Head-to-heads / CASABREWS CM5418 vs CHULUX RectoCafé
CASABREWS CM5418 vs CHULUX RectoCafé
The bottom line
It comes down to milk frothing.
Get the CASABREWS CM5418 if…
you want a manual steam wand for milk drinks, or you hate refilling: a 34 oz tank vs. 15 oz.
Get the CHULUX RectoCafé if…
you like its design or find it cheaper today. On the specs both listings state, it is not ahead.
The CASABREWS CM5418 is ahead on 2 specs, the CHULUX RectoCafé on 0. These are different kinds of machine (semi-automatic vs capsule). We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Score by category
Each bar is out of 100. Popularity is how often the machine sells on Amazon compared to all 140 machines.
CASABREWS CM5418CHULUX RectoCafé
Brewing
Milk
Convenience
Popularity
Why is the CASABREWS CM5418 better than the CHULUX RectoCafé?
- Milk frothingManual steam wand vs. None
- 127% bigger water tank34 oz vs. 15 oz
Why is the CHULUX RectoCafé better than the CASABREWS CM5418?
No spec where it is clearly ahead, based on what both listings state.
Every spec, with its source
Only specs both sides state can win. A “Not stated” never wins or loses.
Brewing
Built-in grinder
Fresh grinding right before brewing matters more for taste than almost anything else. A built-in grinder saves buying a separate one.
CASABREWS CM5418
No
Amazon listing
CHULUX RectoCafé
No
Amazon listing
Pump pressure
Espresso is brewed at about 9 bar. Higher numbers on the box are maximum pump ratings and do not make better coffee, so we do not score them.
Pressure gauge
A gauge shows whether your grind and dose are right while the shot runs.
CASABREWS CM5418
Yes
Amazon listing
CHULUX RectoCafé
Not stated
Milk
Milk frothing
A manual steam wand gives the best microfoam for latte art but takes practice. Automatic systems are easier but less flexible.
CASABREWS CM5418
Manual steam wand
Amazon listing
CHULUX RectoCafé
None
Amazon listing
Convenience
Heat-up time
How long you wait from switching on until the first shot. Under a minute feels instant, over 15 minutes means planning ahead.
CASABREWS CM5418
Not stated
Water tank
A bigger tank means refilling less often. For two milk drinks a day, about 60 oz lasts several days.
Size and weight
Height
Measure the space under your kitchen cabinets. Many machines need a few extra inches on top to refill the water tank or bean hopper.
CASABREWS CM5418
Not stated
CHULUX RectoCafé
7.9 in
Amazon listing
Counter space
Width times depth, the area the machine takes up on your counter.
CASABREWS CM5418
Not stated
CHULUX RectoCafé
38 sq in
Amazon listing
Weight
Heavier machines stay put when you lock in the portafilter. Lighter ones are easier to move and store.
CASABREWS CM5418
8.6 lbs
Amazon listing
CHULUX RectoCafé
5 lbs
Amazon listing
Other
Power
Higher wattage usually means faster heating, but it says nothing about coffee quality.
Highlighted: the better value for that spec. Bars show where a value sits among all 140 machines. Specs neither listing states are left out. How we score
Deal check
CASABREWS CM5418 · price class $
Around its usual price.Compared with its own 90-day average and 12-month low on Amazon. The exact price is on Amazon.
See today’s priceCHULUX RectoCafé · price class $
Around its usual price.Compared with its own 90-day average and 12-month low on Amazon. The exact price is on Amazon.
See today’s priceQuestions
Which is better, the CASABREWS CM5418 or the CHULUX RectoCafé?
The CASABREWS CM5418 scores 36 points, the CHULUX RectoCafé 19. The score weighs grinder, heating system, temperature control, milk frothing and convenience.
Do both have a built-in grinder?
No. With either one you need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
Which one has the bigger water tank?
The CASABREWS CM5418: 34 oz vs. 15 oz for the CHULUX RectoCafé.
How do they froth milk?
CASABREWS CM5418: manual steam wand. CHULUX RectoCafé: none.
Higher score · 36CASABREWS CM5418Check price on Amazon