Cuisinart E1220A Manual

The Cuisinart E1220A is a high-performance espresso and cappuccino maker featuring a 15-bar pump system, integrated milk frother, removable water tank, cup warming tray, and programmable settings for coffee strength and temperature. Designed for home use with a stainless steel housing, it includes accessories such as a portafilter with single and double shot baskets, tamper, measuring scoop, and cleaning tools. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Brewing Coffee 7. Frothing Milk 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15-bar pump, stainless steel boiler, steam wand, removable 1.8L water tank, cup warming tray, programmable buttons, and LED indicators.

FeatureDescription
15-bar pump systemProfessional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Steam wandFor frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes
Removable water tank1.8L capacity for easy filling and cleaning
Cup warming trayKeeps cups warm on top of machine
Programmable buttonsFor single/double shot and steam function
LED indicatorsShow power, ready, and brewing status
PortafilterIncludes single and double shot baskets
TamperFor compressing coffee grounds
Measuring scoopFor consistent coffee dosing
Cleaning toolFor descaling and maintenance

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on a clean, stable, heat-resistant surface.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
  2. Wash removable parts (water tank, portafilter, baskets) with warm soapy water.
  3. Fill water tank with fresh cold water and insert into machine.
  4. Plug power cord into a grounded 120V AC outlet.
  5. Allow machine to heat up (LED will indicate when ready).

WARNING! Ensure machine is on a level surface away from edges. Keep away from water sources to prevent electrical hazard.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a water cycle to clean internal components.

  1. Ensure water tank is filled and properly seated.
  2. Turn machine on with power button; wait for ready indicator.
  3. Place a cup under portafilter (without coffee).
  4. Press single shot button to run water through system for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat process 2-3 times to flush any manufacturing residues.
  6. Program preferred settings: Use PROGRAM button to set shot volume and temperature.

CAUTION! Do not touch hot surfaces during heating. Use handles provided.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front panel features: POWER button, single/double shot buttons, steam button, PROGRAM button, and LED indicators (power, ready, steam).

Programming: Hold PROGRAM button for 3 seconds to enter settings mode. Use shot buttons to adjust shot volume (25-60ml per shot) and temperature (low/medium/high). Press PROGRAM to save.

Steam Control: Press steam button to activate steam wand. Rotate knob on wand to adjust steam intensity.

Auto-off: Machine turns off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Brewing Coffee

For optimal espresso extraction using ground coffee.

  1. Grind fresh coffee beans to fine espresso consistency.
  2. Fill portafilter basket with coffee (use scoop for measurement).
  3. Tamp grounds firmly and evenly with tamper.
  4. Lock portafilter into group head securely.
  5. Place pre-warmed cup under portafilter spout.
  6. Press single or double shot button to start extraction.
  7. Stop manually or let programmed volume complete.
  8. Remove portafilter and knock out spent grounds immediately.

Tip: Use filtered water to prevent scale buildup and improve taste.

Frothing Milk

Creating microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.

  1. Fill a stainless steel pitcher with cold milk (⅓ full for expansion).
  2. Press steam button; wait for steam ready indicator.
  3. Purge steam wand briefly to remove condensation.
  4. Submerge wand tip just below milk surface; turn steam knob to open.
  5. Lower pitcher as foam forms to keep tip near surface.
  6. Heat milk to 150°F (65°C); do not boil.
  7. Close steam knob; wipe wand immediately with damp cloth.
  8. Purge wand again to clear milk residue.

WARNING! Steam wand becomes extremely hot. Always use handle and keep hands clear.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures performance and longevity.

Daily: Wipe exterior with damp cloth. Clean portafilter and baskets after each use. Rinse steam wand and wipe with cloth.

Weekly: Backflush with cleaning disc and detergent (if provided). Soak portafilter and baskets in warm soapy water.

Monthly: Descale using citric acid or manufacturer's descaling solution. Follow instructions in manual.

CAUTION! Unplug machine and allow to cool completely before cleaning. Never immerse machine in water.

Regulatory Information

UL listed; complies with FCC Part 15 for electromagnetic interference. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190. This appliance is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerNot plugged in / outlet issueCheck power connection; try different outlet.
Weak coffee flowClogged filter / grind too fineClean portafilter; use coarser grind.
Machine leaks waterLoose portafilter / worn sealEnsure portafilter locked tightly; replace group head seal if needed.
No steamSteam wand cloggedClean wand with pin; descale machine.
Bitter espressoOver-extraction / stale beansUse fresher beans; shorten extraction time.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic controls.

Service: 1-800-726-0190; www.cuisinart.com

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