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The Nutribullet Triple Prep System is a blender and food processor combo that handled almost every recipe I could throw at it

8:00 pm | September 28, 2025

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: one-minute review

True to its name, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System is a blender combo that provides the functionality of three kinds of kitchen appliances in one. Nutribullet as a brand may have made its start with personal blenders, but the lineup has expanded to include

Alongside a 1,500 watt motor base, the system includes a long list of accessories: a 64oz pitcher, two travel cups with lids, a food processor work bowl, a shredding/slicing disc, a tamper, a food pusher, and a dough blade. So, it’s pretty much a full toolkit for any home chef looking to whip up smoothies, shakes, soup, dips, and more.

Smoothie made using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

As expected, during my tests, there was almost no hurdle the Nutribullet Triple Prep System stumbled at. From chopping carrots to crushing ice, the machine proved to be an exceptionally useful assistant in the kitchen again and again. What’s more, it was more user-friendly than many

There are a few problems that held the Triple Prep System back from perfection though. For one, the blades in the pitcher can’t be removed, which makes hand washing a good bit more difficult than it needs to be. As well as that, it doesn’t perform well with very small batches, given its smallest container is 24oz.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: price and availability

List price: $244.99 / £229.99 / AU$349.95
Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Sold through Nutribullet’s website and other third-party retailers

The Nutribullet Triple Prep System is widely available to buy in the US, UK, and Australia. Across all three of these regions, you can pick up the Triple Prep System directly from the Nutribullet site or on Amazon. When it comes to third-party retailers in the States specifically, some of your other options are Target, Best Buy, and Walmart.

At over $200, the Triple Prep System is undoubtedly on the higher end of the Nutribullet range. It is one of the brand’s most multifunctional machines though, so it makes sense that it would set you back more than the rest. For context, you can get a basic Nutribullet personal blender for as little as $80.

Even with that higher price tag, if it saves you the cost of buying a blender and food processor separately, the Triple Prep System is incredible value for money. That said, it’s probably not a great idea to opt for it if you don’t plan to make use of its full suite of features.

Value score: 4/5

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: specs

Price	$244.99 / £229.99 / AUS $349.95
Weight	8.7lbs / 4kg
Size (H x W x D)	8.75 x 8 x 7.75 inches / 22.2 x 20.3 x 19.7cm
Travel cup capacity	32oz / 900ml or 24oz / 700ml
Jug capacity	64oz / 1.8 liters
Work bowl capacity	7 cups
Presets	Smoothie, puree, frozen drinks, nut milk, dressing, chop, dough, dip.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: design

Plenty of presets to choose from
Smart attachment recognition
Slightly large footprint, but accessories nest for storage

One of my favorite features of the Triple Prep System is how it smartly recognizes which container you have attached to the base, and changes which presets are available based on that knowledge. It even modifies the duration of presets depending on which attachment you’re using.

For example, the Smoothie preset runs for 50 seconds with the pitcher and 60 seconds when using the travel cups. More blending time for a smaller container may sound counterintuitive, but your ingredients having less space to move around means that the motor has to process for longer to ensure all of the mix comes in contact with the blades.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System and accessories — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

You wouldn’t have to know all that though, because the Triple Prep System makes that change for you. The touch button layout is clean and intuitive: you’ve got start/stop controls, a pulse button, and clearly labeled presets for smoothies, soups, frozen drinks, and food processing tasks. Any preset that isn’t suitable for your attached container conveniently disappears too, helping to make using the machine an almost foolproof experience.

The majority of parts are dishwasher-safe, which offers a welcome reprieve from having to scrub out smoothie remnants and soup leftovers by hand. The extractor blade isn’t suitable for dishwasher cleaning, but given the fixed pitcher blades caused me far more struggle when cleaning than the extractor blade, I didn’t find this to be too much of an issue.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System controls — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Given the sheer number of functions this machine serves, its slighter larger footprint feels like a worthy trade. If you cook from scratch or make fancy drinks at home regularly enough, you can probably justify keeping the motor base on your kitchen counter between uses. When you go to store the Triple Prep System away in your kitchen cupboards, you’ll probably find its wealth of accessories and attachments more of a curse than a blessing.

Certain parts of the system (like the shred/slice disc) slot together or into each other so it does seem like there was some effort made to save space. However, it still is a system that requires some generous-sized kitchen cupboards.

Design: 4.5/5

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: performance

Consistently great results with smoothies and soups
Does a great job crushing ice
Struggles with very small batches

Blenders are Nutribullet’s bread and butter – particularly ones for making smoothies. With that in mind, it made a lot of sense to start my testing there.

The smoothie recipe that’s used during TechRadar’s testing processes is a doozy in a couple of respects. It includes blueberries, which have skin and tiny seeds for the blender’s blades to try to contend with. But it also contains kale: the fibrous leafy vegetable that’s the enemy of many at-home smoothie lovers. While kale is great for sneaking nutrients in your drinks, it can be really difficult to completely break down if your blender isn’t up to the task – and plenty of blenders aren’t.

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Ingredients inside Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Thanks to the Triple Prep System’s 1,500W motor and the guidance of its smoothie preset, I managed to blitz up a thick, tasty smoothie with virtually no off-putting ‘bits’. Any grittiness from the berries’ seeds disappeared entirely and no chunks of leaf remained.

Roughly the same was true when I tried to replicate the smoothie in one of the travel cups. Upon very, very careful inspection, there were minuscule flecks of unprocessed kale floating in the smoothie but these were few and far between, and weren’t large enough to detect in the mouth when drunk.

Crushing the ice in the travel cup gleaned far less than ideal results so I opted to try it in the pitcher instead. Don’t get me wrong, I was reasonably satisfied with what the travel cup produced: well-crushed ice with some little chunks that escaped the wrath of the extractor blade. However, I wanted to see if the added surface of the pitcher would produce a better end result.

Ice blended using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Sure enough, without much fuss, the pitcher’s blades managed to pulverize the cubes into fine, icy grounds that were just perfect for a snow cone or daiquiri. The Triple Prep System’s volume output hit a peak of 96db during this part of the test (roughly equivalent to some power tools). While this level of noise is certainly not pleasant to be exposed to for too long, it is a good bit higher than the blender’s average which was closer to 87db.

As testing continued, the Triple Prep System continued to impress. After mixing up a hummus recipe in the food processor’s work bowl on the ‘dip’ preset and scraping the sides, I was treated to a creamy dip with zero unincorporated segments of chickpeas. Thicker blends sticking under the blades and on the edge of the container was a notable problem with the Nutribullet SmartSense that I found added extra time to making this simple, delicious recipe. Thankfully, the Triple Prep System avoids the same mistake.

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Chickpeas in Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

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Hummus made using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Next, I put its shred/slice disc to work on a block of cheese and found that it provided a result that was really consistent. However, the slight inconvenience of chopping the cheese small enough to fit through the narrow gap in the food processor’s lid might make this a less attractive option in the future.

The only real disappointment I experienced during testing was how the Triple Prep System performed making mayonnaise. The pitcher was obviously too large to properly blend a batch, so I opted to use the food processor work bowl instead. The issue is that – even when I doubled the usual recipe – the container was still far too spacious.

Cheese grated using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

An alternative mayonnaise recipe written specifically for a Nutribullet suggested using a 18oz cup, but the Triple Prep System not only doesn’t include a container that small but doesn’t have any more compact attachments that would allow you to gradually drip oil into the emulsion as it’s blending. So, unless you’re anticipating mixing up an industrial-sized tub of mayo, it’s worth doing this recipe by hand or with an immersion blender.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Nutribullet Triple Prep System?

Nutribullet Triple Prep System score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	It’s far from the lowest-cost option when it comes to blenders. But given the breadth of tasks it can be used for, it’s very good value.	4/5
Design	Takes up more space than many blending solutions but attachments nest for storage. Build quality is very strong.	4.5/5
Performance	Excels in almost every test. Great for smoothies, hummus, and crushing ice. Struggles with small batches.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You want a complete food prep system

If you're in the market for a personal blender, jug blender, and food processor all in one, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System has you covered.

You’d like a blender with dishwasher-safe parts

Once you’re done blitzing up something tasty, you can just pop your pitcher, processor, or cup into the dishwasher. There’s no need to hang over the sink and wash them by hand.

You struggle with chopping or dicing

If your knife skills are lacking or you just want to save yourself some time and effort in the kitchen, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System is more than suited to stepping in as your sous chef.

Don't buy it if

You just need a blender for drink prep

If you’re not much of a home chef and solely see yourself using your blender for mixing up smoothies and shakes, the Triple Prep System is seriously overkill.

You’re on a super tight budget

At over $200, there are definitely lower-cost blenders you can opt for instead.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: also consider

If you’re on the look-out for options that are similar to the Nutribullet Triple Prep System, here’s some alternatives worth considering:

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

If you need a powerful base and multiple blender cup sizes but don’t care for having a food processor, this is a slightly cheaper and more pared back alternative from the same brand.

Read our full Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo review

Breville the Fresh and Furious

If you’re a home cook but don’t see yourself batch blending too often, it probably makes more sense to opt for a jug blender that’s on the smaller side. While you don’t get travel cups with this blender, it has a variety of useful presets and is ideal for singletons or small families.

Read our full Breville the Fresh and Furious review

How I tested the Nutribullet Triple Prep System

Alongside my usual kitchen tasks, my testing involved using the Nutribullet Triple Prep System to make TechRadar’s standard test recipes.

Throughout this process, I assessed the effectiveness of both manual and preset blending. I used a decibel tracker to determine how loud the blender is during use and after each blend, I cleaned the blender attachments and accessories by hand.

The Nutribullet SmartSense is an excellent, powerful blender, though its ‘smart’ mode feels unnecessary

8:00 pm | September 27, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Juicers & Blenders Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: one-minute review

Nutribullet is a brand most well known for its compact personal blenders which – while suited to blitzing up smoothies and protein shakes – aren’t exactly heavy duty pieces of culinary tech. But models like the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo aim to up the power and functionality without compromising too much on simplicity or affordability.

