We brewed 10 pounds of coffee to find the best espresso machines for every skill level
To find the best espresso machines, we consulted industry experts, held taste tests, and inspected every inch of each machine. Our favorite for most people is the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro; it's ideal for those who want to be involved (but not too involved) in the brewing process. For absolute beginners, we love the Breville Barista Express Impress. Both are solid, semi-automatic machines that ring in under $1,000.
If you're interested in espresso, but don't want to make a huge investment, check out our guide to the best budget espresso machines.
Best overall
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a no-frills machine for people who are serious about espresso. Don't let its straightforward interface and simple design fool you: this is the best at-home espresso machine to pull full-bodied, flavorful shots. After testing, we realized there's a serious learning curve to dialing parameters and pulling a proper shot, especially for beginners.
Beyond adjusting the grind size and tamping the grounds, you also control the Gaggia's extraction time. The middle button starts and stops brewing. When we tested this machine, we started a stopwatch right as we began brewing. If the grind size and tamping are right, pulling a shot should take between 20 and 30 seconds. The tricky part is that the Gaggia doesn't stop brewing automatically, so you have to time each pull and watch for when espresso stops coming out of the group head to switch off brewing.
Once you get used to it, and espresso hobbyists will love the process, the Classic Evo Pro produces stellar coffee.
Gaggia updated the EVO Pro a few years ago, and the new design elements are definite upgrades. The group head is now entirely brass, and the included portafilter is stainless steel. The boiler has a non-stick coating on the interior, which should help prevent scaling and mineral leaching from the aluminum.
We firmly believe a dedicated espresso grinder and one of the best tampers are needed to make the best use of this machine. The Classic Evo Pro comes packaged with a flimsy, plastic tamper a few millimeters short of properly fitting the portafilter, so we highly recommend an upgrade.
Best for beginners
Espresso is an inherently involved affair, from burr grinders whirring and overflowing, to gadgets galore. We've run tests on most of Breville's espresso machines to find the best espresso machines for beginners. While the Barista Express Impress may not be the fastest or most feature-equipped, it is the first machine you can operate from start to finish with one hand, mess-free. For a more budget-friendly option, the Bambino is simple and impressive. Check out our full Breville Bambino review.
This is thanks to the assisted tamping and dosing system. The portafilter sits beneath the grinder, which doles out your grinds with a dosing button through a shoot (25 grind sizes, adjustable and programmable for single and double shots).
Breville's proprietary "Impress" Puck System differentiates this machine from the original Barista Express. The built-in tamper operates via a lever on the left-hand side — it's precalibrated and turns at precisely seven degrees, leaving a clean, even finish atop a perfectly formed puck.
The Express Impress also comes with all of the features and accessories you'll find in any Breville machine: 15 bars of pressure (you only really need nine), a 67-ounce water tank (enough for a week's worth of espresso), a convenient water spout, a half-pound sealed bean hopper, a steaming wand, a frothing pitcher, two double-walled and two pressurized portafilter baskets (a single- and double-shot size of each), and the Razor leveling tool. You'll also find a brush with a clog-clearing pin and some descaling tablets.
There isn't another machine that is as easy to operate one-handed or mess-free. You'd have a hard time finding all of the quality features in this package tidily wrapped in stainless steel, ready to adorn any countertop in style. The Breville Bambino Plus is next on our list to test against this machine — it has Breville's signature brewing technology in a more petite and less expensive package.
Read our full Breville Barista Pro review, where we compare it with the Express Impress.
An automatic espresso machine lies somewhere between a pod machine and a semi-automatic one; you can control the grind size and the extraction time, but the process isn't fully hands-on. The Café Affetto is the best automatic espresso machine because it is cheaper, smaller, and better at making espresso than most of the others we've tried.
You're not going to get the best grind with the Café's built-in grinder, but you can still use freshly roasted beans and get a shot of espresso (or something close to it) at the push of a button. Two standout features make this one of the best super-automatic espresso machines: the options for an Americano (or long black) and a custom "my cup" setting.
We frothed both whole milk and almond milk and noted that the frother worked every bit as well as those on most semiautomatic machines. We also like that the wand is removable and washable. Oftentimes, automatic machines will have a milk pitcher and hoses that you insert into the machine. This keeps everything very tidy and behind the scenes, but it's too easy to forget the milk when it's out of sight and end up with a rancid mess. This much more traditional layout, where the frother is directly attached to the body, is far more error-proof.
