CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Review: The Home Barista’s Gateway to Perfection

There’s a ritual to it, isn’t there? That first coffee of the morning. For years, my own ritual was a sad compromise between convenience and quality. It involved either the bland, watery output of an automatic drip machine or the expensive, environmentally questionable routine of single-use pods. I craved the rich, aromatic complexity of a true espresso, the velvety texture of perfectly steamed milk in a latte, but the thought of shelling out a small fortune for a high-end, commercial-style machine—not to mention the intimidating learning curve—always held me back. That daily trip to the coffee shop was burning a hole in my pocket, yet the alternatives at home felt like a pale imitation. This is the coffee lover’s dilemma: how to bridge the gap between mediocre home coffee and the expensive, artisanal experience of a café without breaking the bank or needing a barista’s training.

What to Consider Before Buying a Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

A semi-automatic espresso machine is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for anyone who wants to take control of their coffee-making process. Unlike super-automatic machines that do everything at the push of a button, or pod systems that offer convenience over quality, a semi-automatic machine puts you in the driver’s seat. It grants you control over the grind, the dose, the tamping pressure, and the shot timing, allowing you to dial in the perfect extraction for any type of coffee bean. The main benefit is unparalleled flavour and the satisfaction of crafting a drink that is truly your own, from a syrupy, crema-topped espresso to a beautifully layered cappuccino.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I described: the aspiring home barista, the coffee enthusiast graduating from pod systems, or anyone who values the ritual and craft of coffee making. It’s for the person who wants to understand the variables that create a great shot of espresso and is willing to engage in a hands-on process. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who prioritise speed and convenience above all else. If you’re rushing out the door every morning and need a coffee in under 30 seconds with zero cleanup, a pod machine or a bean-to-cup super-automatic machine might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: While many modern semi-automatics are designed to be compact, they still demand dedicated counter space. You need room not just for the machine itself, but also for your grinder, tamper, and knock box. The CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother has a footprint of 31 x 26.2 cm, so be sure to measure your intended space to ensure a comfortable fit with adequate ventilation.
• Capacity/Performance: Key metrics to look for are pump pressure, power, and water tank capacity. While many brands boast of 15 or 20 bars of pressure, the reality is that optimal espresso is extracted at around 9 bars. The higher rating simply ensures consistent power. A wattage of around 1350W, like this model, indicates a fast heat-up time, meaning less waiting for your morning brew. A large water tank (this one has a generous 2.2-litre capacity) is a huge convenience, reducing the frequency of refills.
• Materials & Durability: The construction material speaks volumes about a machine’s longevity. Cheaper models often rely heavily on plastic, which can feel flimsy and may not stand up to daily use. A machine with a brushed stainless steel casing, like the CASABREWS Ultra, not only offers a premium, modern aesthetic but also provides superior durability and stability on the countertop.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A semi-automatic machine inherently has a learning curve. Look for features that simplify the process, such as clear displays, intuitive controls, and programmable settings. Long-term care is also vital; a removable water tank and drip tray make daily cleaning much easier. Regular descaling will be required to keep any espresso machine in peak condition.

Keeping these factors in mind, the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is an excellent choice for hands-on brewing, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if convenience is a higher priority. For a broader look at all the top models that simplify the coffee-making process, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a surprisingly Premium Contender

Upon arrival, the first thing we noticed was the meticulous packaging. As one user noted, the machine came triple-boxed, ensuring it arrived in pristine condition despite any rough handling during transit. Lifting the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother from its packaging, its 6.2 kg weight was immediately apparent. This isn’t a flimsy, plastic appliance; the brushed stainless steel body feels substantial and robust, lending it a premium feel that honestly punches well above its price point. One user accurately compared its build quality to more expensive Sage and Breville models, and we have to agree. It sits solidly on the counter, exuding a sense of durability.

Included in the box are all the essentials to get started: a heavy-duty 51mm portafilter, four filter baskets (single and double shot sizes, in both single-wall and dual-wall variations), and a combination scoop/tamper tool. The inclusion of both single-wall baskets (for freshly ground beans) and dual-wall baskets (for pre-ground coffee) is a thoughtful touch that caters to both budding enthusiasts and absolute beginners. The only notable omission, as pointed out by a few users, is a milk frothing jug, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. The setup was intuitive, and the user manual is surprisingly detailed, offering genuine guidance on extraction theory—a rare and welcome bonus for newcomers.

