Top Espresso Machines
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Looking at top espresso machines is easier when you sort them by what they do for your routine rather than by a single headline. This guide explains how to tell a semi-automatic machine from a machine with a built-in grinder, what the 20 bar and 1350 watt figures mean on a listing, and how the steam wand or milk frother changes your drinks. The four espresso listings below come from our product pack. Each one is described from its own bullets and specs, and we do not rank them against one another.
Learn the three main types first
Most home espresso machines in this set are semi-automatic. You add the coffee, tamp it and start the shot, and the pump and boiler handle the pressure and heat. A semi-automatic gives you direct control over grind, dose and timing. It takes practice, but it suits people who want to adjust each shot.
A machine with a built-in grinder grinds the beans on demand, which saves a second appliance on the counter. The SHARDOR listing is a semi-automatic without a grinder, while the CUSIMAX and EUHOMY listings include a conical burr grinder. A grinder inside the machine does not replace a good grind setting, so you still need to adjust the setting for each bean.
Fully automatic machines grind, tamp and brew with one press. That style is not represented in the four listings below, so it is outside this guide’s examples.
What the numbers on a listing mean
Pump pressure is given in bar. A 20 bar pump is the figure most listings in this set use, and it is a common target for espresso extraction. Pressure is only one part of a good shot, since grind, dose and water temperature shape the taste just as much. Treat the bar number as a sign that the machine is built for espresso rather than as a guarantee of flavor.
Wattage tells you how fast the machine heats. The SHARDOR and CUSIMAX listings give 1350 watts, and the EUHOMY lists 1500 watts. More watts can mean faster heat-up, but the listing’s heat-up time is the figure to check if you need a machine that is ready quickly. The Spacekey listing states that water reaches the set temperature within 45 seconds under its 1350 watt boiler.
Water tank size affects how often you refill. The Spacekey lists a 39 ounce removable tank, the SHARDOR lists 45 ounces, the CUSIMAX lists 60 ounces and 1.8 liters in its specs, and the EUHOMY lists 2.8 liters in its specs. A bigger tank suits a household that brews several drinks a day. A smaller tank fits a smaller counter.
Comparison table
| Listing | Type (per listing) | Pump (per listing) | Grinder (per listing) | Tank (per listing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHARDOR 20 Bar, Silver | Semi-automatic with touchscreen | 20 bar, 1350W | None, 51 mm permanent filter | 45 oz removable tank |
| CUSIMAX with Grinder, Black | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | 20 bar, 1350W | Conical burr grinder | 60 oz removable tank listed in title, 1.8 liters in specs |
| Spacekey 20 Bar Compact, Silver | Semi-automatic with milk frother | 20 bar, 1350W | None | 39 oz removable tank |
| EUHOMY with Grinder, Gray | Semi-automatic with touchscreen | 20 bar, 1500W | Conical burr, 30 grind settings | 2.8 liters in specs |
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Silver
The SHARDOR is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a 20 bar pump and a 1350 watt motor, according to its bullets. It has an LED touchscreen with single and double cup options, a manual mode for strength and a one-touch descaling function. The specs list a 51 mm permanent filter, a cup warmer, a milk frother and a removable tank.
Choose this if you want a semi-automatic with a touchscreen and a steam wand, and you already buy ground coffee or own a grinder. The steam wand creates foam for latte art, according to the bullets, and the temperature control has three settings. The compact stainless body fits most kitchens. The listing includes a short guide on descaling when brewing slows, which is a routine task on any machine of this type.
CUSIMAX Espresso Machine with Grinder, Black
The CUSIMAX is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder and a 20 bar pump. The bullets describe a steam wand that delivers both high-pressure steam and hot water on demand. The specs list 1.8 liters, a hot water dispenser, an iced coffee function and an auto shut-off.
Choose this if you want the grinder and the espresso maker in one black unit, with a 51 mm portafilter and a set of filters, tamper and dosing ring in the box. The bullets describe the machine as compact, measuring 11.6 by 9.1 by 14.1 inches. Grind settings are adjustable, so you can change the coarseness for each bean. A grinder inside the machine means one appliance to clean, so keep the burrs and the chute clear.