By combining a full-sized pitcher with Nutribullet’s familiar single-serve cups, and adding a smart auto-cycle that adapts blending power on the fly, it aims to cover the needs of both speedy smoothie lovers and home chefs.

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender with accessories — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

For the most part, it succeeds. Most everyday tasks are handled quickly and consistently. The SmartSense auto cycle is genuinely useful for hands-off blending and the 1,500W motor packs more punch than most people will ever need.

But all that isn’t without its caveats. The SmartSense Blender Combo struggles with thick or dry blends and requires you to intervene a couple of times during the blending process to ensure all the ingredients are within reach of the blades. You’ll also find that very small batches of dips don’t quite reach high up enough to get blended.

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: price and availability

List price: $164.99 / £149.99 / AU$299.95
Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Reasonable price for a two-in-one blender combo

In the US, UK, and Australia, the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo is available to purchase on the Nutribullet site. and from third-party retailers like Amazon.

In terms of cost, the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo sits on the mid/high end of the Nutribullet range. Understandably, you’re paying more than you would for a dinky personal blender, but it won’t quite set back as much as a top-of-the-line food processor/blender combo.

Similar models from other brands include the Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio

Value score: 4.5/5

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: specs

Price	$164.99 / £149.99 / AUS $299.95
Weight	9.81lbs / 4.45kg
Travel cup capacity	32oz / 900ml and 24oz / 700ml
Jug capacity	64oz / 1.8 liters
Blending speeds	5
Presets	Auto (SmartSense)

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: design

Five blending speeds and an auto mode
Pitcher with fixed blades and a vented lid
Travel cups with extractor blades

The Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo consists of a blender base which can either be attached to the included 64oz pitcher, 32oz travel cup, or 24oz handled travel cup. All three of these add-ons are made from BPA-free plastic, meaning you can enjoy the lightness and durability of the material without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your soups and smoothies.

The SmartSense Blender Combo box contents also included a tamper but during testing, I found that it offered very little in the way of practical help. A far more useful tool was a cheap silicone spatula I tend to use while baking. It had the flexibility necessary to scrap the edges of the blender jug, but didn’t tend to get ingredients stuck to it like tamper did.

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender blending vessels — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Like the rest of the build, the attachments of the SmartSense Blender Combo are sturdy enough to inspire confidence. The only real concern I’d have is the possibility of stains or scratches developing after long-term use, but even this would just be a superficial complaint. Not to mention, a good thorough clean after every use helps to prevent this. Thankfully, attachments for the SmartSense are dishwasher-safe so this task is a little easier.

Blending with the travel cups is done with a separate extractor blade but in the case of the pitcher attachment, the blade is sealed into the base. This means that, when you’re hand-washing your blender (which those of us without dishwashers are cursed to do) it’s a little difficult to clean. Without being able to pop the blade out and wipe it down, it’s best to blitz some warm water and soap in the pitcher to loosen some of the debris that tends to get stuck underneath. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it definitely adds an awkward extra step to maintaining the machine.

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender power button — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

One great thing about the pitcher’s design is that its lid has a vent which allows you to add ingredients mid-blend and – crucially – allows for steam to escape when making hot recipes. I’ll admit that throughout my years in the kitchen, I’ve occasionally taken my chances blending hot sauces and soups against manufacturers’ instructions. To try to reduce steam production and the chances of the lid blowing off from the pressure, I’d let everything cool down a bit before pouring it in. But even with these attempts to mitigate risk, the likelihood of getting scalded (or at the very least making a mess of your kitchen) means that blending hot food in an unvented blender is a terrible idea. A tiny gap in the lid makes a big difference when it comes to making this blender an even more versatile piece of kitchen kit.

Controls on the motor base are exceedingly simple to navigate. There’s an on/off button, which – alongside powering the machine on and off – also prompts the appearance of rather cute “hello” and “goodbye” messages on the base’s LED screen. The plus and minus buttons are used to adjust between the 5 power settings, but you can skip all that by using the Auto button that activates the load-sensing setting and estimates the right blending speed and time for you.

Design score: 4.5/5

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: performance

Makes stellar smoothies with virtually no nasty bits
Crushes ice (with some assistance from you)
Dry blends were a disappointment

Coming in at 1500W, the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo should have more than enough power to handle most jobs. Testing started with a smoothie recipe from the Nutribullet site consisting of blueberries, milk, banana, and kale.

Fibrous green veg really puts blenders through their paces, so it’s a great way to reveal just how well it performs. Frozen kale tends to produce fewer gritty chunks than its non-frozen counterpart, but it turns out it’s oddly difficult to find pre-frozen kale in the UK, so I just proceeded with the fresh version instead.

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Smoothie ingredients inside Nutribullet SmartSense Blender — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

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Smoothie made using Nutribullet SmartSense Blender — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

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Thankfully, the power of the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender managed to blitz away any unpleasant texture to produce a smooth, thick end result. Despite my expectations, the kale didn’t pose any problem for the SmartSense.

In fact, the only inconsistencies that were left after blending were the tiny seeds from the blueberries. Personally, this isn’t the kind of textural inconsistency that gives me the ick but even if it was, it seems a tad unfair to expect a blender under $200 to have the seed-pulverizing powers of something like a Vitamix A3500.

The SmartSense Blender Combo also makes light work of crushing ice cubes, on the condition you scrape the ice from the sides midway through. The blades certainly don’t have any difficulty slicing through rock solid chunks of ice (and in fact, the machine doesn’t even go past 95db while doing it) but the structure of the pitcher means that the ice tends to pool around the edges before it’s done being crushed. The good news is after a little intervention, you should be able to rustle up your own daiquiris or frappuccinos at home no problem.

Ice blended using Nutribullet SmartSense Blender — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Despite delivering a pretty stellar performance in the realm of drinkable delights, the next hurdles for the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender really exposed the machine’s weak points. One of the fatal flaws of the SmartSense Blender Combo is the placement of the pitcher’s fixed blades. They sit just a little too high and don’t cover enough surface area across the pitcher’s bottom so it’s frustratingly easy for ingredients to escape the blender’s vortex.

During the hummus-making phase of testing, I found that the machine consistently created a tasty, well-incorporated dip. However, achieving that result required me to intervene two or three times to redistribute the ingredients and make sure none of my chickpea mixture avoided blending.

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Hummus in Nutribullet SmartSense Blender — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

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Hummus made using Nutribullet SmartSense Blender — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

This blade placement problem majorly impacted my ability to make mayonnaise with the blender too. Due to the sheer size of the pitcher, I found I had to double a normal batch in order to have my yolk/vinegar/mustard emulsion even touch the blades at all.

Even then, I couldn’t maintain a consistent enough vortex to create a satisfying result. If you’re truly set on making mayonnaise with the SmartSense Blender Combo, the best way to do it is to mix up your emulsion by hand and then put it back into the blender for the step where you gradually incorporate oil.

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Making mayonnaise using Nutribullet SmartSense Blender — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

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One other very notable development during my tests is just how redundant the Auto function felt. While the SmartSense name definitely provides a fancy selling point, I found that I actually didn’t appreciate the automation of the blending process. It’s not like the SmartSense Auto blending ever got things too far wrong but rather I preferred to keep my eye on what I was working on and adjust the power as needed.

I can definitely see the appeal of this for folks who find their attention pulled by kids or pets while in the kitchen, but the removal of control actually made things less convenient in my experience, so I mostly opted for the manual options.

Performance score: 3/5

Should you buy the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo?

Buy it if

You want a blender for drink and food prep

Thanks to the varied attachments and vented pitcher lid, the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo is well suited for whipping up smoothies, shakes, sauces, and soups.

You need a blender with dishwasher-safe parts

If you want to avoid the tedium of washing your blender by hand, you can with the SmartSense Blender Combo.

You’d like a large-capacity blender

The pitcher included with the SmartSense Blender Combo is a hefty 64oz, making it ideal for batch blending multiple servings to enjoy with your family or by yourself over the course of the week.

Don't buy it if

You’re big on dips, butters, and doughs

The SmartSense Blender Combo works best with recipes that contain a decent bit of liquid. If you’re using it to mix up something like peanut butter, you’ll notice that this isn’t its strong point.

You need a personal blender

If you see yourself ever only using your blender for making small servings of smoothies, the SmartSense Blender Combo is a tad OTT.

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: also consider

If you’re on the look-out for options that are similar to the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo, here’s some alternatives worth considering:

Braun Tri-Force / PowerBlend 9

This jug-style blender sports a slightly higher price tag than the SmartSense Blender Combo, but it’s ranked as our best blender for a reason. It’s super efficient and its unique triangular design prevents the kind of frustrating side stickage seen with the SmartSense. The Tri-Force’s presets also have the kind of true ‘hands-off’ experience you’d expect from an auto mode.

Read our full Braun Tri-Force / PowerBlend 9 review

Nutribullet Triple Prep System

This 3-in-1 bullet blender/jug blender/food processor combo system is a bit of an upgrade from the SmartSense. If you see yourself using your Nutribullet for preparing food just as often (if not more often) than you use it for creating drinks, consider the Triple Prep System instead.

How I tested the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

Alongside using it for some of my usual kitchen tasks, I put the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo through its paces with TechRadar’s usual test recipes. During my tests, I alternated between using the Auto and manual speed controls to determine the best approach for each recipe. I used a decibel tracker to determine how loud the blender is during use. After each blend, I cleaned the blender attachments and accessories by hand.

The Nutribullet SmartSense is an excellent, powerful blender, though its ‘smart’ mode feels unnecessary

8:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Juicers & Blenders Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: one-minute review

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: price and availability

List price: $164.99 / £149.99 / AU$299.95
Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Reasonable price for a two-in-one blender combo

In the US, UK, and Australia, the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo is available to purchase on the Nutribullet site. and from third-party retailers like Amazon.

