SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine: A Compact and User-Friendly Option for Espresso Lovers

As more and more people look to recreate the coffee shop experience at home, espresso machines have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance. For espresso enthusiasts looking for an affordable but high-performing machine, the SHARDOR EM3209 is an excellent option.

The SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso maker with a 20 bar pressure system, allowing it to extract rich, full-bodied espresso shots. Its compact size and sleek stainless steel design make it an attractive addition to any countertop. In this detailed review, we’ll take a close look at the features, performance, and ease of use of the SHARDOR EM3209 to see if it’s up to par for home brewing.

Overview

• Brand: SHARDOR
• Model Name: EM3209
• Color: Stainless Steel
• Product Dimensions: 12.4” x 10.7” x 13.5”
• Weight: 10.69 lbs
• Pressure: 20 bars
• Wattage: 1350W

The SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine has a stylish and compact footprint, taking up minimal counter space. The stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern look.

Key Features

• 20 Bar Pump: Delivers high pressure for rich, aromatic espresso with thick golden crema.
• Fast Thermoblock Heating: Advanced heating system provides quick start-up times of under 30 seconds.
• NTC Intelligent Temperature Control System: Maintains precise and stable water and milk foam temperatures for optimal flavor.
• Manual Steam Wand: Lets you texture milk manually for cappuccinos and lattes.
• Single and Double Shot Filters: Choice of brewing single or double shot espresso.
• Low Pressure Pre-infusion: Gradually increases pressure to release coffee’s full flavor.
• Cup Warming Tray: Keeps cups heated before use.
• 60 oz Removable Water Tank: Large capacity and easy to refill.
• Easy to Use Interface: Buttons and digital display for effortless control.

Design and Convenience

With its durable stainless steel housing and modern aesthetics, the SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine will look sharp in any kitchen. Its compact footprint takes up minimal counter space.

Despite its small size, the machine offers great convenience features. The 60 oz BPA-free removable water tank makes refilling easy, while the backlit LCD display clearly shows brewing parameters. The warming plate on top keeps cups hot for better flavor.

Ease of Use

This semi-automatic machine allows you to conveniently brew espresso and steam milk with the push of a button. The intuitive interface ensures that even beginners can get the hang of it quickly. From power on, it delivers espresso in around 30 seconds thanks to the rapid heating system. Before using the machine for the first time, it’s important to clean it by running water through the system without coffee grounds. To master the machine faster, new users are advised to follow the steps in the manual to try different brewing and milk frothing techniques and to watch related tutorial videos for a better understanding.

Coffee Quality

With its 20 bar pump pressure, the SHARDOR produces exceptional espresso with a thick, long-lasting caramel crema. The PID temperature control extracts maximum flavor for a bold, aromatic cup. It’s crucial to use freshly ground coffee beans with a fine grind setting, similar to table salt, to achieve optimal results.

User-Friendly Interface with LCD Display

The SHARDOR EM3209 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The simple button controls and clear LCD display make it easy to operate, even for those who are new to espresso making. The display shows the brewing temperature and other relevant information, giving you full control over the brewing process.

Brewing Functions

The SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine uses ground coffee in a portafilter rather than pods or capsules. It comes with both single and double shot filter baskets to accommodate different brew volumes. This machine excels at pulling rich, intense espresso shots and frothing milk for cappuccinos or lattes.

20 Bar Pump for Optimal Extraction

The SHARDOR EM3209 is equipped with a 20 bar pump, a key component in any high-quality espresso machine. This high pressure ensures that water is forced through the coffee grounds at the optimal rate, extracting the full range of flavors and aromas. The result is a rich, flavorful espresso with a thick layer of crema, the hallmark of a well-made shot.

The Importance of the 20 Bar Pump

The 20 Bar pressure pump used in the SHARDOR EM3209 is crucial for making espresso. The high pressure ensures that water passes through the coffee grounds more effectively, extracting the coffee oils and aromas, resulting in a rich golden crema, a key indicator of quality espresso.

Fast Heating System for Quick Brewing

One of the standout features of the SHARDOR EM3209 is its fast thermoblock heating system. This advanced technology allows the machine to heat up to brewing temperature in under 30 seconds, significantly reducing the wait time for your morning espresso. This is a major advantage for those who need their coffee fix quickly.

NTC Intelligent Temperature Control for Consistent Results

The SHARDOR EM3209 features an NTC intelligent temperature control system. This system ensures that the water temperature remains consistent throughout the brewing process, which is crucial for extracting the best possible flavor from your coffee grounds. It also allows for precise control of the milk frothing temperature, ensuring perfectly textured milk for your lattes and cappuccinos.

Single and Double Shot Options for Brewing Flexibility

The SHARDOR EM3209 comes with both single and double shot filter baskets, giving you the flexibility to brew the perfect amount of espresso for your needs. Whether you prefer a single shot for a quick pick-me-up or a double shot for a more intense caffeine hit, this machine has you covered.

Low Pressure Pre-infusion for Enhanced Flavor

The low-pressure pre-infusion function is a feature often found in high-end espresso machines. It involves a short burst of low-pressure water before the full 20 bar pressure is applied. This pre-infusion helps to evenly saturate the coffee grounds, resulting in a more even extraction and a more flavorful espresso.

Cup Warming Tray for Optimal Coffee Temperature

The cup warming tray on top of the machine is a thoughtful addition that helps to keep your cups warm. This is important because a cold cup can quickly cool down your espresso, affecting its flavor. By preheating your cups, you can ensure that your espresso stays hot and delicious for longer.

