Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine Review

Introduction

Can a sleek espresso machine under $300 deliver café-quality results at home? The Casabrews ULTRA is one of the few widely available machines in this price range that pairs a 58 mm portafilter, PID temperature control, programmable volume control, and a 20-bar Italian pump, making it a serious contender for the best home espresso machine under $300.

The Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine has a straightforward layout: stainless-steel housing, an LCD for temperature and shot timing, and a control scheme most people can learn in minutes.

Backed by a 1-year warranty, a 30-day return window, and free U.S. shipping, the ULTRA sits in a practical middle tier. It offers more control than basic entry-level units while staying accessible to first-time espresso owners.

ULTRA's dimensions and accessories

Quick Verdict

• Price: $249.99 — an excellent value for a machine with PID control, a 58 mm portafilter, and programmable volumes.

• Taste & Quality: When paired with a capable grinder, the ULTRA produces shot quality rivaling machines 2–3× its price.

• Aesthetics: Brushed stainless housing, clean lines, and an LCD panel that gives it a sleek, modern look.

• Ease of Use: Simple buttons, a clear display, and programmable volume control. Approachable for beginners.

• Learning Curve: Low. Easy to start, with more consistent results as you refine grind and workflow.

• Warranty & Guarantees: 1-year limited warranty, 30-day return window, and free U.S. shipping (2–5 days).

• Overall Rating: 4.8/5

  This rating reflects the ULTRA’s feature set and performance relative to typical sub-$300 machines.

Casabrews ULTRA

Quick Verdict Overview

Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine

Price

$249.99

Excellent value at this feature set.

Aesthetics

Brushed stainless, LCD panel

Simple, modern countertop footprint.

Learning Curve

Low; easy to start

More consistency as you refine workflow.

Ease of Use

Simple buttons, clear display

Programmable volumes; beginner-friendly.

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5

With a good grinder, the ULTRA can rival machines 2–3× the price.

Buy Now

About Casabrews

Casabrews focuses on bringing feature-rich espresso machines into the sub-$300 and mid-range market. Most of their lineup centers on 20-bar pump machines with PID control, larger water tanks, and accessories aimed at first-time or step-up home baristas.

In reviews and customer feedback, Casabrews is often described as responsive on support and willing to replace defective units within the warranty window. The ULTRA’s 1-year warranty and 30-day return window match what we expect from brands in this price band.

For external validation, 2023 World Barista Champion Boram Um has publicly endorsed Casabrews for home use—unusual at this price level and a sign that the hardware can support solid results when paired with proper technique and an espresso-capable grinder.

Casabrews' Logo

Introducing the Casabrews ULTRA

The ULTRA Espresso Machine combines a 58 mm portafilter, PID temperature control, a 20-bar pump, and programmable shot volumes in a compact stainless-steel body. The LCD panel displays brew temperature and shot timing, and the control layout is straightforward enough for first-time espresso owners.

The 73 oz (2.16 L) removable water tank supports multiple drinks in a row, and the included accessories—portafilter, tamper, both single-wall and pressurized baskets, scoop, and cleaning tool—cover the essentials needed to start pulling shots.

ULTRA Espresso Machine and accessories

Casabrews ULTRA Specs (At a Glance)

Who the Casabrews ULTRA Is For (and Not For)

• Best for: Home users who want real espresso control—58 mm portafilter, PID temperature adjustment, manual steaming—without stepping into the $500–$900 price tier.

• Also for: Homes that make multiple milk drinks per day and benefit from a larger water tank and simple controls.

• Not ideal for: Anyone who wants a built-in grinder or a quieter steam wand.

Product Review & Analysis

Unboxing & First Impressions

The ULTRA arrives well-protected, with multiple layers of cardboard and internal padding. The photos below show the packaging, included accessories, and a few practical design details such as the cup-warming surface and rear water tank.

With packaging and components verified, we moved on to setup, warm-up behavior, and shot testing.

Design & Aesthetics

The ULTRA uses a brushed stainless-steel exterior with a compact footprint (approx. 10.31” W × 12.2” D × 12.99” H). The top panel includes a cup-warming surface, and the front LCD shows brew temperature and shot timing in a simple, readable layout.

View showing the ULTRA’s control panel and housing

Key Details:

• Brushed stainless-steel housing with a simple, clean profile

• Compact dimensions suitable for most counter spaces

• LCD panel for temperature, shot timing, and basic status indicators

Performance at a Glance

The ULTRA uses a 20-bar pump and PID-controlled heating to maintain consistent brew temperature during extraction. Warm-up time in testing ranged from 25 to 38 seconds, and the adjustable temperature settings support different roast levels and grind behaviors.

