Casabrews Ultra Review

The Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine is a standout in the home espresso market, offering a combination of sleek design, advanced functionality, and an affordable price point compared to some high-end competitors. After extensive testing over a few months, I can confidently say that this espresso machine balances performance with user-friendliness, making it suitable for both casual coffee drinkers and budding baristas alike. This review covers everything from the build quality and user experience to the coffee quality and overall value for money.

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Casabrews Ultra Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Casabrews
Model	Ultra Espresso Machine
Type	Semi-Automatic
Pressure	15-bar Italian Pump
Heating System	Thermoblock Heating System
Water Tank Capacity	2 liters (67.6 oz)
Body Material	Stainless Steel and BPA-free plastic components
Portafilter	Stainless Steel, 58mm diameter
Filter Baskets	Pressurized and Non-Pressurized (Single & Double Shot)
Control Panel	Simple interface with buttons for Single, Double Shot, and Hot Water
Programmable Shot Volume	Yes
Steam Wand	Adjustable steam wand for frothing milk
Cup Clearance	3.4 inches (8.6 cm)
Dimensions	12.2″ (H) x 10.5″ (W) x 8.5″ (D) (31 cm x 26.7 cm x 21.6 cm)
Weight	10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Power	1100 watts
Voltage	120V (USA & Canada models)
Pre-infusion Function	No
Milk Frother	Yes, manual steam wand
Drip Tray	Removable, with full indicator
Warranty	1 Year
Additional Features	– Quick heat-up time – Automatic descaling alert

Unboxing and First Impressions

• Packaging: Upon unboxing, the Casabrews Ultra gives a good first impression. It’s securely packaged, with each component carefully wrapped to avoid damage during shipping. The box includes the main espresso machine, a portafilter, a steam wand, and a range of accessories like a tamper, measuring spoon, and cleaning tools.
• Design: The machine itself has a minimalist design, with a brushed stainless steel finish that’s both modern and understated. It’s compact, standing at about 14 inches tall, so it fits easily under most kitchen cabinets. The Casabrews Ultra looks and feels like a premium product right out of the box, giving the impression that it’s built to last.
• Assembly: Assembly is simple, with the steam wand and water tank easily clipping into place. For anyone who has never used an espresso machine before, the instructions are clear, and setup takes less than 10 minutes.

Build Quality and Design

• Materials: The Casabrews Ultra’s body is made primarily from stainless steel, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. The plastic components, such as the drip tray and water tank, are made of high-quality BPA-free materials. The overall construction feels solid, and during my testing, the machine never exhibited any issues related to structural integrity.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Aesthetically, the machine’s clean lines and modern design make it suitable for any kitchen decor, whether you’re going for a high-tech modern look or a more rustic style. It looks professional but isn’t overly complicated, which I appreciate. There’s a balance between form and function that’s rare at this price point.
• Ergonomics: One standout feature is the machine’s user-friendly layout. The control panel is straightforward, with buttons for single and double shots, a steam wand dial, and a clear temperature gauge. All buttons are tactile and responsive, with a satisfying click when pressed.

Ease of Use

• Control Panel: The control panel is simple but effective. You have three main buttons: one for a single shot, one for a double shot, and one for hot water. The steam wand is controlled by a separate knob, making it easy to switch between brewing espresso and frothing milk. The learning curve is minimal, and within a few days, even beginners will feel comfortable navigating the machine.
• Quick Heat-up Time: One of the biggest selling points of the Casabrews Ultra is its quick heat-up time. It uses a thermoblock heating system, which means it can go from cold to brewing temperature in about 30 seconds. This is especially handy for busy mornings when you don’t want to wait around for a slow heat-up.
• Water Tank: The water tank has a 2-liter capacity, which is more than sufficient for home use. It’s transparent, so you can easily check the water level at a glance, and it’s removable, making refills and cleaning a breeze. During my testing, I found that I only had to refill the tank every couple of days, even with regular use.
• Portafilter and Baskets: The portafilter feels sturdy in hand, and it comes with both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets, depending on whether you want to use pre-ground coffee or grind your own beans. The inclusion of both basket types is a nice touch, allowing beginners to start with pre-ground coffee before graduating to more advanced brewing techniques.
• Cleaning: Cleaning the machine is straightforward. The drip tray and water tank are removable, and the portafilter is easy to rinse. The machine also comes with a cleaning needle and a brush for maintaining the steam wand. Additionally, there’s an automatic descaling program that you can run when needed, though I found the machine didn’t require descaling very often.

