CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine: Complete Setup, Use & Care Guide

The CASABREWS 3700 is a 20-bar semi-automatic espresso machine designed for home use — capable of pulling genuine espresso shots and steaming milk for lattes and cappuccinos at an accessible price point. This guide covers everything you need to get the most out of it: first use setup, step-by-step brewing and frothing instructions, how to read the pressure gauge, cleaning routines, and fixes for the most common issues.

Available at Altohaus for $149.99.

What's in the Box

• CASABREWS 3700 espresso machine
• Removable water tank (43.9 oz / 1.3L)
• Portafilter with single shot filter
• Double shot filter
• Measuring spoon with tamper
• Instruction manual

Key Specifications

Control Panel Overview

• Power Button (A) — turns the machine on and off
• Single Shot Button (B) — brews one shot of espresso
• Double Shot Button (C) — brews two shots of espresso
• Steam Button (D) — switches the machine into steam mode for milk frothing
• Steam Knob — controls steam flow from the steam wand
• Pressure Gauge — displays extraction pressure during brewing

First Use: Setting Up Your CASABREWS 3700

Before brewing your first espresso, flush the machine to remove any manufacturing residue and prime the pump. This is required one time only.

1. Remove the red rubber ring from the bottom of the water reservoir before installing it — this is a shipping seal and must be removed before use.
2. Fill the reservoir with room temperature water and install it.
3. Plug in the machine and press the Power Button. Allow it to heat up until the indicator light is solid.
4. Place a large cup or container under the portafilter and steam wand.
5. Turn the Steam Knob to the steam position and let hot water flow out for approximately 10 seconds, then return the knob to off.
6. Insert the portafilter without coffee and press the Single Shot Button to run a water cycle through the brew head. Discard the water.
7. Repeat 2–3 times until the machine runs quietly and water flows cleanly.

How to Brew Espresso with the CASABREWS 3700

1. Fill the water tank if needed and install it securely.
2. Power on and wait for the indicator light to stop flashing and become solid — the machine is ready.
3. Preheat the portafilter — run a shot cycle with the empty portafilter (no coffee) before your first brew of the day. This brings the portafilter up to temperature and improves shot quality. Discard the hot water.
4. Choose your filter — single shot filter for one espresso, double shot filter for two.
5. Dose your coffee — 7–9g for a single shot, 14–18g for a double. Use a burr grinder for best results. See our grinder guide for recommendations.
6. Tamp firmly with the included tamper — apply even, level pressure. A consistent tamp produces a consistent shot.
7. Lock the portafilter into the brew head by inserting at a 45° angle to the left, then turning right until it locks in place and sits perpendicular to the machine.
8. Place your cup under the portafilter spout.
9. Press Single or Double Shot Button. The machine will begin extracting.
10. Watch the pressure gauge — aim for the needle to sit in the gray/ideal zone during extraction (see pressure gauge section below).
11. When extraction is complete, serve immediately.

Understanding the Pressure Gauge

The analog pressure gauge on the front of the CASABREWS 3700 shows extraction pressure in real time during brewing. It's one of the most useful tools for diagnosing shot quality.

• Needle in the lower zone — insufficient pressure. Shot is likely under-extracting. Grind finer, increase dose, or tamp harder.
• Needle in the gray/ideal zone — correct extraction pressure. Your shot is extracting well.
• Needle in the upper/red zone — too much pressure. Grind is too fine, dose is too high, or tamp is too firm. Go coarser or reduce dose.

Aim to keep the needle in the ideal zone for the majority of the extraction. Minor fluctuation at the start and end of the shot is normal.

Frothing Milk with the Steam Wand

1. Brew your espresso first — always pull your shot before steaming. After steaming, the boiler needs to cool down before brewing again.
2. Press the Steam Button — it will flash while preheating. Wait until it stops flashing and stays solid.
3. Purge the wand — turn the steam knob to steam position briefly to release any residual water. When only steam comes out, turn it back off.
4. Fill your pitcher with cold milk (41°F / 5°C) just below the bottom of the spout. Cold milk produces better foam.
5. Position the steam wand — arm at 12 o'clock, tip just below the milk surface at a slight angle to create a swirling motion.
6. Turn the steam knob on — you should hear a soft hissing sound and see the milk swirling.
7. Lower the pitcher gradually as the foam builds to keep the tip just below the surface.
8. When the pitcher is too hot to hold for 3 seconds, the milk is ready. Turn the knob off.
9. Wipe the steam wand immediately with a damp cloth, then briefly open the steam valve to clear any milk from inside.

