CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display, Espresso Maker with Powerful Milk Frother, Customizable Brewing Temperature, Provides Barista-Level Lattes and Cappuccinos, Gift for Men & Women

I took a chance on going cheaper with Casabrews vs the competitor and am very happy I did! From the ease of use to the ease of cleaning I am overall very satisfied. It’s very simple to operate. I wanted a machine that can do hot water only and it works great. The steam wand is pretty decent for the price point. The top of the machines gets warm to heat up your cups. I typically let it warm up for 5-10 min, as that is just what I’ve set my routine to, it doesn’t take nearly that long. I like the smaller footprint; it doesn’t take up too much space. I prefer to have a separate grinder, which I’m still needing to upgrade, but even with the cheap grinder I’m pulling pretty good shots. I did purchase a bottomless Portafilter and I enjoy using that one, but I am pleasantly impressed with the dual spout that comes with the machine. The tamper is just a cheap plastic tool that needs to be upgraded to get a nice calibrated tamp, but certainly is functional enough to get started. This machine comes with several baskets to fit your needs which is great! It holds ample water to pull many shots before needing to be refilled. If you’re looking for a machine to get you started or even someone that is well versed in the espresso world, this is a winner. The manual that comes with the machine is very easy follow to make any adjustments. I would purchase this machine again! I give 5 stars because I really don’t have complaints, I paid under $200 on a sale and for what this machine offers, you just can’t beat it.

I've only been using it for a week but it's been working well so far. Small enough to fit in an average sized kitchen but large enough to make a good professional cup of espresso. It's easy to use once you get the hang of it and I like that it has an option to put out hot water. It looks very sleek and professional. It makes a good tasting espresso FAST, at least for my American tastebuds. So far, all of the components have been easy to clean as long as you properly maintain everything.

I LOVE this thing. As a former barista, I wanted something that make good espresso but wasn’t expensive. This thing is perfect. I have recommended it to someone else that bought it and I’m buying one for my friend. Works great, and looks great

I have been wanting to get the espresso machine for a long time and I have logged so many espresso machines and I have tried the other machines so far so good and this espresso machine is so good. I love it. I love the way it makes the coffee thanks to this espresso machine is now my coffee are so delicious and me and my husband we are the coffee lovers. I have like a couple of cup of coffee every day so I have been enjoying it. I should’ve gotten a long time ago so yeah I didn’t see any cons yet so far so good brew time is fast. I love the design. I love the collar. The functionality is good and it is easy to clean except where you put the coffee is but that’s not an issue. This is a really good espresso machine I love it.

