Casabrews CM5418 Review — How This Espresso Machine Elevated My Morning Ritual

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Casabrews CM5418 Review — How This Espresso Machine Elevated My Morning Ritual

There are certain things in life you never quite outgrow. For me, espresso is one of them. Maybe it’s because I’m half French, half Italian, and mornings in both cultures are built around that first strong, aromatic shot. Or maybe it’s simply the comfort of ritual — that quiet moment before the day wakes up, when the house is still asleep and the world feels soft.

So when Casabrews sent me their espresso machine, the CM5418, for review, I was curious. Could a compact, affordable home machine genuinely deliver the kind of espresso that brings me back to Italy or the cafés of my youth in France? Two weeks later, I can honestly say: YES.
And what surprised me wasn’t just the quality of the espresso — but how effortlessly the CM5418 slipped into my morning rhythm and elevated it.

This is my full review (long-form, personal, and hands-on ) exactly the way a proper espresso deserves to be appreciated.

My Morning Ritual, Reinvented With the CM5418

Every morning starts the same way. I’m usually the first one awake: long before the kids crash into the day, long before the house fills with that “lovely chaos” that only a family of six can produce. It’s just me and Marlow, my faithful Cocker Spaniel. He curls up next to me while I prepare my espresso. It’s our moment of calm before the world begins. With the Casabrews CM5418, that ritual has become deeper, almost meditative.

My espresso routine usually looks like this:

• 7:00am → First espresso of the day

• 9:30am → School-run reward espresso

• 11:30am → Late-morning espresso

• Afternoon → One more if I’m at home

That’s 3–4 espressos a day, every day, and the CM5418 has handled it beautifully.

I follow Casabrews’ own advice to preheat both the machine and my cup before pulling an espresso. With the stainless-steel steam wand, I pour hot water into the cup and empty it, then run a single-shot cycle without coffee. After that, the machine is perfectly ready. This ritual alone feels more meaningful than simply pressing a pod into a machine.

Taste Test — Illy, Marks & Spencer, and the “Wow” Shot

My very first espresso with the CM5418 was made using my favourite: Illy’s classic red-and-silver tin. Smooth, elegant, reliable: it’s the taste of home for me. That first shot genuinely surprised me. The espresso came out with a beautiful golden crema, thick and rich. The first sip? Perfectly balanced, not too bitter, full-bodied but gentle. It exceeded my expectations.

Later, I tried the Marks & Spencer Special Espresso, which is stronger and more intense — ideal for those days when the morning chaos is even more chaotic. Again, the machine handled it beautifully.

The CM5418 consistently delivered:

• smooth espresso

• balanced flavour

• gorgeous crema

• a warm, comforting aroma

It reminded me just how enjoyable real espresso can be when it’s done right.

Design & Build Quality – Slim, Stylish, and Sharp

The Casabrews CM5418 is surprisingly compact, especially for a 20-bar machine. Its slim shape fits perfectly on my kitchen counter without taking over the space.

Design highlights:

• Slim vertical profile

• Industrial-style stainless-steel finish

• Practical, user-friendly interface

• Decent 34 oz water tank

• Italian 20-bar pressure pump

It feels sturdy but not heavy, simple yet stylish — very much in line with what I expect from a gentleman’s espresso machine.

One thing to note: As with many stainless-steel appliances, you’ll want to dry it properly after cleaning to avoid small water marks. It’s not a flaw, just something to keep in mind.

Ease of Use — Surprisingly Simple, Even at 7AM

One thing Casabrews got undeniably right is simplicity.

• Heats up quickly — essential for busy mornings

• Straightforward controls

• Easy to clean

• Good steam wand

• Single and double shot buttons

The Steam Wand — My Wife’s Cappuccino & My Learning Curve

The CM5418 uses a stainless-steel steam wand that:

• froths milk quickly

• is easy to clean

• is intuitive to angle

I’ll be honest: I still need more practice, especially if I want to achieve silky micro-foam like a proper Italian barista. But even with my beginner technique, the foam is good. My wife, who loves a proper cappuccino, thinks the results are excellent: which is already a win.

Performance — Strong, Consistent, Impressive

This is where the CM5418 delivers far beyond its price point.

The 20-bar Italian pressure pump ensures:

• rich extraction

• thick crema

• balanced flavour

• consistency from cup to cup

Temperature feels stable, and thanks to the preheat routine, every espresso comes out warm and smooth. After two weeks of multiple espressos a day, performance has been solid and reliable.

From Lavazza Pods to Real Espresso

Before the Casabrews CM5418, we used a Lavazza “A Modo Mio” pod machine. It was good but:

• Pod prices have increased

• It’s not the most eco-friendly solution

• You lose the joy of actually making coffee

• The taste is less personal

And yes — I’m absolutely planning to buy a bean grinder next. This machine deserves it.

Living With the CM5418 — Pros, Cons & Small Details

Pros

• Thick, golden crema

• Strong 20-bar pressure

• Excellent espresso taste

• Slim, stylish design

• Good steam wand

• Easy to use

• Fantastic value for the performance

• Ideal for beginners and espresso lovers

Cons

• Slightly noisy (normal for this type of pump)

• Stainless steel needs to be dried properly

• Milk frothing requires practice

Who Should Buy the Casabrews CM5418?

Perfect for:

• Men who want a proper espresso at home

• Anyone upgrading from Nespresso or Lavazza pods

• Espresso lovers who enjoy the ritual

• Beginners who want something reliable and easy

• People with limited kitchen counter space

• Anyone who appreciates quality without a premium price

If your mornings are busy but you want one moment that feels truly yours — this is the machine for you.

Final Verdict — My Ritual, Perfected

The Casabrews CM5418 has become my daily espresso machine, and I don’t say that lightly. After two weeks of constant use, it has blended effortlessly into my mornings.

At 7am, with Marlow at my feet and the house still asleep, that first espresso feels like a small journey back to my roots — the aroma, the crema, the simplicity of the moment.

This machine brings my French–Italian heritage back into my mornings in a way that feels authentic and comforting. If you’re looking for an espresso machine that respects both the craft and the ritual, the Casabrews CM5418 is a fantastic choice.

I fully recommend it. Casabrews CM5418 is available on Amazon.com (here), and if you live in the UK: Amazon UK (here)

Jerome

Disclosure: this product was sent to me for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.