Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine Review

Introduction

Can a sleek espresso machine under $300 deliver café-quality results at home? For coffee lovers searching for the best home espresso machine under $300, Casabrews says yes.

The ULTRA Espresso Machine packs professional-grade components—20-bar pressure, PID temperature control, and adjustable shot volumes—into a user-friendly device with a crisp LCD display. These premium features, often found in pricier models, bring authentic espresso drinks right to your kitchen.

Plus, with a 1-year warranty, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and free U.S. shipping, it’s never been easier to become your own barista. If you’re ready to move beyond basic brewers or pods, this budget-friendly espresso machine offers a feature-packed introduction to café-quality beverages. From rich espressos and creamy cappuccinos to indulgent mochas and elegant macchiatos, the Casabrews ULTRA elevates your everyday coffee routine.

ULTRA's dimensions and accessories

Quick Verdict

• Price: $249.99 (Exceptional Value)

• Taste & Quality: Comparable to—and at times surpassing—machines costing 2-3 times more

• Aesthetics: Sleek brushed stainless steel and a user-friendly LCD screen for a modern, upscale look

• Ease of Use: Simple button controls and adjustable temperature/volume settings make quality espresso accessible

• Learning Curve: Low (easy to use right away), but perfecting your shot and technique may take some dialing in

• Warranty & Guarantees: 1-Year Limited Warranty, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, Free Shipping (2-5 days in the USA)

• Overall Rating: 4.8/5

  (We award the ULTRA 4.8 out of 5 stars because it delivers pro-level performance on par with machines priced at two or three times as much.)

About Casabrews

Casabrews excels at making high-quality espresso accessible. Backed by top professionals—2023 World Barista Champion Boram Um states, “CASABREWS is the best choice for enjoying espresso at home”—this brand focuses on performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.

A low defect rate, attentive customer service, and a 1-year warranty position Casabrews as a leading option for those seeking the best espresso machine for beginners without sacrificing flavor or craftsmanship. Their mission is simple: deliver a café-level experience that encourages coffee lovers to refine their skills and savor every cup.

Casabrews' Logo

Introducing the Casabrews ULTRA

The ULTRA Espresso Machine stands as a gateway to espresso excellence. Equipped with a 20-bar professional pump, PID temperature control (90°C to 96°C), and adjustable shot volumes, it grants you the precision usually reserved for more expensive machines. Its sleek LCD display and straightforward button controls ensure that even if you’re new to espresso, you’ll be pulling quality shots in no time. The ULTRA also comes with a 73 oz (2.16 L) removable water tank and essential accessories—58mm tamper, portafilter, single and double-wall filters, coffee spoon, and cleaning needle—so you’re fully equipped from day one.

ULTRA Espresso Machine and accessories

Product Review & Analysis

Unboxing & First Impressions

From the moment the ULTRA arrived at our doorstep, we were eager to see how easily we could dive into brewing. Below are a few snapshots that capture our very first hands-on moments—revealing how the machine is packaged, the included accessories, and its thoughtful design touches.

Now, let’s tamp down and dive into the fine-ground details!

Design & Aesthetics

The ULTRA’s brushed stainless steel exterior, compact footprint (12.99” W x 12.2” D x 10.31” H), and top-mounted cup warmer blend form and function. The LCD display provides real-time feedback on temperature, extraction time, and settings, bringing a professional café vibe right into your kitchen.

Modern design that looks good on any couontertop

Key Highlights:

• Modern stainless steel finish offers a premium, upscale look

• Compact design fits easily into varied kitchen spaces

• LCD screen provides clarity on brew parameters, enhancing user confidence

Performance at a Glance

Inside the ULTRA, a 20-bar Italian pump and PID temperature control system ensure stable, full-bodied extractions. Warm-up takes about 25–38 seconds, so you won’t be left waiting. Whether you prefer lighter roasts or darker blends, the adjustable temperature range helps you tailor the flavor to your liking.

