CASABREWS CM5418 20 Bar Espresso Machine: features, specs and who it suits

The CASABREWS CM5418 is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand for milk. It is made for people who want to pull espresso shots and make lattes or cappuccinos at home, and are happy to take part in the process. This overview explains the main specs and what to check.

What "semi-automatic" means

On a semi-automatic machine, the pump and heater handle pressure and temperature, but you grind, dose and tamp the coffee yourself and decide when to stop the shot. The machine does not grind beans. You need a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. The result depends on grind size, dose and tamping, so it takes some practice.

The kit includes a portafilter, one-cup and two-cup filters and a tamper with a measuring spoon, so you can pull a single or double shot.

20 bar pressure and the 1350W motor

CASABREWS describes the machine as having a 20 bar Italian pump and a 1350W motor. Pump pressure is a marketing number to read carefully: espresso is traditionally brewed at around nine bar at the coffee, and pumps are often rated higher than the pressure that reaches the puck. A higher pump figure gives headroom, but grind and dose usually have a greater effect on the taste.

A built-in pressure gauge shows the pressure during extraction, which gives you feedback as you adjust the grind and tamp.

Steam wand and milk

The steam wand textures milk into microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and flat whites. CASABREWS says it can be used for milk foam art. Steaming takes practice: the position of the wand tip and the steaming time control the texture.

The brand gives one important usage note. Don't brew coffee straight after steaming milk. The machine needs to cool down first, or it can enter overheat protection, flashing the one-cup and two-cup lights. Follow the included guide to cool it. If you make milk drinks often, pull the shot first and steam afterwards.

Water tank and size

The removable tank holds 34 oz (about 1 litre), enough for several cups, and lifts off for easy refilling. The listing's dimensions are inconsistent, so check the product's published measurements for your counter. The machine weighs 10.3 pounds, light enough to move for cleaning.

Body and style

The housing is stainless steel with a black finish on this version. CASABREWS positions it for a home or office kitchen of any size.

Setup and upkeep

Like all espresso machines, it needs regular care: emptying the drip tray, rinsing the portafilter and descaling as the manual describes, particularly with hard water. Use fresh water in the tank.

Who it suits

It suits people moving from pods or drip coffee who want to learn espresso, and small kitchens or offices where a full-size machine won't fit. It is less suited to anyone who wants a push-button, fully automatic drink.

What to check before you buy

• Grinder: you need a grinder, or a supply of pre-ground coffee suited to espresso.
• Space: measure the counter and the height under cupboards, with room to lift the tank.
• Milk drinks: be ready to wait between steaming and brewing.
• Water: check the manual on water type and descaling.
• Accessories: confirm what you want beyond the kit, such as a milk jug or scale.
• Power: check that your outlet suits a 1350W machine.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a 20 bar pump and 1350W motor.
• Pressure gauge, steam wand, and one- and two-cup filters.
• 34 oz removable water tank; about 10.3 pounds.
• Needs a separate grinder and some practice.
• Let it cool after steaming before brewing.

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