Jura's Z10 is the best automatic espresso machine we've tested out of well over a dozen: it actually makes espresso and not a watered-down version. That's largely thanks to Jura's "product-recognizing grinder" (PRG), which automatically monitors grind size and adjusts in real time. It is a luxury espresso machine, coming in at around $4,000, but you won't get better barista service at home.
The machine is fully customizable, offering 24 pre-programmed espresso-based drinks and eight cold-brew-based beverages. However, we think calling it cold brew is a bit of a stretch. Instead of steeping the grounds overnight, the machine produces coarse grounds, steeps them briefly in cold water, and then brews using pressure, creating something like nitro brew.
The Z10 is also compatible with an app (J.O.E.) so that you don't even have to set foot in your kitchen to brew — just make sure there's a cup in place ahead of time. You can set specialty preferences from your Apple Watch.
Apart from the price, the real drawbacks are the size (over a foot wide and tall), the fact that the bean hopper is on top (so this likely isn't fitting beneath a cabinet), and that the Cool Control and Stainless Steel Milk Pipe are sold separately and take up even more counter space. But then, anyone looking at a fully automatic espresso machine worth its weight and footprint can expect as much, whether it has a four-figure price tag or not.
Read our full Jura Z10 review and see why it's the only automatic machine to win us over.
What else do you need to make espresso?
Most of the espresso machines we recommend come with everything you need to start brewing, but a few accessories that will take your café experience to the next level.
What to look for in an espresso machine
Price and value: Asking yourself how much you want to spend will eliminate a lot of potential machines. For a quality machine that can build and maintain pressure and is designed to be both upgraded and repaired, you want to budget somewhere in the $500 range. Beneath that, we recommend a fully manual device or machine or one of the best Moka pots.
Do more expensive espresso machines make better espresso?
Unfortunately, yes. An espresso machine contains a powerful motor that pumps near-boiling water through a chamber and out the group head at high pressure. Everything needs to be expertly sealed so that it can contain piping-hot water under immense pressure, or the machine won't work at all.
Any of our recommended budget espresso machines will brew good espresso, but it tends to be a less consistent process and a less intense flavor.
Size: A home espresso bar can pretty quickly overwhelm a kitchen. Consider the footprint of the machine you're looking to buy relative to the countertop space you have. If you're short on space, consider a pod machine or manual model.
Pressure: Any good espresso machine must be able to not only reach the required eight bars of pressure to make espresso but also maintain it. Beware machines that boast pressure levels. The cheapest machines can reach 15 bars of pressure, but how well they maintain it is the key to a great cup of coffee.
What are the types of espresso machines?
There are three main types of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic, and super-automatic.
How we test espresso machines
To gauge a machine's performance, we spent dozens of hours grinding and pulling shots from more than 10 pounds of fresh coffee beans. We also factored in pricing to determine a machine's overall value.
Consistency: We wanted to make sure we were getting true espresso, which is generally agreed to be at least 7% to 12% total dissolved solids (TDS). To measure TDS, we used a device called the Atago Pocket Barista, which gave us concrete proof that some machines are better able to churn out richer brews without over-extracting than others. We pulled four shots in a row to confirm our findings.
Taste tests: We held several side-by-side blind taste tests and used the freshest roasts we could get our hands on from Atlas Coffee Club, Stone Street Coffee Company, and Counter Culture Coffee. These taste tests involved dialing a grinder to prepare grounds for 30-second extraction times, then having five participants taste shots from four machines that became our final contenders.
Espresso experts we consulted
Espresso machine FAQs
Do I need an espresso machine?
Of course not, but there are few things as rewarding in the world of home coffee as achieving an immaculate shot of velvety espresso all on your own. On the flip side, if you need something quick and easy on your way out the door in the morning, consider the Nespresso system.
How do you clean an espresso machine?
Because all espresso machines are made differently, you'll want to defer to the brand in order to properly clean your specific machine. The most essential tasks are regularly flushing and descaling with something like Urnex Cafiza powder, purging the steam wand, and backflushing on occasion.
