Choosing a Casabrews CM5418 vs Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine comes down to budget versus heat-up speed and shot control. In this guide, we compare the compact CM5418 with the ThermoJet Bambino Plus using manufacturer and Amazon sources—not hands-on lab testing. Therefore, see our comparison methodology and affiliate disclosure before you buy.
This is a focused two-machine comparison. If you are deciding between an entry-level compact espresso machine and a step-up semi-automatic, read on — these are the two most-discussed options at adjacent price points.
TL;DR
The CASABREWS CM5418 is a compact, low-cost machine with a 51 mm portafilter, PID temperature control, and a rated 20-bar Italian pump. It is built for buyers who want espresso at home without spending much.
The Breville Bambino Plus runs a ThermoJet® heating system that reaches brew temperature in 3 seconds, uses a larger 54 mm portafilter, and applies low-pressure pre-infusion before 9-bar extraction. It costs more but brings a more considered extraction process and volumetric shot control.
Quick verdict: If budget is the primary constraint and you want a small machine that works, the CM5418 is a solid starting point. If you want faster heat-up, better shot consistency, and a larger portafilter basket, the Bambino Plus is the more capable machine.
Editorial image: generic review scene only — not the actual product for sale.
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How We Compare
This comparison draws on manufacturer spec pages and Amazon retailer listings. We have not conducted independent lab testing on either machine. All numbers in the table below come directly from the official sources cited at the bottom of this article. Where a spec was not listed in those sources, we say so rather than filling in a guess. You are encouraged to check independent review sites for hands-on testing data. See our comparison methodology for details.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | CASABREWS CM5418 | Breville Bambino Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | CM5418 | BES450 |
| Heating system | PID temperature control | ThermoJet® |
| Heat-up time | Not listed in official sources | 3 seconds |
| Pump pressure | 20 bar (Italian pressure pump) | 9 bar extraction + low-pressure pre-infusion |
| Portafilter size | 51 mm (aluminum) | 54 mm |
| Included filters | Not listed in official sources | Dual-wall and single-wall |
| Volumetric shot control | Not listed in official sources | Yes (one-shot and two-shot) |
| Steam wand | Yes | Yes (manual, microfoam capable) |
| Power draw | 1350 W | Not listed in official sources |
| Water tank capacity | 34 oz (~1 litre) | Not listed in official sources |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 5.47″ × 12.28″ × 11.97″ | Not listed in official sources |
Pros and Cons
CASABREWS CM5418
Pros
– Lower price point makes it accessible for first-time espresso buyers
– PID temperature control on a budget machine is a genuine advantage
– Compact footprint (under 5.5 inches wide) fits tight counter spaces
– 34 oz water tank reduces refill frequency
– 1350 W power draw specified clearly by the manufacturer
Cons
– 51 mm portafilter is smaller than the industry-standard 58 mm and smaller than the Bambino Plus basket; limits compatible aftermarket accessories
– Aluminum portafilter rather than stainless
– No stated volumetric shot control
– Pre-infusion behavior not documented in official sources
Breville Bambino Plus
Pros
– ThermoJet® reaches brew temperature in 3 seconds — no waiting around
– 54 mm portafilter is closer to prosumer sizing; broader accessory ecosystem
– Dual-wall and single-wall filter baskets included out of the box
– Volumetric shot control produces repeatable one- and two-shot volumes
– Low-pressure pre-infusion before 9-bar extraction reduces channeling risk
Cons
– Higher price than the CM5418
– Dimensions not published on the official Breville product page we reviewed, which makes counter-space planning harder
– Water tank capacity not stated in official sources we cited
Who Should Buy Each One
Buy the CASABREWS CM5418 if:
- You are buying your first espresso machine and want to keep costs low
- Counter space is limited — the 5.47-inch width is genuinely narrow
- You want PID temperature control without paying a premium for it
- You do not yet own portafilter accessories and are not locked into a basket ecosystem
Buy the Breville Bambino Plus if:
- You make espresso every morning and a 3-second heat-up matters to your routine
- You want shot-to-shot volume consistency built into the machine rather than handled manually
- You care about pre-infusion and extraction quality more than upfront cost
- You want a 54 mm portafilter so that aftermarket baskets and tampers are easy to source
Who Should Skip Each One
Skip the CM5418 if you already own a 54 mm or 58 mm machine and do not want to rebuild your accessory set around a 51 mm basket. Also skip it if shot repeatability matters and you are not willing to develop a manual technique to compensate for the lack of volumetric control.
Skip the Bambino Plus if the price difference is not justifiable for your current usage level. If you drink espresso occasionally rather than daily, the 3-second heat-up and volumetric control may not make a meaningful difference to your experience.
Buying Advice
These two machines are not in the same tier — they sit at different price and feature levels. The decision is less about which is objectively better and more about where you are in your espresso journey.
If you are starting from zero and want to learn espresso without a large investment, the CM5418 gives you PID, a steam wand, and a compact body. The 20-bar pump rating is the manufacturer’s maximum spec; espresso extracts at 9 bar in practice, and the PID at least controls the thermal side of the equation.
If you drink espresso daily and want the machine to handle shot volume so you are not timing and eyeballing every pull, the Bambino Plus delivers that. The pre-infusion stage also lowers the skill floor by reducing the consequence of uneven puck prep.
There is no wrong choice between these two for a home user. The tradeoff is money saved now versus consistency and convenience over the long run.
Check current price on Amazon — CASABREWS CM5418
Check current price on Amazon — Breville Bambino Plus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20 bar better than 9 bar for espresso?
No. Espresso is extracted at approximately 9 bar. The 20-bar figure on the CM5418 refers to the pump’s maximum rated pressure, not the pressure used during brewing. The Bambino Plus targets 9 bar for extraction, which aligns with standard espresso practice.
What is the difference between dual-wall and single-wall filter baskets?
Dual-wall (pressurized) baskets have a second layer that creates back-pressure, making them more forgiving of coarser grinds and less-precise tamping. Single-wall (non-pressurized) baskets require a consistent grind and proper technique but reward you with more expressive espresso. The Bambino Plus includes both; the CM5418’s included filter configuration is not detailed in the official sources we cited.
Can I use the same portafilter accessories for both machines?
No. The CM5418 uses a 51 mm portafilter and the Bambino Plus uses a 54 mm portafilter. Baskets, tampers, and accessories are not cross-compatible between these two sizes.
Does the CM5418 have pre-infusion?
Pre-infusion behavior for the CM5418 is not documented in the official sources we reviewed. For confirmed pre-infusion, the Bambino Plus explicitly states low-pressure pre-infusion before full extraction.
How long does the Bambino Plus take to heat up?
Breville states the ThermoJet® system is ready to brew in 3 seconds — noticeably quicker than conventional thermoblock or boiler machines that can take a minute or more.
Is the CM5418 small enough for a small kitchen?
At 5.47 inches wide, it is one of the narrower consumer espresso machines available. Depth is 12.28 inches and height is 11.97 inches, so measure your cabinet clearance vertically before purchasing.
Last verified: June 2, 2026. Prices and availability change; check Amazon listings for current information.
Related espresso guides
- Casabrews CM5418 vs Acaspresso
- Breville Barista Express Impress vs Profitec Go
- How we compare products
Sources
- CASABREWS CM5418 product page: casabrews.com
- Breville Bambino Plus (BES450) product page: breville.com
- Amazon listing — CASABREWS CM5418: amazon.com/dp/B09X3WGJ3R
- Amazon listing — Breville Bambino Plus: amazon.com/dp/B0CDLYFD9M
