Might the CASABREWS Espresso Machine Be the Best Budget Coffee Maker? Detailed Review

Description

Design & Build Quality

The stainless steel finish of the CASABREWS 3700 ESSENTIAL espresso machine is sleek and stylish, fitting seamlessly into my kitchen decor. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, like mine, where counter space is a premium. At first glance, the machine feels well-built and sturdy, with minimal use of plastic components, which is a huge plus. I appreciate the thoughtful design details, such as the removable drip tray that makes cleaning much easier. However, I did notice that the machine can shift slightly when brewing, so I decided to place a towel underneath it for added stability.

Features

This semi-automatic espresso machine comes equipped with a professional 20-bar pressure system and a powerful 1350W motor, which ensures an impressive quality of coffee extraction. It’s designed to create cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos with ease. The 49oz detachable water tank is another feature I found really convenient. It allows me to brew multiple cups without the constant need for refills. The included accessories, such as the tamper with spoon, the portafilter, and both single and double cup filters, provide everything I need to get started. I also appreciated the user guide, which walked me through the setup and first-use cycle.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

The steam wand on this machine is a standout feature. It’s capable of creating creamy, rich microfoam for latte art, which has turned me into an amateur barista over the past few weeks. However, the steaming process is slightly noisy—it lets out a high-pitched squeal that might disturb others in the household. Despite this, it performs well, and I’ve been able to make beautiful cappuccinos and flat whites. My neighbor even asked if I had been taking barista classes!

Coffee Quality

The quality of the coffee brewed by this machine is genuinely impressive. I experimented with a variety of beans, including some that were freshly ground and others pre-ground. The results consistently showcased a fragrant and rich aroma with a smooth crema on top. I did find that warming the machine up by running an empty cycle first improved the espresso’s temperature and taste.

Brewing Performance

Brewing coffee with the CASABREWS machine is fairly straightforward. The buttons are intuitive, and I quickly figured out how to toggle between single and double shots. The 20-bar pressure system ensures that the espresso is extracted evenly and with great precision. I did notice, however, that the single-shot setting produces a smaller amount than I expected, so I often opt for the double-shot filter.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning this machine has been a breeze. Both the water tank and drip tray are removable, which makes rinsing them out quick and easy. The steam wand requires regular cleaning to avoid milk residue buildup, but this is a small price to pay for its performance. I’ve made it a habit to flush all components weekly to keep everything running smoothly.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

The machine heats up quickly and doesn’t seem to consume too much energy, which is great for my electricity bill. However, the noise levels during operation are worth mentioning. While brewing espresso is relatively quiet after the initial loud hum, the milk frother can be a bit jarring. It’s not unbearable but something to consider if you live in a quiet household or have sleeping children nearby.

Water Tank & Capacity

The 49oz water tank is one of my favorite features. It’s large enough to brew several cups of coffee before needing a refill, which is perfect when I’m hosting friends or simply indulging in multiple cups throughout the day. I also love that the tank is transparent, so I can easily see when it needs refilling.

Strong Points

• Compact and stylish stainless steel design
• Professional 20-bar pressure for high-quality espresso extraction
• Easy-to-clean detachable water tank and drip tray
• Powerful steam wand for creating microfoam and latte art

Areas for Improvement

• The steam wand can be quite noisy, especially during frothing
• Single-shot espresso setting produces a smaller amount than expected
• Machine may shift slightly during operation, requiring additional stabilization

Product Alternatives

When comparing this espresso machine to others like the Breville Bambino Plus or De’Longhi Dedica, the CASABREWS 3700 ESSENTIAL holds its own in terms of performance and design. The Breville Bambino Plus offers faster heating times and more advanced milk frothing, but it comes at a significantly higher price point. The De’Longhi Dedica, on the other hand, has a slimmer design but lacks the robust pressure of the CASABREWS. For its price range, the CASABREWS machine provides an excellent balance of features and quality.

Worth Every Penny

The price-to-quality ratio of this espresso machine is hard to beat. It delivers many of the features you’d find in higher-end models at a more accessible price. While it isn’t perfect, its performance and design make it a solid investment for coffee lovers looking to recreate café-quality drinks at home.

Additional information