Cleaning & Maintenance

After Every Use

1. Remove the portafilter, discard the coffee puck, and rinse with warm water
2. Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately after use
3. Run a brief steam purge to clear milk residue from inside the wand
4. Wipe the exterior and drip tray with a damp cloth
5. Empty and rinse the drip tray
6. Unplug the machine after use

Weekly Deep Clean

1. Remove the filter from the portafilter and wash with warm water and mild dish soap
2. If filters appear clogged, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes then rinse under running water
3. Clean the brew head with a dry cloth — remove any coffee residue from the gasket area
4. Clean the water tank with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly
5. Run a double shot cycle with clean water (no coffee) to flush the system

Descaling

Descale every 2–3 months depending on water hardness and frequency of use. Hard water accelerates mineral buildup inside the boiler, which reduces performance and can shorten machine lifespan. Use a food-safe descaling solution — follow the instructions in your manual or contact CASABREWS support for their recommended procedure.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Machine won't turn on or no power

Check that the power plug is fully seated in a working outlet and that the Power Button has been pressed. If all buttons flash simultaneously, the flow meter inside the machine may be malfunctioning — contact CASABREWS support.

Coffee runs out slowly or not at all

Most common causes: grind is too fine, too much coffee in the filter, or tamp is too firm. Adjust one at a time — go coarser, reduce dose, or lighten tamp pressure. Also check that the water tank is installed correctly and full. If the filter appears blocked, soak it in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Shot tastes bitter

Over-extraction — grind is too fine or dose is too high. The pressure gauge needle may be running in the upper zone. Go one step coarser on your grinder or reduce dose slightly.

Shot tastes sour or watery

Under-extraction — grind is too coarse or dose is too low. Check that the machine is fully preheated and that you're using the correct filter for single vs double shot.

Single and double buttons flashing after steaming

The machine is in overheat protection mode after using the steam function. This is normal. Turn the steam knob to the hot water position and run water from the steam wand until all buttons illuminate steadily. Return knob to off — machine is ready to brew.

Not producing steam

Check that the water tank is full and properly installed. Press the Steam Button and wait for it to stop flashing before attempting to steam. If steam is weak, the steam wand tip may be blocked with milk residue — clean with a damp cloth and purge briefly.

Water pooling under the machine

The water tank is either not installed correctly or the drip tray is full. Remove and reinstall the tank, and empty the drip tray.

Machine makes loud noise

Some noise is normal, especially on first use and during the first few uses of a 20-bar pump. The noise decreases as the pump breaks in. Persistent loud noise after several uses may indicate a blocked filter — clean or soak the filter to resolve.

Warranty Information

The CASABREWS 3700 includes a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. For warranty claims or product support, contact CASABREWS directly at support@casabrews.com.

For questions about your Altohaus order, shipping, or returns, contact us at support@altohaus.co.

Pair It With

• Burr grinder — the CASABREWS 3700 performs significantly better with freshly ground coffee. A burr grinder in the $60–$100 range completes the setup. Browse grinders →
• Coffee scale — dose your coffee by weight for consistent shots every time. Browse scales →
• Frothing pitcher — a stainless steel pitcher with the right shape makes steaming easier and produces better microfoam. Browse accessories →

Shop the CASABREWS 3700 at Altohaus →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up the CASABREWS 3700 for the first time?

Remove the red rubber ring from the bottom of the water reservoir before installing it — this is a shipping seal. Fill the tank with water, plug in the machine, and run 2–3 water cycles through the brew head and steam wand without coffee to prime the pump and flush out any manufacturing residue.

Why is my CASABREWS 3700 making a loud noise?

Loud noise on first use is normal for a 20-bar pump and decreases with regular use. If the noise is accompanied by very slow or no coffee output, the grind may be too fine or the filter may be clogged. Clean or soak the filter in boiling water and adjust grind size.

Can I make a latte with the CASABREWS 3700?

Yes — the built-in steam wand froths milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Always pull your espresso shot first, then switch to steam mode. After steaming, allow the machine to cool down before brewing again.

Why are my single and double shot buttons flashing?

The machine is in overheat protection mode, which activates after steaming. Turn the steam knob to the hot water position and run water from the steam wand until all buttons illuminate steadily. The machine is then ready to brew.

Is the CASABREWS 3700 dishwasher safe?

No — no parts of the CASABREWS 3700 are dishwasher safe. All components including the portafilter, filters, and water tank must be hand washed with warm water and mild dish soap.

How often should I descale my CASABREWS 3700?

Every 2–3 months under normal use, or more frequently if you live in a hard water area. Regular descaling prevents mineral buildup that reduces performance and can shorten the machine's lifespan.

What grind size should I use in the CASABREWS 3700?

Fine to medium-fine — similar to table salt or slightly finer. The pressure gauge is your best guide: if the needle sits in the ideal zone during extraction, your grind is correct. Too coarse and the needle drops low; too fine and it rises into the upper zone.

Where can I find the CASABREWS 3700 instruction manual?

The official manual is available for download on the CASABREWS product manual page. A full version with diagrams is also available on ManualsLib.