CASABREWS CM5418J 20 Bar Espresso Machine: features, specs and fit

The CASABREWS CM5418J is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a steam wand for frothing milk. It is aimed at people who want to make espresso, lattes and cappuccinos at home or in an office, and it takes up little counter space. Here is what its main specs mean.

What "20 bar" does and doesn't mean

CASABREWS lists a 20-bar Italian pump and a 1350W motor. Bar is a unit of pressure. Espresso is usually brewed at around 9 bar at the coffee, so the 20-bar figure is the pump's maximum figure rather than the pressure that reaches the coffee. Many home machines quote a figure like this, and in general the grind, the dose and how firmly the coffee is tamped have more effect on the shot than the headline number.

The brand says the pump is designed to extract the oils from the coffee and keep its flavour. Semi-automatic means you prepare the portafilter and start the shot yourself, while the machine controls the water flow.

Touchscreen and shot volume

Controls are on a touchscreen, where you choose a single or double shot. CASABREWS says you can adjust the volume: 30 to 70 ml for a single cup and 80 to 120 ml for a double. That lets you pull a shorter, more concentrated shot or a longer one, depending on your taste and the cups you use.

The steam wand

The professional-style steam wand is for texturing milk, and the brand says it produces fine microfoam suited to latte art. A manual wand takes practice: you control how much air goes in and how hot the milk gets. In general, a steam wand gives more control than an automatic frother, at the cost of a learning curve.

Water tank and size

The transparent tank holds 34 oz (about 1 litre) and is removable, so you can fill it at the sink. The listing gives the dimensions as 12.3 x 5.5 x 12.0 inches (about 31 x 14 x 30 cm). The narrow 5.5-inch width is what makes it suit small kitchens. The body is stainless steel.

Cooling down after frothing

CASABREWS gives a specific tip: don't brew coffee straight after frothing milk. Steaming heats the machine well above brewing temperature, and the brand says that brewing before it cools can trigger overheat protection, with the one-cup and two-cup lights flashing. The user guide describes how to cool the machine down. In practice, that means making the espresso first, then steaming the milk, or letting the machine rest between the two steps.

Who it suits

It suits people starting out with espresso who want a small machine and are happy to learn milk steaming. It is less of a match for anyone wanting one-touch milk drinks, or an integrated grinder, as this model has none, so you need freshly ground coffee from a separate grinder or a café.

What to check before you buy

• Counter fit: measure the width, depth and the height needed to remove the tank and the portafilter.
• Grinder: you need a separate grinder for fresh beans, or pre-ground coffee suited to espresso.
• Milk technique: a manual steam wand takes practice.
• Workflow: plan for the cool-down step between frothing and brewing.
• Upkeep: check the manual for descaling, cleaning the wand after each use and which products to use.
• Power: it is a 1350W appliance, so check the outlet and avoid sharing the circuit with other heavy loads.

The short version

• A compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a stainless steel body.
• 20-bar pump and 1350W motor, with a steam wand for milk.
• Touchscreen with single and double shots, adjustable from 30-70 ml and 80-120 ml.
• Removable 34 oz tank; about 12.3 x 5.5 x 12.0 inches.
• Let it cool after frothing before brewing again, as the brand advises.

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