3700GENSE™

I bought a Casabrews 3700 Gense, $179, Fellow Opus grinder, $199, bottomless PF. It’s 58mm so full 19-19g. It works beautifully once I got the feel of it. With this budget set up, I have retired my. Nespresso machine. This setup makes superior shots. Just sharing my experience.

My usual budget machine post is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1pemyi9/comment/nshft26/ But I'll extrapolate some algebra into levels and see what the sub thinks. Each step represents an improvement in both ease and quality/taste, from cheapest to decent cheap: 1. $170 = 1Zpresso Q Air Manual hand grinder ($70) + Casabrews 3700 ($100) 2. $300 = Baratza ESP ($200) + Casabrews 3700 ($100) 3. $350 = MiiCoffee/Turin DF54 ($250) + Casabrews 3700 ($100) 4. $480 = MiiCoffee/Turin DF54 ($250) + De'Longhi Dedica ($230) 5. $550 = MiiCoffee/Turin DF54 ($250) + Breville Bambino ($300) 6. $650 = Eureka Mignon Facile/Zero ($350) + Breville Bambino ($300) 7. $850 = Eureka Mignon Facile/Zero ($350) + Breville Bambino Plus ($500) My opinion is that ***grinder*** is more important, but you need at least the Baratza ESP for an electric, so go with a hand grinder below that. The DF54 gets slightly better ratings, so the extra $50 is probably worth it. Not perfect, a fraction slow, a bit of retention, a little loud, not too strong. But good enough grinding until you can get up to a Eureka Mignon (my personal preference) or other decent options into that $500 range. For ***machine*** I've seen a number of good reviews for that super cheap Casabrews, basically a throw away for as long as it lasts, but many say you can spend more and get less. Lance reviewed the HiBrew with decent marks for ultra-cheap, Dedicas are very popular, and I like my Bambino Plus as end game until I have money to burn for a La Marzocco Linea Mini. ;) I'll be curious about what people would swap in and out based on experience. EDIT: I updated some prices from Christmas sales, none are as cheap now. Note all these electric machines prices regularly swing throughout the year and can be found cheaper on sale or refurbished, and I usually wait and/or take that risk.

I have a grinder and make decent espresso with my casabrews 3700 https://preview.redd.it/bnicfndkpv2g1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e19870f79b89d0540ab86e23cc3ed3a99225ee7 I just want a new machine

Reviews sound all over the place because honestly, every machine in this range cuts corners somewhere, just depends which one you notice first. Bambino Plus and Gaggia Classic are still the go to if you wanna keep things simple and well tested. But if you're not stuck on big brands, Casabrews 3700 is honestly one of the best budget machines. It gets along fine with most decent grinders and can handle milk drinks decently once you dial it in. Not perfect, but way better than you'd expect at that price. just swap the basket when you're ready to level up. Either way, give it a few weeks and you'll be pulling nice shots at home.

ok so all of these are really good options but insanely expensive lol. unless you’re like super into fine tuning every shot, you honeslty don’t need to drop that kinda cash. something like this casabrews one (or similar mid range machines) will do the job well enough imo. Its got a 20 bar pump and a pretty solid steam wand so not exactly perfect, but 90% as good for way less money. biggest tip: don’t sleep on the grinder. a good burr grinder + fresh beans makes way more difference than the logo on the machine. spend a little less on the machine, a little more on the grinder, and you’ll get cafe level results without wrecking your wallet. Trust me on this. You can always upgrade later on.

A relative gifted me one of those ~$140 Casabrews espresso machines from Amazon a little over a year ago for my birthday. It seems to be on sale for less on Amazon every now and then. Even though it’s not top-tier quality, it still makes espresso that genuinely brings me joy to this day. When it comes to flavor, the beans and grinder make a much bigger difference anyway. Local roasters often have specials or rewards programs that can help with cost. As for the grinder, that’s where it’s really worth investing. The folks over at r/espresso will tell you: you can’t get good espresso without a good grinder. I spent about $200 on my Baratza Encore ESP, which is considered a popular budget espresso grinder. But then you also have to consider all the accessories you may want to pick up. As the tamp and portafilter that comes with that espresso machine could be significantly upgraded. You may want a mat, cleaning towels, WDT tool, and all sorts of ceramic mugs. But if you're comfortable as is, all you really have to be concerned about is the reoccurring purchase of beans and some occasional descaling. Ultimately, espresso is fun hobby to dive into that results into some tasty coffee - but damn you just made me realize how much money I'm throwing into this thing lol. I hope this helps, best of luck.

I Love how nobody is actually answering the question you asked. You don't give a price point so I will just tell you I had the weirdest buy ever of a casabrews I am absolutely in love with. I saw it for sale on my local Adverts for 30 quid after the the DeLonghi I loathed finally went to a well-deserved grave, and I sent my husband down to buy it no questions asked. When he brought it back it was literally brand new in box. I had to untape and unpack it from plastic inside. I think the couple had just gotten married and had wanted a different color and they couldn't be arsed to actually return or exchange it? Anyway mazel tov to them, and I love my casabrews. I will also add that I used to own an actual coffee shop, that I do have standards but I am also lazy, and I do not grind my own beans because I do not need that kind of noise in my life at 7:30 in the morning. Regardless, put good espresso through your casabrew and you will get consistent excellent espresso and a milk frother that heats to the proper temperature with the correct air pressure. What happens after that is between you and the milk gods. They make them across a variety of price points now so have a look and see if something appeals.