Casabrews CM5418 vs Casabrews 3700 Essential: Which Is Better? (October 2026)
Casabrews 3700 vs CM5418 comes down to width and what you want on the front. The CM5418 is narrower and has a pressure gauge, while the 3700 Essential has a bigger tank and PID temperature control, and both have a 20 bar pump and a steam wand.
On this page (14 sections)
- Casabrews 3700 vs CM5418: what both share
- The width and the footprint
- Water tank and refills
- Temperature control and the pressure gauge
- Start-up and first use
- Milk frothing and the cool-down
- Filters and doses
- Cleaning and descaling
- Every difference in one table
- Common problems on both machines
- What to buy with either machine
- Who should pick the CM5418
- Who should pick the 3700 Essential
- Which Casabrews machine to buy
The CASABREWS CM5418 and the CASABREWS 3700 Essential are both semi-automatic espresso machines with a 20 bar pump and a manual steam wand. They differ in width, tank size and what's on the front, so the choice comes down to counter space and how you want to learn.
This comparison looks at those differences and what they mean in a home kitchen. We compared the two on their specs, features and included parts.
Casabrews 3700 vs CM5418: what both share
Both use a 20 bar pump and a 1350 W heating system, and both have a steam wand for milk. Both have pre-infusion, a cup warmer on top and a removable drip tray.
Both come with a 51 mm portafilter, one cup and two cup filters, and a tamper with a spoon. Both take ground coffee, so a separate grinder is part of the setup on either one.
The width and the footprint
The CM5418 is the narrower machine at about 5.5 inches wide, 12.3 inches deep and 12 inches tall. The 3700 Essential is about 6.5 inches wide, 13 inches deep and 12.1 inches tall.
Casabrews 3700 vs CM5418 on a tight counter
That one inch of width can decide whether a machine fits a corner. Measure the gap before you choose, and leave room around the machine for the tank and the steam wand.
| Product | Best for | Size (W x D x H) | Water tank | Extras | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASABREWS CM5418 | a narrow counter and a pressure gauge | 5.5 x 12.3 x 12 in | 34 oz removable | Pressure gauge | 8.3 |
| CASABREWS 3700 Essential | a bigger water tank and PID | 6.5 x 13 x 12.1 in | 43.9 oz removable | PID control | 7.6 |
The CM5418 weighs about 8.6 pounds and the 3700 Essential about 8.1, so neither is hard to move for cleaning.
Water tank and refills
The 3700 Essential has a 43.9 oz removable tank, while the CM5418 has a 34 oz tank. The larger tank holds about 30 percent more water, so it needs refilling less often.
CASABREWS says the CM5418 tank covers up to 10 cups. If you make one or two drinks a day, 34 oz is plenty, but a household that makes several in a row will notice the gap.
Temperature control and the pressure gauge
The 3700 Essential names PID temperature control, which holds the brew temperature steady from shot to shot. The CM5418 doesn't name a temperature control system.
The CM5418 has a built-in pressure gauge instead. It shows what each shot is doing, which helps you link a change in grind or tamp to a change in the cup.
Start-up and first use
Both machines have an orange plug under the water tank that you pull out before the first use. CASABREWS also asks you to run a first-use cycle on the 3700 Essential, following the steps in its guide.
Read the first-use steps for your model before you pull the first shot. Both machines have 1 cup and 2 cup buttons you can program to your own shot size.
Milk frothing and the cool-down
Both have a steam wand you work by hand, so the milk skills carry over from one machine to the other. Purge the wand first, use cold milk, and wipe the wand after each use.
CASABREWS says the CM5418 needs to cool after steaming before it brews again, or it can trip its over-temperature protection. Steam last on either machine, and the question never comes up.
Filters and doses
The 3700 Essential's one cup and two cup filters are stainless steel. CASABREWS suggests 7 to 9 grams for a single cup and 13 to 15 grams for a double on both machines.
Check your tamper against the basket size if you already own one. Both machines use a 51 mm portafilter.
