CASABREWS CM1699 20 Bar Espresso Machine: Barista-Quality Coffee at Home

The rich aroma, the intense flavor, the velvety crema – espresso is more than just a caffeine kick; it’s a sensory experience. For many, the perfect shot is a daily ritual, a moment of indulgence often sought in bustling cafes. But what if you could recreate that magic at home, mastering the art and science of espresso with the CASABREWS CM1699? This isn’t just about owning a coffee machine; it’s about understanding the intricate dance of variables that transform humble beans into liquid gold.

Decoding Espresso – The Science Behind the Brew

Let’s dispel a common myth: espresso isn’t simply “strong coffee.” It’s a specific brewing method that relies on forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This process extracts a concentrated beverage, rich in flavor and aroma, crowned with the signature crema – a reddish-brown foam that’s a hallmark of a well-extracted shot.

The Crucial Role of Pressure: Why 9 Bars (and More) Matters

Pressure is the driving force behind espresso extraction. The industry standard for optimal extraction is 9 bars of pressure (about 130 pounds per square inch). This force is necessary to overcome the resistance of the tightly packed coffee grounds, ensuring that water permeates evenly and extracts the desired compounds – oils, sugars, and other flavorful molecules.

The CASABREWS CM1699 boasts a 20-bar Italian pump. Why go beyond the standard 9 bars? Think of it as having extra horsepower. While 9 bars is the ideal pressure during extraction, a higher-pressure pump provides a reserve of power. This ensures that the machine can consistently maintain that optimal 9 bars throughout the brewing process, even with slight variations in grind size, tamping pressure, or coffee bean density. This consistency is key to achieving a balanced, flavorful extraction, avoiding both under-extraction (sour, weak coffee) and over-extraction (bitter, harsh coffee).

Temperature’s Delicate Dance: Finding the Sweet Spot

Temperature is another critical factor. Water that’s too hot will scorch the coffee, resulting in bitter, burnt flavors. Too cool, and the extraction will be weak and underdeveloped. The ideal temperature range for espresso brewing is generally between 195°F and 205°F (90°C - 96°C). The CASABREWS CM1699’s heating system is designed to reach and maintain this optimal temperature range, ensuring consistent results.

The Grind: Fine-Tuning for Flavor

The fineness of your coffee grind is crucial. Espresso requires a fine grind – much finer than what you’d use for drip coffee. This fine grind creates a larger surface area for the water to interact with, allowing for efficient extraction of the coffee’s flavorful compounds. Imagine trying to dissolve a sugar cube versus a teaspoon of granulated sugar; the finer particles dissolve much faster. The same principle applies to coffee. A burr grinder is highly recommended for espresso, as it produces a more uniform grind size than a blade grinder.

The Golden Ratio: Balancing coffee and water.
The coffee-to-water ratio, often referred to as the brew ratio, plays a significant role in determining the strength and body of your espresso. A common starting point for espresso is a 1:2 ratio, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 2 grams of water. For example, if you use 18 grams of coffee, you would aim for approximately 36 grams of espresso in your cup.

The Pre-infusion.
Pre-infusion is a gentle wetting of the coffee grounds with a small amount of water before the full pressure is applied. This allows the coffee to “bloom,” releasing trapped gases (primarily carbon dioxide) and preparing the grounds for even extraction. Some espresso machines, including higher-end models, offer a pre-infusion feature. While the CASABREWS CM1699 does not explicitly advertise a dedicated pre-infusion function, you can achieve a similar effect by briefly activating the pump to wet the grounds, pausing for a few seconds, and then starting the full brewing cycle.

Meet the CASABREWS CM1699 – Your Home Espresso Companion

The CASABREWS CM1699 is designed to be more than just a machine; it’s a gateway to exploring the world of espresso. Let’s delve into its key features:

The Power of 20 Bars: An Italian Heart

As discussed, the 20-bar Italian pump is the core of the CM1699. This robust pump ensures consistent pressure delivery, leading to optimal extraction and a rich, flavorful espresso with a thick, persistent crema. The consistent pressure will help ensure that you always have a consistent extraction.

