I recently got a Casabrews Espresso Machine for Nespresso pods, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. This compact coffee maker is designed for use with Nespresso original pods, making it easy to brew espresso at home. With 20 bars of pressure and four brewing modes, it delivers rich, full-bodied espresso with a perfect crema.
The machine features a 21-ounce removable water tank, which is handy for refilling and cleaning. I found it fits nicely on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space. It’s also a great option for small offices or dorm rooms, because of its compact size.
One thing I like about this Casabrews model is its versatility. It can make ristretto, espresso, lungo, and Americano, so there’s a drink option for everyone. The machine heats up quickly, and the pod system means less mess and fuss compared to traditional espresso makers. Although, if you’re the type that likes to try new beans or really dial in your espresso, I would recommend the Casabrews Professional Espresso Machine, as well.
Here are the main factors for why I like this machine so much and would recommend it.
Compact Footprint
This machine is perfect for small kitchens and tight spaces. I measured it at just 12 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 10 inches tall. It easily fits under even low cabinets and doesn’t take up much counter space.
The slim profile allows it to slide into narrow gaps between appliances. I think it would be perfect for the office, even if you need to have it on your desk. It’s also great for dorm rooms, or shared kitchen settings.
The only thing I find a bit frustrating about the small design is that some of my espresso cups (my beloved lungo glasses, for instance) don’t fit in the cup holder space.
Aesthetic Appeal
The Casabrews machine has a sleek, modern look that fits well in many kitchen styles. Its clean lines and minimalist design give it an upscale appearance.
The front panel has a simple layout with just four settings and a twist knob to choose your setting. It gives the machine an uncluttered, user-friendly feel. No bells and whistles. Just what you need to make an espresso. I prefer that type of machine.
Another thing I really like about the appearance is the clear water tank on the side. This helps see if you need to refill the water without checking, a nice functional aspect that most machines don’t have.
Material Quality
This espresso maker is built with durable materials that should hold up well over time. The main body is made of sturdy ABS plastic that resists scratches and dents.
Key components like the drip tray and capsule holder are stainless steel for added strength. The water tank is BPA-free plastic that’s dishwasher safe.
I appreciate the rubber feet on the bottom that keep it stable on the counter. The suction cups keep it from sliding around on the table. The only thing I didn’t love was that my cup did vibrate around on the tray as the machine was warming up. There’s no ledge to keep the cup from moving.
Brewing Capabilities
This machine uses Nespresso Original pods for convenient, mess-free brewing. It offers 4 preset cup sizes – ristretto, espresso, lungo, and Americano. I mostly use the lungo setting because I prefer a slightly larger pour, but I’ve found all 3 espresso shots to have nice crema and good flavor extraction.
The 21 oz water tank is removable for easy filling. It’s enough for about 10 espresso shots before needing a refill. One downside is that it only works with Nespresso pods. You can’t use ground coffee or other capsules. It does hold up to 8 used capsules, so you don’t have to dump it so often.
Temperature Control
The Casabrews machine heats up quickly, ready to brew in about 25 seconds. There’s no option to adjust the temperature manually. For most users, the preset temp works well for extracting flavor from the pods.
After 15 minutes of inactivity, it automatically shuts off to save energy.
Pressure System
This model has a 20-bar high-pressure pump. That’s more than enough for proper espresso extraction, which only needs 9 bars.
The high pressure helps create rich crema and full-bodied espresso shots. It also ensures the water can penetrate the pods effectively.
I noticed the pump is fairly quiet compared to some other machines I’ve tested. This is nice if you’re brewing early in the morning.
Cleaning
Overall, I’ve found the machine to be very easy to clean. I just wipe down the exterior once a week and wipe out the pod area. The machine has a setting to let you know when it’s time to descale the machine. The on/off button flashes and beeps to alert you. I haven’t had to descale yet, but it’s a very straightforward process.
The water tank is dishwasher safe, if you ever feel the need to give it a deeper clean. The tray is removeable for easy cleaning and you can put that in the dishwasher as well.
Overview
After using this machine, I can definitely say that it’s just as good as any of the higher-end brand name machines I’ve bought in the past. It gets the job done and doesn’t add clutter to the process.
I also feel like the machine was built to last and won’t be needing a replacement for years to come.
Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.