Before testing this espresso machine, I never truly realized how much a sluggish preheat or inconsistent pressure could ruin your morning. I spent hours handcrafting shots and dialing in the grind, only to get lackluster results. That changed when I tried the CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine, 20 Bar, Stainless Steel. Its 20-bar Italian pump delivers quick, fragrant espresso with rich crema, and the built-in pressure gauge helped me perfect every shot.
What really convinced me is how smooth and compact it is, fitting comfortably on my countertop without sacrificing performance. The powerful steam wand textures microfoam effortlessly, making latte art fun and easy. After comparing it to bigger, more complex options like the Ninja Luxe Café or the Breville, this machine struck the perfect balance — high-pressure extraction, quality materials, and straightforward controls. It’s clear that this espresso machine can elevate your daily brew without overwhelming you with options. Trust me, this is a game changer for anyone serious about their coffee. Cheers to making barista-quality drinks at home!
Top Recommendation: CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine, 20 Bar, Stainless Steel
Why We Recommend It: This model’s bold advantage is its professional 20-bar Italian pump offering espresso with top-tier crema and aroma. The built-in pressure gauge allows precise adjustments, crucial for perfect extraction. Its powerful 1350W boiler heats quickly, and the milk frother produces microfoam easily for lattes and cappuccinos. Compared to the Ninja’s multi-function but high price or the Breville’s complex settings, the CASABREWS combines quality, ease, and affordability, making it ideal for home baristas seeking consistent, rich espresso every day.
Best coffee machine espresso: Our Top 5 Picks
- CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine, 20 Bar, Stainless Steel – Best home coffee machine espresso
- Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew – Best versatile coffee maker
- Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine – Best professional coffee machine espresso
- De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & – Best automatic coffee and espresso machine
- 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel – Best compact coffee machine espresso
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine, 20 Bar, Stainless Steel
- ✓ Professional 20 Bar Pressure
- ✓ Compact & Stylish Design
- ✓ Easy to Use & Clean
- ✕ Needs cooling after frothing
- ✕ No automatic milk frothing
| Pressure System | 20 bar professional Italian pump |
| Power | 1350 W |
| Water Tank Capacity | 34 oz (1 liter) |
| Brew Group Type | Semi-automatic espresso maker with portafilter |
| Milk Frothing System | Powerful steam wand for microfoam |
| Material | Stainless steel |
It’s early Saturday morning, and I’ve just poured a shot of espresso from the CASABREWS CM5418, watching that rich, golden crema form perfectly on top. The kitchen is quiet, but I can already smell the deep aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the room.
The sleek stainless steel finish catches the light, making it look like a professional machine that belongs in a café, not just at home.
The 20 bar pump really delivers on that barista-quality pressure, and you can see it in the way the espresso pulls — thick, velvety, and full-bodied. The built-in pressure gauge is surprisingly handy, letting me tweak the extraction to my taste.
The steam wand is powerful enough to create microfoam that’s silky smooth, perfect for latte art or just adding a creamy touch to my brew.
Filling the 34 oz water tank is a breeze, thanks to the detachable design, and I love how compact it is — it doesn’t take up much counter space, yet looks stylish enough to leave out. The included accessories, like the tamper and different filters, make it feel complete, like I’ve got a little barista setup at home.
Just a quick tip: I found that after frothing milk, I need to wait a minute before brewing again — the machine heats up quickly, but it does need to cool down to avoid the over-heating mode.
Overall, this espresso machine makes me feel like I’ve got my own coffee shop. The ease of use with the pressure gauge and the quality of the espresso and foam are impressive.
It’s not super bulky, and the style fits right into my kitchen aesthetic. If you’re serious about crafting your own coffee drinks without the café price, this is a solid choice.
Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 brewing
- ✓ Guided barista tech
- ✓ Hands-free frothing
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Takes up counter space
| Brew Options | Espresso (double or quad shot), drip coffee (classic, rich, over ice), cold brew (cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee) |
| Grinder | Conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings |
| Dosing Method | Weight-based dosing with built-in scale |
| Frothing System | Dual Froth System with 4 preset programs for microfoam (steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, cold foam) |
| Capacity | Brew sizes ranging from 6 oz to 18 oz in various styles |
| Additional Features | Barista Assist Technology for guided brewing, assisted tamper for consistent puck preparation |
The first thing that catches your eye with the Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 is its sleek, modern design—almost like a piece of art on your countertop. When I unboxed it, I immediately noticed how compact and sturdy it feels, with all the buttons and dials intuitively laid out.
As I started exploring, I was impressed by the integrated grinder—25 settings let me dial in the perfect grind for everything from espresso to cold brew. The built-in scale made dosing effortless; no more guessing or messy spills.
Just place your grounds, hit the button, and it takes care of the rest.
Making espresso was surprisingly straightforward thanks to the barista assist technology. It guided me through grind size and tamping, so I got a rich, balanced shot without any frustration.
The assisted tamper delivers a perfectly even puck—definitely a game-changer for consistency.
The dual frothing system is another highlight. I was able to create hot microfoam for my lattes and cold foam for iced drinks, all with preset programs that handle steaming and whisking simultaneously.
Texture was smooth and uniform every time, which is rare for home machines.
