CASABREWS CM5700CH Espresso Machine with Grinder: specs and who it suits

The CASABREWS CM5700CH is an all-in-one semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in coffee grinder, a pressure gauge and a steam wand. It takes you from whole beans to a shot of espresso in one appliance, which saves buying and storing a separate grinder. Here is what its features mean in practice.

Beans to espresso in one machine

The machine has a built-in conical burr grinder. CASABREWS says it grinds on demand and drops the fresh grounds straight into the portafilter. Burr grinders crush beans between two surfaces, which typically gives a more even grind than blade grinders, and grind size matters a lot for espresso. Grinding just before brewing also keeps more of the aroma, as ground coffee loses flavour quickly in the air.

There are 15 adjustable grind settings. If shots run too fast and thin, a finer setting typically helps. If they run slow or bitter, go coarser.

Pump, power and the pressure gauge

The listing gives a 20-bar Italian pump and a 1500W motor. The 20 bar is the pump's rated maximum; espresso is generally extracted at around 9 bar at the coffee. The built-in pressure gauge shows the pressure during brewing, which helps you see the effect of changes to grind, dose and tamping.

CASABREWS notes that a grind that is too coarse, too little coffee, or loose tamping can all lead to low pressure, and that stale beans can do the same because the oils fade. A separate tamper is included, along with a portafilter with single and double filters.

Steam wand for milk

A manual steam wand mixes steam and milk to texture it for lattes and cappuccinos. The brand says it makes microfoam suited to latte art. A manual wand gives control over the texture but takes practice.

Controls, tank and size

A dial interface selects steam and the pre-programmed single and double shots. The transparent water tank holds 92 oz (about 2.7 litres) and detaches for filling and cleaning, which means fewer refills than a small tank would need. The machine measures about 16.5 x 11.0 x 13.0 inches (42 x 28 x 33 cm), so it needs more counter space than a machine without a grinder. CASABREWS lists a 12-month warranty.

Grinder upkeep

The brand recommends cleaning the grinder every 18 to 25 days to remove build-up. Oily beans in particular leave residue, so this is worth putting in the calendar. Check the manual for how to clean it and which tools to use.

Who it suits

It suits people who want to make espresso drinks from whole beans without separate equipment, and who are willing to adjust the grind and tamp to dial in a shot. It is less suited to anyone who wants a push-button machine that handles every step automatically.

What to check before you buy

• Space: check the width, depth and clearance for the hopper and the tank.
• Beans: you will need fresh whole beans, and a grind setting that suits them.
• Milk steaming: the wand is manual and takes practice.
• Cleaning: plan for regular grinder cleaning, descaling and wand wiping.
• Power: at 1500W, check the circuit and avoid sharing it with other heavy appliances.
• In the box: a tamper, a portafilter and single and double filters are described in the listing.

The short version

• A semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder.
• 15 grind settings, a 20-bar pump and a 1500W motor.
• Pressure gauge, steam wand, dial controls and a 92 oz removable tank.
• About 16.5 x 11.0 x 13.0 inches, so allow counter space.
• Clean the grinder about every 18-25 days, as the brand advises.

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