CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar

2.9

(1)

Verdict

The Casabrews CM5418 is a very affordable starter espresso machine that makes it easy to get thick crema and drinkable shots using coarse grinds or preground coffee. It is a good fit for beginners upgrading from pod machines on a tight budget, but its overheating quirks, slower prep routine, and weaker steam wand mean many users will eventually want to step up to a smoother, more refined machine like the Bambino.

Pros

Design, ergonomics & footprint 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.0
Popularity 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.0

Marketed as one of the three best selling semi automatic coffee machines on Amazon, reflecting its popularity as an affordable entry level option.
Value & Price 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.0
Pump pressure consistency 3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.5

High pressure system with front gauge favors coarser grinds and easy extractions but trades off finesse.

Cons

Accessories 3.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.0

Includes 1 and 2 cup double wall baskets and a plastic scoop tamper, but lacks single wall baskets or a metal tamper.
Brewing performance & consistency 3.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.0

Pressurized baskets and a 20 bar design produce easy crema from coarser grinds, but flavor depth is less nuanced despite PID temperature control.
Build quality & durability 3.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.0
Espresso & beverage quality 3.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.0
Assembly & Setup 2.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.5
Overall user experience 2.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.5

Best for beginners on a budget, but overheating protection, the shot before steam workflow, and extra flushing add friction to daily use.
Water system, maintenance & descaling 2.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.5
Design flaws 2.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.0

Overheating after steaming, a loose rotating basket, non standard 51 mm parts, and a reversed shot before steam workflow that depends on flushing cycles are notable design drawbacks.
Mess-free used-puck disposal 2.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.0

The loose, rotating basket makes knocking out used pucks harder and messier than on portafilters where the basket locks firmly in place.
Milk, steam & frothing 2.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.0
Speed & time-to-cup 2.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.0