Nespresso Vertuo Black
Score: 74/100
Casabrews Espresso Machine
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Casabrews CM5418 is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine praised for its 20-bar pump and fast 1350 W heating. Its small water tank, limited cup height and lack of an integrated grinder limit high-volume or tall-mug use. Best suited for beginners and apartment dwellers who value space and price over advanced features.
The Vertuo Matte Black delivers rapid 15-20 second heat-up and solid power in a compact design. It lacks a built-in frother, connectivity and has a modest water tank. Best suited for solo users or small households wanting fast, high-quality pod coffee.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 20 barbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.9 kg | 4.649 kgbest |
1,183 mlbest | 1,000 ml | |
305 mmbest | 304 mm | |
305 mmbest | 139 mm | |
203 mm | 312 mmbest | |
— | 102 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,500 W | 1,350 Wbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Water Tank Capacity (ml) | 1183 ml | 1000 ml |
Features(1) | ||
Steam Wand | false | true |
Design & Build(4) | ||
Height (mm) | 305 mm | 304 mm |
Width (mm) | 305 mm | 139 mm |
Depth (mm) | 203 mm | 312 mm |
Weight (kg) | 4.9 kg | 4.649 kg |
Power & Electrical(2) | ||
Voltage (V) | 110 V | 120 V |
Power Consumption (W) | 1500 W | 1350 W |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Vertuo for its fast heat-up, intuitive one-touch operation, and especially its ability to produce a genuine espresso-style crema using the patented Centrifusion system. The barcode-driven brewing parameters are praised for delivering consistent taste across the four cup sizes, while the sleek matte-black aesthetic and energy-saving auto shut-off add to its appeal. Criticisms focus on the closed-system pod restriction, modest water-tank size, and the absence of an integrated milk frother.
Consumers overwhelmingly enjoy the rich flavor and thick crema, noting that a single button delivers coffee quickly and reliably. The compact design and stylish finish are repeatedly praised, as is the adjustable drip tray for travel mugs. Recurring complaints center on the exclusive Vertuo capsule requirement, the need to refill the 40 oz tank often, occasional priming for hotter brews, and the lack of a built-in frother.
“ease of use, design, taste”
Professional reviewers highlight the CM5418's space-saving dimensions, solid 20-bar pump, and rapid 1350 W heating as strong points for an entry-level machine, especially given its budget-friendly price. However, they note the lack of an integrated grinder, adjustable temperature, pre-infusion, and the limited 4-inch cup height as drawbacks that keep it from competing with more feature-rich models.
Everyday users appreciate the machine's ease of use, quick heat-up, and compact size, praising the rich crema and the ability to make lattes with the manual wand. Recurring complaints focus on the small water tank, the learning curve of the steam wand, occasional leaks, and the plastic feel of some components.