Similar models from other brands include the Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio

Value score: 4.5/5

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: specs

Price	$164.99 / £149.99 / AUS $299.95
Weight	9.81lbs / 4.45kg
Travel cup capacity	32oz / 900ml and 24oz / 700ml
Jug capacity	64oz / 1.8 liters
Blending speeds	5
Presets	Auto (SmartSense)

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: design

Five blending speeds and an auto mode
Pitcher with fixed blades and a vented lid
Travel cups with extractor blades

Design score: 4.5/5

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: performance

Makes stellar smoothies with virtually no nasty bits
Crushes ice (with some assistance from you)
Dry blends were a disappointment

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Performance score: 3/5

Should you buy the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo?

Buy it if

You want a blender for drink and food prep

Thanks to the varied attachments and vented pitcher lid, the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo is well suited for whipping up smoothies, shakes, sauces, and soups.

You need a blender with dishwasher-safe parts

If you want to avoid the tedium of washing your blender by hand, you can with the SmartSense Blender Combo.

You’d like a large-capacity blender

The pitcher included with the SmartSense Blender Combo is a hefty 64oz, making it ideal for batch blending multiple servings to enjoy with your family or by yourself over the course of the week.

Don't buy it if

You’re big on dips, butters, and doughs

You need a personal blender

If you see yourself ever only using your blender for making small servings of smoothies, the SmartSense Blender Combo is a tad OTT.

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: also consider

If you’re on the look-out for options that are similar to the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo, here’s some alternatives worth considering:

Braun Tri-Force / PowerBlend 9

Read our full Braun Tri-Force / PowerBlend 9 review

Nutribullet Triple Prep System

How I tested the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

Facebook and Instagram ad-free subscriptions are coming to the UK

4:31 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: UK | Comments: Off

Today Meta has announced that ad-free subscriptions for both Facebook and Instagram are going to become available in the UK "over the coming weeks". These will give you the option to pay a fee to stop seeing ads on either service. The subscription cost will be £2.99 per month on the web and £3.99 per month if you subscribe on iOS or Android. The latter is more expensive because of the fees that Apple and Google charge through their stores. These prices are for the first account listed in your Account Center. For every subsequent one, you only pay £2 (on the web) or £3 (on iOS or...

I’ve been testing one of the tiniest robot vacuums you can buy – and while it might be small, its cleaning power is mighty

9:30 pm | September 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

SwitchBot K11+: two-minute review

The SwitchBot K11+ is a scaled-down robot vacuum that's perfect for cramped homes. It delivers solid vacuuming and navigates with surprising speed and confidence, even if it doesn't always avoid all the obstacles it should. If you have a home with lots of nooks and crannies, it will be compact enough to squeeze into them, although note that while it's small in width, it's about standard height.

The dock is perhaps the smallest auto-empty option I've seen – sitting happily out of the way beneath my bed – and packs a surprisingly generous 4L dust bag. For that reason alone, it's a contender for the best robot vacuum for small homes.

The only major disappointment here is the "mop", which takes the form of a disposable wet-wipe that the bot drags across the floor. For the level of cleaning it delivers, it isn't worth the effort of attaching it. In fact, if you ignore the mopping capabilities altogether and just treat the K11+ as a vacuum-only bot, it becomes a far stronger proposition overall.

It isn't perfect, however. Aside from the dodgy mop, the app has a few weird quirks – and the auto-empty function is rather noisy. Overall, though, there's something very charming and appealing about this little bot. At full price it's clear you're paying a bit of a premium for the small size, but discounts are easy to come by, and if you snag one of these it can be very strong value for money.

That's the short version; read on for my full SwitchBot K11+ review.

SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

SwitchBot K11+ review: price & availability

List price: $399.99 / £399.99
Available: US, UK
Launched: September 2025

The SwitchBot K11+ launched in September 2025, and is available to buy direct from SwitchBot, but also via Amazon. At list price it costs $399.99 in the US and £399.99 in the UK. However, at time of writing, there were significant discounts available one both sides of the shore. You're paying a bit of a premium for the dinky size here, although even at full price I think it's decent value for money.

Two of the best cheap robot vacuums on the market, the Dreame D9 Max Gen 2 and the Roborock Q7 M5 are both cheaper and offer far more capable mopping than the K11+, but neither come with an auto-empty dock. You'll be able to pick up better-value auto-empty hybrid robot vacuums if you're happy to go for an older model – a good example is the Roborock Q5 Pro+. Note, though, that the dock is much bigger, and is unlikely to fit under your bed.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

SwitchBot K11+ specs

Max suction:	6,000Pa
Robot diameter:	9.8in / 24.8cm
Robot height:	3.6in / 9.2cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	9.4 x 7.1 x 9.8in / 24 x 18 x 25cm
Dust bin volume (base):	4L
Water tank volume:	None
Base type:	Charge, auto-empty
Max threshold clearance:	0.7in / 1.7cm
Smart home compatibility:	Matter (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home)

SwitchBot K11+ review: design

Small (but not short) robot with rubber roller and side brush
Mop is a wet-wipe dragged across the floor, then disposed of
Compact dock with auto-empty and storage for mop plate

The SwitchBot K11+ is a dinky robot vacuum with an equally compact base. The bot itself measures 9.8in / 24.8cm in diameter, whereas most bots these days are about 13in / 33cm. This means it can clean in narrow spots – although note that at 3.6in / 9.2cm, height-wise it's pretty average, so it won't be sneaking under a low sofa – for example – to clean.

Below you can see it next to the Roborock Saros 10 – while the K11+ is significantly smaller in diameter, its puck makes it taller; the Roborock's puck is retractible.

SwitchBot K11+ next to Roborock Saros 10 — The pint-sized K11+ next to the more normally proportioned Roborock Saros 10 (Image credit: Future)

On the top of the K11+ you'll find buttons for On and Return to dock. Lift off the cover (which appears to just sit in place – I'd prefer some magnets to hold it a little more securely – and you'll find the dust cup clipped to the side.

There's a raised LiDAR puck, bumpers around the edge, and a camera at the front. Flip the K11+ over and you'll find a rubber roller. Sensibly, SwitchBot has made this almost the full width of the robot, which means the suction area is actually relatively large. There's also an angled side brush, to avoid hair from becoming tangled around it.

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SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum flipped over to show underside — The rubber roller takes up most of the width of the robot (Image credit: Future)

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Bin removed from SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum — The dust cup clips on the side of the bot (Image credit: Future)

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SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum in mopping mode — The mopping setup is just a wet wipe (Image credit: Future)

The K11+'s mopping capabilities appear to have very much been an afterthought. To launch the function, you attach a wet-wipe to a base plate, and clip this to the underside of the bot, on top of the suction area. The wipe is then dragged across the floor, and disposed of afterwards. Note that the wet-wipe isn't biodegradable.

Although you need to attach the mop plate to activate "mopping", it is possible to specify carpet and no-mop zones on the map, to avoid the mop wiping down any areas that should not be wiped. However, you can't set a no-mop zone where the dock sits.

Dock for SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum with lid removed to show dust bag — (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the dock, the K11+'s station is far smaller than those you find accompanying the vast majority of bots nowadays. In fact, it's significantly more compact than the already-small dock that came with this model's predecessor, the SwitchBot K10+ (specifically, 2.9in / 7.3cm shorter and 0.8in / 2.1cm narrower).

SwitchBot K11+ in its dock, under a bed — (Image credit: Future)

This dock has TARDIS-like properties, though: lift the lid and you'll find a far larger than usual 4L dust bag. SwitchBot has also added storage for the mop plate beneath the lid – just one of a number of thoughtful design touches (my other favorite is that the handle on the onboard bin doubles up as a clip to secure it in place).

It's far from the most fully featured dock in town, though. There's no mop pad cleaning or refilling of water tanks (because there is no mop pad, nor is there a tank to fill). However, I'd wager that there are plenty of people who'd prefer a smaller dock with a large dust bag to a gigantic one with tanks included.

Design score: 4 out of 5

SwitchBot K11+ review: performance

Navigates quickly and confidently, decent obstacle avoidance
Good suction performance but bin emptying rather loud
Mopping not worth the effort, and dock can't be in a no-mop zone

When I set the SwitchBot K11+ off on its first cleaning run, the first thing that struck me was its speed. This bot powers up and down floors like there's no time to waste.

Despite that, it seems to do a good job at picking up dust and debris – I paused it before it could auto-empty, and the onboard bin had plenty in it, even though the room had been vacuumed the previous day, and I was using the second-weakest suction mode. (You can choose to clean a room once or twice, and there are four suction options: Quiet, Standard, Strong and Max.)

As usual, you can request the bot clean a room or a zone. However, the "Spot clean" function – where a robot will clean an area that's about a square meter or so around a chosen position – was still in beta testing at the time of writing, which is a little annoying if you want to clear a spillage.

Although fairly quiet in operation, the auto-empty process is really rather noisy. However, you can set different auto-empty durations via the app, to save at least some unnecessary disruption.

SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum driving away from its dock — The auto-empty process is a little noisy (Image credit: Future)

Mopping is a different story. Attaching the wet wipe is fiddly, and ends up with a lot of the wipe on the underside of the base plate. It barely left my bathroom floor damp – imagine trying to clean the entire floor of a room with half a single wet-wipe. It also deposited bits of grime next to every grouting line.

I'll get into the results of the mopping tests in a second, but the short version is that if I owned this bot, I just wouldn't bother with the mopping functionality – in my opinion, it just isn't worth the effort.

As a result of its speed, you might assume the K11+ experiences a fair few collisions, but this isn't the case. On test, it skirted its way around furniture and avoided permanent obstacles with impressive accuracy and reliability.

Ad hoc obstacle avoidance was less consistent. During one cleaning run, the K11+ drove into the dog (who, thankfully, remained unbothered) and then went on to push his water bowl across to the other side of the room.