Cold brew options are also a big plus. I brewed a flavorful cold-pressed espresso that was perfect for cocktails or just sipping on a hot day.
The machine’s adjustable sizes and styles make it easy to customize your perfect cup, whether you want a quick shot or a large iced brew.
Overall, this machine combines versatility with ease of use. It feels like having a barista in your kitchen, but with less guesswork and more consistent results.
A little pricey, but the quality and features make it worth it.
Breville Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Built-in grinder for convenience
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✕ Learning curve for perfect shots
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
| Boiler Pressure | 9 bar (typical for espresso extraction) |
| Water Tank Capacity | 67 ounces (1.98 liters) |
| Bean Hopper Capacity | 1/2 pound (227 grams) |
| Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
| Grinder Type | Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control |
| Temperature Control | Digital PID for precise water temperature |
You know that frustrating moment when you want a perfect espresso but end up with a sour or bitter shot because your machine isn’t quite right? I’ve been there, battling inconsistent results and fiddling with grind sizes and tamping pressure.
That’s until I tried the Breville Barista Express, and suddenly making café-quality espresso at home felt doable.
The first thing you’ll notice is how solid and sleek it looks on your counter. The brushed stainless steel gives it a professional vibe, and the integrated grinder is surprisingly quiet.
I love how intuitive the grind size dial is—no complicated menus, just a simple turn for that perfect grind. Grinding directly into the portafilter makes prep quick and mess-free, which is a huge time-saver.
Using the digital PID temperature control, I got consistent water temperature every time, which made a noticeable difference in flavor. The pre-infusion slowly increasing pressure really helps pull out all those nuanced flavors without rushing the shot.
Plus, the steam wand is powerful enough to create silky microfoam—great for latte art or just that perfect foam for your morning brew.
Setup was straightforward, and cleaning is simple with the included tools. It’s a bit compact for a serious espresso setup, but it packs a lot of features in a small footprint.
The only downside is that it takes a little practice to master the grind and tamping to get that flawless shot every time.
Overall, it’s a game-changer for home baristas wanting control without sacrificing quality. You’ll love how it elevates your daily coffee routine with rich, balanced espresso in minutes.
De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker &
- ✓ Fast dual brewing system
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Customizable flavor options
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Pump Pressure | 15 BAR Italian pressure pump |
| Heating System | Dual Heating System for simultaneous brewing |
| Steam Wand | Advanced Steam Wand with micro-foam and cappuccino settings |
| Control Interface | Digital Touchscreen with programmable timer |
| Customization Features | Bold Setting for flavor and aroma adjustment |
| Carafe | Spill-proof design for easy pouring |
Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh coffee, only to find your old machine taking ages to heat up or making you choose between brewing a single cup or a full pot. That frustration ends the moment you set eyes on this De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker.
Its dual heating system means no more waiting—you’re brewing coffee and espresso at the same time, which is a game-changer on busy mornings.
The sleek digital touchscreen feels intuitive, letting you customize your brew with just a few taps. I loved how simple it was to set the 24-hour timer, so I could wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
The bold setting really helps tailor the flavor to my taste, giving me that rich, smooth cup every time.
The advanced steam wand is a highlight. Whether I want micro-foam for a latte or a thick cappuccino, it delivers consistent results.
Plus, the spill-proof carafe makes pouring less messy, so I waste less and serve more confidently. The 15 BAR pressure pump pulls out authentic espresso shots with that characteristic crema, making every cup feel special.
Of course, no product is perfect. The machine is a bit bulky, so it takes up some counter space.
Also, the price is a little higher than basic models, but considering all the features, it’s a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.
20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Rich, barista-quality espresso
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✕ Gets warm on top
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
| Pump Pressure | 20 bar professional pump |
| Power Consumption | 1350 W |
| Temperature Control | NTC temperature regulation system |
| Extraction Time | Single shot: 28 seconds; Double shot: 42 seconds; Manual: up to 102 seconds |
| Coffee Capacity per Extraction | 25-40 grams (single shot), 55-85 grams (double shot), 180-350 grams (manual extraction) |
| Material | ABS plastic and stainless steel |
Unboxing this espresso machine, I immediately noticed its sleek stainless steel finish that feels both modern and durable. The compact size makes it easy to find a spot on my countertop without feeling bulky, and the weight gives it a solid, premium feel in my hand.
The first time I powered it on, the automatic preheating kicked in, and I was impressed with how quickly it warmed up—less than a minute. The steam wand is sturdy and easy to maneuver, producing rich, micro-foam milk effortlessly.
I enjoyed experimenting with different foam textures, from silky lattes to thick cappuccinos.
The 20-bar pressure system really shines when extracting espresso; the aroma is much richer than my old machine. Manual extraction is a nice feature, letting me control the shot length, and the automatic modes are perfect for quick mornings.
The water tank is straightforward to detach, making refills hassle-free.
I appreciated the temperature control system, which kept the water just right for optimal extraction. The portafilter feels sturdy and easy to handle, and the included tamper makes tamping a breeze.
Cleaning is simple too, with a removable drip tray and water reservoir—no mess, no fuss.
The only thing I’d mention is that the machine’s all-metal top can get warm, so be careful when handling cups immediately after brewing. Still, the overall design, performance, and ease of use make this a great pick for home coffee lovers.