I’ve been testing the Casabrews Ultra espresso machine for several weeks now. This affordable machine packs some impressive features typically found in more expensive models, including a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, PID temperature control, and a full stainless steel construction.
In this hands-on review, I’ll share my experience with the Ultra’s design, functionality, and performance to help you decide if it’s the right machine for your home espresso journey.
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Check out my hands-on review on our YouTube channel.
First Impressions and Design
The Ultra follows a familiar semi-automatic espresso machine layout with a compact footprint that won’t dominate your counter space.
What immediately caught my attention was the full stainless steel construction that gives it a more premium look than its price suggests.
The brushed stainless steel finish wraps around the entire machine, combined with angled edges that avoid any sharp or cheap feeling. Even areas typically hidden, like underneath the machine, use integrated metal materials that look both attractive and durable while being easy to clean.
The drip tray is large and easy to remove for cleaning. The machine has a 3-way solenoid valve. There’s a drainage outlet at the bottom where water flows out after pressure release, draining into the drip tray.
The top surface offers plenty of space to store several cups, which not only preheats them but also keeps your countertop more organized.
The water tank capacity sits at 2.2 liters, which is generous for a machine of this size.
What’s Included in the Box
The Ultra comes with several accessories to get you started:
- 58mm portafilter (commercial standard size)
- Four filter baskets:
- Two non-pressurized (for those with proper grinders)
- Two pressurized (beginner-friendly, works with pre-ground coffee)
- Plastic tamper
- Detailed instruction manual
Check out my unboxing short video here:
Note that a milk pitcher isn’t included in the box and needs to be purchased separately.
Controls and Settings
The control panel is straightforward with dedicated buttons and an LCD display for brewing and steaming functions.
The machine only needs about 1 minute to warm up, which fits perfectly into most busy morning coffee routines.
Like most machines, you can customize the shot volume. The Casabrews Ultra also features a PID temperature controller, uncommon at this price point. You can hold the hot water button for 5 seconds, then select between 90, 92, 94, or 96 degrees for your brewing temperature. This provides more stable brewing temperatures than thermoblocks found in cheaper machines.
Brewing Performance
After testing dozens of shots, I found the Ultra capable of producing very decent espresso with the right beans and grind settings.
The machine performs a 5-second pre-infusion to wet the coffee puck before extraction begins, which helps with even extraction.
Here is how I dial in when I got the machine:
- Measuring about 17 grams of fresh coffee beans
- Setting my grinder to the espresso range
- Using a dosing funnel to prevent spillage
- Performing WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) to evenly distribute grounds
- Tamping evenly and firmly
- Brewing with a target of 36 grams out in 25-30 seconds
- Slower than 35 seconds, grind coarser; faster than 25 seconds, grind finer.
After dialing in, you can further fine-tune the shot quality by trying one or two steps coarser or finer, use higher or lower brew temperatures until you get the best shot you like.
Another pleasant surprise was how quiet the machine runs compared to other vibration pump machines.
Steaming Performance
The Ultra uses a single thermoblock system, so after brewing, you’ll need to press the steam button to enter steam mode. The good thing is that it won’t take long to switch to steaming mode.
Once the heating block reaches steam temperature, you can start frothing milk.
The steam wand features a single-hole design, which is simpler for beginners to use. Like other entry-level machines, the steam power isn’t particularly strong, but it’s enough for home use.
Here are some tips about using the steam wand on Casabrews Ultra.
- Smaller milk pitchers create a better vortex than larger ones
- Always start with cold milk
- Positioning the wand at 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock works best
- Keeping the nozzle just at the milk’s surface creates the proper hissing sound. It takes a few seconds to form the vortex
- Insert the wand deeper to blend the bubbles and milk
- The process takes about 50-60 seconds until the pitcher feels hot to touch
After steaming, press the hot water button to return to brewing mode. The machine automatically releases pressure and cools down – you’ll see steam escaping from the bottom. Once the temperature drops to brewing level, you can make another coffee without manual temperature surfing.
Pros and Cons of the Casabrews Ultra
What I Liked
- Full stainless steel construction with premium look
- Commercial standard 58mm portafilter
- PID temperature control with adjustable brewing temperatures
- Quick 1-minute warm-up time
- Programmable shot buttons
- Capable of producing quality microfoam for latte art
- Relatively quiet operation
Room for Improvement
- Despite having a 3-way solenoid valve, it doesn’t immediately release pressure from the basket when brewing stops
- Steam power could be stronger for faster milk frothing
- No milk pitcher included
Is Casabrews Ultra Worth Buying?
The Casabrews Ultra offers impressive value for its price point.
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For beginners or those upgrading from a capsule machine who want to explore real espresso without a massive investment, the Casabrews Ultra is definitely worth considering. It produces quality espresso shots with the right beans and grind, and with some practice, you can create cafe-style milk drinks at home.
Whether you’re just starting your espresso journey or looking for an affordable upgrade, the Casabrews Ultra delivers solid performance and value that’s hard to beat in its price range.