Performance Metrics:

• Pressure: 20 bar for rich, crema-topped espresso

• Temperature Control: Adjustable from 90°C to 96°C for flavor refinement

• Warm-Up Time: ~25–38 seconds

• Extraction Times: Single shot ~15.5 seconds; double shot ~23.5 seconds

20-bar espresso machine with easy temperature controls

Espresso Quality & Taste

With stable temperatures and precise pressure, the ULTRA allows your beans to shine. Even though it’s easy to produce decent shots right away, investing time in dialing in your grind and technique rewards you with espresso that’s as nuanced and balanced as what you’d find in machines costing much more. Expect a velvety crema and a well-rounded flavor profile, cup after cup.

A woman enjoying a cup of espresso

Flavor Notes:

• Thick crema signals proper extraction

• Temperature customization lets you highlight subtle flavor notes

• Consistent results that impress novices and connoisseurs alike

Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks

Cappuccinos, mochas, macchiatos, and lattes are all attainable with the ULTRA’s powerful manual steam wand. While you can froth milk easily from day one, perfecting that silky microfoam may require a bit of practice. The wand’s responsiveness encourages developing your skill set—another area where the machine rewards those who seek espresso artistry.

Drinks you can make with the ULTRA Espresso Machine

Frothing Highlights:

• Strong steam output for smooth, well-textured milk

• Manual control encourages skill development and customization

• Suitable for exploring latte art and advanced espresso-based beverages

ULTRA milk frothing in action

Ease of Use & Learning Curve

The ULTRA offers simplicity without sacrificing sophistication. Its low learning curve means you can pull a quality shot quickly, even if you’re new to espresso. Over time, as you adjust grind size, tamp pressure, and shot volume, you’ll refine your technique and unlock even better flavors. It’s easy to get started—and satisfying to grow your skills.

User-Friendliness:

• Clear LCD guidance for shot timing and temperature

• Straightforward button controls reduce guesswork

• Easy to use right away, yet encourages improvement over time

Easy use, one button start

Maintenance & Durability

Solid construction and quality components ensure the ULTRA is built to last. Daily cleaning—a quick wipe and rinse—is simple. A monthly descale and occasional deep cleaning keep it running smoothly. With a 1-year warranty and accessible support, the ULTRA offers long-term peace of mind.

Cleaning Essentials

Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Price: $6.74

VIEW ITEM

Barista Micro Cleaning Towels

Price: $9.99

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Professional Espresso Brush Kit

Price: $9.66

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Maintenance Schedule:

• Daily (2 mins): Wipe steam wand, flush portafilter

• Weekly (15 mins): Deep-clean, backflush, and empty drip tray

• Monthly (30 mins): Descale to maintain water quality and temperature accuracy

True Cost of Ownership

Picture your morning coffee routine. Instead of spending $5 or more at a café each day, you could invest in the Casabrews ULTRA and enjoy barista-quality espresso at home.

Coffee Shop vs Casabrews ULTRA

Here’s how it adds up:

Initial Setup:

• Machine: $249.99

• Grinder (Optional): $35 – $1000+ (depending on brand and features)

• Frothing Pitcher (Optional): $5 – $50+

• Cleaning Supplies (Periodical): $20 – $65+

• Estimated Total: Around $350 if you opt for basic gear—still enough to brew professional-grade coffee at home.

Per Drink

• Home: $0.50 – $1.00

• Café: $2.50 – $8.00+

• Key Takeaway: Every cup you make at home instead of buying out drastically slashes your coffee shop expenditure

Break-Even Point

• If you’re spending $5 a day on a latte, you’ll save around $130 per month. At that rate, the ULTRA pays for itself in under two months—sometimes even sooner, depending on your local café prices.

When you look at the numbers, the ULTRA isn’t just an appliance—it’s a way to reclaim your coffee budget while enjoying café-worthy espresso on your own schedule.

❎ Cons & Setbacks

While the ULTRA impresses at its price point, it’s not without its imperfections:

• Loud Frother: The steam wand can be a bit noisy, and achieving perfect microfoam consistency might take some practice.

• Initial Temperature Management: The first shot often measures around 144°F, requiring two or three runs before stabilizing closer to 160°F for optimal flavor.

• Missing Accessories: The machine doesn’t come with a built-in grinder or a frothing pitcher, so you’ll need to budget for these extras.

