Casabrews Neutron Pro Review

What is the Casabrews Neutron Pro?

The Casabrews is a triple thermoblock espresso machine. This means that it uses an “on demand” heating system to heat water for espresso brewing, and for milk steaming. It uses one thermoblock for espresso brewing, one for milk steaming, and a third 200W heater for keeping the brew group heated.

The CM5418 is on the larger side of espresso machines, especially considering that it does not include a grinder. But for that width, you get a 58mm machine, and the triple heater system. It also comes with a pressure transducer, a large water tank, and an ample drip tray.

Casabrews Neutron Pro vs Breville Oracle Jet

Some people might compare the Neutron Pro to the Oracle Jet, because they both come with thermoblocks to heat the brew groups. I would be cautious with such a comparison though, as the Oracle Jet costs more, yet comes with an integrated grinding/dosing/tamping system.

Design of the Neutron Pro

On the front side of the Neutron Pro, you will find the HMI panel. From left to right, you have: power button, Americano button, menu dial, single espresso button, and double espresso button.

Below the control panel, you will see the 58mm brew group, which comes equipped with a dual spouted portafilter. To the right of the portafilter is a little water spout, and to the right of that is the steam wand.

The classic ‘B’ is stamped on the right side of the screen, and on the large drip dray you will see ‘Casabrews’ branded as another stamp.

Looking at the right side of the unit, you find the rotary dial, to switch between steam and hot water. You also will note the large diameter steam wand. This must have a larger diameter in order to encase the integrated temperature probe.

While the temperature probe is nice for knowing how hot your milk is getting, it does create quite the hindrance in cleaning off the steam wand after milk steaming. Since this is not a ‘non-burn’ steam wand, the milk cakes on quickly if you don’t wipe it off right away. This is not an uncommon thing among espresso machines, but the temperature probe in the middle of the wand makes it more difficult to clean.

The top of the Neutron Pro shows a ribbed cup tray, which does get pretty warm, especially in the back, near the water tank lid.

For materials, Casabrews claims that the body is built with die cast aluminum, while the top lid and front fascia are made of stainless steel.

What does the Neutron Pro come with?

The Casabrews comes with all you need to make an extraction, including a tamper and milk pitcher. It would have been nice, had they included a funnel too, but here’s the list:

• 58mm portafilter
• 2 pressurized baskets (single and double)
• 2 unpressurized baskets (single and double)
• Tamper (self-levelling)
• Milk Pitcher
• Scoop and brush
• Steam wand cleaning pin
• Directions

What about a solenoid, PID, and pre-infusion?

The Casabrews comes with a similar kind of pre-infusion to the Dedica – 5 seconds of pre-wetting the coffee puck, then a pause. After this, the machine starts extracting.

I do believe to have found PID thermoprobes throughout the machine, however I was not able to get a good reading from the extractions. More on that later.

There are solenoid valves used in the machine, to switch water paths, and also to relieve the brew group of pressure after the extraction. That is a nice feature.

So how does the Casabrews perform for Espresso?

So far, the new Neutron Pro performs fairly well for espresso, but not reliably. What I mean is, it has a hard time always getting water through the puck. This might have something to do with the stock baskets getting clogged, or the way the pressure is regulated. When it does extract properly, it does a pretty good job, making nice chocolatey shots, provided the beans are suitable.

That being said, the results are going to depend a lot on the beans you’re using, your grinder, and your experience with the machine. I have not tested it with lighter roasts, but I do not think it will fair well, since it cannot have its temperature changed. For lighter roasts, you need a higher temperature to avoid sour extractions.

As I mentioned, my machine has been very inconsistent. Even with the same dose (17 grams), grind (20 on the Shardor 64mm), and tamp, sometimes it will extract a 1:2 ratio within 25-30 seconds, and other times it just drips out slowly, requiring up to 60 seconds. This is quite frustrating, and honestly a deal breaker for me. But, maybe I just got a lemon, who knows?

How does the Steam Wand do for Milk Foam?

The steam wand on the Neutron Pro is certainly a minus point. It has very limited range of motion, so it’s hard to find the right angle to hold your milk pitcher to get a swirl going. It’s also hard to clean, and therefore gets clogged easily. The steam wand is kind of a deal breaker for me, if I’m being honest.

How is the build quality?

I would compare the build quality to something from Delonghi. It’s easy to take apart, and you see a lot of use of PTFE (Teflon) lines for the water. The casing and top lid are grounded which is good.

Looking inside, you will notice the 3 thermoblocks, including the 200 watt brew group heater, located in the upper right. You will also see the silver colored pressure transducer middle left. Lower left exhibits a two way and three way solenoid. Overall, I’d say the build quality is average for this price rane.

Pros and Cons of the Casabrew?

Like any other machine, this Neutron Pro has its pros and cons. Let’s list them.

Specifications of the Casabrews Neutron Pro:

– Dimensions: 11.3″ x 13.1″ x 13.5″

– Weight: 20.46 pounds

– 1500 watt machine

– Build Materials: die cast aluminum, stainless steel, PTFE, silicone.

– Country of Origin: China

Verdict

For $399-499, it’s not a bad entry to the espresso world. And I certainly hope that I just got a lemon, and that other people’s espresso is more consistent. But as for me, I’d suggest something like the Barista Pro, or new Delonghi Opera.

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Win the Neutron Pro here:

Please note that only USA and Canadian residents can register, as this is a 60 Hz 120V machine, and shipping is only possible within the 48 contiguous states and Canada. One entry per person. You can get two entries, if you sign up to the newsletter. Please note that if you are registering from Canada, and win, that you will incur the import taxes and duties, levied by the Canadian customs department.

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