CASABREWS CM5418 20 Bar Espresso Machine (Sapphire Blue): specs and fit

The CASABREWS CM5418-RYB is a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand for frothing milk. It's designed for people who want to make espresso, lattes and cappuccinos at home or in an office without taking up much counter space. This version comes in Sapphire Blue.

What "semi-automatic" means

In a semi-automatic machine, you grind and dose the coffee, tamp it into the portafilter, lock it in and start the shot. The machine's pump and heater handle pressure and temperature. That gives you more control than a capsule machine, but it also asks for a little technique. A grinder is not included, so you will need freshly ground coffee from somewhere.

The 20 bar pump and 1350W motor

CASABREWS describes a 20 bar Italian pump and a 1350W motor. Bar is a measure of pressure. Espresso is typically extracted at around 9 bar at the coffee, and the pump's maximum figure is not the same as the pressure at the puck, so treat 20 bar as a pump spec and not a guarantee of taste. The brand says the setup delivers better extraction and a richer aroma.

A built-in pressure gauge shows the pressure during brewing, which CASABREWS says helps you adjust to your taste. It also helps you learn how grind size and tamping change the shot.

Steam wand and milk

The steam wand is there for texturing milk into microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites, and for latte art if you want to practise. Steam wands take some practice to master.

One note from the maker is important: do not brew coffee immediately after frothing milk. The machine needs to cool first, otherwise temperature and pressure inside rise too high and it goes into overheating protection, flashing the 1-cup and 2-cup lights. The included guide explains how to cool it down.

Size, tank and what's included

The machine measures 12.3 x 5.5 x 12.0 inches (about 31 x 14 x 30 cm). The 34 oz (about 1 litre) removable water tank holds enough for several cups and lifts out for filling. The box contains:

• the espresso machine
• the 34 oz removable water tank
• a one-cup filter and a two-cup filter
• a portafilter
• a tamper with spoon
• an instruction manual

You can make single or double shots.

Who it suits

It suits home users who want to learn espresso basics, small kitchens and offices. If you want fully automatic grinding and milk, a different type of machine is a better match.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space: allow room above for the tank and below for cups, and check cupboard clearance.
• A grinder: allow time and equipment for grinding and tamping.
• Milk routine: plan for the cool-down step after steaming.
• Cleaning: check the manual for descaling and wand cleaning intervals.
• Cup height: make sure your usual cups fit under the group head.
• Power: confirm the circuit suits a 1350W appliance.

The short version

• A semi-automatic espresso machine with a 20 bar pump and 1350W motor.
• Built-in pressure gauge and steam wand for milk drinks.
• 34 oz removable tank; one- and two-cup filters, portafilter and tamper included.
• About 12.3 x 5.5 x 12.0 inches.
• Let it cool after steaming before brewing again.

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