Cuisinart EM 100 15-Bar Espresso Maker Manual

The Cuisinart EM 100 is a 15-bar pump espresso maker designed for home use, featuring a professional-grade Italian pump, a 1.5-liter removable water tank, a stainless steel boiler, a commercial-style frothing wand for steaming milk, a cup warming tray, and a removable drip tray. It includes a single and double shot filter basket, a tamper, and a measuring spoon. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Brewing Espresso 7. Frothing Milk 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15-bar Italian pump, Stainless steel boiler, Removable water tank, Commercial-style frothing wand, Cup warming tray, Removable drip tray, Filter baskets (single/double), Tamper, Measuring spoon.

FeatureDescription
15-Bar PumpProfessional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Removable Water Tank1.5-liter capacity for easy filling and cleaning
Stainless Steel BoilerDurable and efficient heating element
Frothing WandSteam wand for creating microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes
Cup Warming TrayKeeps cups warm on top of the machine
Removable Drip TrayCatches spills and overflows for easy cleanup
Filter BasketsIncludes single and double shot baskets
TamperFor compressing ground coffee evenly
Power ButtonTurns the machine on/off
Brew/Steam SelectorSwitches between brewing espresso and steaming milk

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface near a power outlet.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers from the machine.
  2. Fill the removable water tank with fresh, cold water and reinsert it securely.
  3. Plug the power cord into a grounded 120V AC outlet.
  4. Place the drip tray and cup warming tray in their positions.
  5. Insert the desired filter basket into the portafilter.

WARNING! Ensure the machine is on a stable surface away from edges. Keep away from water sources to prevent electrical shock.

First-Time Use

Before first brew, run a water cycle to clean the internal system.

  1. Ensure the water tank is filled and the machine is plugged in.
  2. Turn the power ON. The power indicator light will illuminate.
  3. Place an empty cup under the portafilter and the frothing wand over the drip tray.
  4. Without coffee in the filter, press the brew button to run water through the system for about 30 seconds. Discard the water.
  5. The machine is now ready for brewing espresso.

CAUTION! The machine surfaces will become hot during use. Do not touch the boiler, portafilter, or steam wand during operation.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER button, Brew/Steam Selector knob, Brew button, Steam button.

Indicator Lights: Power On (green), Ready to Brew (solid orange), Ready to Steam (flashing orange).

Brewing Process: Turn selector to Brew position. Wait for Ready light. Press Brew button to start extraction. Press again to stop.
Steaming Process: Turn selector to Steam position. Wait for Ready light to flash. Press Steam button to release steam from the wand. Press again to stop.

Brewing Espresso

For optimal espresso using freshly ground coffee.

  1. Preheat: Turn machine on and allow it to heat fully (Ready light solid).
  2. Grind & Dose: Use fine espresso grind. Dose approximately 7g for single, 14g for double basket.
  3. Tamp: Distribute grounds evenly and tamp firmly and levelly with the provided tamper.
  4. Brew: Lock the portafilter into the group head. Place preheated cup underneath. Press the Brew button. Extraction should take 25-30 seconds for 1-2 oz of espresso.
  5. Stop: Press the Brew button again to stop. Remove the portafilter and discard the used coffee puck.

Tip: Always use the cup warming tray to preheat your espresso cups for best flavor.

Frothing Milk

Creating microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.

  1. Fill a small pitcher 1/3 full with cold milk (whole milk froths best).
  2. Turn the Brew/Steam Selector knob to the Steam position. Wait for the Ready light to flash.
  3. Purge the wand: Briefly press the Steam button to release any condensed water into the drip tray.
  4. Submerge the tip of the frothing wand just below the milk surface. Press the Steam button.
  5. Introduce air: Keep the tip near the surface to create a slight tearing sound for 5-10 seconds.
  6. Texture: Submerge the wand deeper to create a vortex and heat the milk to 150°F (65°C). Do not boil.
  7. Stop: Press the Steam button. Wipe the wand immediately with a damp cloth and purge briefly to clear milk residue.

WARNING! The steam wand and milk become extremely hot. Always hold the pitcher by the handle.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures performance and longevity. Always unplug and let the machine cool completely.

Daily: Wipe exterior with a damp cloth. Rinse the drip tray and water tank. Clean the steam wand immediately after use.
Weekly: Backflush the group head (without detergent) using a blind filter basket. Descale as needed based on water hardness.
Monthly: Soak the portafilter and filter baskets in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.

CAUTION! Never immerse the main unit, cord, or plug in water or any liquid. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. This appliance is for household use only.

Regulatory Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Cuisinart. Cuisinart® is a registered trademark of Conair Corporation. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power / Lights offNot plugged in / Power outageCheck power cord connection and outlet. Ensure power switch is ON.
Espresso runs too fastCoffee grind too coarse / Under-tampedUse a finer espresso grind. Tamp with more firm, even pressure.
Espresso runs too slowCoffee grind too fine / Over-tamped / CloggedUse a coarser grind. Tamp with less pressure. Clean the filter basket and group head.
Little or no steamWater tank empty / Not in Steam modeFill the water tank. Ensure selector knob is turned to Steam and Ready light is flashing.
Machine leaks waterLoose water tank / Overfilled tankEnsure water tank is seated correctly. Do not fill above the MAX line.
Bitter espressoOver-extraction / Stale coffeeUse a coarser grind or shorter brew time. Always use freshly roasted coffee beans.

Reset: Unplug the machine for 2 minutes to reset the thermal fuse if it overheats.

Service: For repairs not covered here, contact Cuisinart Customer Service: 1-800-726-0190 or www.cuisinart.com.

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