A few basic tips and tricks, though: Running the machine without the portafilter in place helps flush the group head and keep it grit-free; Cleaning the drip tray regularly will keep mold, bacteria, and even fruit flies at bay; purging the steam wand after each use will keep dairy and non-dairy milk alternatives from getting stuck and developing bacteria; cleaning the water basin (if it's not built-in) will keep your coffee tasting its best and the machine running smoothest.
Can you make regular coffee with an espresso machine?
The closest thing you can get to drip coffee with an espresso machine is an Americano, or a long black. Simply pull a shot of espresso and then add whatever amount of hot water to fill out your cup. But you may want to save your money and buy one of the best coffee machines. Consider a stovetop Moka pot to have on hand for an espresso-like drink.
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The bars refer to the pressurized hot water that is forced through the grounds to make espresso. The Overpressure Valve (OPV) limits the amount of pressure to help avoid overextraction and bitter-tasting coffee. You'll see 15 bar and above OPV extraction with at-home machines because the pressure can extract more from coarse grind sizes. The lower bars of pressure, however, are often easier to use because the extraction is slower and more even for fine grind sizes. The takeaway is that the Breville Bambino operates similarly to more expensive commercial espresso machines, with the assumption you'll have a specialty grinder designed for espresso. It's also not surprising that Casabrews is catering to budget-conscious consumers: The Baratza Encore ESP grinder I used costs as much as the Casabrews CM5418 machine. Prepping the espresso machines Katherine Peach/CNET The Breville Bambino's rapid ThermoJet heating technology means you won't have much of a wait time until the espresso machine is ready to use. You still should purge the group head by pressing the 1 Cup or 2 Cup button to allow hot water to flow and stabilize the extraction before pulling your first shot. Ensuring the portafilter and group head are warmed makes insertion and rotation easier than when both are room temperature, bypassing the complaint I read in reviews that the portafilter could be difficult to lock in. Casabrews CM5418 doesn't have the quick heating innovations so you have to build pressure manually. If it's been sitting for days, you need to flush the machine, a process that lasts two minutes. At the very least, you will also need to pre-heat by clearing the group head and then running the hot water function for eight seconds to build pressure to pull a shot or use the steam wand. Without the flushing process, the Casabrews steam wand will only sputter. I didn't find the preparation intuitive, as I also found that if you leave the steam wand on for too long, the machine will need to cool down before you can pull an espresso shot. Comparing steam wands The milk wand was one feature in which the Bambino had its cheaper competition beat. Katherine Peach/CNET The milk wand is often a subject of interest for online reviewers and potential customers. The Breville Bambino wins by a long shot over the Casabrews CM5418 for a couple of reasons. First, the Bambino steam wand offers more rotation, allowing you to hold the milk jug at a comfortable angle for the perfect microfoam or thick froth. The Casabrews only moves straight outward rather than a 180-degree rotation like the Bambino. Second, I found the Bambino delivers more pressure, even if it won't stand up to a commercial machine. Thanks to the three-second heat time, the Breville Bambino has a three-second steam wand, which makes it easy to use the steam wand right away. This is especially helpful if you have a regular coffee machine or other drinks that you want to top with thick foam. The ease of use of each machine is more subjective than functionality, but the Breville Bambino proved its value (and its added cost) by avoiding the CM5418 issue of overheating. One glaring flaw in the budget-friendly Casabrews CM5418 The biggest complaint I have with the value-driven Casabrews CM5418 is its propensity to overheat, and therefore stop working as a result of steaming milk. To avoid the "overheat protection" gridlock, the Casabrews CM5418 manual instructs you to pull an espresso shot first and then steam milk. This is the opposite of my barista training as espresso flavor degrades quickly and becomes bitter. This also means if you're groggy in the morning and decide to foam some milk to set aside, when you go to preheat the portafilter, the machine will most likely blink at you instead of filtering out old grounds you forgot to clean out the last time you used it. It's a confusing issue when first presented. I was also annoyed to have wasted the puck because it was just sitting in the hot group head -- in a surprise to no one, the final shot tasted bitter and burnt after the delay. The biggest complaint I have with the Casabrews is its propensity to overheat. Katherine Peach/CNET Relieve the pressure by using the hot water function, employed by skipping the "steam" button and simply flipping the switch. Make sure you're also not using the steam function by accident. If you release it for more than the recommended eight seconds, then the steam wand once again loses all pressure. (More than once, I also forgot to push the "steam" button and simply infused hot water into my milk.) The large "useful tips" sticker on top of the machine also explains how to flush the system, a helpful if unsightly feature. I suspect the average user might learn how to make espresso on this budget machine, so the order wouldn't seem out of place. If you're like me and often forget the reversed order of operations from