Customer Reviews for Casabrews - CM5418 Semi-Automatic 20-Bar Espresso Machine with Pressure Gauge, PID Temperature Control & Steam Wand - Silver
Customer Rating
5
Beginner friendly and simple to use
on April 29, 2026
Posted by: Chloe N.
from Minnesota
I’m fairly new to making espresso at home and this machine was very easy to get started with. The controls are straightforward and I was able to make good coffee right away.
As someone new to espresso, I found the CM5418™ very beginner-friendly. The instructions were clear, and I was able to pull a good shot after just a couple tries. The design is compact, and the frother is a nice bonus. Definitely a great choice for anyone starting out with home espresso.
The steam wand works better than I expected and makes it easy to prepare lattes and cappuccinos at home. The milk texture comes out smooth and really improves the overall flavor of my coffee.
I had concerns buying an entry level machine and expecting too much but this Casabrews is worth every penny. Of note: don’t be in a rush; allow the machine to warm up (lights flashing) especially when switching from steaming/frothing to brewing. I am still trailing grind size for the perfect espresso but so far am pleased with a well packed puck and no bitterness. There are more than enough BARS to create an elite crema.
This is our third Casabrews espresso machine we bought. We absolutely love them. We have one for the office, one for our rental, and one for the house!
I bought the CM 5418 and was disappointed the strength of the espresso it produced using preground coffee and the dual wall filter baskets that came with the machine. I think the flaw with this machine is that the lowest programmable volume for a double shot produces a higher water to coffee ground ratio (1:5) than what is recommended by many baristas (1:2). Only the single shot programmable lowest volume might produce a decent shot. It would be inconvenient to have to rely on only the single shot basket to make the final volume of espresso that I want (2-3) shots. Overall, I had consistently weak watery cappuccinos. The machine does have a great steam wand and function. After learning more about espresso making and the correct ratios, I purchased the Casabrew Ultra, which I am happy with because it has a wider programmable volume range for both the single and double shots. The Ultra single basket is 13-15 grams, the same as the CM 5418 double shot basket. The Ultra double basket fits 18-21 grams. The portafilter seems like it is made of better quality and the machine comes with single wall and dual wall baskets. I recommend investing the extra money to buy the Ultra.