Performance Metrics:

• Pressure: 20-bar pump (brew pressure regulated near ~9 bar during extraction)

• Temperature Control: Adjustable brew temperature from 90°C to 96°C

• Warm-Up Time: ~25–38 seconds

• Extraction Times: Approx. 15–16 seconds for a single shot; 23–24 seconds for a double (baseline testing)

PID temperature controls and front-panel interface

Espresso Quality & Extraction Behavior

In testing, the ULTRA produced consistent extractions once grind size, dose, and tamp were calibrated. In the cup, our baseline medium-roast shots landed in a familiar espresso range: moderate body, steady crema, and no glaring sourness or bitterness once dialed in. The PID controller kept brew temperature stable throughout the shot, and the machine maintained steady flow without noticeable pressure fluctuation. Crema formation and shot uniformity were most reliable when using the single-wall baskets and an espresso-capable grinder.

The machine responded predictably to grind adjustments: small changes in fineness produced measurable differences in flow rate and shot time, making it possible to tune extractions with reasonable precision. Shot-to-shot repeatability held up across multiple consecutive pulls after a short recovery period.

Illustrative image of a woman enjoying a hot cup of espresso

Extraction Behavior:

• Consistent temperature during the shot, supported by the PID controller

• Crema production depended on grind size, roast age, and basket choice

• Single-wall baskets produced the most predictable results once dialed in

Steam Wand Performance

In testing, the ULTRA’s manual steam wand produced steady steam output suitable for heating and texturing small to medium volumes of milk. Steam pressure remained consistent across multiple uses, with a short recovery period between cycles. Pitcher positioning and wand angle had a noticeable impact on results, and the wand responded predictably to adjustments once the technique was established.

Drinks you can make with the ULTRA Espresso Machine

Steam Wand Notes:

• Consistent steam output during heating and texturing

• Manual wand allows controlled aeration and workflow adjustment

• Best results achieved with a small stainless-steel pitcher

Steam wand milk frothing in action

Ease of Use & Learning Curve

The ULTRA’s controls are organized around the LCD panel, which shows brew temperature, shot timing, and basic status indicators. Each function has its own physical button, and there are no nested menus. Pressurized baskets are available for users still refining grind consistency, while single-wall baskets offer more control once dose and tamp are stabilized. The machine reacts predictably to adjustments, making it possible to reach consistent shot times with routine calibration.

User-Friendliness:

• LCD panel displays shot timing and brew temperature in a simple format

• Direct button controls with minimal menu navigation

• Pressurized baskets support beginners; single-wall baskets offer more precision

Easy use, one button start

Maintenance & Durability

Routine upkeep on the ULTRA is straightforward. The steam wand and portafilter require a quick wipe and flush after use, and the machine benefits from a regular descaling cycle in areas with harder water. The stainless-steel housing and removable components held up well during testing, and the 1-year warranty provides coverage in line with other machines in this price range.

Cleaning Essentials

Espresso Machine Cleaning Tablets

Price: $6.27

VIEW ITEM

Barista Micro Cleaning Towels

Price: $10.99

VIEW ITEM

Professional Espresso Brush Kit

Price: $13.53

VIEW ITEM

Maintenance Schedule:

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

• Weekly (15 mins): Rinse the water tank, wipe the group area, and clean the drip tray

• Monthly (30 mins): Descale to maintain consistent temperature and water flow

True Cost of Ownership

Cost comparisons for home espresso typically focus on setup costs, ingredient costs, and the difference between at-home drink expenses and café purchases. The figures below outline a realistic range for beginning with the ULTRA and maintaining it over time.

Coffee Shop vs Casabrews ULTRA

Initial Setup:

• Machine: $249.99

• Grinder (strongly recommended): $90–$1000+ (espresso-capable models start around $90)

• Frothing Pitcher (optional): $8–$50+

• Cleaning Supplies (periodical): $20–$65

• Estimated Total: $380–$440 for a basic starter setup capable of consistent extractions.

Per-Drink Cost

• Home: ~$0.50–$1.00 (beans + milk)

• Café: ~$2.50–$8.00+

• Observation: At-home drink costs are significantly lower because most expenses are ingredient-based rather than labor- or rent-based.

Break-Even Estimate

At roughly $5 per café drink, monthly spending commonly reaches ~$150 for one daily drink. Equivalent at-home drinks cost around $30 per month in ingredients, resulting in a monthly difference of about $120. Under this model, the machine cost is offset in roughly two months, with a full starter setup offset in three to four months.

This comparison is based on ingredient costs and assumed drink frequency rather than taste outcomes, and is intended only as a financial reference for prospective buyers.

❎ Cons & Limitations

The ULTRA performed reliably during testing, but several points may matter depending on the user’s setup and expectations:

• Steam-Wand Noise: The steam wand produces noticeable noise during use, which may be disruptive in quieter environments.