A Deep Dive into the CASABREWS Ultra’s Performance

A machine can look the part, but the true test is in the cup. Over several weeks, we put the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother through its paces, pulling dozens of shots, steaming pitchers of milk, and testing every feature. We explored its limits with different beans, grind sizes, and techniques to see if it could truly deliver a café-quality experience. Here’s our in-depth breakdown of its performance.

Mastering the Perfect Shot: Pressure, Temperature, and Customisation

At the heart of any espresso machine is its ability to extract flavour from coffee grounds, and the CASABREWS Ultra excels here. It’s equipped with a 20-bar Italian pump and a 1350W motor, which translates to a very quick heat-up time and consistently powerful pressure. From a cold start, we were ready to pull our first shot in under a minute. The machine’s standout feature, especially at this price, is its customisable brewing temperature. We found four distinct settings, which allowed us to tailor the extraction to our beans. For a delicate, light-roast single-origin bean, we lowered the temperature to bring out its bright, acidic notes. For a dark, oily Italian roast, we bumped the temperature up to extract those rich, chocolatey, caramelised flavours without bitterness. This level of control is typically reserved for much more expensive machines and is a game-changer for anyone serious about taste.

The programmability of the shot volumes is another huge plus. While you can manually start and stop the pour, we found it incredibly useful to program our preferred volume for both single and double shots. This ensures absolute consistency from one cup to the next—a key element in perfecting your recipe. We also deeply appreciated the inclusion of four distinct filter baskets. For beginners using pre-ground coffee, the dual-wall (pressurised) baskets are forgiving and guarantee a rich-looking crema, even if the grind isn’t perfect. For enthusiasts with a quality grinder, the single-wall (non-pressurised) baskets unlock the true potential of fresh beans, allowing for nuanced adjustments to grind size and dose to achieve a truly professional extraction. This versatility makes the machine an excellent starting point that you can grow with as your skills develop.

From Flat White to Foamy Cappuccino: The Steam Wand in Action

An espresso machine is only half the story for lovers of milk-based drinks. The steam wand on the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is, in a word, impressive. It’s a proper, single-hole-tip commercial-style wand that offers significant power. Confirming one user’s comment that it “Heats up milk fast!”, we found it could take 150ml of cold milk to a silky, 65°C microfoam in about 20-25 seconds. The power is easily controllable with the side dial, allowing for both the initial stretching phase (introducing air) and the crucial texturing phase (creating a whirlpool to break down large bubbles).

The result is a creamy, rich microfoam with a glossy, wet-paint-like texture—the essential ingredient for pouring latte art and achieving that velvety mouthfeel in a flat white or cappuccino. This is a far cry from the frothy, bubbly mess produced by many entry-level machines. The wand also pivots, making it easy to find the perfect angle in your milk jug. Beyond steaming, the wand also dispenses hot water, a feature we used constantly. It’s perfect for preheating the portafilter and cups, which is crucial for maintaining espresso temperature, or for topping up a shot to make a long black or Americano. This dual functionality adds another layer of versatility to an already capable machine.

Daily Usability: The Interface and Ergonomics

For a machine with so many customisable features, the CASABREWS Ultra is remarkably straightforward to operate. The clear LCD screen is the central hub, providing at-a-glance information on the selected mode (steam, hot water, single, or double shot) and the brewing temperature. The surrounding buttons are clearly labelled and responsive. We found the workflow to be logical and efficient. The 2.2-litre water tank is a standout ergonomic feature; its large capacity means we weren’t constantly running to the sink for refills, even after making several drinks. It’s also fully detachable and has a convenient handle, making it easy to carry and fill.