Performance and Coffee Quality

• Brewing: The Casabrews Ultra uses a 15-bar pressure pump, which is standard for most espresso machines in this price range. I was consistently able to pull rich, crema-topped espresso shots. The machine does a good job of extracting flavors, resulting in coffee that is smooth, full-bodied, and well-balanced. Whether using a single-origin bean or a darker blend, the Casabrews Ultra delivered excellent results.
• Customization: One of the best features of this machine is the ability to customize the shot volume. You can program the amount of water dispensed for single or double shots, allowing you to fine-tune the strength of your espresso based on your preferences. This level of customization is not always available in machines at this price point, so it’s a big plus for coffee aficionados who like to experiment with their brews.
• Milk Frothing: The steam wand works well, producing microfoam that’s good enough for latte art (with a little practice). It has sufficient power to heat and froth milk quickly, though it can be a bit noisy. During testing, I found the steam wand to be effective for making both lattes and cappuccinos, producing a velvety texture that complements the espresso.
• Temperature Control: The built-in thermometer ensures that your espresso is brewed at the optimal temperature, which is crucial for flavor extraction. I found that the machine maintained consistent temperatures throughout the brewing process, ensuring that every shot was hot but not burnt. The milk frothing temperature was also reliable, making it easy to avoid overheating the milk.

Durability and Long-term Use

• Consistency: After using the Casabrews Ultra for several months, I’ve found it to be highly consistent in its performance. The espresso shots are as good today as they were on the first day of testing, and the machine shows no signs of wear and tear. This speaks to the machine’s build quality and the longevity of its components.
• Maintenance: One important factor in long-term performance is maintenance, and Casabrews makes this easy. The automatic descaling feature works well, and the machine gives you a reminder when it’s time to descale. The steam wand, however, does require manual cleaning after each use to prevent milk buildup, but this is standard for any espresso machine.
• Replacement Parts: Although I haven’t needed to replace any parts yet, it’s good to know that Casabrews offers replacement components directly through their website. This gives peace of mind that, should anything go wrong in the future, you can easily source the necessary parts.

Value for Money

• Price: Retailing at around $400–$500, the Casabrews Ultra falls into the mid-range category for home espresso machines. Considering the quality of the espresso, the range of features, and the overall build, I believe this machine offers excellent value for money. It competes with machines that cost significantly more, like the Breville Barista Express or the Gaggia Classic, while still delivering a comparable experience.
• What You Get: For the price, you’re getting a machine that not only brews quality espresso but also offers a level of customization and versatility that’s hard to find in similarly priced models. Whether you’re making a quick shot of espresso or crafting a milk-based drink like a latte or cappuccino, the Casabrews Ultra delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of the cost of higher-end machines.

Drawbacks

• Noise: One minor drawback of the Casabrews Ultra is the noise level. While it’s not excessively loud, it is noticeable, especially when using the steam wand. This is something to keep in mind if you live in a small apartment or need to make coffee early in the morning when others are still sleeping.
• Learning Curve for Milk Frothing: While the steam wand produces excellent microfoam, it does take some practice to get the technique just right. If you’re new to frothing milk, expect a bit of a learning curve. However, once you get the hang of it, the results are impressive.
• No Built-in Grinder: The Casabrews Ultra doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, which is something some competitors like the Breville Barista Express include. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, especially if you already have a grinder or prefer pre-ground coffee, it’s worth mentioning for those who want an all-in-one machine.

Comparisons with Competitors

Casabrews Ultra vs. Breville Barista Express

The Breville Barista Express and the Casabrews Ultra are two of the most popular espresso machines in the mid-range price category, both designed for home users who want quality espresso without the steep price tag of high-end machines. However, they cater to slightly different audiences based on their feature sets.

One of the standout features of the Breville Barista Express is its built-in conical burr grinder, which allows you to grind fresh beans directly into the portafilter. This all-in-one approach is highly convenient and gives the Breville a significant advantage for users who want an integrated machine. In contrast, the Casabrews Ultra requires a separate grinder, making it less convenient for those who prioritize fresh grinding but ideal for users who already own a quality grinder or prefer pre-ground coffee.

