SHARDOR CM5160 Espresso coffee machine: Full Review

Throughout Italy, espresso is defined by sweet, syrupy shots of concentrated coffee made from steam passing through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure. The result is a complex, aromatic, full-bodied coffee loaded with flavor.

While espresso machines were once only found in coffee shops and Italian kitchens, a quality, home espresso maker like the Shardor CM5160 now allows anyone to become their own barista. This automatic, dual-shot espresso and cappuccino machine delivers authentic espresso and milk drinks with dense, rich crema right from your own kitchen.

With its precision pressure, simple interface, and fast, consistent brewing, the Shardor CM5160 aims to bring the cafe experience home. This review will cover the key features, performance, and value of this popular espresso machine option for home use.

Overview

The SHARDOR CM5160 is an automatic espresso and cappuccino machine manufactured by SHARDOR. It is available on Amazon for around $160 USD.

The CM5160 is a mid-priced home espresso machine designed for beginners and coffee enthusiasts looking for an affordable, entry-level machine with solid performance. It features a compact size and streamlined design that will fit well on most kitchen counters.

Key specs of the SHARDOR CM5160 include a 15-bar pump pressure system, 850 watt power, and a 40 oz water tank. It can brew double or single shot espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and comes with a milk frothing wand. The machine has a rapid 25-30 second heat up time.

Overall, the CM5160 hits a sweet spot of quality, ease of use, and price point. For an espresso newbie not looking to splurge for premium features, the SHARDOR provides an accessible home brewing experience with satisfying espresso results.

Design

The Shardor CM5160 has an attractive and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a brushed stainless steel exterior that gives it a sleek, high-end appearance.

Despite its professional-grade design, the CM5160 maintains a compact footprint. It measures just 11.02 x 7.87 x 12.6 inches, so it doesn't take up too much counter space. And at only 10.58 pounds, it's easy to move around or tuck away in a cabinet when not in use.

The machine comes in two color options: stainless steel or black. Both colors feature the same quality brushed metal finish. The black version provides a more understated, neutral look.

Overall, the CM5160 has a stylish yet functional design. Its compact size and stainless steel housing give it the look of a premium espresso machine without dominating your kitchen space.

Features

The SHARDOR CM5160 has an impressive array of features for an espresso machine in this price range.

• 15 bar pressure pump: The 15 bars of pressure allow the machine to properly extract espresso shots, with the ideal pressure between 9-10 bars. 15 bars gives you flexibility to play with grind size and dose to dial in your preferred flavor.

• Thermoblock heating: The thermoblock heating system allows the machine to heat up in just 45 seconds, so you don't have to wait long for your morning coffee. It maintains a consistent temperature for repeated espresso pulls.

• Steam wand: The steam wand on the CM5160 allows you to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It can produce silky, creamy foam when used properly. The wand has a 360 degree swivel range for freedom while steaming.

• 37 oz water tank: The decently sized 37 oz water tank means you can pull several shots before needing a refill. It's removable for easy filling as well.

• Pressurized and unpressurized filters: The machine comes with both pressurized and unpressurized portafilters so you can use pre-ground coffee or fresh ground with good results.

• Accessories: The CM5160 comes with the key accessories you need - tamper, measuring scoop, and a metal milk frothing pitcher.

Ease of Use

The SHARDOR CM5160 espresso machine is designed for easy day-to-day use. The interface is intuitive, with simple button controls and an LCD display that clearly shows your selections.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. The drip tray, water tank, and parts like the portafilter are removable for washing. The steam wand has a special design that allows milk to be automatically sucked into the foaming compartment after steaming to keep it clean. There is also an descaling function that guides you through the descaling process step-by-step.

Overall, the SHARDOR CM5160 aims to make brewing espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos an easy, mess-free process for beginners and experienced baristas alike. The interface simplifies programming recipes, the cleanup is minimal, and maintenance functions handle descaling for you. This is an espresso machine designed for convenient daily use.