Spacekey 20 Bar Compact Espresso Machine, Silver
The Spacekey is a compact stainless steel espresso machine with a 20 bar pump, a 1350 watt boiler and a milk frother. The bullets describe a pre-soaking step that wets the coffee puck slowly before the shot, and an Americano mode that combines espresso and a coffee maker function. The specs list a water filter, a single cup brew option and a 38 ounce capacity.
Choose this if you want a steam wand and an Americano function in a machine that fits a small counter. The steam wand adjusts milk temperature and texture, according to the bullets. The machine also has a dial for hot water, which the listing asks you to use when it is first started or when pressure builds. Follow the start-up steps in the manual, since they are part of normal use on this model.
EUHOMY Espresso Machine with Grinder, Gray
The EUHOMY is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder and 30 grind settings. The bullets describe a 58 mm portafilter, PID temperature control and a 20 bar pump with a 1500 watt heating system. The specs list a semi-automatic operation mode, a cup warmer and a 120 volt supply, and the listing says it is ETL certified.
Choose this if you want the widest grind range in this set and a larger portafilter for a heavier shot. The 58 mm size is larger than the 51 mm filters on the other listings, so check that accessories you may buy later match the size. The touch screen and the steam wand suit someone who makes milk drinks daily. The unit is larger than the others, so measure your counter and the space above it.
Which machine suits which routine
If you already own a grinder and want a simple semi-automatic, the SHARDOR or the Spacekey is the direct choice. If you want to save counter space by grinding on demand, the CUSIMAX gives you that in one unit at a moderate size. If you want the widest grind range and a 58 mm portafilter, the EUHOMY is the listing to read closely.
If you make drinks for a household, the tank size matters as much as the grinder. A 60 ounce tank or 2.8 liter tank means fewer refills, while a 39 ounce tank suits a single person or a couple.
Common mistakes when choosing an espresso machine
The first mistake is to buy a grinder-equipped machine and expect a perfect shot on the first try. Each bean needs its own grind setting, and you will adjust it several times. Keep a short note of what you changed so you can repeat a good result.
The second mistake is to skip descaling. Several listings in this set include a descaling function or a reminder, and the SHARDOR bullets point to descaling as the usual cause when brewing slows. Keep a schedule and follow the manual.
The third mistake is to ignore the filter size. A 51 mm portafilter and a 58 mm portafilter take different baskets and tampers. Check the size before you buy accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a grinder for espresso at home?
You need finely ground coffee designed for espresso. A built-in grinder, such as the CUSIMAX or the EUHOMY, grinds beans on demand. The SHARDOR and Spacekey need coffee ground for espresso from another source.
What does 20 bar mean?
Bar is the pressure the pump applies during extraction. All four listings in this guide name a 20 bar pump. Pressure is one factor, and grind, dose and water temperature matter as much for flavor.
Which listing has the largest water tank?
The EUHOMY specs list 2.8 liters, the CUSIMAX lists a 60 ounce tank in its title, the SHARDOR lists 45 ounces and the Spacekey lists 39 ounces. Check the capacity line on the listing you choose.
Can these machines make a latte?
Yes. All four include a steam wand or milk frother. The steam wand needs practice to make smooth microfoam, so plan some trial drinks before you serve guests.
How often should I descale?
Follow the manual for your model. The SHARDOR lists a one-touch descaling function, and the other listings describe cleaning or descaling reminders. Descaling on schedule keeps brewing consistent.
Does a bigger portafilter make a better shot?
Not on its own. The EUHOMY uses a 58 mm portafilter and the others use 51 mm. Shot quality depends on the dose, grind and tamp, and the basket size needs to match the accessories you buy.
Bottom line
Choose the SHARDOR if you want a semi-automatic with a touchscreen and you already have ground coffee. Choose the CUSIMAX if you want a grinder built in with a moderate footprint. Choose the Spacekey if you want a compact unit with an Americano function. Choose the EUHOMY if you want the widest grind range and a 58 mm portafilter.