This review is a very difficult one for me, as I have been delaying my review till I was more familiar with the machine and had obtained more knowledge in espresso making. **NOTE: I AM BY NO MEANS A BARISTA OR AN EXPERT ON ESPRESSO MAKING, BUT A NORMAL GUY THAT DECIDED HE DIDN’T WANT TO KEEP DONATING MONEY TO STARBUCKS FOR SOMETHING I COULD POSSIBLY DO AT HOME** With that caveat in mind, let's review this machine based on ease of use, skill level, support, and a growing understanding of the chase for the perfect espresso. USAGE: Pros vs. Cons PROs - First: This machine is awesome for the beginner! It is programmed from the start to get you into the espresso game and does a fantastic job. Second: The fact that comes with all the accessories that are necessary (well…minus the milk steaming cup) makes it an advantage for someone like me. It literally is a push-button away from an espresso (don’t ask if my first shot was good or bad…I am sure you can guess the answer). Out of the box, into the plug, add water, and off you go. Third: The simplicity of the machine is a big thumbs up, from a beginner's perspective. Fourth: Clean-up from a very limited mess with this machine is so easy and fast! Fifth: It is very nicely sized and counter-friendly if you are space-confined. Sixth: The YouTube videos that are provided are just amazing and give you some confidence in the process. Probably, a great idea to check those out before purchase. CONs – First: Really, no milk steaming cup. C’mon Casabrew.. I know you are attempting to keep this machine in its price point, but you can get these at a very low cost when purchased in bulk. Second: No grinder on the machine, in the box, or recommended. In the espresso world, the grind is KING, so this would be a negative for me. I was able to purchase pre-ground espresso from a local shop, as I waited for my grinder to arrive from Amazon. Third: The Machine only has 4 temperature settings, so you will not be able to dial in a higher temperature than pre-determined by the manufacturer. Understandable at this price point and now knowing the inner workings of this machine, but somewhat disappointing when your espresso shot gets cool quickly. Fourth: The Steam wand is functional; however, it does take some time to build up and “churn” the milk as needed. DO NOT think you are going to start making artistic designs immediately. It’s been months, and I still can't get this steam wand to produce the smooth, silky milk I need. Fifth: You get what you pay for, which is hard to say is a CON; however, once you start your journey, it will become obvious that you must make some life decisions about how much you really want to spend on the chase for the perfect espresso. SKILL LEVEL: Pros vs. Cons PROs – First: This machine is perfect for the novice (beginner), as it offers a very intuitive and comfortable process. CONs – First – This machine may frustrate an experienced Barista, as it is limited in options and functions. SUPPORT: Pros vs. Cons PROs – First: I know this company is relatively new in the market (as compared to other well-known established companies), but their Customer Support is beyond responsive and very knowledgeable about this machine and others. They will be there to help you in the process and answer any questions that arise. I felt very dumb asking some questions, and they responded with grace and provided answers without making me feel like they were “espresso-snobs”. CONs – **NONE** GREAT SUPPORT TEAM & MANY VIDEOS TO ASSIST! GROWING UNDERSTANDING OF PROCESS: SUMMARY I had no idea the complexity or the level to which some people take espresso making. I have even seen people on the internet with thousands of dollars tied up in machines that graph every detail. The fundamentals of the espresso making process really are simple: Fresch Ground Coffee, Proper Puck Preparation & Consistency in practice. As a continue to grow in my skill level and knowledge, I am starting to see how someone could really dive off a deep end in the espresso journey. I have read a ton of reviews on this machine and other and it is obvious that a lot of the reviews are where users are failing in areas that are not machine related. They fail in the fundamentals of preparing a proper dose and puck, but then blame the machine. Kinda funny that often “user error” is blame on “machine malfunction”. I highly recommend this machine for anyone looking to start at home espresso making and want to stay in the price range that is reasonable. Will you match those big coffee shops or the local barista shop? NOPE…they have invested thousands of dollars and hours; however, I can tell you that after only a few months my wife prefers my lattes over the big coffee stores and local shops. I hope this review helped in some small way. If you have any questions, please post them and I will do my best to answer them. Hey, thanks for reading this long review!

This espresso machine is amazing my wife and I love it and it’s so straightforward and simple I love it so far I will have to buy a bottomless portafilter and spring loaded tamper and accessories kit but u can still make a decent cup of espresso or a macchiato with what it comes it.. You also might want to grab a good burr grinder..

Second day using this amazing machine and I love it so much! If you are thinking of getting an affordable, easy to use espresso machine, this is it!

I absolutely love this Espresso machine. So easy to use and maintain, it's worth every penny.

We have gone through a few espresso machines and this one is terrific. The only thing that would be better is if we could hook one up directly to our water system.

I have had this machine for a couple of weeks now and I am VERY happy with it. Still getting to know the machine, but so far, so good specially for this price. Just as good as my almost 1000 dollars daughter's fancy machine. I even think mine makes better espressos than hers!

Ok

I decided to try a different machine. Had a Breville Cafe Roma and was very happy with it but it started leaking. For the money they are hard to beat if you just want a decent espresso with no frills. This machine was on sale and about $60-$100 more than the Breville depending on sale price. First impression: it is a much nicer looking machine and looks to be better quality so hopefully durability is decent. It has an easy to read display, is programmable and is intuitive to use. After some trial runs I got the grind right and it makes a nice espresso. Default settings made a nice creamy brew, not burnt or weak though not as "creamy" as the Breville and needed to use a finer grind. I'm sure I can get it dialed in with some more adjustment as you can set the temperature and duration of a pull. I don't use the steam function often but tried it out. It was painfully loud to start but then did quiet down once the froth started to form. This is why it does not get a 5 star. The machine does NOT come with a frothing container so I used the small one I have. It was not ideal as it really started to splatter once the froth started to build. I'll pick up a larger one and see how that works. It made a nice latte but the froth was not that dense. This is where a more expensive machine is probably better if that's what you're after. For me I just want a good espresso and it delivers. The water tank is a good size, it doesn't take up too much counter space and looks nice. There is no built in grinder but for the money it is on par with machines that are two or three times the price. It is also easy to clean, especially the steam wand which I appreciated.

Perfect thing to get to avoid spending at coffee shops. It doesn't come with a milk steaming pitcher.