years of ingrained barista training, pre-heating but not overheating the Casabrews CM5418 machine could feel like a pain. This issue alone had me leaning toward the Bambino more often as my pre-coffee brain can rarely remember too many quirks, especially when it's something so deceptively simple. Portafilters The heavier Casabrews portafilter edged out that of the pricey Bambino. Katherine Peach/CNET The Casabrew CM5418 portafilter is a heavier weight, which I like. I don't understand why the basket filter is loose enough to rotate instead of locking in place. The loose filter makes it harder to knock out the used puck. The Bambino portafilter is perfectly adequate, even if I would prefer a heavier option with a longer handle. The Casabrews portafilter is heavier and easier to hold thanks to its sizable handle. Plus, Casabrews is also designed to eliminate some guesswork of dialing in the ideal espresso shot. Its pressurized dual-wall basket filters and long pull duration out of the box result in a foamy crema mimicking popular Nespresso pod machines. I could pull a decent shot with a coarser grind than with the Breville, a boon to beginners who might be more easily discouraged. You will sacrifice some depth of flavor, but beginners to making espresso are likely to appreciate the added ease. The Breville Bambino offers double and single-wall basket filters. The single-wall requires more understanding of grind and tamping but allows for more experimentation and nuanced flavors. The Breville manual explains the benefits of each, including how the pressurized double-wall is better for older beans purchased pre-ground. Learning the nuances of the machine is important to improve your skills but it does come down to preference. Keep in mind, a single-wall basket filter for the Casabrews CM5418 will have to be tracked down from a third party as I couldn't find the 51 millimeter size on the website. Pulling shots at factory settings Katherine Peach/CNET The semi-automatic espresso machines are designed to automatically stop extraction after a period of time. At factory settings, I saw the Breville Bambino consistently pull double shots for about 22 seconds before stopping. The manual doesn't recommend a duration of extraction. The Casabrews manual recommends 25 to 45 seconds. (I wouldn't recommend pulling a shot for 45 seconds at this capacity.) I found that the Casabrews CM5418 factory settings pulled a double shot at about 32 seconds. I won't dive into the online debates about the ideal extraction duration because the unsatisfying answer is that the ideal extraction all depends on the grind, type and freshness of beans, tamp and temperature, among other factors. Both semi-automatic espresso machines allow you to program the coffee volume. I recommend getting comfortable with your grind and tamp before changing the extraction but I found the process straightforward with both machines, even if it took a few tries to reach a decent flow. Katherine Peach/CNET Casabrews includes a gauge on its front with a guide in the manual to the ideal pressure zone, or when it's built enough to pull a shot but not extracted with too much pressure. Also, just because there is more visible crema from the Casabrews' double-walled basket filters and factory settings doesn't mean it's necessarily a better-tasting shot. If you're drinking straight espresso instead of making a specialty drink like a latte, you'll likely want to adjust the duration a shot is brewed out of the box. Is the Breville Bambino or the Casabrews better? Is the Breville Bambino worth the $160 more it costs than the Casabrews model? Katherine Peach/CNET If cost is your main concern when buying an espresso machine, then the Casabrews CM5418 will most likely satisfy any beginner to at-home espresso machines. The CM5418 is your best bet if you're someone who plans to use pre-ground espresso or doesn't want to invest in a grinder capable of a fine espresso grind. The design seems ideal for someone looking to upgrade from a Nespresso or any pod machine. When first learning to pull a passable shot, the Casabrews will smooth out more errors for most novice users. Early wins might mean the difference between using the machine or letting it sit to collect dust. I also understand the aesthetic appeal of seven color choices. Stainless steel might be classic but it's the only option for the Breville Bambino. Both espresso machines will require the purchase of a new tamper, a scale and other accessories, so the lower price should make up for the additional initial costs. That said, while I love a dupe for less, you often get what you pay for, so the lower cost of the Casabrews espresso machine means that you have to stay more alert to pre-heat correctly, avoid steaming milk before pulling a shot, and potentially lose some of the character of your coffee. You should also keep your manual nearby if overheating happens. The Casabrews' temperature quirks quickly became cumbersome for me. In the end, I'd recommend spending a bit more to buy the Breville Bambino because of the speedy ThermoJet technology, ease of use for the machine, the standardized pressure extraction, and a robust kit with a milk frother. The Bambino offers considerable value for its price tag, especially seeing you'll easily spend at least $200 more to upgrade to a machine with similar capabilities. The entry-level Bambino has the ability to experiment with grind sizes and extract more nuanced flavors as your abilities grow. Your skills are also likely to progress beyond the Casabrews CM5418 quicker than the Bambino, costing you more if you want to upgrade your machine or your grinder. You will also need to buy a separate milk steamer if you don't want to leave your espresso sitting while you steam or if you prefer a frothy cappuccino.