During my set obstacle avoidance tests it hit my shoe, but on encountering the same shoe a second time, the bot carefully skirted around it before continuing. The K11+ also sucked up a red ribbon I'd used in place of a charge cable, but I wound't say that was surprising – I've yet to find a robovac that can successfully avoid cables, whatever the manufacturers may claim.

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SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum avoiding a candle — The K11+ didn't always avoid obstacles (Image credit: Future)

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SwitchBot K11+ robot vacuum flipped over to show ribbon wrapped around roller — Definitely tidy away cables before sending it out (Image credit: Future)

Cleaning tests

Next I moved on to TechRadar's official suction tests. For this, I sprinkled dry tea (from a tea bag) and a handful of oats onto the carpet, and monitored how effectively the bot sucked them up.

A single pass in Standard mode took care of most of the oats but only the top layer of tea, and a second in Max sucked up the rest of the oat crumbs and a decent amount of tea. That's a good result – the tea test is purposefully tricky (I used a Dyson V15 Detect to clear it completely).

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Tea and oats on carpet, ready for suction tests (Image credit: Future)

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Remaining tea and oats on carpet, after a single pass with the K11+ — This was what remained after a single pass with the K11+... (Image credit: Future)

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Remaining tea and oats on carpet, after two passes with the K11+ — ... and after two passes (Image credit: Future)

Moving onto the mopping tests. This one felt unfair because it isn't so much a mop as a wet-wipe. Nevertheless, I persevered. I smeared a tiny amount of ketchup on a tiled floor and left it to dry, and also spilled a little soy sauce, to see how the K11+ could clear it.

Predictably, it could not. The soy sauce ended up smeared all over the floor and the ketchup was completely unaffected. I sent my Roborock Saros 10 in to clean up after it.

If I owned this bot, I wouldn't bother with the mopping function at all. For the level of cleaning it delivers, it isn't worth the effort of attaching the wet-wipe. It also limits where you can position the dock, because it can't live in a no-mop zone.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

SwitchBot K11+ review: app

Pretty well designed and easy enough to use
Fine-tuning options are limited
Some minor illogical quirks

Since SwitchBot is a brand that makes a number of smart home products, its app is a hub for any SwitchBot gadgets you might own, rather than being dedicated to robovacs only. That means you'll have to click through twice from the homescreen to reach the K11+'s control options.

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Screenshots from the SwitchBot app — (Image credit: SwitchBot / Future)

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Once you reach the right section, it's much like most other robovac apps I've used. Editing a map is straightforward, and you can easily add no-go zones and merge or split spaces. The control options are more limited than you'll find in other, pricier robot vacuums, but all the main bases are covered.

There are a few niggles, though. I was pleased to find a Boost mode for carpets. However, specifying an area of carpet adds a pattern on top of the map that's so dark you then can't see the robot's cleaning path. Slightly annoyingly, there's an 8-character limit on room names that prevents you from, for example, labelling "Top floor", and bafflingly, there's no "Hall" or "Corridor" type option within the room defaults.

App score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the SwitchBot K11+?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Budget / mid-range at full price, but big discounts are common. Paying a bit of a premium for the small size, but still decent value.	4 / 5
Design	Tiny robovac with an equally compact dock. Not exactly feature-packed, and mopping is very basic, but it looks great with some useful design features.	4 / 5
Performance	Vacuuming is solid and navigation is good, but emptying is noisy and mopping isn't worth bothering with.	3.5 / 5
App	Decent app with a few illogical quirks.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You don't have much space for a dock
If you want auto-empty capabilities but don't have room for a massive dock, this bot is perfect – it has perhaps the smallest auto-empty dock I've seen.

You're dealing with lots of dust or hair
Although the dock is small, its internal dust bag is far bigger than you'll find in most auto-empty docs, with space for plenty of dust or pet hair before it needs replacing.

You want a speedy cleaner
The K11+ rattles along at quite a pace, which means despite its small size, it will get your rooms clean quickly.

Don't buy it if...

Your priority is mopping
The mopping here is really very basic, and for most people, not worth the effort.

You don't have lots of dust or hair
If you're dealing with low levels of dust, you could consider not bothering with auto-emptying at all. There are plenty of excellent full-sized bots with very compact, charge-only docks, for less money than you'll shell out for the K11+.

How I tested the SwitchBot K11+

I used the SwitchBot K11+ as my main vacuum for a fortnight, to get a feel for its general cleaning performance and ease of use. I also ran a series of set suction tests to assess this bot's cleaning powers, seeing how effectively it cleared fine (tea leaves) and chunky (oats) spillages. To assess the mopping, I spilled soy sauce and smeared ketchup on a tiled floor. To test obstacle avoidance, I scattered common items you'd usually find around a home across my living room floor to see if it could correctly identify and avoid them.

During my review period, I assessed how easy it was to set up the SwitchBot K11+, how accurately it made its way around my home, and if there were any annoyances with its performance. I compared my experience with other robot vacuums I've tested, both budget and premium models.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025

I’ve been testing one of the tiniest robot vacuums you can buy – and while it might be small, its cleaning power is mighty

9:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

SwitchBot K11+: two-minute review

That's the short version; read on for my full SwitchBot K11+ review.

SwitchBot K11+ review: price & availability

List price: $399.99 / £399.99
Available: US, UK
Launched: September 2025

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

SwitchBot K11+ specs

Max suction:	6,000Pa
Robot diameter:	9.8in / 24.8cm
Robot height:	3.6in / 9.2cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	9.4 x 7.1 x 9.8in / 24 x 18 x 25cm
Dust bin volume (base):	4L
Water tank volume:	None
Base type:	Charge, auto-empty
Max threshold clearance:	0.7in / 1.7cm
Smart home compatibility:	Matter (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home)

SwitchBot K11+ review: design

Small (but not short) robot with rubber roller and side brush
Mop is a wet-wipe dragged across the floor, then disposed of
Compact dock with auto-empty and storage for mop plate

Below you can see it next to the Roborock Saros 10 – while the K11+ is significantly smaller in diameter, its puck makes it taller; the Roborock's puck is retractible.

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Design score: 4 out of 5

SwitchBot K11+ review: performance

Navigates quickly and confidently, decent obstacle avoidance
Good suction performance but bin emptying rather loud
Mopping not worth the effort, and dock can't be in a no-mop zone

When I set the SwitchBot K11+ off on its first cleaning run, the first thing that struck me was its speed. This bot powers up and down floors like there's no time to waste.

Although fairly quiet in operation, the auto-empty process is really rather noisy. However, you can set different auto-empty durations via the app, to save at least some unnecessary disruption.

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Cleaning tests

Next I moved on to TechRadar's official suction tests. For this, I sprinkled dry tea (from a tea bag) and a handful of oats onto the carpet, and monitored how effectively the bot sucked them up.

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Predictably, it could not. The soy sauce ended up smeared all over the floor and the ketchup was completely unaffected. I sent my Roborock Saros 10 in to clean up after it.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

SwitchBot K11+ review: app

Pretty well designed and easy enough to use
Fine-tuning options are limited
Some minor illogical quirks

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App score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the SwitchBot K11+?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Budget / mid-range at full price, but big discounts are common. Paying a bit of a premium for the small size, but still decent value.	4 / 5
Design	Tiny robovac with an equally compact dock. Not exactly feature-packed, and mopping is very basic, but it looks great with some useful design features.	4 / 5
Performance	Vacuuming is solid and navigation is good, but emptying is noisy and mopping isn't worth bothering with.	3.5 / 5
App	Decent app with a few illogical quirks.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You don't have much space for a dock
If you want auto-empty capabilities but don't have room for a massive dock, this bot is perfect – it has perhaps the smallest auto-empty dock I've seen.

You want a speedy cleaner
The K11+ rattles along at quite a pace, which means despite its small size, it will get your rooms clean quickly.

Don't buy it if...

Your priority is mopping
The mopping here is really very basic, and for most people, not worth the effort.

How I tested the SwitchBot K11+

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025

The Honor MagicPad 3 would be the iPad Air killer, if it wasn’t for one fatal flaw

4:26 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Tablets | Tags: Australia, OLED, UK, US | Comments: Off

Honor MagicPad 3: One-minute review

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The Honor MagicPad 3 placed on a colorful desk mat. — (Image credit: Future)

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The Honor MagicPad 3 is almost the perfect large tablet. With a bright and colorful 13.3 inch 3.2K display, complete with IMAX Enhanced certification, kicking back with a movie or TV show is an absolute joy. Even simply scrolling the home menu or your favorite social media website impresses thanks to a smooth 165Hz refresh rate.

The tablet’s eight speakers perform well, though lack bass overall; especially in comparison to the superior sound systems found on the likes of the cheaper Lenovo Idea Tab Pro. I think you should immediately disable the Honor Spatial Audio option in the settings menu for the best performance though. It’s on by default and gives a solid impression of depth, but makes everything sound artificial, tinny, and a little hollow.

Still, these minor audio quibbles are easy to overlook considering the tablet's impressively slim and lightweight build. At just 5.79mm thick and coming in at 595g, it's thinner and lighter than even the iPad Air. Honor has managed to cram in a truly massive 12,450mAh silicon-carbon battery too, delivering incredible battery life. Seriously, this tablet can power through a full day of rigorous use and then some without breaking a sweat.

I was shocked when half a day editing Google Docs files in a café followed by two hours of 4K video viewing on the train, all at max brightness, ended with the battery barely below 80%. On top of that, the tablet holds charge between uses effortlessly - I often left it on standby stashed down the side of my bed after a night binge-watching Amazon Prime Video and picked it up a few days later to discover that it lost no charge at all in that time.

If you’re the kind of person that likes to leave a tablet around the house to use as needed, you never have to worry about finding it out of electrical juice. Some of this is likely due to the rather aggressive AI Power Management System, which might be worth tweaking if you need certain apps to continually refresh in the background, but it’s hard to complain when the resulting battery performance is this strong.

