The CASABREWS CM5418 is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine with a front-mounted pressure gauge, a manual steam wand and a 34 oz water tank. CASABREWS sells it on casabrews.com from $139.99 in silver, with the other four colors at $169.99.
What is the CASABREWS CM5418?
It is a pump espresso machine for the kitchen counter that takes ground coffee in a portafilter, so there is no built-in grinder and no automatic milk system. You tamp the grounds, lock the portafilter in, press 1 CUP or 2 CUP and the machine stops on its own. CASABREWS describes the current CM5418 as a best-selling compact machine with PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, a pressure gauge and a steam wand, and the user guide refers to a 20 bar pump. CASABREWS sells related 5418 models too, including the 5418 Pro and the 5418 ECO, which are separate machines with their own specifications.
CASABREWS CM5418 specs
| Model | CM5418 (manual model CM5418BC-UL) |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic, ground coffee only |
| Pump | 20 bar |
| Temperature control | PID, per CASABREWS |
| Pre-infusion | Low pressure, per CASABREWS |
| Pressure gauge | Yes, front panel |
| Steam wand | Manual, steam knob |
| Water tank | 34 oz (about 1.0 liter) |
| Power | 1350 W at 120 V |
| Controls | ON/OFF, 1 CUP, 2 CUP, STEAM |
| In the box | Portafilter, single and double filter, coffee spoon, cleaning needle |
| Colors | Silver, Sapphire Blue, Pastel Green, Beige, Black |
| Warranty | 1 year |
CASABREWS does not publish the portafilter diameter, the weight, the dimensions, the boiler type or a warm-up time for this model.
How the pressure gauge on the CASABREWS CM5418 works
The gauge is the feature that sets this machine apart on paper. Its dial is split into three zones. The manual says a needle in the lower zone during extraction means the shot ran at insufficient pressure, a needle in the solid gray zone means ideal pressure and a needle in the upper zone means too much pressure. The guide pairs those zones with a crema and cause table, so a pale crema points to an under-extracted shot and a very dark, uneven one to an over-extracted shot. For a beginner that gives something to adjust against: change the grind or the tamp, pull another shot and watch where the needle lands.
Making milk drinks with the CM5418 steam wand
Press STEAM and the machine heats; the steam light stops flashing when it is ready. CASABREWS suggests about 4 oz of cold whole milk in a jug 70 to 75 mm across, with the wand tip inserted about two millimeters, and the same wand dispenses hot water. The detail to plan around is in the guide: do not brew coffee immediately after frothing milk, because the boiler must cool down first or the machine goes into over-heating protection. Cooling means running hot water through the wand. So the order is espresso first, milk second, and a back-to-back second round needs a short pause.
CASABREWS CM5418 vs Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino BES450 costs $299.95 on breville.com, about twice the CM5418's silver price. For that Breville publishes the figures CASABREWS leaves out: a 54 mm portafilter, a 3 second ThermoJet heat-up, PID control, low-pressure pre-infusion into a 9 bar shot, a 1.4 liter tank and 1560 W. Both have a manual steam wand and a one-year warranty, and neither grinds. The CM5418 offers the gauge and a lower price; the Bambino offers published specifications you can check.
CASABREWS CM5418 vs De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK is cheaper at $104.99 and lists a 15 bar pump, a 1.0 liter tank, 1100 W, 4.3 kg and a stainless steel boiler. The CM5418 lists a 20 bar pump, a similar tank at 34 oz, 1350 W and a pressure gauge. A pump rating is a figure for the pump itself, so the two numbers say little about how a shot runs; the gauge is the more useful difference.
Is the CASABREWS CM5418 worth it?
At $139.99 it costs less than half the Bambino and about $35 more than the Stilosa, and the maker's own page lists a gauge, PID control and pre-infusion. The trade is information: CASABREWS publishes a short list of specifications, no portafilter size and no weight, and the manual dates from an earlier version that does not mention PID or pre-infusion. The page and the manual are the only sources, so treat the PID and pre-infusion claims as the maker's own. Compare it with the rest of the espresso machines before you decide.
Who should buy the CASABREWS CM5418 (and who should not)
It suits someone starting out who wants to learn espresso and milk steaming on a compact machine, with a gauge to show what each change does. It does not suit anyone who wants a built-in grinder, an automatic milk system, a published portafilter size for upgrading accessories, or back-to-back milk drinks without waiting for the boiler to cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the CASABREWS CM5418 cost?
CASABREWS lists the silver CM5418 at $139.99 on casabrews.com and the Sapphire Blue, Pastel Green, Beige and Black versions at $169.99.
Does the CASABREWS CM5418 have a grinder?
No. The manual has you add ground coffee to the filter with the coffee spoon, so you need a separate grinder or pre-ground espresso coffee.
Does the CM5418 have PID temperature control and pre-infusion?
CASABREWS' current product page says it has PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion. The older manual in the box does not mention either, so the page is the only source.
Can the CM5418 make cappuccino and latte?
Yes, with the manual steam wand. You froth the milk by moving the jug up and down, then pour it into the espresso. There is no automatic milk system.
Can I set how much espresso it pours?
Yes. Hold the 1 CUP or 2 CUP button for 3 seconds to program the volume. A single can be set between 30 ml (1 oz) and 70 ml (2.37 oz), and a double between 80 ml (2.7 oz) and 120 ml (4 oz).
How often does the CM5418 need descaling?
After 500 brew cycles a descaling warning shows, with all indicator lights flashing 5 times. The manual describes a descaling agent mix or citric acid, followed by clean water rinses.