• First-Shot Temperature Behavior: The initial shot after a long idle period ran cooler in testing and required one or two flushes to reach stable brew temperature.

• Accessories Not Included: A grinder and frothing pitcher are not part of the package and must be purchased separately for full espresso and milk workflows.

• Cup Clearance: Approximately 4 inches of clearance under the portafilter; taller mugs require brewing into a smaller vessel first.

✅ Notable Strengths

Key strengths observed during testing are outlined below:

• Feature Set for the Price: PID temperature control, a 58 mm portafilter, and programmable volumes are uncommon in this price range.

• Build Materials: The stainless-steel housing and metal components showed no notable wear during the test period.

• Control Layout: The LCD panel and dedicated buttons provide clear access to temperature, timing, and core functions without menu navigation.

• Extraction Consistency: Once grind and dose were calibrated, the machine produced repeatable shot times and flow patterns, especially with the single-wall basket.

Why We Gave the ULTRA a 4.8-Star Rating

The 4.8 out of 5 rating reflects how the ULTRA performed across build quality, extraction consistency, temperature stability, ease of control, and overall feature set relative to its price range. The sections below outline the factors that contributed most to the final score.

Casabrews ULTRA receives Plumosity's seal of approval

• Feature Set for the Price: PID temperature control, programmable shot volumes, and a 58 mm portafilter are uncommon in this price tier and add measurable control to the brewing workflow.

• Extraction Consistency: Once grind and dose were calibrated, the machine produced repeatable shot times and flow patterns across consecutive extractions.

• Control Layout: The LCD panel and dedicated buttons provided clear access to temperature, timing, and core functions without menu navigation.

• Noted Limitations: The steam wand generated noticeable noise during use, the first shot after a long idle period ran cooler, and essential accessories such as a grinder and pitcher are not included.

The final score reflects the weighting of these observations, with particular emphasis on feature set, temperature stability, and extraction repeatability for a machine in the sub-$300 category.

How the Casabrews ULTRA Compares to Other Home Espresso Machines

To contextualize the ULTRA’s feature set, the table below compares it with two commonly referenced machines in higher price tiers: the Breville Barista Express and the Rancilio Silvia. This comparison focuses on core attributes such as pressure systems, warm-up times, temperature control, and workflow considerations.

ULTRA vs Breville Barista Express vs Silvia

This comparison highlights differences in design approach: the ULTRA emphasizes adjustability and accessibility at a lower price point, while the Barista Express and Silvia reflect step-up or prosumer workflows with higher expectations for grinder pairing and technique.

Wrapping Up the Review

Based on the testing outlined above, the Casabrews ULTRA demonstrated stable temperature control, consistent extraction once calibrated, and a feature set that is more advanced than typical sub-$300 machines. The 58 mm portafilter, PID-adjustable brew temperature, and manual steam wand support a range of espresso and milk workflows when paired with an appropriate grinder.

The machine’s main limitations include steam-wand noise, first-shot temperature behavior after idle periods, and the need to purchase a grinder and pitcher separately. Users working with taller mugs will also need to brew into a smaller vessel due to cup-clearance constraints.

In practical terms, once your grinder is dialed in, the ULTRA can handle everyday use without much tinkering: consistent morning shots and milk drinks for one or two people in a row without the machine feeling overworked.

Overall, the ULTRA’s performance, adjustability, and component set place it as a practical option for home users who want more control than entry-level machines typically provide, without moving into higher-priced prosumer categories. For users stepping up from pods or basic drip brewers, that added control will be noticeable in both workflow and results.

Casabrews ULTRA showcase

Conclusion

At its price point, the Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine offers a feature set that is uncommon in the sub-$300 category. Across testing, the machine showed stable temperature behavior, predictable extraction once calibrated, and a workflow that accommodates both pressurized and single-wall baskets.

The limitations noted earlier—steam-wand noise, initial shot temperature, and required accessory purchases—may matter depending on the user’s setup, but none affected the machine’s ability to maintain consistent shot timing and temperature once dialed in. For users seeking more control than entry-level machines typically provide, the ULTRA represents a practical option without moving into higher-priced prosumer equipment.

Boram Um’s endorsement of Casabrews reflects broader acceptance of the brand at the home-espresso level, but the rating in this review is based solely on observed performance, component set, and testing results.

Or, browse Casabrews' full product lineup.

Plumosity’s Top Espresso Picks for Your New ULTRA

El Borbollon SOE

Pomegranate, Fig, Toffee

Price: $30 / 12oz

VIEW ITEM

Espresso Forte®

Chocolate Truffle, Lemon Curd, Hazelnut

Price: $21.95 / 1lb

VIEW ITEM

Organic Black Cat

Caramel, Honeydew, Grape

Price: $17.50 / 12oz

VIEW ITEM