CNET
08-08-2025
- CNET
Small Espresso Maker Showdown: I Tested the $140 Casabrews and the Breville Bambino
More people are experimenting with making coffee at home, leading to the rise in popularity of compact espresso machines like the Breville Bambino and Casabrews CM5418. In 2025, Casabrews produced a similar compact model for about half the price of the Breville Bambino. So how does this budget machine compare to the popular, pricier Bambino? I tested the Casabrews 5418 and Bambino Breville to compare functionality, consistency, value and ease of use. In the past couple of months, including through a move and tasting several coffee subscriptions, I experienced the quirks and benefits of each of the entry-level espresso machines. As a former barista with training on commercial machines, I evaluated the pros and cons of each, pitting functionality, value, and ease of use against one another, and all through the lens of a beginner. I'll share whether the Bambino is worth the price difference or if Casabrews unseated the household brand. Overview of the Breville Bambino and Casabrews CM5418 Either machine will fit in a cramped kitchen. Katherine Peach/CNET Breville is a household name in no small part because of its home espresso machines, including its entry-level, semi-automatic Breville Bambino. The Bambino launched in 2020, now retailing at about $300, as a more value-driven model to its slightly more robust Breville Bambino Plus. The same year, the Casabrews brand launched as a rival espresso machine producer aimed at affordability. The Casabrews CM5418 debuted in the spring of 2025 at a mere $140. Despite the model's recent release (and robotic name), Casabrews says its CM5418 is already one of the three highest-selling semi-automatic coffee machines on Amazon. At first glance, both models are semiautomatic espresso machines with steam wand capabilities. Each is designed as a lightweight and compact option so you won't have to compete for counter space. Detractors often note the flimsy feel because of the combination of thin stainless steel and plastic components. While I appreciate the space-saving designs, I also found it much too easy to tip over either machine if I pulled the portafilter in place with even moderate force. The machines themselves seem well-made and the ability to tuck away an espresso machine is an advantage. Frustratingly, both models include portafilters in non-standard sizes, which means tools like a tamper and a dosing funnel aren't interchangeable with each other or many other models. Digging in deeper, the two espresso machines have some stark differences so I'll break down their features because some nuances affected my testing experience. Espresso machine specs Casabrews CM5418 Breville Bambino Dimensions (WxDxH) 5.47 x 12.28 x 11.97 7.7 x 12.6 x 12.2 Watts 1,350 1,560 Weight 10.4 pounds 10.42 pounds Water tank capacity 1.4 liters 1.4 liters Pressure 20 bars 9 bars Price $140 $299 Key features of the Breville Bambino The Breville Bambino is highly rated among espresso drinkers without excess counter space. Katherine Peach/CNET Dimensions : 7.7 inches x 12.6 inches x 12.2 inches (width, depth, height) : 7.7 inches x 12.6 inches x 12.2 inches (width, depth, height) Watts : 1,560 : 1,560 Weight : 10.42 pounds : 10.42 pounds Water tank : 1.4 liters : 1.4 liters Pressure : 9 bars : 9 bars Price: $299 I'll start by saying the Breville Bambino is a surprisingly robust little kit. The Breville espresso machine comes with 1-cup and 2-cup dual-wall filter baskets, plus, unlike its competitor, single-wall filter baskets and a metal milk jug. The size of the espresso machine is two inches wider than the Casabrews, but the difference wasn't an issue in terms of saving space on the counter. Dosing for the 54-millimeter portafilter is a recommended 16 to 18 grams of coffee. One of the most significant benefits of the Bambino is the three-second "ThermoJet" heating system with PID, a digital thermostat that controls the temperature of the water for more stability. (Large swings in temperature will affect the flavor of a shot.) The ThermoJet innovation is more than a marketing gimmick: a glass and ceramic enamel coat the stainless steel to heat faster, resulting in an impressively short wait time before you can steam milk or pull a piping hot espresso shot. In comparison, one of the biggest downsides of the Casabrews CM5418 is the temperamental heating system, but more on that in the testing section. Breville also found a sweet spot with the nine bars of extraction pressure, similar to most commercial machines. Additional benefits of the Breville Bambino include that the milk frother has a 180-degree rotation that allows for more comfortable use. I kept reaching for the Bambino to steam