Best Beginner Espresso Machine? Casabrews CM5418 Review
If you’ve been eyeing a home espresso machine but don’t want to drop $500+ just to pull a decent shot, the Casabrews CM5418™ espresso machine might be your answer. It’s one of the best-selling semi-automatic espresso machines on Amazon—and for good reason. At under $150 (and often less during sales), this machine offers an impressive mix of power, design, and beginner-friendly features.
Over the past few months, my wife and I have been using the CM5418™ as part of our daily coffee routine—dialing in shots, frothing milk, and hosting a few friends and family who wanted to test out latte art for the first time.
We’ve used it enough to know what it does well, what could be improved, and who it’s best suited for. Let’s dive in.
Casabrews CM5418 Espresso Machine: The Verdict
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Performance & Function: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The TLDR
The Casabrews CM5418™ is one of the best budget-friendly semi-automatic espresso machines out there. It delivers 20-BAR pressure, a real-time pressure gauge, and a powerful steam wand—all packed into a sleek, compact design under $150. While it’s not built like a $1000 machine, it’s more than capable of delivering café-style espresso and lattes with a little practice. If you’re just starting your espresso journey or looking for a solid daily driver, this machine is an easy win.
Casabrews CM5418™ Espresso Machine
Selling Points
Compact, Counter-Friendly Design: It fits under the cabinet, takes up minimal counter space, and still looks sleek.
Microfoam Steam Wand: The stainless steel steam wand is capable of producing real microfoam. With a little practice, my wife has been able to make smooth milk for lattes and cappuccinos (still working on the latte art).
Custom Shot Volume: You can adjust the single and double shot sizes (30–70ml and 80–120ml) to your liking, which makes this machine feel a little more high-end than it has any right to.
Removable Water Tank & Easy Cleanup: The 34 oz water tank pops off easily, the drip tray is simple to clean, and the portafilter rinses fast.
20-BAR Pressure System: The Italian pump delivers legitimate espresso pressure, something that’s necessary to extract a rich flavor. The built-in gauge gives real-time feedback, which is rare at this price and super helpful when you’re dialing in your grind and tamp.
Drawbacks
The Water Tank Can be Overfilled: Early on, we would fill the water tank up to the top and then noticed it slowly leaked from the bottom. We learned how high to now fill it but I wish it could just be filled to the top.
The Pressure Takes Time to Build After Use: My wife loves using the frothing feature, but using it multiple times in a row depletes the pressure, requiring time for the pressure to build back up.
It Can Be Loud: I tend to turn it on only after my kids wake up in the morning because it gets loud.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
I never thought I’d own an espresso machine, but now I can’t imagine not having one. Here’s who else might fit in this camp:
Beginners who want to learn espresso at home without dropping $800+
Daily drinkers who want something compact and consistent on the counter
Parents (like me) who need a quick, quality shot between kid chaos
Anyone who wants better coffee than a chain café for less money over time
Tips
Upgrade Your Grinder When You’re Ready: Fresh ground beans play a role in the taste and quality of the coffee. If you want to get serious about this then consider a coffee grinder. This one is expensive but nice that it goes right into the espresso handle for easy use.
Use Organic Coffee: Organic coffee is well worth it if you’re a regular coffee drinker. Here are the best organic coffee brands.
Get Espresso Cups: I thought I could just put my coffee cup under but it didn’t fit. So we needed espresso cups. This turned out to be the toughest decision of the whole process. (Who knew there were so many kinds of espresso cups?!?)
Don’t Overfill It: If you fill the water to the top of the container, then it will slowly leak out of the bottom. It took us a few times to learn this lesson. Keep a cloth nearby.
My Experience
I originally thought the CM5418 would be a fun Saturday-Sunday ritual, but it’s become a full-blown daily routine. We’ve used it every day since it arrived. My wife’s fully converted from coffee only to coffee + espresso to espresso only. To keep up, we ditched the single shot insert and now use the double every time, often pulling a second shot to stretch the cup (even if it’s not quite as strong).
I’m a minimalist when it comes to coffee—give me a good bean, keep it black—but my wife experiments with the steam wand and milk. I tried one of her first lattes and, honestly, it was hard not to go down that road.
Setup is simple, cleanup is quick, and it doesn’t hog counter space. If you’re thinking about jumping into the espresso game, this is a great place to start.
FAQ
What are the dimensions and weight of the Casabrews CM5418?
The Casabrews CM5418 measures approximately 12.28 inches in depth, 5.9 inches in width, and 11.97 inches in height. It weighs around 8.6 pounds, making it a compact and lightweight addition to your kitchen.
What materials are used in the construction of the CM5418?
The machine features a combination of stainless steel and plastic components, providing a sleek appearance while maintaining durability.
Does the CM5418 come with a built-in grinder?
No, the Casabrews CM5418 does not include a built-in grinder. For optimal espresso quality, it's recommended to use freshly ground beans from a separate burr grinder.
What accessories are included with the CM5418?
The machine comes with a tamper/scoop, two pressurized filter baskets (single and double shot), and a cleaning pin to assist with maintenance.
How do I clean and maintain the CM5418?
Regular maintenance includes rinsing the portafilter and filter baskets after each use, wiping the shower screen and group head, and purging and wiping the steam wand after frothing milk. Periodically, the machine will require descaling to remove mineral buildup; detailed instructions are provided in the user manual.
Are there color options available for the CM5418?
Yes, besides the standard stainless steel finish, the CM5418 is available in various colors, including baby blue, cream, deep black, pink, and sapphire blue.
What is the warranty period for the CM5418?
The Casabrews CM5418 comes with a one-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use conditions.
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