When it comes to espresso quality, both machines perform well, offering 15-bar pumps and high-quality extractions. However, the Breville gives you more control over the grind size and dose, which can result in more precise shots if you’re willing to tinker with settings. The Casabrews Ultra, on the other hand, shines with its simpler, more intuitive interface. Its quick heat-up time and programmable shot volumes make it more user-friendly for beginners or casual users who want good espresso with minimal fuss.

The Breville Barista Express also comes with a powerful steam wand that produces excellent microfoam for milk-based drinks, comparable to the Casabrews Ultra’s steam performance. However, the Casabrews may appeal more to those looking for a compact design, as it’s slightly smaller than the Breville, which can be bulkier in smaller kitchens.

In terms of pricing, the Breville Barista Express typically costs more due to the built-in grinder and more advanced features, while the Casabrews Ultra offers a similar espresso experience at a lower cost, especially if you already own a grinder.

Verdict: If you prefer an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder and don’t mind paying a bit more for added precision, the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable machine that delivers great espresso with fewer complexities, the Casabrews Ultra is a strong contender.

Casabrews Ultra vs. Gaggia Classic Pro

The Gaggia Classic Pro and the Casabrews Ultra are both beloved by home baristas, but they offer distinctly different experiences. The Gaggia Classic Pro is renowned for its traditional, no-frills approach to espresso making, while the Casabrews Ultra leans toward modern conveniences and ease of use.

One of the key differences between these two machines is their design philosophy. The Gaggia Classic Pro has a timeless, minimalist design that appeals to espresso purists. Its mechanical rocker switches and heavy-duty build give it a professional feel, resembling machines you might find in a small café. The Casabrews Ultra, by contrast, has a more contemporary design with a sleek stainless steel body and digital controls, making it more user-friendly for beginners.

In terms of espresso quality, both machines are capable of pulling excellent shots. The Gaggia Classic Pro is known for its ability to produce consistently high-quality espresso, thanks to its commercial-style portafilter and robust 15-bar pump. The Casabrews Ultra also delivers rich, crema-topped espresso but with more built-in conveniences like programmable shot volumes and a quicker heat-up time due to its thermoblock heating system.

The steam wand is another area of difference. The Gaggia Classic Pro features a powerful steam wand that’s favored by those who want full control over frothing for latte art. However, it can be tricky for beginners to master. The Casabrews Ultra offers a more forgiving frothing experience, with a steam wand that’s effective but easier to use, making it a good choice for less experienced users.

Both machines fall in a similar price range, but the Gaggia Classic Pro is often regarded as the better option for users who enjoy the hands-on aspect of crafting espresso. It’s more customizable and durable over the long term, but it does come with a steeper learning curve. The Casabrews Ultra, on the other hand, is a more versatile machine that’s accessible to a wider range of users due to its modern features and ease of use.

Verdict: If you’re an espresso purist who values durability and precision, the Gaggia Classic Pro is likely the better choice. If you prefer a more user-friendly machine with modern features like programmable shot volumes and quicker heat-up times, the Casabrews Ultra offers great value.

Casabrews Ultra vs. DeLonghi Dedica

The DeLonghi Dedica and the Casabrews Ultra occupy a similar price bracket, but they offer very different experiences for home users. The Dedica is known for its compact size, making it one of the slimmest espresso machines on the market, while the Casabrews Ultra is slightly larger but offers more advanced features.

Starting with the design, the DeLonghi Dedica is incredibly slim, measuring just 6 inches wide, which makes it ideal for small kitchens or users with limited counter space. Its sleek, minimalist design is attractive, and it can easily fit into any modern kitchen setup. The Casabrews Ultra is slightly bulkier but still compact enough for most kitchens, offering a more robust build quality with a stainless steel body that feels premium and durable.

When it comes to performance, the Dedica offers solid espresso shots but lacks the same level of pressure consistency that the Casabrews Ultra provides. The Dedica operates with a 15-bar pump, but due to its smaller size and lower thermal stability, it may not produce the same depth of flavor or consistency as the Casabrews Ultra. The Casabrews machine, on the other hand, is equipped with a thermoblock heating system that heats up faster and maintains a more consistent temperature throughout the brewing process.