So what stops the Honor MagicPad 3 from being a best-in-class product? Sure, it's a shame that the gorgeous screen isn't an OLED panel and that there's no fingerprint reader, but above all else it's down to the patchy update support.

When quizzed, Honor told us that it plans “at least one major Android version update” and just “two years of security patches”, which is a depressingly short timeframe. In my eyes, the lack of Android version updates isn’t a dealbreaker, as you’re only really missing out on software features, but the two years of security patches is. You generally should avoid using devices once that timeframe is up, so the tablet effectively has a looming expiration date out of the box.

It’s a shame, especially when you can easily find tablets under $200 / £150 with more years of security update support. The brand did at least note that it will “constantly evaluate” its plans and “deploy software upgrades accordingly” which hopefully means there’s scope for this to change in the future.

Honor MagicPad 3 review: price and availability

£599 retail price
Expect frequent discounts
It’s available in the UK, but not the US or Australia

The Honor MagicPad 3 comes in at £599 (around $800) for a model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is a very fair price for what you get, especially in comparison to the $799 / £799 iPad Air 13-inch that starts with a pitiful 128GB of storage. Sadly, there's no Australian release.

Honor frequently runs promotions that slash that price, however, so expect it to be readily available for at least £100 less. In fact, it has already seen its price fall to £499 in the build up to release. Also be on the lookout for various free gifts, including the excellent Honor MagicPad3 Smart Touch Keyboard, which I tested alongside the tablet for this review, or Honor Magic Pencil 3 stylus. These promotions turn an already good deal into a great one.

The one thing to bear in mind here is that limited update plan. If you’re particularly concerned about getting the latest and greatest version of Android, or worry about using a device that’s no longer receiving security updates, then that otherwise showstopping price tag is a little less tempting.

Value score: 4 / 5

Honor MagicPad 3 review: specs

Starting price	£599
Operating system	Android (MagicOS 9.0.1)
Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Memory (RAM)	16GB
Storage	512GB
Display	13.3 inch 3200 x 2136 (3K) LCD
Cameras	13MP, 2MP rear / 9MP front
Battery	12,450mAh
Connectivity	USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Weight	595g
Dimensions	293.88mm x 201.38mm x 5.79mm

Honor MagicPad 3 review: Design

iPad Air-beating slimness
Surprisingly lightweight
The back cover might be divisive

The Honor MagicPad 3 puts the 13-inch iPad Air to shame with a design that’s both thinner and lighter. It has a 13.3-inch screen with roughly 0.7cm bezels, flanked by a metallic body where you’ll find four large speaker grilles (that’s two along each short edge), a standard volume rocker and power button, a USB Type-C 3.2 port (with support for 66W fast charging) for topping up the battery or connecting an external display, and a small magnetised area where you can affix the compatible Honor Magic Pencil 3 for charging.

The only thing that I would add is a fingerprint reader, which is unfortunately absent. Luckily the face unlocking is quick and responsive and works well even in low light conditions, so it never feels like you’re really missing out on too much.

The back is relatively plain, aside from a camera module with a flash, a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens, and a row of small electronic contacts for the keyboard case. According to the Honor website, only one colour is available in the UK: a rather basic Grey.

I tested a White model, however, which is available in some other markets, and has an almost bumpy, textured back. It’s certainly a unique feeling, like having a third-party skin applied out of the box, which makes me think that it’s some kind of vinyl sticker.

I'm in two minds about this. On one hand, I really appreciate the added grip that this material brings, making it far easier to hold the tablet one handed. It’s impressively resistant to fingerprints and, if it came down to it, would probably offer a fair amount of protection from scratches.

It also looks great from a distance, helping the Honor MagicPad 3 stand out in a sea of plain slabs. On the other hand, the strange feel initially made me think that the back of the tablet was constructed entirely from plastic; this somewhat dampened my excitement out of the box.

I tested the Honor MagicPad 3 with the Honor MagicPad3 Smart Touch Keyboard and was very impressed with its performance. The case attaches to the back of the tablet magnetically, with the top half folding down to create a very distinct looking stand that shows off that snazzy back design. The keys are stable with plenty of travel and are very satisfying to press. It also has a large and responsive touchpad, with pronounced mechanical clicks and minimal flex.

It’s a really excellent keyboard and a massive upgrade compared to the Bluetooth model for the Honor MagicPad 2. My only possible complaint is that it seems to only be offered in the US English layout, which took a little getting used to and seems odd given the lack of availability in that region.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Honor MagicPad 3 review: Display

Not an OLED, unlike the MagicPad 2
Still bright and vibrant however
Impressive 165Hz refresh rate

The Honor MagicPad 3 has an impressive 3.2K (3200 x 2136) IPS LCD screen. With up to 1,000 nits of brightness it's perfect for indoor use and can hold its own outside on a sunny day.

A variety of media looks absolutely gorgeous on it with cheerful and vibrant colors and plenty of fine detail. At 13.3 inches, the tablet might as well be a portable TV and I love using it to catch up on everything from Amazon Prime Video shows to Netflix movies and YouTube videos.

Honor offers two interesting display features too: Super Dynamic Display and Vivid Display. Super Dynamic Display uses AI to ‘enhance HD video brightness and contrast’ while Vivid Display aims to ‘enhance video clarity and colors’ with the same technology. With both of these features enabled, videos look a tad brighter and slightly clearer but lose a little color accuracy.

The tablet’s display is IMAX Enhanced certified too, which is good news if you want to consume compatible content on services like Disney+ or Rakuten TV. Outside of video watching, the 165Hz refresh rate also makes browsing apps, system menus and websites feel especially smooth.

You should note that this isn't an OLED panel though. I don’t think that this is unreasonable given the tablet's cost, but it is significant when its predecessor, the Honor MagicPad 2, did have an OLED display at a similar price point, which had a significantly brighter screen that offered slightly better colors.

Design score: 4/5

Honor MagicPad 3 review: Cameras

Decent front camera
Serviceable rear camera
Abysmal macro lens

The Honor MagicPad 3 isn’t going to win any prizes for its camera setup, though that's the case for almost any tablet.

The 13MP front camera is crisp and clear enough for an impromptu video meeting, but not something that you're going to want to be taking your Instagram selfies with.

As for the rear, you're getting a 13MP main shooter that suffers from aggressive post processing that smudges over most of the finer details in almost any shot. It's fine for scanning documents or taking a quick snap of something right in front of you, but gets dicey if you're photographing from a distance or with the 2x digital zoom.

There's also a 2MP macro lens that takes images so blurry that it might as well not be there at all.

Camera score: 2.5/5

Honor MagicPad 3 review: software

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MagicOS might not be your cup of tea...
But it’s easy to use, with lots of features
The desktop mode needs work

The Honor MagicPad 3 runs the brand's MagicOS 9.0.1 operating system; a version of Android 15. It has minimal bloat, at least compared to alternatives like Xiaomi HyperOS, and offers a surprising number of genuinely useful features.

As a former iPhone 15 Plus user that now daily drives the Porsche Design Honor Magic 7 RAR, I think its interface is incredibly intuitive. Its overall design is obviously more than a little ‘inspired’ by Apple, which could upset the Android purists out there, but it's smooth, easy to use, and extremely responsive.

I might be a little biased here, as it's my current favorite mobile operating system, but I find that it delivers the perfect balance between the slick aesthetics of iOS and the freedom and customization of Android. There are loads of options to tweak, from app icon shapes and sizes to home screen and charging animations.

A handful of quirky extras give the operating system plenty of its own personality. One of my favorites is the ability to create a humanoid ‘3D Avatar’ for your live wallpaper. When you unlock the device, you're greeted with a short moving scene of the character going for a stroll through a park, chilling in a cafe, petting a fluffy cat, or a plethora of other possible situations.

Videos of new scenarios are automatically generated when the device is charging and, while undeniably a little unsettling at first, I've grown to love seeing what my little homunculus is up to every time I turn the tablet on.

Of course, being 2025 the software of the Honor MagicPad 3 also has a suite of AI features including AI-powered widgets that do a surprisingly good job of recommending installed apps based on your usage habits, real-time AI subtitle generation, AI writing tools that help you polish or rephrase your text, and automatic on-device AI deepfake detection for video calls.

This is on top of the Magic Portal - effectively the brand’s take on Google's Circle to Search feature. As with most Android devices, Gemini assistant is also built in and can be summoned by holding the power button for a few seconds.

The only part of the software that I think needs work is the tablet’s desktop mode equivalent: Floating Window mode. It causes each to run in a little window on your screen that you can drag around like a PC desktop environment, but it’s unfortunately quite unresponsive at times.

Filling the screen with two side-by-side apps is awkward and as far as I can tell there’s no way to have a taskbar on screen at all times. It’s not completely unusable, as I still manage to get work done with some fiddling, but is nowhere near as slick or easy to use as the offerings from market leaders in this field like Samsung and Lenovo.

Software score: 4 / 5

Honor MagicPad 3 review: performance

Robust performance thanks to powerful specs
Zero noticeable slowdown in general use
More than enough for gaming

Powered by the 2023 flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Honor MagicPad 3 might not have the very latest chip but it’s certainly plenty powerful.

In general use, be that visiting your favorite websites or watching shows, you’re not going to notice any slowdown at all. Even when switching between multiple apps, the 16GB of RAM keeps everything cached and ready to go.

It supports Wi-Fi 7 for speedy downloads if you have a compatible router, plus Bluetooth 5.4. The 512GB of storage space is generous, especially at this price, so you’ll likely have room for all your favorite apps and plenty of spare space for downloaded videos. I keep multiple full series downloaded on the tablet at a time and haven’t come close to filling it up.