milk even for drip coffee. I recommend replacing the included plastic tamper as soon as possible but the included milk jug is much appreciated. Key features of the Casabrews CM5418 We previously tested -- and loved -- the Casabrews, but now we're pitting it against the popular, pricier Breville Bambino. Katherine Peach/CNET Dimensions : 5.47 by 12.28 by 11.97 inches (width, depth, height) : 5.47 by 12.28 by 11.97 inches (width, depth, height) Watts : 1,350 : 1,350 Weight : 10.4 pounds : 10.4 pounds Water tank : 1.4 liters : 1.4 liters Pressure : 20 bars : 20 bars Price: $140 The most obvious difference between the Casabrews CM5418 and Breville Bambino isn't just a lower price but its slightly smaller size. The CM5418 features a 51-millimeter portafilter with room for a recommended 13 to 15 grams of coffee and a slimmer profile at 5.47 inches. The Casabrews also comes in seven colors, a bonus for anyone interested in a less conventional appliance on the counter. (I tested the stainless steel iteration, which I found attractive.) I found the manual instructions to be clear and two large stickers give additional directions, including one on top and another on the side that is so sticky it appears that it's meant to stay on the machine permanently. Katherine Peach/CNET The Casabrews kit is pared down to include 1-cup and 2-cup double-wall filter baskets and a combination scoop and tamper tool. I hesitate to even call the tool a tamper as it's a thin plastic spoon with a flat circular end rather than the traditional form or weight. The double-wall filters are in some ways a cheat code because they build additional pressure to manufacture a thicker crema. Similar to a Nespresso or L'Or pod machine, this crema is considered artificial by serious coffee folks because it's not as rich but will likely be a big bonus for many drinkers. The 20 bars of extraction pressure also point to the expectation that the coffee will be coarser because most at-home grinders can't deliver a fine espresso grind. Casabrews 5148 also includes a PID for water temperature regulation and consistency. Editor's note: CNET contributor Pamela Vachon previously tested this Casabrews model and gave it high marks. How I tested these espresso machines Katherine Peach/CNET I tested the Casabrews CM5418 and Breville Bambino in my home over a couple of months for real-life comparisons. I used the popular Barazta Encore ESP grinder on different types of espresso, including an organic medium roast espresso blend from Wonderstate Coffee to see what nuances would translate, and a darker roast Honduran espresso blend from Atlas Coffee. I compared key functions for an entry-level espresso machine, including the milk wand and over-pressure valve that regulates water pressure for optimal extraction, as well as the overall value of each kit. The entry-level espresso machines are also made with novice users in mind, so a significant portion of testing included how easy it was to use each machine. I evaluated the functionality, features and consistency to compare the overall value of the machines, even if that is a more subjective takeaway. Comparison out of the box Katherine Peach/CNET The Breville Bambino and Casabrew CM5418 espresso machines are quite similar in appearance, build and weight. The tampers leave a lot to be desired but at least the Bambino's tamper is in a traditional shape rather than the combination spoon and "tamper" combo Casbrews has Frankensteined. Breville Bambino is similar to most commercial machines in that it offers 9 bars of pressure, while the Casabrews CM5418 extracts at up to 20 bars. The bars refer to the pressurized hot water that is forced through the grounds to make espresso. The Overpressure Valve (OPV) limits the amount of pressure to help avoid overextraction and bitter-tasting coffee. You'll see 15 bar and above OPV extraction with at-home machines because the pressure can extract more from coarse grind sizes. The lower bars of pressure, however, are often easier to use because the extraction is slower and more even for fine grind sizes. The takeaway is that the Breville Bambino operates similarly to more expensive commercial espresso machines, with the assumption you'll have a specialty grinder designed for espresso. It's also not surprising that Casabrews is catering to budget-conscious consumers: The Baratza Encore ESP grinder I used costs as much as the Casabrews CM5418 machine. Prepping the espresso machines Katherine Peach/CNET The Breville Bambino's rapid ThermoJet heating technology means you won't have much of a wait time until the espresso machine is ready to use. You still should purge the group head by pressing the 1 Cup or 2 Cup button to allow hot water to flow and stabilize the extraction before pulling