CASABREWS 3700 Essential 20 Bar Espresso Machine: features and specs

The CASABREWS 3700 Essential is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand for milk. It is aimed at people who want to make espresso, lattes and cappuccinos at home or in an office without a large machine taking over the counter. Here is what its main specs mean and what to think about before choosing one.

What "semi-automatic" means here

On a semi-automatic machine, you do the preparation and the machine does the pressure and heat. You fill the portafilter with ground coffee, tamp it, lock it in and start the shot. The 3700 Essential comes with a portafilter, a tamper with a spoon, and one-cup and two-cup filter baskets, so you can pull a single or double shot. There is no built-in grinder, so you need freshly ground coffee from a separate grinder or a roaster.

What 20 bar and 1350W mean in practice

CASABREWS describes the machine as having a 20-bar professional pump and a 1350W motor. Bar is a unit of pressure. Espresso is typically extracted at around 9 bar at the coffee, and the higher figure on the box is the pump's maximum rather than what the coffee puck sees. What matters more for the cup is grind size, dose and tamping. Too coarse a grind or too little coffee typically gives a thin, fast shot, and a finer grind slows it down.

Steaming and frothing milk

The steam wand is there for textured milk. CASABREWS says it produces a creamy microfoam suited to lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos, and to simple latte art. Steam wands take practice: the technique of introducing a little air, then swirling the milk, decides the result as much as the machine does.

Size, tank and parts

The machine measures about 5.9 x 3.1 x 5.5 inches as listed and weighs 8.1 lb (about 3.7 kg). The removable water tank holds 49 oz (about 1.45 litres), which is enough for several drinks before refilling, and it lifts off for easy filling. The drip tray lifts out so it can be rinsed. The box includes the machine, tank, one-cup and two-cup filters, portafilter, tamper with spoon and manual. The brand lists a one-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits people who are new to espresso, small kitchens and offices, and anyone who wants hands-on control over each shot without moving to a larger machine. Those who want one-touch drinks or a built-in grinder may prefer a different type of machine.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space and height: measure the spot, including clearance above for removing the tank and portafilter.
• Grinder: you will need a separate grinder or pre-ground espresso coffee.
• Milk drinks: check whether you want to learn to steam milk by hand.
• Upkeep: follow the manual on the first-use cycle, cleaning, descaling and emptying the drip tray.
• Water: check the manual on water type, since hard water can build up scale.
• Power: it draws 1350W, so avoid sharing a circuit with other heavy appliances.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand.
• 20-bar pump and 1350W motor, as rated by CASABREWS.
• 49 oz removable water tank and a lift-out drip tray.
• Comes with one-cup and two-cup filters, portafilter and tamper.
• No built-in grinder; one-year warranty listed by the brand.

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