In this video, I reviewed the Gemilai CRM3605 espresso machine—one of the more popular “sulit” picks here in the Philippines—and I tested if it’s actually worth the hype at around ₱10,000. I unboxed what you get (water tank, aluminum portafilter, double-shot basket, blind basket, and a group head brush), then talked about the design: very straightforward, small interface, light at around 15 lbs/8 kg, and yes—lots of plastic parts, so don’t expect premium build just based on looks. I walked through the controls and features I actually care about: a built-in shot timer (super helpful), a pressure gauge for dialing in, hot water for Americanos, and steam mode. I also shared my workflow: warm up the machine and portafilter for about 10 minutes, then brew—where you’ll see a short pre-infusion (around 3–4 seconds) before the pressure settles around 9–10 bars. Espresso-wise, I was happy with the output for the price. My recommendation is a yes—especially if you’re starting your espresso journey and want to learn the basics. But my biggest reminder: pairing it with a good espresso-capable grinder is non-negotiable. I also mentioned the warranty info from C-District PH (3 months unit warranty and 1 year service warranty for parts), which is a nice safety net.