With specs like these, the Honor MagicPad 3 is also a surprisingly capable gaming device. Call of Duty Mobile runs flawlessly on the highest settings. More demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero impress too, with a rock solid 60 frames per second on high settings. With everything cranked up to the max, I found the very top middle portion of the tablet tends to get a little hot to the touch, but it thankfully never overheated or slowed down to a noticeable degree in my testing.

That said, if you intend to use the Honor MagicPad 3 for gaming I would highly recommend investing in a compatible Bluetooth controller as the large size of the tablet makes it very awkward to hold in your hands when you’re using touch controls.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Honor MagicPad 3 review: battery

12,450mAh silicon-carbon battery
Incredible battery life, beating all competition
Features the Honor E2 power management chip

Truthfully, it’s difficult to fully test the Honor MagicPad 3’s battery life because it almost never runs out of charge. With a gigantic 12,450mAh silicon-carbon battery this thing is practically everlasting, easily powering through a whole week of on and off use without dipping below the 60% mark. We’re talking well above 20 hours of screen on time, absolutely decimating the battery performance of any other tablet that I have ever used.

It offers comfortably double the battery life of the latest iPad Air and is a dream for taking on long trips or flights. You can even use the tablet as an impromptu power bank in a pinch and still have more than enough left over for the rest of your day’s use. It’s incredible frankly, so serious props to Honor here.

In addition to its large size, the battery features Honor’s proprietary E2 power management chip. There’s also an AI power management system built into the OS. How much of a difference does all this tech actually make? It’s hard to say, but the results are impossible to argue with.

Battery score: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Honor MagicPad 3?

Honor MagicPad 3 report card
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	The Honor MagicPad 3 is incredible value - if you can overlook the patchy update plan.	4/5
Design	Thin, lightweight, and visually attractive. The unusual rear design might prove divisive though, and it lacks a fingerprint reader.	4.5/5
Display	A bright and colorful display that’s perfect for watching movies or TV. It’s 165Hz, though the fact it’s not OLED is a downgrade compared to the previous MagicPad.	4/5
Cameras	Your average tablet camera setup. It gets the job done, but you should just use your phone instead.	2.5/5
Software	MagicOS isn’t for everyone, but it’s easy to use and brimming with quirky charm.	4/5
Performance	Great performance across the board. This tablet is more than powerful enough for general use, and excels at gaming too.	4.5
Battery	Some of the best battery performance of any tablet, period.	5/5

Buy it if…

You want a tablet with serious battery life
The battery life of the Honor MagicPad 3 is incredible. It offers more than enough juice for well over a week of use and means the tablet can even come in handy as a power bank for your phone in a pinch.

You crave good value
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, you’ll struggle to find a better value tablet at this price point. It becomes an even better deal when you factor in the frequent discounts and free goodies too.

You want a tablet that really stands out
The super thin and stylish design of the Honor MagicPad 3 really stands out in a sea of grey slabs. Pick one up if you love the unique look.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re worried about long-term support
Unfortunately, Honor has only confirmed one planned Android upgrade and two years of security patches which is a huge disappointment. Unless this changes, you should avoid this tablet if you’re concerned by the lack of support.

Also consider

Not keen on what the Honor MagicPad 3 brings to the table? Here are two compelling alternatives to consider:

	Honor Magic Pad 3	Lenovo Idea Tab Pro	iPad Air 13-inch
Price	£599	$349.99 / £379.99	$799 / £799 / AU$1,299
Weight	595g	1.36lbs / 620g	617g
Size	293.88mm x 201.38mm x 5.79mm	189.1mm x 291.8mm x 6.9mm / 7.44″ x 11.49″ x 0.27”	280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm
Screen size	13.3 inches	12 inches	13 inches
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Mediatek Dimensity 8300	M2
Speakers	8 stereo speakers	Quad JBL-tuned speakers	Stereo speakers
Connectivity	USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	USB-C, MicroSD card, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS	USB-C
Battery	12,450mAh	10,200mAh	9,705 mAh

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is less powerful than the Honor Magic Pad 3 and a bit heavier, but it’s also compatible with a great keyboard and offers a better desktop mode so it’s a good alternative if you’re after a pure productivity device.

Read our full Lenovo Idea Tab Pro review

iPad Air 13-inch
The iPad Air 13-inch is slightly thicker and heavier than the Honor MagicPad 3, but offers significantly better long-term software support. It has worse battery life and is massively more expensive though, especially for that 512GB version.

Read our full iPad Air 13-inch review

How I tested the Honor MagicPad 3

I tested the Honor MagicPad 3 over the course of multiple weeks in the build up to its announcement and release. It’s become my go-to tablet and has accompanied me on a number of trips.

It’s also seen plenty of use at home, where I’ve been using it for a mix of media consumption and gaming. I tested the tablet in its standard 16GB + 512GB configuration, though in a White colorway that is not currently available.

I used it alongside the compatible Honor MagicPad3 Smart Touch Keyboard which was supplied alongside the tablet. The tablet even replaced my usual work laptop on a handful of occasions, where I evaluated the keyboard’s performance and its overall potential as a productivity device.

First reviewed September 2025

The Casabrews CM5418 is a small but mighty espresso machine for the casual coffee lover

6:00 pm | September 17, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

Casabrews CM5418: one-minute review

For many folks attempting to recreate the cafe experience at home, the absolute best of the best espresso machines just aren’t a practical choice.

Not only do luxury options come with a pretty crushing price tag, they also tend to be larger and offer fewer beginner-friendly modifications. Although, you could argue that this is by design; those who approach espresso as a deeply-involved hobby won’t mind trading off some extra counter space and time in exchange for perfectly dialled-in shots. Meanwhile, if your goal is a consistently pretty tasty output with very few bells and whistles, something like the Casabrews CM5418 really hits the mark.

At just $139.99 / £149.99, the CM5418 is a seriously budget-friendly espresso machine, even when compared to the rest of Casabrews’ already low-cost lineup. There are a few areas where cut corners feel like an obvious downgrade: mainly in the feel of the portafilter and the accessories the machine comes with. However, it performs consistently with the aid of its double-walled baskets, continually producing well-extracted espresso with noticeable crema that the majority of coffee enjoyers would be pleased with.

It may be worth investing in a couple of upgrades if you want to be able to pull espresso that wows, but in the meantime, you can enjoy perfectly pleasant americanos, lattes, and more from the CM5418 as is.

Casabrews CM5418: price and availability

List price: $139.99 / £149.99 (price varies depending on color variants)
Available in the US and UK
Discounts available on Casabrews' website

When it comes to espresso machines that are kind to your wallet, the price of the Casabrews CM5418 is close to as good as it gets.

In the US, you can purchase the Casabrews CM5418 for $139.99 at the Casabrews site and on Amazon. Though it’s worth noting that the MSRP for colored versions is a little higher, at $169.99. The Casabrews site has regular coupon codes and sales, so you may be able to score this machine for even cheaper.

Casabrews ships to the UK as well, but all the prices are listed in US dollars. Alternatively, you can pick up the CM5418 from Amazon UK. Unfortunately, the full color range isn’t available on Amazon UK, but this won’t be an issue if you had your heart set on a silver or black version.

Value score: 5/5

Casabrews CM5418: specifications

Type	Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options	2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure	20 bar
Water tank capacity	34oz / 1 liter
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Side (H x W x D)	12.28 x 5.47 x 11.97 inches / 31.19 x 13.89 x 30.14cm
Weight	8.6lb / 3.9kg

Casabrews CM5418: design

Small-scale, charming design
Available in seven colors
Cheap-feeling portafilter and disappointing accessories

The Casabrews CM5418 is a compact little espresso machine that’d be right at home in small kitchens, office spaces, or even on the road in a campervan. With it coming in at under six inches wide, you really shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a home for it, even in living areas that are tight on space. What’s more, it’s exceptionally light too. So even if you do decide to store in the cupboard between uses, you’ll only have to shift 8.6lbs in and out each time.

I’d prefer to keep my machine out of the counter though, and not just for convenience’s sake; the CM5418 actually looks rather cute. The pressure gauge on the front face is not only a very practical clue of how well your espresso is extracting but also adds some visual interest to a machine lacking a LCD screen. Though this is actually inline with my own preferences, to be honest: I found the four simple, tactile buttons on the CM5418 to be far more satisfying to use than the digital displays or touchscreens found on some expensive espresso machines.

If you fancy jazzing up your coffee station a bit, there’s a decently wide range of color options to choose from: silver, black, beige, sapphire blue, baby blue, pastel green, and pink. This is a win for anyone who’s a sucker for color coordination, but you will end up paying a $30 premium for any color other than silver. Such is the cost of beauty, I guess.

True to its lower price point, the CM5418’s build doesn’t feel composed of particular high-end materials. But, in my time testing it, I never found the slight compromise on component quality to be much of an issue. That is, with the exception of the machine’s 51mm portafilter.

Not only is the portafilter handle made from a hard plastic that really doesn’t feel especially pleasant in the hand, but the mechanism for securing the basket into it is a little unwieldy too. The standard method involves having a spring clip to maintain tension when the basket is pushed into the portafilter, but the CM5418 baskets have a notch that has to be threaded into a gap in the portafilter’s lip instead. As a result, the basket wobbles and clacks around noisily when the portafilter is moved, and it’s not difficult to disturb your puck preparation with this instability. I didn’t have any problems with the basket outright falling out of the portafilter during my tests, but it’s not hard to imagine that the looseness of the threads could occasionally lead to you accidentally sending your basket flying into your knock box.

The CM5418 comes with a one shot basket and a two shot basket, both of which are pressurized. Casabrews’ decision to not include a non-pressurized basket says a lot about how beginner-friendly this machine is supposed to be. Instead of relying on the resistance of water traveling through your coffee puck, the extra wall in a pressurized basket does the heavy lifting when it comes to regulating extraction pressure and creating the appearance of crema. As a result, less precision is needed for a consistent output and you can even get away with using preground coffee. However, the trade off is that you just won’t achieve the same peak in flavor.

