast and delicious milky drinks
The steam wand on this is amazing. It’s the first machine I’ve had that can froth milk like something from a coffee shop.
– Customer
Where to buy Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo
You’ll be happy to hear that you can purchase this machine in different places. Below is a list of available options. All our sellers are trusted choices. Feel free to choose what suits you best.
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Chris Coffee |
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My Espresso Shop |
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A Full Review of the Vetrano 2B Evo
Quick Mill was one of the first companies to perfect the dual boiler prosumer espresso maker for home use. And while there are now many competitive Quick Mill models on the market, the Vetrano 2B Evo continues to be a solid choice thanks to the brand’s willingness to keep innovating.
Brewing Capacity – 4/5
The Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo includes all the components needed to put it in the top tier of home machines. I’m talking about two stainless steel boilers, PID temperature control, a rotary pump, and an E61 group head.
How do all these elements help you make a perfect shot? Let me explain.
In machines with dual boilers, there are separate boilers for steaming and brewing. In this case, a 0.75-liter brew boiler and a 1.4-liter steam boiler. As I’m sure you know, the temperature for brewing coffee is very different from that for steaming milk. But by separating the two tasks into individual boilers, you can do both at the same time. If you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, this improves efficiency and drink quality.
Both boilers are controlled using a PID, which is vastly improving over the pressure stat used in older models. There are two main advantages:
- First, it’s easy to set and adjust the brew temperature. With the rise of specialty coffee, it has become apparent that different coffees extract better at different temperatures. With the PID, you can optimize for each bag of beans (1). It’s also easy to adjust the steam boiler temperature to change the steam pressure.
- Second, a PID gives a more stable temperature. With a pressure stat, we regularly see fluctuations of up to 10 ℉ around the set point. Differently, PID reduces that to 1 ℉. This makes a huge difference in drink quality and consistency.
Up next: the rotary pump.
These pumps are typically found in higher-end models because they are more expensive than vibratory pumps. But they have significant advantages. For one, they’re much quieter than vibratory pumps. For two, they provide a more steady pressure. And perhaps most importantly, they allow direct plumbing to a water line.
Direct plumbing is convenient, but an often overlooked benefit is that it allows for true line pressure pre-infusion.
This gentle pre-wetting of the puck is well known to improve extraction and yield the most flavorful shots (2).
The Vetrano 2B Evo’s design makes it simple to adjust the pump pressure, thanks to an easy-to-access OPV. While 9 bar is considered the standard for espresso, some coffees have better flavor profiles when extracted at higher or lower pressures (3). On many machines, accessing the OPV means removing the cup warming tray or drip tray or, worse, removing exterior panels. On the Vetrano, it’s right on the side.
Last but not least, the E61 group head. This iconic design, around since 1961, still graces the front of most high-end prosumer and commercial espresso machines today. It uses a thermosiphon for cycling the water from the boiler through the group to the portafilter. This results in excellent temperature stability, a key for consistent shots (4).
User Friendliness – 4/5
Using the Quick Mill Vetrano for such advanced equipment is remarkably straightforward, largely thanks to the upgraded PID controller of the latest model. With it, you can easily set boiler temperatures or turn off the steam boiler. You can also use the control to program the new ECO mode, which shuts down one or both boilers after a period of inactivity. That’s a great feature if you’re not frothing milk as it shortens the heat-up time and saves energy.
A great aspect of the Vetrano 2B Evo, from a user perspective, is how easy it is to know what’s happening inside the machine.
The PID display shows current boiler temperatures, and indicator lights keep you informed of their status. And as soon as you start a shot, it automatically converts to a shot timer. The dual pressure gauge reports extraction pressure when you’re pulling a shot and steam pressure.
Let’s talk about water management. Filling the water reservoir and emptying the drip tray are usually standard tasks that come with owning a prosumer machine, but they’re simplified with the Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo.
If you want, you can direct plumb your machine to a water line, and then both of these chores disappear. The plumbing and drainage kits come with the purchase. If you prefer to use the built-in 3-liter reservoir, you can easily access it under a hinged door on the top of the machine. There’s no need to remove the cup warming tray. And it’s equipped with a low water level sensor, so you’ll never risk it running dry.
Milk Frothing – 4/5
If you want, you can direct plumb your machine to a water line, and then both of these chores disappear. The plumbing and drainage kits come with the purchase. If you prefer to use the built-in 3-liter water reservoir, you can easily access it under a hinged door on the top of the machine. There’s no need to remove the cup warming tray. And it’s equipped with a low water level sensor, so you’ll never risk it running dry.
Because that pressure is what’s going to be spinning the milk round. Lots of pressure helps create a vortex in the milk.