Beyond Espresso: Mastering Milk with the Steam Wand

The CM1699 isn’t limited to espresso. Its powerful steam wand allows you to create a variety of milk-based coffee drinks, from creamy lattes to frothy cappuccinos. The steam wand works by injecting high-pressure steam into cold milk. This process aerates the milk, creating tiny microbubbles that give it a velvety smooth texture. The key to perfect milk frothing is to position the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk, creating a whirlpool effect that evenly distributes the air.

Designed for You: Features for Convenience and Consistency
The CM1699 is designed for user. Here are some key features: * Removable 50oz Water Tank: The large water tank allows for multiple brewing and frothing, very easy to remove and clean. * Cup Warmer: The heated metal plate on top of the machine can preheat two coffee cups at the same time. * Removable Drip Tray The drip tray lifts out so you can rinse it. * Two-Cup Brewing Filter:. You can make two cups at the same time.

Brewing with the CM1699 – A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Fill and Preheat: Fill the water tank with fresh, filtered water. Turn the machine on and allow it to preheat. The indicator light will signal when it’s ready.

2. Grind and Dose: Grind your freshly roasted coffee beans to a fine consistency. Use the included scoop to measure the appropriate amount of coffee for the two-cup filter basket.

3. Tamp: Use the included tamper to firmly and evenly compress the coffee grounds. Aim for about 30 pounds of pressure, creating a level, compact puck.

4. Lock and Brew: Lock the portafilter into the group head. Place your cup(s) under the spouts.

5. Extract: Press the espresso button. Watch the flow of espresso – it should start as a slow drip and gradually increase. Aim for an extraction time of around 25-30 seconds.

6. Froth (Optional): If making a milk-based drink, fill a pitcher with cold milk. Purge the steam wand to remove any condensation. Submerge the wand tip just below the milk’s surface and turn the steam knob on. Create a whirlpool motion to evenly aerate the milk.

7. Combine and Enjoy: Pour the frothed milk into your espresso, creating latte art if you’re feeling adventurous!

Beyond the Basics – Elevating Your Espresso Game

Mastering espresso is a journey, not a destination. Here are some tips to refine your technique:

• Bean Selection: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans. Different origins and roast levels offer unique flavor profiles. Experiment to find your favorites!
• Grinding: Invest in a good-quality burr grinder for a consistent grind. Adjust the grind size to fine-tune your extraction.
• Tamping: Practice consistent tamping pressure. A level, even tamp is crucial for preventing channeling (uneven water flow through the coffee puck).
• Troubleshooting Common Issues:
  • Under-extraction (sour, weak espresso): Try a finer grind, a firmer tamp, or a slightly longer extraction time. You might also check your water temperature; if it’s too low, it won’t extract the coffee properly.
  • Over-extraction (bitter, harsh espresso): Try a coarser grind, a lighter tamp, or a shorter extraction time. Also, make sure your beans aren’t stale.
  • Channeling (uneven extraction, weak spots in the crema): This often indicates an uneven tamp or an inconsistent grind. Ensure your coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the portafilter before tamping, and consider using a distribution tool.
  • Water Leakage: Some user have mentioned water leakage. Follow these step to avoid it:
    • Make sure the Steam Button at the top of the machine is off.
    • Before starting to brew coffee, we recommend that you put an empty cup under the steam milk frother wand. Then turn the Steam Control Knob on the right side of the machine to the maximum. Next, turn on the Espresso Button. At this point, some water will come from the steam wand and the handle area of the coffee holder. After 8s, turn off the Espresso Button and return the Steam Control Knob to off. (Note：This operation can help the machine release the pressure and steam inside of the machine, avoiding machine leaks water when brew coffee)
    • Double check the Espresso Button and the Steam Control Knob was turned off! Then, you can turn on the Espresso Button to make a great cup of coffee!

Conclusion: Embracing the Art and Science of Espresso

The CASABREWS CM1699 offers a compelling blend of performance, convenience, and affordability, making it an excellent entry point into the world of home espresso. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a commercial-grade machine, its 20-bar pump, steam wand, and user-friendly design provide the essential tools for crafting delicious, cafe-quality coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen. Remember, espresso is both an art and a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to fine-tune your technique, and to savor the journey of discovery as you unlock the full potential of your coffee beans. The world of espresso is vast and rewarding; embrace the challenge, and enjoy the delicious results.