Performance

The SHARDOR CM5160 produces excellent shot quality with rich, bold espresso and velvety microfoam. The 15-bar pressure pump extracts flavorful coffee with a nice crema layer on top. You can adjust the grind size to tweak the flavor profile of your shots. The steam wand makes it easy to froth milk into a light, creamy microfoam perfect for latte art.

The machine heats up in just 45 seconds, so you don't have to wait long to pull your first shot. It can produce 2 espresso shots or 2 cappuccinos back-to-back thanks to the 35oz water tank capacity and powerful thermoblock heating system. The SHARDOR is fast and consistent in delivering high quality espresso drinks.

Many reviewers praise the performance of this budget espresso machine, noting it punches above its weight class compared to more expensive models. The SHARDOR CM5160 provides excellent shot quality and frothing ability for the price. It's speedy and consistent enough for daily home use or light commercial use.

Build Quality

The Shardor CM5160 espresso machine is built with durability and longevity in mind. The outer housing is made from brushed stainless steel, giving it a sleek look while also being resistant to fingerprints, heat, and corrosion.

The internal components are likewise designed for reliability. It uses a 15-bar Italian pump and a 1600W heating element to produce consistent pressure and temperature when brewing. These commercial-grade parts allow it to churn out thousands of cups without compromising performance.

Maintenance is straightforward, with removable parts that can be easily cleaned and descaled as needed. The 57mm portafilter and steam wand are chrome-plated and should hold up well over time.

Shardor provides a 1-year warranty on the espresso machine, demonstrating confidence in its construction. While not the longest coverage, it should give peace of mind that any manufacturing defects will be addressed during the first year of ownership.

Overall, the metal exterior and quality internal components of the CM5160 give the impression of a sturdy, well-made product. With proper care and maintenance, it should deliver years of reliable espresso-making. The warranty provides an additional layer of protection against early hardware failure.

Value

When considering the SHARDOR CM5160 espresso machine, its value proposition is quite strong given its combination of quality components and reasonable price point.

Compared to competitors in a similar price range of $150-$250, the SHARDOR holds up very well in terms of build quality and parts used. The stainless steel exterior and metal internal components are durable and feel solidly constructed. This sits in contrast to some machines which rely more heavily on plastic parts to hit lower price points.

The 15 bar Italian pump and 1600 watt heating element deliver excellent pressure and temperature control, comparable to more expensive models from premium brands. Having consistent pressure and the right water temperature is crucial for pulling flavorful espresso shots. The steam wand also heats up quickly for making cappuccinos and lattes.

Small details like the 360 degree swivel-out portafilter and removable drip tray demonstrate thoughtful design not always found on budget espresso makers. The 3-in-1 filter basket allows you to use both ground coffee and coffee pods with ease.

Overall, the SHARDOR CM5160 gives you professional quality espresso and milk steaming ability without breaking the bank. For home baristas on a budget, it's a worthwhile investment that delivers significant value.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and sleek design saves counter space.

• Produces rich, creamy espresso with good crema.

• Adjustable steam wand makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

• Removable water tank and drip tray make cleaning easy.

• Easy to use control panel with programmable options.

Cons

• Small water tank may require frequent refilling.

• Milk frothing requires some practice to master.

• Single boiler can cause brief wait between brewing espresso and steaming milk.

• Lack of a pre-infusion function.

• No option to adjust water temperature.

Conclusion

The SHARDOR CM5160 is an affordable super-automatic espresso machine that produces delicious espresso-based drinks at the push of a button. It's easy to use and convenient, making cafe-quality coffee drinks easily at home. The compact design with stainless steel accents looks great on any kitchen counter.

Overall, the SHARDOR CM5160 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an entry-level super automatic espresso machine with excellent performance. It's simple to operate, delivers consistent results, and is offered at a great price point. This machine is ideal for people new to specialty coffee drinks or those seeking an affordable, low-maintenance option.

More advanced baristas or coffee aficionados may desire a machine with higher-end features, customizable settings, and commercial-grade components. However, for beginners or those on a budget seeking an automatic machine that can deliver quality espresso drinks, the SHARDOR CM5160 is a leading option worth considering. With proper maintenance and care, it can provide years of delicious espresso and coffee beverages to liven up your mornings.