This ability to crank up the steam pressure without influencing brew temperature is a real perk of a dual boiler.
The Vetrano’s stainless steel no-burn steam wand is fully articulated and comes with a 2-hole steam tip. This is nicely balanced with the ample steam pressure, but you can always swap it for a 4-hole tip if you want to up your latte preparation speed.
Build Quality – 4.5/5
Quick Mill machines are well known for their build quality because they’re one of few companies to manufacture stainless steel in a nearby factory. Keeping this manufacturing in-house means that their quality control is second to none. Additionally, they’re rarely hampered by supplier shortages, so if you order a Vetrano, you’re unlikely to face unexpected delays.
The Vetrano 2B Evo is a relatively large machine, like most dual boiler machines. It measures 16 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 18 inches deep. But don’t worry! It was designed to be a home espresso machine that looks good in a domestic kitchen. It can even fit under upper cupboards. This could be a great option if you plumb it in, but it might be a hassle if you regularly access the water reservoir.
The Vetrano Evo is almost entirely stainless steel, so expect it to last. The dual boilers are stainless steel, as are the interior frame and exterior wrap. Vetrano comes with two chrome-plated brass portafilters: single spout and double spout. Best of all, it comes with a nice metal tamper, something sorely lacking from many high-end machines.
The new Vetrano 2B Evo features some aesthetic upgrades, making it the brand’s most beautiful machine yet. The manometer has a gorgeous blue background, and the PID controller has a classy brushed aluminum faceplate and LED screen.
Cleaning and Maintenance – 4/5
Cleaning and maintenance are similar on all prosumer machines. The key is to prioritize the cleaning and thus avoid maintenance. Prosumer machines are complex enough that a trained technician is best done by all but the lowest level maintenance, which adds hassle and expense.
Luckily, keeping things clean is simple. Whether or not you plumbed your machine, you should always use filtered water to avoid scale build-up in the dual boilers. While descaling is a regular part of owning a cheaper machine, it’s a much more complicated process with a prosumer machine. So prevention is the name of the game.
The Quick Mill Vetrano comes with a stainless steel backflush disk, which you should regularly use to backflush with water. How often depends on your use, but about once a week is a good guideline. You should also back flush with a specific espresso maker cleaning solution less frequently, usually every 3 to 6 months.
A nice aspect of the Vetrano is that it is well laid out for easy access to components if it does require maintenance. Panels on the bottom lead to the heating elements, boiler drains, and a tab on the right panel provides an easy route to the pump.
Don’t Buy the Quick Mill Vetrano If…
You don’t make a lot of milky drinks: If lattes and cappuccinos aren’t for you, you can save a lot of money buying a single boiler model. The coffee will be just as good, but you won’t be able to steam milk simultaneously.
Consider the Alexia, also from Quick Mill, or the ECM Classika. Or for an unusual option, check out our Quick Mill Silvano Evo review. This machine has a single boiler plus a separate thermoblock for steam.
You’re on a tight budget: So you want to be able to brew and steam simultaneously, but a double boiler isn’t in the budget? That’s where heat exchanger espresso machines come in!
We love the Quick Mill Andreja espresso machine and the even more affordable Quick Mill Anita espresso machine. And if you’re willing to consider a different brand, the Lelit Mara X is another fantastic option.
You’re low on space: Machines with dual boilers tend to be big, but there are exceptions to the rule. If you’re set on two boilers but don’t have a ton of counter space, take a look at the Lelit Elizabeth or Rancilio Silvia Pro. They’re both compact and very affordable, though you lose the E61 group head.
The Verdict
Quick Mill was one of the first companies to produce a dual boiler espresso maker for home use. Though there are now plenty of options on the market, the Vetrano 2B Evo continues to be a solid choice. Quick Mill has upgraded it into a thoroughly modern machine with dual PID controllers, remarkably high steam power, and a quiet pump. It may have a long history, but it’s by no means stuck in the past.
References
- Easthope, A. (2015, April 8). Brew Temperature and its Effects on Espresso. Retrieved from https://fivesenses.com.au/blogs/news/brew-temperature-and-its-effects-on-espresso/
- Lee, J. (2017, April 28). Espresso-Making Skills: What’s Pre-Infusion? Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2017/04/espresso-making-skills-whats-pre-infusion/
- Teahan, M. (2019, July 24). Pressure and Flow: A Guide for Espresso Technicians. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2019/07/24/pressure-and-flow-a-guide-for-espresso-technicians/
- Bryman, H. (2019, June 13). From Pro Scene to Home Machines: A Conversation with Breville Coffee Guru Phil McKnight. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2019/06/13/from-pro-scene-to-home-machines-a-conversation-with-breville-coffee-guru-phil-mcknight/