CM5418

I’m absolutely able to make good espresso with my new CasaBrews 5418 with replacement filter holder. So all in, less than $200. Frankly, as good as my Saeco and old Gaggia. But I also had just gotten a new grinder (cheap) and the combo is fantastic…again, after I upgraded the portafilter.

I would (and did) go with the Casabrews 5418 and the Aromaster Burt grinder. You can get into this for less than $200 and have money left over for good beans. I did have to swap out the portafilter for a non pressurized basket. $30

I burned through a whole bag of beans trying to get good results from a bottomless portafilter. I tried everything. My biggest problem was it sprayed everywhere. The pressurized basket/portafilter didn't spray and make a mess. The coffee tasted decent. Decent fake crema. Much better than the Nespres

I've had a look at the suggestions you were previously given. They were trying to teach you to fly before you could crawl. Your coffee is pre-ground and I assume you're using a pressurised portafilter. “Dialing-in” does not exist for you yet, you have no options and no flexibility, anything close to

You're right, and all these espresso machines came with a steam wand so you can steam the milk for your mixed drinks. If you're ok with a little bigger budget, the casabrews 5418 that I have is at $140 on Amazon right now and it's much better than the other two I mentioned. It still comes with a pre