If you do find that you’d prefer to use a non-pressurized basket with your CM5418, you’re in a bit of a pickle. Not only does the machine have a relatively uncommon grouphead size of 51mm but as mentioned before, the portafilter doesn’t use a spring clip. Not even on the Casabrews website is there an option to buy single-walled baskets that are compatible with the CM5418’s stock portafilter. So, if you want to make this change, you’ll have to purchase a whole new portafilter.

Even if you don’t opt for a single-walled upgrade, there are some accessories you’ll want to pick up that aren’t covered by what you get in-box. For example, the CM5418 doesn’t come with a stainless steel jug to steam your milk in. So, if you’re going to try your hand at lattes, that’s worth chucking in your basket. A plastic tamp-scoop is included that’s extremely lightweight, and the scoop end makes it difficult to position your hand for proper tamping. It’s fine in a pinch, but definitely not ideal. For the price, these are less ‘deal breakers’ and more annoying yet understandable cut corners.

Design score: 3.5/5

Casabrews CM5418: performance

Quick heat-up time and simple operation
Consistent espresso output
Impressive steam wand

As with most entry/mid level espresso machines, the CM5418’s water is heated using a thermoblock rather than a traditional boiler. The main benefit of a thermoblock heating system (other than cutting down cost) is just how speedy it makes the preheating process. As a matter of fact, the CM5418 is ready to go in about 40 seconds. While this isn’t quite as fast as the 5-second heat up time promised from the CM5418 Pro, it’s still far from anything that would disrupt your morning routine. After all, 40 seconds isn’t the kind of wait that would get in the way of your coffee-making flow; it's like the perfect amount of time to grab your favorite mug and weigh out your beans.

Thanks to the double-walled baskets, pulling a tasty shot of espresso with the CM5418 is a lot more foolproof than it would otherwise be. Of course, the beans you choose still matter – as does your grind size, extraction time, and dosage – but pressurized baskets help to crank the difficulty meter down a bit. You’re still aiming for that bullseye although the area of the bullseye is just that bit bigger. So, while I still dealt with some fussing adjusting my grind for the best extraction, it didn’t take too much effort to get to something tasty.

For the majority of my test shots, I used Mask of the Mire from Dark Arts Coffee. These beans yielded espresso which was nutty and sweet, if lacking in complexity just a bit. Though it’s not hard to imagine that my shots could fare better with some slight upgrades to the machine, what I had was consistently great for the basis of an americano or a milk drink …despite being a tad boring on its own.

Even right out of the box, the steam wand had a fluid range of motion that made it easy to position it at the right point in my milk jug. It’s operated by a knob on the side of the machine and responds quickly to activation, meaning you can get straight into aerating your milk without much fuss. Some other budget espresso machines like the (non Arte) DeLonghi Dedica have what’s called a panarello wand, which is best suited to making fluffy, dry cappuccino foam, but majorly falls down when it comes to creating microfoam. Meanwhile, the CM5418 has no trouble delivering velvety milk well suited to a flat white.

As mentioned before, the water (and subsequently, the steam) is heated with a thermoblock and while this makes the process faster, it does mean that pulling espresso and steaming milk can’t be done at the same time. Switching between modes takes mere seconds. So, this is really only a problem if you anticipate making multiple milk-based drinks in a row.

4.5/5

Should you buy the Casabrews CM5418?

Casabrews CM5418 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Espresso machines don't get much more affordable than this.	5/5
Design	Small, charming design in a choice of colors, but accessories feel cheap.	3.5/5
Performance	Quick to heat up, easy to use, and more consistent than many of the budget espresso machines we;ve tested.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You’re looking for an espresso machine under $150

Putting together a coffee setup can get pricey really quick, and if you’re trying to keep costs low, it’s worth splurging most of your budget on a good grinder.

You tend to follow the same espresso recipe daily

The CM5418’s single-walled baskets and lack of temperature controls make it a little more difficult to finetune your recipe to get the very most out of a new bag of beans. If you’re a creature of habit who doesn’t experiment too much with their coffee, this shouldn’t be a problem.

You’re a fan of milk-based drinks

The CM5418 has a steam wand that does a superb job at whipping up steamed milk, foam, or microfoam. If you’re not the type to drink your espresso straight, this machine is a winner.

Don't buy it if

Your budget for an espresso machine is $250+

If you can afford to drop hundreds of dollars on an espresso machine, it’s worth considering more high-end options than the CM5418. It’s an impressive performer at its price range, but it would definitely get blown out of the water by luxury models.

You want a bean-to-cup machine

After you pick up a CM5418 (or any espresso machine for that matter), a great grinder should be the next thing on your shopping list. Though if you’d prefer to save yourself the hassle, you can always opt for a bean-to-cup machine instead.

Casabrews CM5418: also consider

If you’re unsure of whether the Casabrews CM5418 is the right espresso machine for you, it’s worth checking out these alternatives:

Breville / Sage Bambino

The Breville Bambino (or Sage Bambino, as it’s known in the UK) is a definite jump-up in price from the CM5418, but it’s still good value. This machine heats up lightning fast and is a good fit for those beginning their journey with coffee as a full-blown hobby.

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

Our reigning champion in the arena of the best budget espresso machines, the DeLonghi Dedica Style EC685 is another fun-sized espresso machine that’s well-suited for beginners. It’s just a tad more expensive than the Casabrews CM5418 and less suited for producing microfoam, but it comes from a much more established brand (making upgrades and repairs an easier process).

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 review

How I tested the Casabrews CM5418

I tested the Casabrews CM5418 over a period of four weeks, using it regularly to make black and milk-based espresso drinks.

During my tests, I alternated between using light, dark, and omni-roasted fresh espresso beans bought from specialty coffee roasters. All beans were ground using the Baratza Encore ESP, with the grind size adjusted a number of times to achieve the optimal result.

The steam wand was tested with fresh, full-fat dairy milk, semi-skimmed milk, and oat milk. After each steam, I made sure to purge and clean the wand to keep it operational. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed September 2025

The Casabrews CM5418 is a small but mighty espresso machine for the casual coffee lover

6:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

Casabrews CM5418: one-minute review

For many folks attempting to recreate the cafe experience at home, the absolute best of the best espresso machines just aren’t a practical choice.

Casabrews CM5418: price and availability

List price: $139.99 / £149.99 (price varies depending on color variants)
Available in the US and UK
Discounts available on Casabrews' website

Value score: 5/5

Casabrews CM5418: specifications

Type	Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options	2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure	20 bar
Water tank capacity	34oz / 1 liter
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Side (H x W x D)	12.28 x 5.47 x 11.97 inches / 31.19 x 13.89 x 30.14cm
Weight	8.6lb / 3.9kg

Casabrews CM5418: design

Small-scale, charming design
Available in seven colors
Cheap-feeling portafilter and disappointing accessories

Design score: 3.5/5

Casabrews CM5418: performance

Quick heat-up time and simple operation
Consistent espresso output
Impressive steam wand

4.5/5

Should you buy the Casabrews CM5418?

Casabrews CM5418 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Espresso machines don't get much more affordable than this.	5/5
Design	Small, charming design in a choice of colors, but accessories feel cheap.	3.5/5
Performance	Quick to heat up, easy to use, and more consistent than many of the budget espresso machines we;ve tested.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You’re looking for an espresso machine under $150

Putting together a coffee setup can get pricey really quick, and if you’re trying to keep costs low, it’s worth splurging most of your budget on a good grinder.

You tend to follow the same espresso recipe daily

You’re a fan of milk-based drinks

The CM5418 has a steam wand that does a superb job at whipping up steamed milk, foam, or microfoam. If you’re not the type to drink your espresso straight, this machine is a winner.

Don't buy it if

Your budget for an espresso machine is $250+

You want a bean-to-cup machine

Casabrews CM5418: also consider

If you’re unsure of whether the Casabrews CM5418 is the right espresso machine for you, it’s worth checking out these alternatives:

Breville / Sage Bambino

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685 review

How I tested the Casabrews CM5418

I tested the Casabrews CM5418 over a period of four weeks, using it regularly to make black and milk-based espresso drinks.

First reviewed September 2025

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is a budget-friendly entry to espresso, but it trips on one too many hurdles

1:20 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

Casabrews 3700 Essential: one-minute review

Casabrews hasn’t quite garnered the same brand recognition as names like De’Longhi or Breville. But given it was only founded in 2020, it’s natural we don’t see Casabrews machines dominating lists of the best espresso machines just yet.

It’s difficult to know what to expect from this relative new-kid-on-the-block, and in my experience testing Casabrews’ espresso machines so far, the brand’s line-up has been a real mixed bag. The 3700 Essential continues that legacy of leaving me conflicted. While it’s attractively designed, impressively compact, and delivers top-notch steamed milk; there’s just too little consistency when it comes to the espresso itself. Add to that a persistent problem of dripping and messes after pulling shots, and my feelings are totally split.

Casabrews 3700 Essential: price and availability

List price: $129.99 / £139.99
Available in the US and UK
Discounts available on Casabrews website

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is an affordable pick that’s undoubtedly on the lower end of budget espresso machines.

Those in the US can buy the Casabrews 3700 Essential at the Casabrews website or on Amazon, and regardless of where you choose to shop, it’ll usually set you back $139.99. That said, Casabrews frequently has discounts available on its range.

In the UK, you can still order from the Casabrews’ site though all prices are listed in dollars. Alternatively, you can pick it up from Amazon UK. However, your only color choices are silver and black, and the black variant costs $149.99.

Value score: 5/5

Casabrews 3700 Essential: specifications

Type	Semi-automatic espresso machine
Drink options	2 (single and double espresso)
Pump pressure	20 bar
Water tank capacity	43.9 oz / 1.24 liters
Steam wand	Yes, manual
Side (H x W x D)	12.5 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches / 31.75 x 14.48 x 32cm
Weight	10.25lbs / 4.65kg

Casabrews 3700 Essential: design

Suitable for tiny kitchens
Available in 5 colors (green, blue, silver, black, beige)
Some high quality details, some not so high quality

In many respects, the Casabrews 3700 Essential is basically a slightly cheaper twin of the Casabrews CM5418: they share the same portafilter size, almost the same dimensions, and have virtually identical functions. For the most part, all that sets them apart is a $10 price difference … and a pretty substantial disparity in performance (but we’ll get to that later).

