LUCCA Solo Espresso Machine Overview

After several months of development and production, we’re excited to introduce you to our latest collaboration with Quick Mill—the LUCCA Solo. Based on the Quick Mill Carola, The LUCCA Solo fits perfectly with our expanding LUCCA catalog, which includes the LUCCA M58 and LUCCA X58. One piece missing from our espresso machine lineup was a machine that caters to an exclusive espresso experience. No longer do espresso-only lovers have to suffer with a single-boiler with a steam wand; with the Solo, you get great-tasting espresso all the time, Italian heritage, and exceptional build quality without compromise. 

Solo Features Rundown

The LUCCA Solo has several features that make it the ideal choice for espresso-only coffee drinkers. It’s compact enough to fit almost any space—even shorter than some of our Eureka grinders. 

• PID temperature control: The PID allows you to alter your brew temperature based on the coffee varietal or roast level you’re using to achieve your ideal extraction and flavor profile. The PID also maintains your set temperature to avoid fluctuations, keeping your shots consistent whether you pull one or several back-to-back. 
• Shot Timer: Integrated within the PID, the shot timer begins counting up when you start your extraction and stops when you lower the brew lever to stop your shot. Timing your shots is super handy for constructing an espresso recipe and making necessary changes. 
• E61 Group Head: The E61 group head is a patented and proven design that has been used with home espresso machines for over 50 years. Great for maintaining temperature stability via a thermosiphon and easy to maintain over time with readily available replacement parts. 
• Easy Brew Pressure Adjustment: Located on the top of the machine is an adjustment screw that allows you to change your brew pressure at the grouphead. Don’t want to pull shots at 9-10 bar? Try 7-8 bar instead. 
• Flow Control Add-On: You can purchase the Solo with flow control or install it later. Flow control is a great way to experiment with different coffees, tease out different flavor notes, or do long, low-pressure pre-infusions. Read more about flow control here.

The best thing about the LUCCA Solo is that you’re free to focus on your shot quality and consistency, bringing the focus onto what matters most—drinking great espresso! The PID and E61 group head gives you a ton of freedom for control and fantastic temperature stability. The brew adjustment and flow control make experimenting a lot of fun. 

A Compact Showstopper 

The LUCCA comes in two colorways: traditional stainless steel and matte black. Best of all, both finishes come with custom walnut finishes. Additionally, the Solo comes with a wooden tamper and a bottomless portafilter, two premium features that don’t usually come with an accessories package. Who said a machine only has to perform well? It should also look fantastic on your counter. The LUCCA Solo’s face card always checks out. The Solo is minimalist in a good way. It has a brew pressure gauge, a main power light, a heating light, and an inconspicuous PID screen—these features feel natural to the design logic rather than misplaced or cluttered. 

Lastly, some features that don’t get a lot of fanfare (but should) are the ones you cannot see but experience. The Solo comes with a stainless steel E61 mushroom and stainless steel gicleur (flow restrictor), making them less prone to limescale, which means less maintenance for you (given that you’re using filtered and soft water from the jump). The Solo also heats up fast (around 10-11 minutes) and is extremely quiet in operation for a vibratory pump machine. The 52w Ulka vibratory pump has an additional pulsar, making it one of the vibratory pumps on the market. 

If you’re struggling to decide which espresso machine to buy and you love espresso, the Solo was made for you! If you’re just starting your espresso journey, the Solo is an incredible place to start. Are you going on that National Parks RV road trip you always wanted to? The Solo will make incredible coffee at each campsite.