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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine, 34oz Water Tank for Cappuccino, Small Latte Machine, Silver

7,932

$139.99

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  • Enjoy café-quality espresso with 20 bar high-pressure extraction at home.
  • Froth milk effortlessly for creamy lattes and cappuccinos using the steam wand.
  • Save counter space with this compact design perfect for small kitchens.
  • Make multiple drinks without refilling thanks to the 34-ounce removable water tank.
  • Built with durable stainless steel for long-lasting performance and sleek look.

What Works

  • ✓Compact size saves counter space
  • ✓Fast heat-up time (10–15 seconds)
  • ✓Produces rich crema with proper grind

What Doesn't

  • ✗Plastic components feel less premium
  • ✗Steam wand requires practice to master
  • ✗Must cool down after steaming before brewing

Category espresso-machines

Brand CASABREWS

8/10

Our Score

CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine Review — Compact 20-Bar Espresso Maker Review

The CASABREWS CM5418 is an entry-level espresso machine designed to bring café-quality drinks into your home without breaking the bank. With a 20-bar Italian pump and a compact stainless steel body, it targets beginners and budget-conscious coffee lovers who want to explore espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. Its 34-ounce detachable water tank and semi-automatic operation make it practical for daily use. While it lacks advanced features like PID temperature control, it delivers consistent results with proper technique. Many reviewers praise its fast heat-up time and straightforward workflow. This machine is best for those who want to learn espresso without a large investment.

Product Overview

The CASABREWS CM5418 is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a 20-bar pressure pump and a 1350-watt thermoblock heating system. It measures 12.28 by 5.47 by 11.97 inches and weighs 8.59 pounds, making it truly compact for tight countertops. The brushed stainless steel exterior is both stylish and easy to wipe down. A removable 34-ounce water tank sits on the back, allowing you to brew several drinks before refilling. The machine comes with a 51mm portafilter, single and double shot baskets, and a tamper with a spoon. You can pull both single and double shots using pre-ground coffee, as it does not have a built-in grinder. The steam wand is a traditional panarello style with a rubber grip, capable of frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The front panel includes buttons for one cup, two cups, and steam, plus a pressure gauge that helps monitor extraction. The machine heats up in about 10 to 15 seconds, as noted by users. A blank shot is recommended to warm the portafilter before brewing. After steaming, the machine must cool down before pulling another shot – a common limitation in this price range. Some reviewers mention that the water tank can cause minor scratches during shipping, but overall build quality is good for the price. The pressurized portafilter baskets make it forgiving for beginners, while experienced users can switch to a bottomless portafilter for better control. The machine has a reusable filter type and a capacity of 2.1 pounds. It is not smart home compatible. The included components are the machine, water tank, two filters, portafilter, tamper, and manual.

Key Features

20-Bar Italian Pump

  • ✓Delivers up to 20 bars of pressure for rich crema.
  • ✓Ensures proper extraction for espresso-based drinks.
  • ✓Built-in pressure gauge helps monitor and adjust your shots.

Fast Heat-Up Thermoblock

  • ✓1350-watt thermoblock heats up in 10-15 seconds.
  • ✓Ready to brew almost instantly after powering on.
  • ✓Reduces wait time for busy mornings.

Powerful Steam Wand

  • ✓Steam wand with rubber grip froths milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
  • ✓Produces microfoam suitable for basic latte art.
  • ✓Faster steaming than many machines in its price class.

Compact & Stylish Design

  • ✓Stainless steel body fits easily on small countertops.
  • ✓Measures just 5.47 inches wide and 12.28 inches deep.
  • ✓Brushed finish resists fingerprints and cleans easily.

Removable 34oz Water Tank

  • ✓34-ounce capacity allows multiple drinks without refilling.
  • ✓Tank is detachable for easy filling and cleaning.
  • ✓Transparent window shows water level at a glance.

Dual Shot Brewing Options

  • ✓Single and double shot buttons with programmable volumes.
  • ✓Includes both single and double shot pressurized baskets.
  • ✓User can stop extraction manually for precise yield.

Build & Materials

The CASABREWS CM5418 is constructed primarily from brushed stainless steel and durable plastic. The body has a solid feel, though the portafilter and water tank are plastic. The machine's compact footprint is a standout feature, taking up minimal counter space. The water tank is removable, with a clear plastic reservoir that is easy to clean. The steam wand is made of stainless steel with a silicone rubber grip to prevent burns. The drip tray is plastic and snaps off for emptying. Overall, the build quality is appropriate for the price point – functional and durable if not premium.

