Breville Barista Express vs. CASABREWS CM5418: Is the $700 Machine Worth 5x the Price?
The beloved all-in-one against the budget upstart. We pulled shots on both to find out exactly what an extra $540 buys — and who should save it.
At a glance
 Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine |  CASABREWS CM5418 20-Bar Espresso Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $679.99 | $139.99 |
| Tier | ||
| Best for | Beginners who want a real espresso setup without a separate grinder | Beginners who want café-style espresso and latte art without spending four figures |
| Highlight feature | Integrated grinder | 20-bar Italian pump |
| Standout pro | “Built-in conical burr grinder” | “Genuine 20-bar pressure under $150” |
| Watchout | Steam wand has a learning curve | Small water reservoir |
| Buy |
Table of contents
This is the espresso question we get most: is the Breville Barista Express actually worth five times the CASABREWS CM5418? We kept both on the counter for two weeks and pulled a lot of shots to find out.
Side by side
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine | CASABREWS CM5418 20-Bar Espresso Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $679.99 | $139.99 |
| Tier | ||
| Best for | Beginners who want a real espresso setup without a separate grinder | Beginners who want café-style espresso and latte art without spending four figures |
| Highlight feature | Integrated grinder | 20-bar Italian pump |
| Standout pro | “Built-in conical burr grinder” | “Genuine 20-bar pressure under $150” |
| Watchout | Steam wand has a learning curve | Small water reservoir |
| Buy |
The case for the Breville Barista Express
The Breville is an all-in-one: a genuinely good conical burr grinder, steady temperature control, and a steam wand that’s forgiving to learn on. It’s the machine that turns “I’m curious about espresso” into “this is my hobby now,” and it’s built to survive years of daily use. Best for: people who’ll pull shots every day and want one box that does it all.
Breville
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The all-in-one espresso machine we recommend more than any other.
Why we recommend it
The all-in-one beginner espresso machine that does not compromise on shot quality.
Best for: Beginners who want a real espresso setup without a separate grinder
Pros
- Built-in conical burr grinder
- Real 15-bar pump pressure
- Easy to maintain at home
Cons
- Steam wand has a learning curve
- Large counter footprint
Starting at
$679.99
The case for the CASABREWS CM5418
The CASABREWS makes espresso that’s shockingly close — for a fifth of the price. The catch is the grinder: there isn’t one, so add a separate burr grinder (~$100–$150) to the math. Even then, you’re hundreds ahead. Best for: beginners and budget buyers who don’t mind a two-piece setup.
CASABREWS
CASABREWS CM5418 20-Bar Espresso Machine
The sub-$150 espresso machine we recommend to first-time home baristas.
Why we recommend it
The budget espresso machine that punches far above its price for new home baristas.
Best for: Beginners who want café-style espresso and latte art without spending four figures
Pros
- Genuine 20-bar pressure under $150
- Powerful steam wand for real microfoam
- Compact stainless footprint
Cons
- Small water reservoir
- No built-in grinder
Starting at
$139.99
Keep reading
FAQ
Is the Breville Barista Express worth 5x the CASABREWS?+
For most beginners, no — the CASABREWS makes genuinely good espresso for far less. The Breville earns its price with a built-in grinder, better temperature stability, and a build that lasts years, which matters if you will pull shots daily for a long time.
What is the biggest practical difference?+
The grinder. The Breville has an excellent one built in; the CASABREWS needs a separate grinder. Factor a $100–$150 grinder into the CASABREWS price when you compare.
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