On top of the machine, a passive cup warmer uses residual heat to gently warm your cups, another professional touch that makes a real difference to the final quality of your espresso. The one minor ergonomic complaint we share with a user is the size of the drip tray. Because the machine purges excess water to regulate pressure and temperature, the tray can fill up relatively quickly, often needing to be emptied after 3-4 drinks. While it’s easy to slide out and clean, it’s something to be mindful of to avoid spills. However, this is a minor inconvenience when weighed against the machine’s overall performance and user-friendly design. For those seeking a powerful yet approachable entry into home espresso, this machine strikes an exceptional balance between control and convenience.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our extensive testing, we dug into feedback from other home baristas, and the consensus largely mirrors our own experience. There is widespread praise for the machine’s incredible value proposition. One user summed it up perfectly, stating, “For the price, this is brilliant… The build quality is as good as Sage and Breville which are more expensive.” This sentiment was echoed by many, who were impressed by the solid stainless steel construction and high-end feel.

The quality of the coffee is another frequently highlighted positive. Reviewers consistently mention the “amazing” taste and the ability to produce a “cremoso y aromatico” (creamy and aromatic) coffee with a rich crema. The machine’s ease of use, once past the initial learning phase, is also commended, with many appreciating the clear instructions and helpful online tutorials from the brand itself. As one user noted, “it’s much easier to use than it first appears!”

On the critical side, the learning curve for those completely new to semi-automatic machines was a common theme. One novice found the instructions “a little overwhelming at first.” The two most consistent minor complaints were the lack of an included milk frothing jug and the tendency for the drip tray to fill up quickly, requiring frequent emptying. Overall, however, the user feedback is overwhelmingly positive, positioning the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother as a top-tier starter machine that delivers performance far exceeding its price tag.

How Does the CASABREWS Ultra Compare to the Competition?

The CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother occupies a sweet spot for hands-on brewing, but it exists in a crowded market. It’s important to understand how it stacks up against alternatives that prioritize different things, such as convenience or portability.

1. Tassimo My Way 2 Coffee Machine

The Tassimo My Way 2 represents the pinnacle of barcode-driven convenience. It’s a pod machine that reads a code on each “T-Disc” to automatically set the perfect temperature, water volume, and brewing time for everything from coffee and tea to hot chocolate. The primary advantage here is effortless variety and zero skill requirement. However, this comes at the cost of control, coffee freshness, and long-term expense. Someone would choose the Tassimo over the CASABREWS if their absolute top priority is one-touch operation for a wide range of branded beverages and they have no interest in the craft of making espresso from fresh beans.

2. WACACO Minipresso NS2 Portable Espresso Maker

The WACACO Minipresso NS2 is a marvel of engineering designed for a completely different purpose: espresso on the go. It’s a compact, manually operated device that uses Nespresso-compatible capsules and a hand-pump to generate brewing pressure. It’s the perfect companion for travellers, campers, and office workers who refuse to compromise on their coffee even when away from home. The choice here isn’t about countertop presence, but about portability. A user would choose the Minipresso if they need a reliable way to make a good shot of espresso anywhere, whereas the CASABREWS is the heart of a home coffee station.

3. Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Inissia is a classic entry point into the world of capsule espresso. It’s known for its compact size, rapid heat-up, and extreme simplicity, delivering a consistent shot of espresso from a Nespresso pod in under a minute. It appeals to those who want quick, clean, and reliable espresso with no fuss. The key trade-off against the CASABREWS Ultra is the entire ecosystem: capsules versus ground coffee. The Inissia is for the user who values speed and consistency from a sealed pod system and likely doesn’t mind buying a separate milk frother, while the CASABREWS Ultra is for the user who wants to engage with fresh coffee beans and have an integrated, powerful steam wand for creating authentic milk-based drinks.

Our Final Verdict: Is the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother the Right Choice for You?

After weeks of rigorous testing, we can confidently say that the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a phenomenal piece of kit that redefines what’s possible at this price point. It successfully bridges the gap between basic entry-level appliances and expensive prosumer machines. Its core strengths are its robust stainless steel construction, the exceptional level of control offered by its customisable temperature and programmable shots, and a powerful steam wand that can produce true microfoam. It empowers the user to grow, catering to beginners with its forgiving pressurised baskets while providing the non-pressurised tools that enthusiasts demand.

Its minor shortcomings—the lack of an included milk jug and a small drip tray—are easily forgivable when considering the immense value it delivers. This machine is highly recommended for the aspiring home barista, the coffee lover looking to upgrade from a pod system, or anyone who wants to transform their morning coffee from a routine into a rewarding ritual. It offers the tools, power, and quality to produce truly exceptional coffee at home.

If you’ve decided the CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.