CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine Review Barista Style Coffee and Easy Milk Steaming
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
The CASABREWS Ultra is worth considering if you want more control than a basic pod machine provides without moving to a large commercial-style setup. Its 58mm portafilter, adjustable brewing temperature, LCD shot timer, and steam wand create a flexible platform for espresso, Americanos, cappuccinos, and lattes. However, it may require some setup and adjustment before it produces its best results.
Product Overview
The CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso maker designed for home or office use. It uses ground coffee and includes both single-wall and dual-wall filter baskets for one-cup and two-cup servings.
The machine combines a 20-bar Italian pump, a 1350-watt thermoblock heating system, low-pressure pre-infusion, and four selectable brewing temperatures. An LCD screen displays operating information and extraction time, while dedicated buttons control single shots, double shots, hot water, steam, and power.
Its 58mm group format is particularly useful for coffee drinkers who may want to add compatible precision baskets, distribution tools, or a bottomless portafilter later. Beginners can start with the more forgiving dual-wall baskets, while users with a suitable burr grinder can use the single-wall baskets for greater control.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The brushed stainless steel exterior gives the CASABREWS Ultra a clean, understated appearance. At approximately 10.31 inches wide, 12.2 inches deep, and 12.9 inches high, it has a relatively compact footprint. It should fit beneath many residential cabinets, although additional clearance is helpful when removing or refilling the rear water tank.
The removable reservoir holds 73 fluid ounces, or about 2.16 liters. That capacity is useful because water is consumed not only when brewing but also when flushing the group head, dispensing hot water, purging the steam wand, and warming the brewing components.
The front control panel has five dedicated buttons and a backlit LCD display. The screen is one of the more practical design elements because it provides clear status information and automatically tracks extraction time. The top of the machine also serves as a passive cup-warming area.
The portafilter can feel tight when the machine is new, so it may take one hand to stabilize the body while the other locks it into place. The steam wand’s ball joint may also be stiff initially. At roughly 13.55 pounds, the machine is substantial enough for regular counter use but light enough that it may move if the portafilter is turned forcefully.
Key Features
58mm portafilter system
The full-size 58mm group format offers more accessory flexibility than many compact home machines. The package includes single-wall and dual-wall baskets for both single and double shots. The main limitation is that the supplied double basket appears relatively shallow, so the manual’s suggested dose of 19 to 21 grams may leave too little space between the coffee puck and the shower screen.
Four brewing temperature settings
The machine allows espresso brewing temperatures of approximately 194, 197.6, 201.2, and 204.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it possible to adjust extraction for different beans. Lower temperatures can help reduce harshness with darker roasts, while lighter roasts may respond better to the higher settings. The adjustment applies to espresso brewing rather than steam temperature.
LCD display with shot timer
The front display tracks extraction time automatically, which makes it easier to evaluate consistency from one shot to the next. This removes the need to use a phone as a timer. A coffee scale is still recommended because time alone does not show how much espresso has entered the cup.
Programmable shot volume
Single and double shot buttons can be programmed for different output volumes, and manual control is also available. This matters because the factory settings may dispense more water than some espresso recipes require. Reprogramming the double shot around a target yield based on the coffee dose can produce a more balanced result.
Steam and hot water functions
The stainless steel steam wand can texture milk and dispense hot water for Americanos or cup preheating. Steam is activated electronically with a button rather than controlled through a traditional mechanical knob. This arrangement is simple, but it does not offer the same immediate and proportional control as a manual steam valve.
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What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, the CASABREWS Ultra can be ready to brew in roughly 25 to 45 seconds. The thermoblock may heat quickly, but the portafilter, basket, and cup still benefit from a blank warming shot before coffee is added.
Initial setup deserves attention. The red silicone plug on the bottom of the water tank must be removed, and the water circuits should be flushed according to the instructions. Reports of residual chemical or metallic flavors suggest that running several reservoirs of fresh water through the group head and steam wand may be necessary before making the first drink.
For espresso, a dose of approximately 15 to 18 grams may fit the supplied double basket more comfortably than the larger recommendation in the manual. The exact amount will depend on the beans, grind, and basket. Leaving enough headspace helps prevent the puck from pressing against the shower screen.
The default double-shot volume may run longer than a typical starting espresso ratio. Rather than relying on the factory setting, users may want to program the machine to produce approximately twice the dry coffee weight. For example, an 18-gram dose could begin with about 36 grams of espresso in the cup, followed by adjustments based on taste.
After brewing, the machine needs approximately 25 to 30 seconds to transition to steam mode. Purging the wand for a few seconds before placing it in milk helps remove condensed water. The available information suggests that steam pressure is moderate, so creating fine microfoam may take close to a minute and require careful pitcher positioning.
