CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Tornado Basic Coffee Grinder - Compact Stainless Steel Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Pressure Gauge, Single or Double Shot Extraction for Home

Product Overview

The CASABREWS Ultra is built around the idea that fresh grinding is essential for great espresso. Its Tornado Basic grinder uses precision conical burrs with 35 adjustable settings, ranging from ultra-fine for espresso to extra-coarse for French press. You can grind automatically with a programmable timer or manually for full control. The LCD display shows brewing status and helps you navigate the semi-automatic operation. The 20-bar Italian pump ensures consistent pressure to extract rich flavors and crema. The steam wand produces ample power for texturing milk, though like most single-boiler machines, you cannot brew and steam simultaneously. The machine accepts both whole beans and pre-ground coffee, giving flexibility. Its modern design fits well on most countertops, and the included milk frother attachment is easy to clean. With a 1350W boiler, heat-up time is relatively quick. The package includes the machine, grinder hopper, portafilter, and steam wand, but no tamper or cleaning kit. The unit is compact, with a small footprint, but the grinder hopper capacity is not specified; typical for this class is around 250g. Overall, it is an all-in-one solution for espresso enthusiasts who value freshness and convenience.

Build & Materials

The CASABREWS Ultra combines a stainless steel espresso body with a plastic grinder housing. The conical burrs are made of hardened steel for durability and consistent grinding. The machine sits on a compact base, with a water tank (likely removable, though capacity is unlisted) and a drip tray that slides out for easy cleaning. The grinder attaches to the top of the machine, feeding grounds directly into the portafilter via a chute. The steam wand is a single-holed design, adjustable for angle. The portafilter is a pressurized basket, which helps beginners achieve decent crema with pre-ground coffee. Overall, the construction feels solid for the price, though some plastic elements are present. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the grinder burrs, wiping the steam wand after each use, and descaling every few months.

The LCD display is backlit and easy to read. Buttons are tactile and responsive. The machine has a small footprint (approximately 12 inches wide and 14 inches deep), fitting well on most countertops. The grinder hopper holds roughly half a pound of beans, sufficient for several shots. The machine does not have a built-in tamper or knock box, so you'll need separate accessories. The drip tray can hold a small amount of water and stray grounds. The overall design is modern and sleek, with a black and silver color scheme that blends into most kitchens.

Shot Quality

The 20-bar Italian pump delivers pressure that extracts full flavor and crema from fresh grounds. With the grinder set to the finest settings, shots come out thick with a golden crema. The manufacturer claims consistent results, and the 35 grind settings allow you to dial in for different beans. The semi-automatic operation gives you control over shot length, so you can stop extraction when the shot blondes. The steam wand produces enough pressure to texturize milk in about 30 seconds, though it takes practice to achieve microfoam. The single boiler means you cannot steam and brew at the same time, but the switchover is quick—about 10 seconds. Temperature stability is decent, though not PID-controlled, so shots may vary slightly. Overall, the machine performs well for its class, delivering espresso that rivals cafe quality when properly dialed in.

The integrated grinder has minimal retention, especially when tapped lightly. The grind consistency is uniform, and the 35 settings cover espresso through French press. Auto mode with timer works reliably, though you may need to adjust for different beans. The machine does not have a pressure gauge, so you rely on visual cues and taste. For those new to espresso, there is a learning curve, but the machine's features make it accessible. Cleaning the grinder after each use helps maintain performance. Overall, the CASABREWS Ultra offers good shot quality for home use, especially considering the integrated grinder saves the cost of a separate grinder.