The steam wand on the DeLonghi Dedica is functional but less powerful than the Casabrews Ultra’s. While it can froth milk reasonably well for cappuccinos and lattes, it doesn’t produce the same silky microfoam that the Casabrews Ultra can achieve, making it a less suitable option for those who want to practice latte art or enjoy textured milk drinks regularly.

In terms of ease of use, the DeLonghi Dedica is more basic. It’s designed for users who want a simple, no-fuss espresso experience, which is great for beginners but limits customization options. The Casabrews Ultra, however, offers programmable shot volumes and more control over brewing variables, making it a better fit for users who want to experiment and refine their coffee-making skills.

Verdict: The DeLonghi Dedica is a great option for those who need a compact machine and prefer simplicity. However, for users who want more customization and better espresso and milk frothing capabilities, the Casabrews Ultra is the superior machine, offering better overall performance without taking up too much additional space.

Casabrews Ultra vs. Philips 3200 LatteGo

The Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Casabrews Ultra target different segments of the home espresso market, yet they both offer strong value in their price category. The Philips 3200 is an automatic espresso machine, whereas the Casabrews Ultra is semi-automatic, meaning the user experience and level of control are quite different.

The most significant advantage of the Philips 3200 LatteGo is its fully automatic operation. With the push of a button, the Philips 3200 grinds the beans, doses the coffee, and pulls the shot for you. It even automatically froths milk using its LatteGo milk system, which is convenient for users who want hassle-free cappuccinos or lattes. The Casabrews Ultra, being semi-automatic, gives the user more control over the brewing process, from grinding the beans (with a separate grinder) to manually tamping and pulling shots. While this requires more involvement, it also allows for greater customization and precision.

The Philips 3200 is all about convenience. It features a large, easy-to-navigate touch interface and offers a wide variety of drink options, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and more, with the press of a button. The Casabrews Ultra doesn’t offer one-touch brewing, but it excels in shot quality, allowing you to fine-tune your espresso through more hands-on brewing and frothing. The Casabrews Ultra’s steam wand provides better microfoam for those who want to practice latte art or have more control over milk texture.

In terms of maintenance, the LatteGo milk system is one of the easiest to clean, as it doesn’t use traditional tubes but rather a detachable container. The Casabrews Ultra requires more manual cleaning, especially the steam wand, which needs to be wiped down after every use to prevent milk residue buildup.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is more expensive than the Casabrews Ultra, but it’s ideal for users who prioritize automation and ease of use over the manual espresso-making process. For those who prefer the tactile experience of crafting espresso and enjoy having more control over every step, the Casabrews Ultra offers a richer and more customizable experience.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a hands-off,

automatic espresso solution, the Philips 3200 LatteGo is the better choice. However, if you enjoy the process of making espresso and want more control over the brewing and milk frothing, the Casabrews Ultra is a better fit and offers greater flexibility at a lower price.

Customer Support and Warranty

• Warranty: The Casabrews Ultra comes with a 1-year warranty, which is standard for most espresso machines in this price range. I haven’t had to use customer support, but based on other reviews, Casabrews seems to have a responsive and helpful support team.
• Customer Feedback: Casabrews has a relatively smaller but loyal customer base, and many users have praised the Ultra for its reliability and ease of use. Online reviews are generally positive, with users appreciating the machine’s ability to produce café-quality coffee at home.

Final Verdict

The Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine is a versatile and user-friendly appliance that strikes a great balance between price and performance. It offers professional-grade espresso with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for home baristas of all skill levels. While it lacks a built-in grinder and can be a bit noisy during operation, these are minor drawbacks when considering the overall value it provides.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Quick heat-up time and efficient brewing
• High-quality espresso with rich crema
• Customizable shot volumes
• Excellent steam wand for milk frothing
• Durable stainless steel build
• Affordable price point for the features included

Cons:

• No built-in grinder
• Slightly noisy during operation
• Learning curve for milk frothing

Final Rating: 9/10

For anyone looking to invest in a reliable and efficient espresso machine for home use, the Casabrews Ultra offers fantastic value and performance. It’s an excellent machine for those just beginning their espresso journey, as well as for experienced users who want a dependable machine without breaking the bank. While there are a few areas that could be improved, the Casabrews Ultra delivers where it matters most: consistently great coffee.