Milk Frothing

The manual steam wand allows you to create silky microfoam or creamy froth for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The correct technique is to submerge the wand into the milk while keeping the tip just below the surface, moving the pitcher to incorporate air evenly into the milk. Once the milk has expanded in volume and reached the desired temperature, fully submerge the tip to smooth out the foam.

Large Water Tank for Convenience

The SHARDOR EM3209 boasts a generous 60 oz removable water tank. This large capacity means you can brew multiple drinks without having to refill the tank constantly, making it a convenient choice for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who enjoy entertaining guests.

Innovative Features

The SHARDOR stands out for its substantial steel body, quick heating system, and low-pressure pre-infusion technology in its price range.

Additional Functions

This SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine features a warming plate to keep cups hot but does not offer programmable options.

Noise Level

The pump and steam wand produce noise during brewing typical of home espresso machines. Vibration is minimal.

Safety

The durable steel housing and electrical system meet safety standards. The unit has auto shut-off.

Power

Its 1350 watt heating system requires a standard 120V outlet. A 3 foot power cord allows flexibility in placement.

Cleaning

The removable parts and drip tray are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Backflushing the group head is recommended weekly.

Maintenance

Other than backflushing, no regular maintenance is required. The machine is designed for consistent home use.

Cost of Use

With reusable filter baskets rather than pods, the SHARDOR provides affordable daily operation. Occasional descaling is recommended.

Brand & History

SHARDOR is a newer brand launched in 2018 focusing on price-conscious customers. They aim to deliver quality and performance at budget-friendly prices.

Who It’s Good For

The SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine is ideal for:

• Beginner home baristas looking for an affordable starter machine
• Espresso enthusiasts seeking strong, intense espresso shots
• 1-2 person households that occasionally make drinks for guests
• Those with limited kitchen space needing a compact footprint

This machine meets the needs of someone making 1-5 drinks per day and wanting to recreate café style espresso without investing thousands. While not for coffee pros, it delivers solid performance for casual home use.

Those wanting to regularly make many milk-based drinks may want a machine with a more powerful steamer. However, for straight espresso, the SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine is extremely capable for the price.

Customer Reviews

Overall, customer reviews of the SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine are very positive, with the machine earning an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. In total, 67% of users gave it a 5-star rating, with 14% and 8% awarding 4 and 3 stars respectively.

The vast majority of users praise the SHARDOR for pulling rich, flavorful espresso shots consistently. They find the crema produced to be high-quality with a smooth, creamy texture. Many note they are impressed by the bold espresso flavor that rivals specialty coffee shops.

In terms of ease of use, users report the semi-automatic operation and push-button interface make it simple to brew drinks. The rapid heating up within 30 seconds makes it convenient for morning coffee with little waiting required. Several reviewers commented on how quiet and mess-free it is during the brewing and steaming process.

Users mention the durable stainless steel build and modern aesthetics make it an attractive addition to the kitchen. They appreciate that the compact size takes up minimal counter space. Some noted the included warming plate keeps their cups hot for better drinking temperature.

Areas for improvement noted include the short maximum cup height, making it incompatible with travel mugs or large cups. Some users found the manual steam wand tricky to master at first when frothing milk. A few comments mentioned occasional temperature fluctuations when pulling multiple back-to-back shots.

Overall, feedback indicates the SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine delivers exceptional espresso-making performance and milk steaming abilities at an affordable price point. For beginners and enthusiasts alike seeking cafe-style drinks at home, the SHARDOR represents a budget-friendly option with few downsides. Most agree it’s an impressive machine for the price that makes it easy to craft high-quality lattes and cappuccinos.

Pros

• Powerful 20 bar pressure for rich, aromatic espresso
• Fast heat up time under 30 seconds
• Precise temperature control for optimal extraction
• Manual steam wand to texture milk
• Single and double shot filters included
• Large 60oz removable water tank
• Compact footprint saves counter space
• Durable stainless steel housing
• Easy to use button controls
• Affordable price under $160

Cons

• Steam wand has a learning curve
• Housing may show minor cosmetic scratches
• Some plastic parts feel cheaper quality
• Shorter warranty period than premium brands

Value

Considering its consistent performance and extensive features, the SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine offers excellent value for money. Compared to models that cost twice as much, its high-pressure extraction, rapid heating system, and built-in frother perform comparably to more premium models. This machine provides an economical way to make espresso at home, particularly suitable for coffee enthusiasts with a budget who do not want to compromise on coffee quality.

Conclusion

For its price point, the SHARDOR EM3209 Espresso Machine is a formidable home espresso machine. It provides commercial-level pressure and temperature control for rich, flavorful espresso drinks. The fast heat up time and intuitive interface make it a user-friendly option for beginners and coffee enthusiasts alike. While not perfect, it’s an excellent balance of performance, features, and value.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 12.4”D x 10.7”W x 13.5”H
• Weight: 10.69 pounds
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Wattage: 1350 watts
• Voltage: 120
• Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz
• Milk Frothing Wand: Yes
• Cup Warmer: Yes
• Pump Pressure: 20 bar

What’s Included

The SHARDOR EM3209 comes with the following in the box:

• Espresso machine
• Single shot filter
• Double shot filter
• Coffee tamper
• Measuring scoop
• Cleaning brush
• Water hardness test strip
• Instruction manual

How To Use

• Fill water tank
• Power on, wait for ready light
• Grind fine espresso grind coffee
• Pack ground coffee firmly into portafilter
• Insert portafilter into group head
• Place cup under spout
• Press either single or double shot button
• Steam milk by inserting wand deep into milk, then raise to surface while texturing
• Enjoy your espresso drinks!