Breville Bambino Plus vs Casabrews CM5418 Espresso Machine

Buy the Bambino Plus if you want cafe-grade espresso and hands-free milk without a learning curve; its ThermoJet heater hits brew temperature in about 3 seconds, and the automatic steam wand produces microfoam at three temperatures and three textures. The Casabrews 5418 is the cheaper-feeling entry machine: a 20-bar pump, a 34 oz tank and a manual steam wand, with no PID and no auto milk. Owners rate both around 4.3 to 4.4, but the Breville's 54mm portafilter, PID control and ClaroSwiss filter option put it well ahead on build and consistency. The Casabrews is fine for someone testing whether they like home espresso; the Bambino Plus is the one most people keep.

• Choose the Breville Bambino Plus if you want fast heat-up, temperature stability and push-button milk frothing that makes latte art easy.
• Choose the Casabrews 5418 if you want a compact stainless starter machine with a steam wand and cup warmer and you plan to froth milk by hand.