CASABREWS CM5418B-GS Espresso Machine User Guide

First-time Use Cycle

Rinse and prepare your machine for operation. This step is required only for the first use out of the box.

1. Remove the orange plug from the bottom of the water reservoir.
2. Install the water reservoir.
3. Fill the reservoir with room-temperature water.
4. Turn on the machine. The machine will begin to preheat.
5. All indicator buttons will be fully illuminated, indicating the machine is Ready.

Pre-heat the Brewing System

A cold brew head, portafilter, filter, and cup can reduce the extraction temperature. For the optimal coffee temperature, preheat the coffee maker at least once before brewing.

1. Turn on the machine. The machine will start to preheat.
2. All buttons are fully illuminated = Ready.
3. Insert the Single Filter or Double Filter without any coffee grounds into the Portafilter.
4. Keep the Portafilter level and insert it into the Brew Head.
5. Rotate the Portafilter to the right.
6. Place a cup on the countertop and position the Steam Wand towards the cup.
7. Turn the Steam Knob to the [Steam Position].
8. Allow hot water to spout out for approximately 10 seconds.
9. Return the Steam Knob to the [Off Position].

Making Espresso

Follow these steps to prepare your espresso.

For Single Espresso: Use 7-9g of coffee grounds.

For Double Espresso: Use 13-15g of coffee grounds.

1. Rotate the Portafilter and remove it from the Brew Head.
2. Wipe the Filter Basket with a dry cloth.
3. Fill the Filter Basket with the appropriate amount of coffee grounds.
4. Evenly and firmly tamp the coffee grounds. Ensure the coffee grounds reach the MAX line after tamping.
5. Wipe the edges of the Portafilter to remove any coffee residue.
6. Keep the Portafilter level and insert it into the Brew Head.
7. Rotate the Portafilter to the right.
8. The Portafilter should be in the center position.
9. Place a cup on the Drip Tray under the Portafilter.
10. Ensure the Steam Knob is set to the [Off Position].
11. All indicator buttons will be fully illuminated, indicating the machine is Ready.
12. Press the 1 CUP or 2 CUP button to start brewing.
13. Once brewing is complete, all buttons will be fully illuminated, indicating the machine is Ready.
14. Rotate the Portafilter and remove it from the Brew Head.
15. Remove the Espresso Puck from the Portafilter.
16. Wash all parts with warm water. Do not use a dishwasher.

Frothing Milk

Follow these steps to froth milk for beverages like cappuccinos and lattes.

1. Press the STEAM button. The machine will start to preheat.
2. Water may come out of the Steam Wand initially.
3. The STEAM button will stop flashing and become fully illuminated, indicating the machine is Ready.
4. Turn the Steam Knob to the [Steam Position] and let any residual water drain.
5. When only steam is coming out of the Steam Wand, turn the Steam Knob to the [Off Position].
6. Fill the Pitcher with cold milk just below the bottom of the spout.
7. Insert the Steam Wand Tip just below the surface of the milk.
8. Position the Steam Wand: Arm at 12 o'clock, Tip at 3 o'clock.
9. Turn the Steam Knob to the [Steam Position].
10. The frother will make a soft hissing noise. Check to see if the milk is swirling.
11. As the milk level rises, lower the Pitcher to keep the Tip just below the milk surface.
12. When the desired foam is achieved (milk is ready when the Pitcher is too hot to touch for 3 seconds), immerse the Steam Wand halfway into the milk.
13. Return the Steam Knob to the [Off Position].
14. Press the STEAM button again to exit the steam mode.
15. Remove the Pitcher from the Steam Wand.
16. Turn the Steam Knob to the [Steam Position], let steam come out of the wand for 1-2 seconds, then return the Steam Knob to the [Off Position].
17. Wipe the Steam Wand and Tip with a damp cloth immediately after use.
18. Tap the Pitcher to release larger air bubbles.
19. Swirl the Pitcher to blend the milk and create a silky texture.
20. Pour the milk in a steady stream.

Making Hot Water

Use this function to dispense hot water.

1. Ensure all indicator buttons are fully illuminated, indicating the machine is Ready.
2. Turn the Steam Knob to the [Steam Position].
3. Hot water will spout out of the Steam Wand.
4. Turn the Steam Knob back to the [Off Position] when done.

ATTENTION: Over-Heating Protection

Do not brew coffee immediately after frothing milk. The boiler must be cooled down first, otherwise the temperature and pressure inside the machine will become too high, and the machine will enter the over-heating protection mode. When in this mode, the machine will not brew coffee, and the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons will flash alternately when pressed.

Proceed as follows to cool down the machine:

1. When the machine is in over-heating protection mode.
2. Turn the Steam Knob to the [Steam Position].
3. Let hot water come out of the steam wand until the pump stops operating and no more water is delivered.
4. All indicator buttons will be fully illuminated, indicating the boiler is cool and the machine is Ready.
5. Return the Steam Knob to the [Off Position]. The coffee maker is now ready for the next brew.

User Tips

The taste of espresso depends on the amount and type of coffee grounds used. The particular taste of a coffee bean depends on several factors, but its taste and aroma are the result of the roasting process. Coffee beans roasted for a longer time and at higher temperatures are darker in color. Darker coffee beans release more flavor than lighter ones.

Espresso machines require a finely ground blend. It is recommended to use a grinder mill rather than a blade mill.

For best results, use fresh, quality coffee beans. Store coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources. Serve espresso coffee immediately after preparing it.

The Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge indicates the extraction pressure. Understanding the gauge helps in achieving optimal espresso.

Under-Extracted Zone

When the gauge needle is positioned in the lower zone during extraction, this indicates that the espresso has been extracted with insufficient pressure. This may result in a light and pale crema.

Ideal Espresso Zone

When the gauge needle is positioned anywhere within the solid gray zone during extraction, this indicates the espresso has been extracted at the ideal pressure. This zone is optimal for flavor and crema.

Over-Extracted Zone

When the gauge needle is positioned in the upper zone during extraction, this indicates that the espresso has been extracted with too much pressure. This may result in a crema that is very dark and not uniformed.

Grind Settings and Extraction Parameters

Extraction Quality Issues & Solutions

Over Extracted

Crema: Very dark and not uniformed.

Probable Cause: Grind too fine, Too much coffee, Tamping too heavy.

Solution: Grind coarser, Decrease the amount of coffee, Decrease the tamping pressure.

Shot Time: Over 50 SEC.

Ideal Extraction

Shot Time: 25-45 SEC.

Under Extracted

Crema: Light and pale.

Probable Cause: Grind too coarse, Too little coffee, Tamping too light.

Solution: Grind finer, Increase the amount of coffee, Increase the tamping pressure.

Shot Time: Under 20 SEC.

For an instructional video, visit: CASABREWS Amazon Store.

Document Version: Rev. 1.0