Better Coffee at Home With Casabrews Ultra
I’m not someone who needs all the extra features. I just want coffee that tastes great and a machine that works every morning without fuss. The Casabrews Ultra gets it right. It’s simple, consistent, and customizable enough to make a difference.
No apps, no gimmicks, no monthly subscription.
Just solid espresso, fast cleanup, and a smoother start to the day. It’s not a $1,000 café machine, but it’s also not trying to be. And that’s a good thing.
Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine: The Verdict
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Performance & Function: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The TLDR
The Casabrews Ultra is a surprisingly powerful espresso machine for the price. It makes smooth, consistent espresso, is easy to use, and offers just enough customization to keep things interesting. You get four filter options, adjustable shot volume and temperature, a strong steam wand, and a massive water reservoir. It’s not flawless—the portafilter design can be clunky and the machine gets a little loud—but it still delivers café-style results without a café-sized price tag. If you want a daily espresso setup that feels elevated without being overly complicated, this is a great option.
Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine
Selling Points
Customizable Settings: You can tweak both the shot volume and the temperature. I increased the volume by a good ten seconds so that my cup is more full, even though it may be slightly more diluted.
LCD Display & Intuitive Controls: It’s super easy to use. There are only four buttons; it provides the basics without gimmicks or extras, and it makes our coffee bar look nicer.
Manual Milk Frothing Wand: You can froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and with a little practice, my wife has been perfecting her latte art.
Large Water Reservoir: Holds 73 ounces, which means fewer refills.
Four Filter Options: it includes four filter baskets: single and double shot options in both dual-wall (pressurized) and single-wall (non-pressurized) designs. The dual-wall filters are ideal for beginners or those using pre-ground coffee, as they help maintain consistent pressure for a reliable shot. As you gain experience or start using freshly ground beans, the single-wall filters offer greater control over grind size and tamping, for a more refined espresso. I do the latter.
Cleaning/Descaling Reminder & Function: Over time, minerals from water build up inside the machine. Descaling removes all that gunk so your espresso stays smooth and your machine lasts longer. This machine does it for you when you hold down the one-cup and hot water buttons simultaneously. The machine will then enter a descaling mode, which takes about 20 minutes.
Affordable Price Point: You’re getting features that usually show up in $600 machines for way less.
Drawbacks
The Filter Can Get Stuck: When I first used it, I thought the filter was permanently stuck in the portafilter (the handled filter thing) but I was able to get it out with the use of a separate filter that it came with. Since then, it’s been easier to get out but the Casabrews CM5418™ espresso machine has a better design with the sqivel and lock.
It Can Be Loud: It seems quieter than the CM5418 espresso machine, but I still wait to use it until after my kids are up….just in case.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
“Recommend” is a strong word as this is definitely a luxury item and no one “needs” espresso, but if you’re so inclined, these are the types of people who might benefit from one:
Those looking for high-quality espresso without spending thousands on an expensive machine.
Those already making multiple espressos per day, since you can do multiple cups without having to change or clean the filter.
Anyone who already buys espresso and wants to save some money.
Tips
Upgrade Your Grinder When You’re Ready: Freshly 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.
Use Filtered Water: Helps maintain the machine and improves taste. This is important for the quality of the coffee and to keep the espresso machine clean, but more importantly, for your health. My recommendation is to go with a reverse osmosis filter.
My Experience
In no time, I went from espresso ignorant (having only had a handful of espressos in my life) to espresso fanboy (getting the Casabrews CM5418 and using it daily) to a heavily caffeinated home barista (now using the Casabrews Ultra daily).
My over-ecitement with setting up the Casabrews Ultra quickly sizzled with some issues early on. Initially I had some issues with which filter to use (tip one: use dual dual-wall filter for pre-ground coffee) and getting the filter out of the portafilter (tip two: use another filter to lever it out). Once that was cleared up, though, it was smooth sailing.
The setup is fast (in fact, I prep the coffee in the portafilter in the machine at night for use in the morning), cleanup is easy, and it fits comfortably on the counter without taking over the kitchen. The LCD display makes it incredibly simple to use (if not a bit over the top with the seconds counting for how long the espresso drip takes) and being able to tweak the shot volume and temperature has been a game changer.
There’s also a hot water option which is nice for my occasional nighttime cups of tea, and a frother which my wife has been perfecting.
Between the flavor, the ease of use, the pre-workout caffeine boost, and the fact that we feel fancy-pants, it’s been a win. And while there are some quirks (like a slightly noisy brew cycle or the occasional sticky filter basket), they haven’t been deal breakers. If you’re ready to take a step up from a basic espresso machine or just want something more refined without going full commercial machine, the Ultra hits that sweet spot.
FAQ
What are the dimensions and weight of the Casabrews Ultra?
The machine measures approximately 12.2" (D) x 10.31" (W) x 12.99" (H) and weighs about 13.55 pounds.
What is the water tank capacity?
The Casabrews Ultra features a 73-ounce (2.16 liters) removable water tank.
What is the pump pressure rating?
It utilizes a 20-bar Italian pump to ensure optimal espresso extraction.
Does it have a built-in grinder?
No, the Casabrews Ultra does not include a built-in grinder.
What materials are used in its construction?
The machine is constructed with brushed stainless steel and BPA-free plastic components.
What accessories are included?
Included are a 58mm portafilter, single and double shot filter baskets, a tamper, a measuring scoop, and a cleaning pin.
What is the warranty period?
The Casabrews Ultra comes with a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use conditions.
How do I adjust the brewing temperature?
Press and hold the hot water button for 5 seconds to enter temperature programming mode. Then, select the desired temperature setting using the appropriate button:
One Cup button: 90°C (194°F)
Two Cup button: 92°C (197°F)
Hot Water button: 94°C (201°F)
Steam button: 96°C (204°F)
Press the power button to confirm your selection.
Can I program the shot volume?
Yes, to program the shot volume:
For a single shot: Press and hold the One Cup button for 5 seconds until it flashes, then press it again to start brewing. Press once more to stop at the desired volume.
For a double shot: Press and hold the Two Cup button for 5 seconds until it flashes, then press it again to start brewing. Press once more to stop at the desired volume.
The machine will remember the programmed volume for future use.
How often should I clean the machine?
After each use, remove and rinse the portafilter and filter baskets. Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after steaming milk. Regularly empty and clean the drip tray and water tank.
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