Shot Quality

The CM5418 consistently produces espresso with good crema when using fine ground coffee and proper tamping. Users report that after dialing in, shots are balanced and flavorful for a machine in this class. The 20-bar pump works well with the pressurized baskets, making it forgiving for beginners. However, some reviewers note that temperature stability is not as precise as more expensive models, and back-to-back shots require a cooldown period after steaming. The steam wand performs admirably; it can create silky microfoam with practice, but learning the technique is necessary. The pump noise is moderate – noticeable but not disruptive. Overall, performance exceeds expectations for a $130-140 espresso machine.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Compact size saves counter space
  • ✓Fast heat-up time (10–15 seconds)
  • ✓Produces rich crema with proper grind
  • ✓Steam wand works well for frothing milk
  • ✓Removable water tank simplifies cleaning
  • ✓Pressure gauge helps monitor extraction
  • ✓Great value for beginners on a budget
  • ✓Reliable customer support per multiple reviews

What Doesn't

  • ✗Plastic components feel less premium
  • ✗Steam wand requires practice to master
  • ✗Must cool down after steaming before brewing
  • ✗Small water tank needs frequent refills for multiple drinks
  • ✗No built-in grinder; requires pre-ground coffee
  • ✗Temperature control not as stable as higher-end machines

The Verdict

8

The CASABREWS CM5418 is a strong entry-level espresso machine that punches above its weight for the price. It excels in simplicity, compactness, and speed, making it ideal for beginners and those with limited counter space. While it lacks advanced features and has some plastic build, its performance with proper technique can rival more expensive machines. The steam wand produces good microfoam, and the pressure gauge helps users learn. For under $150, this is one of the best options for dipping into home espresso.

Is It Worth It?

What You Get

  • 20-bar pump espresso machine with steam wand
  • Compact stainless steel design
  • Removable 34oz water tank
  • Portafilter with pressurized baskets
  • Pressure gauge for extraction monitoring

What You Pay

$139.99 (often discounted to around $99–$129)

Excellent value for beginners or anyone wanting an affordable espresso setup. The performance and features far exceed the price point, making it one of the best budget espresso machines available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this machine have a built-in grinder?
No, the CASABREWS CM5418 requires pre-ground coffee. It uses pressurized baskets that work best with fine ground espresso.
Can I use a bottomless portafilter with this machine?
Yes, many users upgrade to a 51mm bottomless portafilter. However, it requires finer grind and proper puck prep to avoid channeling.
How long does it take to heat up?
The thermoblock heats up in about 10 to 15 seconds, so it's ready very quickly after turning on.
Is the steam wand good for latte art?
With practice, the panarello wand can produce microfoam suitable for basic latte art. Some users remove the outer sleeve for better results.
Why do the 1-cup and 2-cup buttons flash after steaming?
This indicates the machine is in over-heating protection mode. To cool it down, run hot water through the steam wand for about 20 seconds.
What size portafilter does this use?
It uses a 51mm portafilter. Pressurized double and single baskets are included.
How often should I descale the machine?
Descaling frequency depends on water hardness, but generally every 3-6 months. Use a descaling solution suitable for espresso machines.

(3) Comments

Great beginner espresso machine
I was hesitant about entering the world of espresso, so I opted for a budget-friendly machine to test the waters. After a month of use, I have no regrets. It's straightforward to operate and produces excellent espresso. The compact size saves counter space, and while the milk frother is not top-tier, it suffices for my needs.
Great Espresso Machine, Affordable, Outstanding Support
I purchased this espresso machine more than two and a half years ago and regret not reviewing it sooner. It heats up rapidly, produces excellent espresso with rich crema, and the steam wand is quick to froth. Its compact design is a bonus. Truly an outstanding machine for the price. What finally inspired this review was my recent experience with Casasbrews customer support. Even though my warranty had long expired, they provided prompt and helpful assistance with my technical queries. For a basic espresso maker, this model is tough to surpass – highly recommended.
Great Value Espresso Machine with Solid Performance
I rarely write reviews, but this espresso machine exceeded my expectations. It's compact, heats up quickly, and produces decent shots with pre-ground espresso. The milk frother works well, and the machine is quiet. For under $150, it's an excellent buy. Just be sure to follow the initial setup instructions.

Product Specifications

Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine
Operation Mode Semi-Automatic
Output Pressure 20 Bars
Wattage 1350 watts
Voltage 120 Volts (AC)
Human Interface Input Buttons
Coffee Input Type Ground Coffee
Filter Type Reusable
Capacity 2.1 Pounds
Item Dimensions (D x W x H) 12.28" x 5.47" x 11.97"
Item Weight 8.59 Pounds
Number of Items 1
Water Tank Capacity 34 oz
Portafilter Size 51 mm
Included Components Espresso Machine, 34 oz Removable Water Tank, 51mm One Cup Filter, 51mm Two Cup Filter, 51mm Portafilter, Tamper with Spoon, Instruction Manual
Smart Home Compatibility Not Smart Home Compatible

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