The Casabrews 3700 Essential is an espresso machine that feels made to be space-savvy. A small footprint on a budget machine is almost always a great choice. After all, if you’re on the hunt for an espresso machine under $150 dollars you might be a student, someone trying to budget, or just not ready to dive headfirst into the world of espresso. No matter what your reason for opting for a low-cost machine, you likely don’t have tons of counter space, or don’t want to sacrifice it.

So, whether you have a cramped kitchen or want a caffeine fix in your office, the 3700 Essential fits the bill for a compact espresso machine, thanks to it coming in at less than six inches wide. It’s half an inch larger in the back than the CM5418 in the back though to accommodate a larger water tank though, which is a bit of a shame. To me, a larger tank is only ever really a bad thing, as it incentivises you going longer without changing your water – stagnant water isn’t ever a note you want to bring to your coffee.

Aside from the machine itself, you also get a one-shot pressurized basket, a two-shot pressurized basket, and a plastic tamp scoop. These accessories are pretty bare bones, but this is to be expected given the price. With the inclusion of two pressurized (or double-walled) baskets and no non-pressurized (or single-walled) baskets, the 3700 Essential should – in theory – deliver a more consistent output, even when using coffee that is too coarse or not freshly ground.

Design score: 4/5

Casabrews 3700 Essential: performance

Inconsistencies with espresso output
Beware of messes and drips
Steam wand performs ideally

None of the Casabrews machines I’ve tested so far have had a three-way solenoid valve to relieve pressure on the puck after extraction, but the CM3700 Essential appears to suffer the most from its absence. Post-pull dripping was a notable issue with it, even beyond the amount I had come to tolerate while using budget espresso machines. I also had issues with the puck appearing soupier than expected, and even experienced a nightmarish ‘portafilter sneeze’ which sent wet, gloopy grounds flying across my drip tray and work surface.

This is a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things but it’s not difficult to find a similarly priced-machine that doesn’t suffer from these problems to the same degree. All of this meant that I had to remind myself to wait a little while after pulling a shot before removing (and cleaning) my portafilter to avoid having to drop sludge into my knock box. This is a deceptively simple request for someone like me, who’s likely to forget about it entirely, and find myself greeted by a gross crusty puck the next morning.

Thankfully, the side effects of excess portafilter pressure can be mitigated by getting properly accumulated to the rhythm of your machine. For the most part, you can avoid a big clean-up job once you figure out exactly when to stop your shot, when to remove your cup, how fine you can grind before your machine starts to ‘choke’, and when to safely and cleanly remove your portafilter. That knowledge comes with time and practice but I can’t help feeling like other machines I’ve tested took far less getting accustomed to.

The slightly messy fuss of the CM3700 Essential might feel worth it if I was consistently pleased with the espresso that came out of it. While I had high hopes based on my first shot, performance proved to be variable in the long run.

I had some difficulty getting a confident, clean tamp on my puck as the tamp scoop was light, awkward to wield, and ever so slightly smaller than for my basket. This meant I had to perform multiple tamping motions while shifting the tamp around the puck in order to flatten the full surface area. Obviously, this wasn’t ideal and I could see the puck getting slightly cracked with each new push, but I worked to get the best preparation I could despite my struggles.

Besides, pressurized baskets are designed to compensate for imperfect grind size or technique, essentially forcing a thicker crema and “pretty good” extraction even with suboptimal coffee and puck prep. That’s why so many entry-level machines include them. Thankfully, the pressurized basket had created a pleasant-looking layer of crema which—while not technically a sign of well-extracted espresso in this case– certainly looked the part. The taste was solid too: it had managed to produce something quite flavorful and pleasant to drink black, as is.

However, from that point on, espresso shots from the 3700 Essential proved to be more of a gamble. To be clear, I wasn’t expecting a $129 espresso machine to rival a top of the line model, but even by budget standards the fluctuations felt a tad extreme. I compared it directly with the Casabrews CM5418 (again, the 3700 Essential can’t escape the shadow of its more capable brother), and it produced more balanced results with the same beans and recipe. The 3700 Essential just doesn’t inspire confidence that I could get the same cup twice in a row, which is all you can really ask of your machine.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. My tinge of disappointment was softened by how well the machine handles steaming milk. Despite being a compact and inexpensive machine, the 3700 Essential delivers the kind of steam pressure and precision you need to produce silky microfoam, as well as airy cappuccino froth.

The steam wand is controlled by a knob on the side of the machine, and while it’s a small detail, I did appreciate the silicone grip around its perimeter. Not only does it feel more comfortable in my hand than steel or plastic but it offers better traction when turning, which is helpful for maintaining control while steaming. The last thing you’d want is to fumble when trying to turn the knob and end up burning your milk.

Performance score: 2.5/5

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Should you buy the Casabrews 3700 Essential?

Casabrews 3700 Essential score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Affordable coffee machine that's definitely at the budget end of the market.	5/5
Design	Very compact machine, but accessories are very bare-bones.	4/5
Performance	Inconsistencies with espresso output, and messy drips, though steam wand works well.	2.5/5

Buy it if

You’re on a budget

There are few espresso machines that are quite so kind to your wallet as the Casabrews 3700 Essential. Even when compared to Casabrews’ already economical range, the 3700 Essential has the second lowest price tag out of any of the brand’s other machines.

You enjoy your coffee with flavored syrups

While testing it, I found that not every shot from the Casabrews 3700 Essential was a winner. However, even slightly ‘meh’ espresso can serve as a good base for flavored lattes. If espresso isn’t the star of the show in your favorite beverages, this machine should serve you just fine.

You’re big into milk-based drinks

If you’re looking for a machine with a steam wand that’ll let you make cappuccino foam or microfoam, the 3700 Essential has you covered. Its steam wand is comfortable to use and easy to get the hang of.

Don't buy it if

You’re a lover of espresso or black coffee

In my testing, the Casabrews 3700 Essential produced decent shots, but that quality wavered quite a bit. The output was never so bad as to be a total dealbreaker, but you’re not guaranteed the same drink every morning, no matter how closely you adhere to your usual technique.

You’re planning on getting into coffee as a hobby

A lot of the frustrations presented by the Casabrews 3700 Essential is likely to put you off the ritual of making your own espresso. What’s more, you’ll probably want to upgrade to another machine after a short while.

Casabrews 3700 Essential: also consider

If you're not sure that the Casabrews 3700 Essential is the right coffee maker for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Breville / Sage Bambino

One of the most commonly-recommended espresso machines for beginners is the Breville Bambino (or Sage Bambino, as it’s called in the UK), and that’s for good reason. While the Bambino is certainly a rung above the Casabrews 3700 Essential in terms of price, it's likely to deliver a more satisfying intro into the world of espresso.

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino review

Casabrews CM5418

As mentioned previously, the Casabrews CM5418 and the Casabrews 3700 Essential have a whole lot in common. The former is ever so slightly more expensive, but that extra cost is more than worth it given the upgrade in performance.

How I tested the Casabrews 3700 Essential

I tested the Casabrews 3700 Essential over a period of three weeks. During this time, I used it to brew espresso and steam milk.

Across my testing, I used light, dark, and omni-roasted fresh espresso beans bought from specialty coffee roasters. I adjusted my dose and grind size in pursuit of the best recipe for each variety. All beans were ground with the Baratza Encore ESP.

Steam wand functionality was tested by using fresh, full-fat dairy milk, semi-skimmed milk, and oat milk. After each steam, I made sure to purge and clean the wand to keep it clean and functional. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed September 2025

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Nutribullet Triple Prep System: one-minute review

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: price and availability

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: specs

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: design

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: performance

Should you buy the Nutribullet Triple Prep System?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: also consider

How I tested the Nutribullet Triple Prep System

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: one-minute review

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: price and availability

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: specs

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: design

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: performance

Should you buy the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: also consider

How I tested the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: one-minute review

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: price and availability

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: specs

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: design

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: performance

Should you buy the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo: also consider

How I tested the Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

SwitchBot K11+: two-minute review

SwitchBot K11+ review: price & availability

SwitchBot K11+ specs

SwitchBot K11+ review: design

SwitchBot K11+ review: performance

Navigation and obstacle avoidance

Cleaning tests

SwitchBot K11+ review: app

Should you buy the SwitchBot K11+?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the SwitchBot K11+

SwitchBot K11+: two-minute review

SwitchBot K11+ review: price & availability

SwitchBot K11+ specs

SwitchBot K11+ review: design

SwitchBot K11+ review: performance

Navigation and obstacle avoidance

Cleaning tests

SwitchBot K11+ review: app

Should you buy the SwitchBot K11+?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the SwitchBot K11+

Honor MagicPad 3: One-minute review

Honor MagicPad 3 review: price and availability

Honor MagicPad 3 review: specs

Honor MagicPad 3 review: Design

Honor MagicPad 3 review: Display

Honor MagicPad 3 review: Cameras

Honor MagicPad 3 review: software

Honor MagicPad 3 review: performance

Honor MagicPad 3 review: battery

Should you buy the Honor MagicPad 3?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider

How I tested the Honor MagicPad 3

Casabrews CM5418: one-minute review

Casabrews CM5418: price and availability

Casabrews CM5418: specifications

Casabrews CM5418: design

Casabrews CM5418: performance

Should you buy the Casabrews CM5418?

Buy it if

Don't buy it if

Casabrews CM5418: also consider

How I tested the Casabrews CM5418

Casabrews CM5418: one-minute review

Casabrews CM5418: price and availability