Our Verdict
SHARDOR Espresso Machine Wins
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The URintells Cuising Espresso Machine and the SHARDOR Espresso Machine both aim to bring café-style beverages into the home, yet they cater to slightly different priorities. At its core, the SHARDOR machine distinguishes itself with its inclusion of PID temperature control. This isn't just a technical spec; in real-world use, PID means significantly more stable and precise water temperatures during extraction, crucial for achieving consistently flavorful espresso shots. While both boast a powerful 20-bar pump, the SHARDOR’s consistent temperature ensures that this pressure is applied to water at the ideal heat, minimizing bitter or sour notes often caused by temperature fluctuations in machines without PID. Another practical advantage for the SHARDOR is its generous 45 oz water reservoir. For households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who enjoy several beverages throughout the day, this translates to fewer trips to the sink for refilling, offering a noticeable convenience over machines with smaller, unspecified tank sizes like the URintells. The URintells, with its 1350W heating, promises quick operation and user-friendly touchscreen controls for drink selection, including lattes and cappuccinos via its steam wand. However, the lack of specified boiler type or PID in the URintells implies a simpler internal heating system, potentially leading to less repeatable results. Both machines require a separate grinder, underscoring their semi-automatic nature where user involvement for fresh grounds is necessary. The SHARDOR’s thermoblock design, coupled with PID, aims for rapid heating without sacrificing temperature stability, offering a balance often sought by espresso enthusiasts. Ultimately, the SHARDOR provides better value for those who prioritize shot quality and operational consistency, while the URintells offers a more budget-friendly entry with specific convenience features like the iced coffee option.
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For consistent daily espresso shots
SHARDORThe SHARDOR features PID temperature control, ensuring more stable and precise brewing temperatures for consistently flavored espresso.
For households with multiple coffee drinkers
SHARDORIts 45 oz water reservoir significantly reduces the frequency of refills compared to machines with smaller tanks, accommodating higher daily demand.
For those seeking convenience in milk frothing
TieBoth machines include a steam wand, allowing users to manually froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy URintells Cuising if...
Espresso Machine 20 Bar
The URintells Cuising Espresso Machine is perfectly suited for the entry-level home barista or the occasional coffee drinker who wants to experiment with espresso without a significant financial commitment. This buyer prioritizes ease of use, appreciating the touch screen controls for simplified drink selection. They are likely new to semi-automatic machines and will value the directness of a steam wand for manual milk frothing. The unique one-touch iced coffee function is a distinct draw for someone who enjoys cold coffee beverages regularly. This buyer isn't overly concerned with achieving the absolute pinnacle of temperature precision, as long as they can pull a decent shot and enjoy specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. They understand they'll need a separate grinder and don't mind the hands-on aspect of semi-automatic brewing. What they're giving up is the advanced temperature stability of PID control and the larger water capacity, but for their needs and budget, the URintells EM5220-US delivers compelling value.
Buy SHARDOR if...
Espresso Machine 20 Bar
The SHARDOR Espresso Machine is ideal for the discerning home coffee enthusiast who is ready to invest a bit more for superior consistency and convenience in their daily espresso ritual. They might enjoy experimenting with different beans and want to ensure optimal extraction every time. Furthermore, individuals or families who consume multiple espresso-based drinks throughout the day will greatly benefit from the generous 45 oz water reservoir, significantly reducing the chore of frequent refilling. While they'll still need to purchase a separate grinder, this user is committed to the process of fresh grinding for the best flavor. They appreciate the rapid heating of the thermoblock boiler combined with PID for efficient and stable performance. What they're giving up is a slightly lower price point and the specific one-touch iced coffee feature, but they gain a more consistent, less demanding, and higher-performing espresso experience with the SHARDOR CM1661.
Spec Comparison
7 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2(265) | 4.4(357) |
| Boiler Type | thermoblock | |
| Pump Pressure Bars | 20 | 20 |
| Steam Wand | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | EM5220-US | CM1661 |
| Grinder Included | — | No |
| Water Reservoir oz | — | 45 |
| PID Temperature Control | — | Yes |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
URintells Cuising Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- Touch screen controls simplify drink selection
- 20-bar pump for high-pressure extraction
- 1350W heating ensures quick operation
- Steam wand produces milk microfoam
- Requires separate coffee grinder
- Semi-automatic process requires user involvement
- No integrated water filtration system
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar
- 20-bar pump ensures strong coffee extraction
- PID temperature control for consistent brewing
- Touchscreen offers single/double shot control
- 45 oz water tank reduces frequent refilling
- No integrated grinder for fresh beans
- Requires regular descaling for consistent function
- Thermoblock design may impact thermal stability
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Do either of these machines include a coffee grinder?
No, both the URintells EM5220-US and SHARDOR CM1661 require a separate coffee grinder. You'll need to purchase one separately to use fresh beans.
What is the pump pressure for these espresso machines?
Both the URintells and SHARDOR espresso machines feature a powerful 20-bar pump, designed to extract rich flavor and crema from your coffee grounds.
Does the SHARDOR machine offer better temperature control?
Yes, the SHARDOR CM1661 includes PID temperature control, which provides more stable and precise brewing temperatures for a consistent espresso extraction.
How often do I need to refill the water tank on the SHARDOR espresso machine?
The SHARDOR machine has a 45 oz water reservoir, which is quite generous and reduces the frequency of refilling, especially for multiple drinks daily.
Can I make iced coffee with the URintells espresso machine?
Yes, the URintells Cuising Espresso Machine uniquely offers a one-touch function specifically for making iced coffee, a feature not specified in the SHARDOR model.
What's the main benefit of the SHARDOR's thermoblock boiler?
The thermoblock boiler in the SHARDOR machine provides rapid heating, meaning less waiting time for your machine to be ready for brewing, complemented by PID for stability.
Explore Other Categories
Popular comparisons across the site
Ask AI
Get instant answers about specs
Get the Deets
Ask our AI assistant
Ask Deets anything!





