What Works Well
The 58mm format provides a useful upgrade path and supports a wider range of barista accessories.
Four brewing temperatures offer meaningful control for different roast levels and flavor preferences.
The integrated shot timer makes extraction monitoring straightforward and encourages more consistent brewing.
The thermoblock heats relatively quickly, making the machine practical for morning use.
The 73-ounce reservoir reduces the need for frequent refilling during brewing, rinsing, and steaming.
Including both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets makes the machine accessible to beginners while leaving room for more advanced preparation.
The pump is reported to operate at a relatively modest noise level, which may be helpful in shared homes or during early morning use.
Low-pressure pre-infusion gently wets the coffee before full extraction pressure is applied, potentially supporting more even saturation.
Things to Consider
The factory shot volumes may be too long for a balanced espresso recipe. Reprogramming the brew buttons or stopping shots manually may be necessary.
The included double basket may not comfortably hold the full 19 to 21 grams suggested in the instructions. Overfilling can reduce headspace and interfere with puck integrity.
Steam performance appears better suited to one drink at a time than to preparing several large milk beverages in quick succession.
Electronic steam activation does not provide the same tactile control or immediate shutoff as a traditional steam knob.
The steam wand and portafilter may feel stiff when the machine is new.
A dedicated milk pitcher, coffee scale, grinder, and knock box are not included. These additional tools may significantly improve the workflow but increase the total setup cost.
The machine cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Users making milk drinks must complete these tasks in separate stages.
Who Is This Product For?
The CASABREWS Ultra is best suited to home users who primarily drink espresso, Americanos, or iced espresso drinks but also want the option to prepare cappuccinos and lattes. It is particularly relevant for someone willing to adjust grind size, dose, temperature, and shot volume rather than relying entirely on factory presets.
Beginners can use the dual-wall baskets with pre-ground coffee, although freshly ground beans from an espresso-capable burr grinder should offer more control and better flavor potential. More experienced users may appreciate the 58mm group format and temperature choices.
It may be less suitable for households that regularly prepare several large milk drinks back to back. Anyone who wants automatic grinding, one-touch milk preparation, or simultaneous brewing and steaming should consider a different type of machine.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Confirm that the 120-volt electrical specification is appropriate for your location.
Measure the available counter space and leave enough clearance to access the rear water reservoir.
Remove the red silicone plug from the bottom of the tank before initial operation.
Flush the machine thoroughly before brewing coffee. If the water has an unusual odor or taste, continue flushing both the group head and steam circuit.
Use a blank shot to warm the portafilter, basket, group head, and cup before extraction.
Start with a dose that fits the basket comfortably rather than forcing in the maximum amount listed in the manual.
Use a scale to measure both the dry coffee dose and the espresso yield. The built-in timer is helpful, but weight provides essential information when adjusting a recipe.
Purge the steam wand before frothing, then wipe and purge it again immediately afterward. The wand and discharged water can be very hot, so handle them carefully.
Budget for a small stainless steel milk pitcher if you plan to make milk drinks. A capable burr grinder is also important when using the single-wall baskets.
Common Questions
Does the CASABREWS Ultra include a grinder?
No. It uses ground coffee, so a separate espresso-capable grinder is recommended for freshly ground beans.
Can it make regular coffee?
It is designed for espresso-based drinks rather than drip coffee. Hot water can be added to espresso to make an Americano.
Does it include pressurized baskets?
Yes. The package includes dual-wall pressurized baskets as well as single-wall baskets for one-cup and two-cup servings.
Can the brewing temperature be adjusted?
Yes. There are four espresso brewing settings ranging from approximately 194 to 204.8 degrees Fahrenheit. These settings do not control steam temperature.
Can it brew and steam at the same time?
No. It uses a single thermoblock workflow, so brewing and milk steaming are performed separately.
Is a milk pitcher included?
No dedicated stainless steel frothing pitcher is listed among the included accessories, so one will need to be purchased separately.
Final Thoughts
The CASABREWS Ultra combines several useful espresso features in a relatively compact machine. Its strongest points are the 58mm group format, four brewing temperatures, programmable shot volumes, quick thermoblock heating, large reservoir, and integrated extraction timer.
Its limitations are mainly related to workflow and initial adjustment. The factory shot settings may run too long, the stock double basket may not comfortably support the manual’s larger dose recommendation, and the steam system requires more patience than a machine with stronger pressure and a mechanical control knob. Thorough initial flushing is also important.
For espresso and Americano drinkers who are comfortable dialing in a recipe, the CASABREWS Ultra offers a capable semi-automatic platform. It can also handle occasional milk drinks, provided the user is willing to practice steaming technique. Paired with fresh beans, a suitable grinder, careful puck preparation, and sensible shot programming, it has the features needed to produce balanced espresso at home.
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