your first shot. Ensuring the portafilter and group head are warmed makes insertion and rotation easier than when both are room temperature, bypassing the complaint I read in reviews that the portafilter could be difficult to lock in. Casabrews CM5418 doesn't have the quick heating innovations so you have to build pressure manually. If it's been sitting for days, you need to flush the machine, a process that lasts two minutes. At the very least, you will also need to pre-heat by clearing the group head and then running the hot water function for eight seconds to build pressure to pull a shot or use the steam wand. Without the flushing process, the Casabrews steam wand will only sputter. I didn't find the preparation intuitive, as I also found that if you leave the steam wand on for too long, the machine will need to cool down before you can pull an espresso shot. Comparing steam wands The milk wand was one feature in which the Bambino had it's cheaper competition beat. Katherine Peach/CNET The milk wand is often a subject of interest for online reviewers and potential customers. The Breville Bambino wins by a long shot over the Casabrews CM5418 for a couple of reasons. First, the Bambino steam wand offers more rotation, allowing you to hold the milk jug at a comfortable angle for the perfect microfoam or thick froth. The Casabrews only moves straight outward rather than a 180-degree rotation like the Bambino. Second, I found the Bambino delivers more pressure, even if it won't stand up to a commercial machine. Thanks to the three-second heat time, the Breville Bambino has a three-second steam wand, which makes it easy to use the steam wand right away. This is especially helpful if you have a regular coffee machine or other drinks that you want to top with thick foam. The ease of use of each machine is more subjective than functionality, but the Breville Bambino proved its value (and its added cost) by avoiding the CM5418 issue of overheating. One glaring flaw in the budget-friendly Casabrews CM5418 The biggest complaint I have with the value-driven Casabrews CM5418 is its propensity to overheat, and therefore stop working as a result of steaming milk. To avoid the "overheat protection" gridlock, the Casabrews CM5418 manual instructs you to pull an espresso shot first and then steam milk. This is the opposite of my barista training as espresso flavor degrades quickly and becomes bitter. This also means if you're groggy in the morning and decide to foam some milk to set aside, when you go to preheat the portafilter, the machine will most likely blink at you instead of filtering out old grounds you forgot to clean out the last time you used it. It's a confusing issue when first presented. I was also annoyed to have wasted the puck because it was just sitting in the hot group head -- in a surprise to no one, the final shot tasted bitter and burnt after the delay. The biggest complaint I have with the Casabrews is its propensity to overheat. Katherine Peach/CNET Relieve the pressure by using the hot water function, employed by skipping the "steam" button and simply flipping the switch. Make sure you're also not using the steam function by accident. If you release it for more than the recommended eight seconds, then the steam wand once again loses all pressure. (More than once, I also forgot to push the "steam" button and simply infused hot water into my milk.) The large "useful tips" sticker on top of the machine also explains how to flush the system, a helpful if unsightly feature. I suspect the average user might learn how to make espresso on this budget machine, so the order wouldn't seem out of place. If you're like me and often forget the reversed order of operations from years of ingrained barista training, pre-heating but not overheating the Casabrews CM5418 machine could feel like a pain. This issue alone had me leaning toward the Bambino more often as my pre-coffee brain can rarely remember too many quirks, especially when it's something so deceptively simple. Portafilters The heavier Casabrews portafilter edged out that of the pricey Bambino. Katherine Peach/CNET The Casabrew CM5418 portafilter is a heavier weight, which I like. I don't understand why the basket filter is loose enough to rotate instead of locking in place. The loose filter makes it harder to knock out the used puck. The Bambino portafilter is perfectly adequate, even if I would prefer a heavier option with a longer handle. The Casabrews portafilter is heavier and easier to hold thanks to its sizable handle. Plus, Casabrews is also designed to eliminate some guesswork of dialing in the ideal espresso shot. Its pressurized dual-wall basket filters and long pull duration out of the box result in a foamy crema mimicking popular