The SHARDOR is a big machine known for producing quality coffee. It was one that I had never tried before, so I was eager to see if it really lived up to the hype. So, have a read of my SHARDOR espresso machine 20 bar review, find out all its pros and cons, and see if this is the machine for you.
My Rating
The Design
The design of this machine is pretty simple. It’s just a basic stainless steel design that you see on the majority of machines. It’s not the best-looking machine out there, but it’s not ugly either. Personally, I don’t mind it, mainly due to the fact that it blends in with the rest of my modern kitchen quite well.
It fits beautifully into my kitchen without taking up too much counter space. The layout of the LCD screen, the buttons, and the dials were intuitive, so I didn’t need to spend ages figuring out how it worked. The machine also feels sturdy, which gives me confidence that it’s built to last.
The Taste of the Coffee
This machine absolutely nails the coffee quality. With 20 bars of pressure, it pulls rich, full-bodied espresso shots with a perfect crema layer. I’ve tried several types of beans, and the flavour always comes through brilliantly. Whether I’m making a simple espresso or a frothy cappuccino, I’m consistently impressed.
The Advanced 1350W high-power Thermoblock Heating System provided me with fast and efficient heating for the machine, which adds to the taste of the coffee. Water comes out directly from the pipe, which makes sure the water is as fresh as possible. In 30 seconds or so, I could make great coffee thanks to this machine. This feature is fantastic. It really made me appreciate the coffee taste even more.
The Steam Wand
The steam wand on the SHARDOR is a game-changer. It’s powerful enough to create a creamy, velvety froth for lattes and cappuccinos. I was worried it might be tricky to use, but the learning curve wasn’t bad at all. After a few tries, I was steaming milk easily and without worries. It isn’t that easy to wield due to it not being long-reaching, but apart from that, I didn’t have much of a problem with it.
The Cup Warmer
The cup warmer on top of the machine is a nice addition, I thought. It keeps my cups nice and toasty, which makes a noticeable difference when pouring espresso.
Cold cups can cool down your coffee too quickly, but this little feature ensures the perfect temperature is maintained. I loved this about the machine, and my coffee had a noticeable improvement when I used the cup warmer. My friends even said the same thing! So, I must give this feature top marks!
Cleaning the Machine
Every time I try out a machine, the thing that I dread the most is when the time comes to clean it. However, with this one, I didn’t need to worry too much!
Cleaning this machine was actually straightforward, especially if you do it straight away, which is a huge plus. The 60 oz removable drip tray and water reservoir are easy to wash and clean and the portafilter is simple to rinse out. What I loved the most was that there weren’t too many nooks and crannies for coffee grounds to get stuck in. It’s quick enough to clean that it doesn’t feel like a chore.
However, if you don’t clean it straight away, and leave it for a while, the grounds and dirt will start to build up, which can take a while to clean and requires a lot of elbow grease. But, if you look after it properly and clean it when you should, you won’t have a problem.
Specs
Final Thoughts on The SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar Review
I must be honest, the SHARDOR 20 Bar Espresso Machine has exceeded my expectations. It’s simple but stylish, user-friendly, and produces coffee that rivals some of my favourite machines. And when you take into account its cheap price point, it really is one of the best machines out there for your money (at the moment).
The thoughtful design features, like the steam wand and cup warmer, really add to its value and make it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts. If you’re looking to elevate your home coffee game, this machine is well worth considering.
However, if you’re in the mood for a machine that is a little bit easier to use, you should try out this machine!