• Limited Cup Clearance: With about 4 inches of clearance, taller mugs may not fit directly under the portafilter.

✅ What We Love

Despite these minor setbacks, the ULTRA stands out in many positive ways:

• Exceptional Value: Its performance compares favorably to machines costing $700 or more.

• High-Quality Construction: Solid build, low defect rate, and a 1-year warranty provide confidence and peace of mind.

• Modern Aesthetic & Ease of Use: Stainless steel construction, a clear LCD display, and simple button controls create a premium feel that’s accessible to beginners.

• Delicious Espresso & Drinks: From espressos to mochas, the ULTRA consistently delivers rich crema, balanced flavors, and the versatility to create café-style beverages at home.

Why We Gave the ULTRA a 4.8-Star Rating

We decided on 4.8 out of 5 stars by weighing the ULTRA Espresso Machine’s performance, value, and ease of use against its minor drawbacks:

Casabrews ULTRA receives Plumosity's seal of approval

• High Value for the Price: The ULTRA can produce espresso that competes with machines costing two or three times more.

• Professional Features: Its 20-bar pump, PID temperature control, and adjustable shot volumes allow for real customization.

• Beginner-Friendly: The user-friendly LCD display and low learning curve make it easy for anyone to pull great shots, even from day one.

• Minor Downsides: While we love the machine, it’s not perfect. The frother is a bit loud, and you’ll need two or three runs to reach ideal extraction temperatures. Plus, you may need to purchase a separate grinder and frothing pitcher.

Overall, the ULTRA’s strong combination of quality, affordability, and versatility far outweighs these small compromises, earning it a well-deserved 4.8-star rating.

How the Casabrews ULTRA Stacks Up Against Other Popular Home Espresso Machines

To understand the ULTRA’s value proposition, it’s helpful to compare it side-by-side with more established competitors. Below, we highlight how this top-rated espresso machine under $300 measures against pricier models like the Breville Barista Express and the Rancilio Silvia. In doing so, we’ll show why the ULTRA stands out as an exceptional choice among the best home espresso makers on the market today.

ULTRA vs BrevilleBarista Express vs Silvia

The ULTRA’s value shines through when placed side by side with pricier competitors. Although it lacks some extras like a built-in grinder, it excels in overall performance, ease of use, and affordability.

Wrapping Up the Review

The Casabrews ULTRA shows that top-tier espresso experiences aren’t exclusive to high-end price tags. It delivers rich, nuanced shots, froths milk effectively (with a little practice), and provides modern features like adjustable temperature settings and an LCD display—all while remaining accessible to beginners.

Its minor drawbacks, such as the need for additional accessories and a slight temperature ramp-up, pale in comparison to the overall value it brings. Ultimately, the ULTRA empowers you to learn, experiment, and enjoy café-quality coffee at home.

Casabrews ULTRA showcase

Conclusion

For under $300, the Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine delivers a remarkable balance of quality, convenience, and adaptability. Our 4.8 out of 5 rating underscores its ability to match the performance of much pricier competitors, while still being approachable for new users. With minimal compromises and substantial upsides, this machine represents a winning choice for espresso lovers aiming to elevate their daily coffee experience.

As Boram Um puts it, “CASABREWS is the best choice for enjoying espresso at home.” In our experience, the ULTRA fulfills that promise, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune—or settle for less—to savor world-class espresso and specialty drinks.

Or, browse Casabrews' full product lineup.

Plumosity’s Top Espresso Picks for Your New ULTRA

La Soledad H1

Lime, Dried Cherry, Cola

Price: $27 / 12oz

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Espresso Forte®

Chocolate Truffle, Lemon Curd, Hazelnut

Price: $18.95 / 1lb

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Organic Black Cat

Caramel, Honeydew, Grape

Price: $17 / 12oz

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Final Note:

This review was carefully crafted by Plumosity’s Product Review Team over the course of two weeks, during which we subjected the Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine to real-world tests and hands-on evaluations.

Our goal is to provide honest, data-driven insights to help you make informed decisions.

Please note that some links within this review are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through them—at no additional cost to you.

Your trust matters to us, and we remain committed to transparency and impartiality, ensuring you get the best information to guide your coffee journey.