Semi-automatic and prosumer machines

What Separates One $100 to $150 Espresso Machine From Another?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

On a listing they look alike. A new CASABREWS CM5418 is $139.99, Gevi's compact ECMG0 is $139.99 marked down from $199.99, and Chefman's CraftBrew is $119.99. The differences are in the portafilter, the baskets that come with it, the tank, the warranty, and whether the price is for a new machine at all. The pump rating tells you little on its own, since Gevi advertises the ECMG0 with a 20-bar pump and 9-bar extraction on the same page.

Three machines, spec for spec

CASABREWS CM5418Gevi ECMG0Chefman CraftBrew
Price, new$139.99 to $169.99 depending on color$139.99 (list $199.99)$119.99, $129.99 in black stainless
Pump20 bar20 bar15 bar
Portafilter51 mm aluminum51 mmSize not given
Baskets included1-cup and 2-cup dual-wallTwo 51 mm filters, type not stated on the product pageSingle and double shot baskets, type not stated
Temperature controlPIDNTC + PIDNot listed
Water tank34 oz34 oz1.5 L (about 51 oz)
Power1,350 W1,350 W1,350 W, 120 V
Warranty1 year, parts and labor1 year plus a 3-month extension1 year

CASABREWS also lists low-pressure pre-infusion, a pressure gauge, and a manual steam wand on the CM5418. Chefman's CraftBrew page lists a steam wand and includes a tamper and coffee scoop.

The baskets decide how far the machine can go

CASABREWS describes the CM5418's 51 mm portafilter and two dual-wall filters as built for "stable, beginner-friendly extraction." Nothing on the listing mentions a single-wall basket. If you later want to try a non-pressurized basket, you'd be shopping for one that fits a 51 mm portafilter, and the Chefman page doesn't give its portafilter size at all.

Under $100 usually means refurbished

CASABREWS sells refurbished CM5418 units in two grades. Like-New units run $99.99 to $129.99 by color, and Great Value units $89.99 to $119.99, with several colors out of stock. Its refurbished 3700Essential sits lower, at $75.99 to $85.49. The cheapest new machines on Gevi's espresso page, the ECMD0 and ECME0, are $108.00 each against a list price of $119.99.

The model number is what you search for later

Each of these brands files its manuals by model, not by product name. CASABREWS publishes separate manuals for the CM5418, 5418PRO, 3700GENSE, 3700Essential, 3700PRO, 5700Pro, 5700GENSE, ULTRA, and VINTAGE. Chefman's espresso document library is sorted by codes such as RJ54-SS-15-D, which is the CraftBrew. Gevi's FAQ gives the ECMG0's model code as GECME418E-U, the string you'd type in when looking for a replacement basket or gasket.

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Sources

  1. CASABREWS — CM5418
  2. CASABREWS — Refurbished machines
  3. CASABREWS — Product Manuals & User Guides
  4. Gevi — Espresso Coffee Machines
  5. Gevi — Compact Espresso Coffee Machine with Milk Frother ECMG0
  6. Chefman — CraftBrew Espresso Machine
  7. Chefman — Document Library: Espresso Makers

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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