Nespresso pod machines. I could pull a decent shot with a coarser grind than with the Breville, a boon to beginners who might be more easily discouraged. You will sacrifice some depth of flavor, but beginners to making espresso are likely to appreciate the added ease. The Breville Bambino offers double and single-wall basket filters. The single-wall requires more understanding of grind and tamping but allows for more experimentation and nuanced flavors. The Breville manual explains the benefits of each, including how the pressurized double-wall is better for older beans purchased pre-ground. Learning the nuances of the machine is important to improve your skills but it does come down to preference. Keep in mind, a single-wall basket filter for the Casabrews CM5418 will have to be tracked down from a third party as I couldn't find the 51 millimeter size on the website. Pulling shots at factory settings Katherine Peach/CNET The semi-automatic espresso machines are designed to automatically stop extraction after a period of time. At factory settings, I saw the Breville Bambino consistently pull double shots for about 22 seconds before stopping. The manual doesn't recommend a duration of extraction. The Casabrews manual recommends 25 to 45 seconds. (I wouldn't recommend pulling a shot for 45 seconds at this capacity.) I found that the Casabrews CM5418 factory settings pulled a double shot at about 32 seconds. I won't dive into the online debates about the ideal extraction duration because the unsatisfying answer is that the ideal extraction all depends on the grind, type and freshness of beans, tamp and temperature, among other factors. Both semi-automatic espresso machines allow you to program the coffee volume. I recommend getting comfortable with your grind and tamp before changing the extraction but I found the process straightforward with both machines, even if it took a few tries to reach a decent flow. Katherine Peach/CNET Casabrews includes a gauge on its front with a guide in the manual to the ideal pressure zone, or when it's built enough to pull a shot but not extracted with too much pressure. Also, just because there is more visible crema from the Casabrews' double-walled basket filters and factory settings doesn't mean it's necessarily a better-tasting shot. If you're drinking straight espresso instead of making a specialty drink like a latte, you'll likely want to adjust the duration a shot is brewed out of the box. Is the Breville Bambino or the Casabrews better? Is the Breville Bambino worth the $160 more it costs than the Casabrews model? Katherine Peach/CNET If cost is your main concern when buying an espresso machine, then the Casabrews CM5418 will most likely satisfy any beginner to at-home espresso machines. The CM5418 is your best bet if you're someone who plans to use pre-ground espresso or doesn't want to invest in a grinder capable of a fine espresso grind. The design seems ideal for someone looking to upgrade from a Nespresso or any pod machine. When first learning to pull a passable shot, the Casabrews will smooth out more errors for most novice users. Early wins might mean the difference between using the machine or letting it sit to collect dust. I also understand the aesthetic appeal of seven color choices. Stainless steel might be classic but it's the only option for the Breville Bambino. Both espresso machines will require the purchase of a new tamper, a scale and other accessories, so the lower price should make up for the additional initial costs. That said, while I love a dupe for less, you often get what you pay for, so the lower cost of the Casabrews espresso machine means that you have to stay more alert to pre-heat correctly, avoid steaming milk before pulling a shot, and potentially lose some of the character of your coffee. You should also keep your manual nearby if overheating happens. The Casabrews' temperature quirks quickly became cumbersome for me. In the end, I'd recommend spending a bit more to buy the Breville Bambino because of the speedy ThermoJet technology, ease of use for the machine, the standardized pressure extraction, and a robust kit with a milk frother. The Bambino offers considerable value for its price tag, especially seeing you'll easily spend at least $200 more to upgrade to a machine with similar capabilities. The entry-level Bambino has the ability to experiment with grind sizes and extract more nuanced flavors as your abilities grow. Your skills are also likely to progress beyond the Casabrews CM5418 quicker than the Bambino, costing you more if you want to upgrade your machine or your grinder. You will also need to buy a separate milk steamer if you don't want to leave your espresso sitting while you steam or if you prefer a frothy cappuccino.