Cleaning and descaling
On both machines, rinse the portafilter and basket after each shot, wipe the steam wand while it's warm and descale on the schedule in the manual. Mineral buildup slows the flow on either machine, so don't skip the descale.
Our descaling guide covers the steps for both. Empty the drip tray before it fills, and keep the tank topped up with fresh water.
Every difference in one table
This table lists each item where the two machines differ, plus the shared basics.
| Feature | CASABREWS CM5418 | CASABREWS 3700 Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Width x depth x height | 5.5 x 12.3 x 12 in | 6.5 x 13 x 12.1 in |
| Weight | 8.6 lb | 8.1 lb |
| Water tank | 34 oz | 43.9 oz |
| Temperature control | Not named | PID |
| Pressure gauge | Built in | Not named |
| Filters | 51 mm, one cup and two cup | 51 mm stainless steel, one cup and two cup |
| Cool-down after steaming | CASABREWS notes it | Not noted |
| First use | Pull the orange plug | Pull the plug and run a first-use cycle |
| Pump and heater | 20 bar, 1350 W | 20 bar, 1350 W |
Common problems on both machines
If little coffee comes out, CASABREWS suggests a coarser grind, a smaller dose and a filter that's been soaked in hot water. For the 3700 Essential it gives 7 to 9 grams for a single cup and 13 to 15 grams for a double, and it says the tamped grounds should reach the MAX line.
If no water comes out at first use, check that the orange plug under the tank is out. Then run hot water through the wand for about 30 seconds on the 3700 Essential, and repeat two or three times.
If a steam knob is left away from OFF, CASABREWS says that can cause problems on the next shot. Return it to OFF after you steam.
What to buy with either machine
Both machines need a grinder, and a scale makes the small doses CASABREWS suggests easy to repeat. A wand brush helps once you steam milk every day.
Who should pick the CM5418
Pick the CM5418 if your counter is narrow or the machine has to sit in a corner or on a shelf. It suits someone who wants the 20 bar pump, a gauge to learn from and a steam wand in a small body.
It also fits someone who makes one or two drinks at a time, since the 34 oz tank is enough for that.
Who should pick the 3700 Essential
Pick the 3700 Essential if you make several drinks in a row and want fewer refills. The bigger 43.9 oz tank covers more drinks between fills, and the PID helps keep each shot at the same temperature.
It also suits a kitchen with a little more room, since the extra width and depth need space on the counter.
Which Casabrews machine to buy
Both are sensible first semi-automatic machines if you already have a grinder or plan to buy one. Start with the counter: if the narrow body or the gauge is the deciding factor, the CM5418 is the pick, and if the bigger tank and PID matter more, the 3700 Essential is the pick.
Our scores put the CM5418 ahead, mainly on footprint and the gauge. If a grinder built in matters more than either, see the Breville Barista Express review, or read the semi-automatic vs automatic comparison for one-button options.
Read the CASABREWS CM5418 review for more on the narrow model. For the wider set of small machines, see the compact espresso machine roundup or the best budget espresso machine roundup.
The home espresso machine guide covers the wider set of starting points.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the CASABREWS CM5418 or the 3700 Essential?
It depends on your counter and what you want to learn from. The CM5418 is narrower at about 5.5 inches wide and has a pressure gauge, while the 3700 Essential holds more water and names PID temperature control.
Do the CM5418 and the 3700 Essential both have a 20 bar pump?
Yes, both are rated at 20 bar with a 1350 W heating system and a steam wand for milk. Both are semi-automatic, so you grind, dose, tamp and start the shot yourself, with a separate grinder for fresh coffee.
How big is the water tank on each machine?
The CM5418 has a 34 oz removable tank, and the 3700 Essential has a 43.9 oz removable tank. The larger tank needs refilling less often, which helps when you make several drinks in a row.
Do I need a grinder for either CASABREWS machine?
Yes, both take ground coffee and have no built-in grinder. Use a burr grinder that gives a fine, even grind for espresso, and grind just before you brew for the freshest shot.
