Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker Manual

The Cuisinart EM-200 is a programmable 15-bar pump espresso maker featuring a built-in conical burr grinder, digital display with programmable settings for coffee strength and cup size, a 60-ounce removable water reservoir, a stainless steel frothing pitcher, a permanent filter, and a descaling alert system. It brews single or double shots and produces hot water for Americanos or tea. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Conical Burr Grinder, 15-Bar Italian Pump, Digital Control Panel, Removable Water Tank, Drip Tray, Portafilter with Single/Double Baskets, Steam Wand, Frothing Pitcher.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers from the machine.
2. Wash the water reservoir, drip tray, portafilter, filter baskets, and frothing pitcher with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. Fill the water reservoir with fresh, cold water and insert it into the back of the machine.
4. Plug the power cord into a 120V AC outlet.
5. Prime the machine: Place an empty cup under the portafilter. Turn the machine ON. Without coffee, run a full brewing cycle to flush the system.

WARNING! Ensure the machine is on a level surface. Do not operate without water in the reservoir.

First-Time Use

Power on the machine; the display will light up. Follow these steps to program your preferences.

1. Set the clock: Press and hold the PROGRAM button for 3 seconds. Use the + and - buttons to set the time.
2. Program coffee strength: Press the STRENGTH button to cycle through settings (1=Light, 2=Medium, 3=Strong). Your selection will be saved.
3. Program cup size: Press the CUP button to select 1 shot (approx. 1 oz) or 2 shots (approx. 2 oz).
4. Adjust grind size: Turn the grind dial on the side of the burr grinder. Start at the middle setting and adjust finer or coarser based on taste.
5. Perform a test brew with coffee to calibrate.

CAUTION! The group head and steam wand will become very hot during use. Do not touch with bare hands.

Specifications

• Model: EM-200
• Pump Pressure: 15 Bar
• Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz (Removable)
• Grinder: Integrated Conical Burr, adjustable
• Programmable Settings: Strength (3 levels), Cup Size (1 or 2 shots)
• Display: Digital LCD with clock and alert icons
• Power: 120V, 60Hz, 1350W
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 14.5" x 8.5" x 11"
• Weight: 15.4 lbs
• Warranty: 3-Year Limited Warranty

Controls and Display

Front Panel: POWER Button, PROGRAM Button, STRENGTH Button (1-2-3), CUP Button (1-2), STEAM/HOT WATER Button, GRIND Button.

Display Icons: Power On, Clock, Strength Level, Cup Size, Steam Ready, Descaling Alert, Water Tank Empty.

Programming: Use PROGRAM to set clock. STRENGTH and CUP settings are saved after selection. The GRIND button activates the burr grinder; hold until desired amount is ground.

Steam/Hot Water Function: Press the STEAM button to activate the steam wand for frothing. Press and hold for 3 seconds to dispense hot water.

Brewing Espresso

For best results, use freshly roasted coffee beans and filtered water.

1. Ensure the water tank is filled and the machine is powered ON. The "Ready" light will illuminate.
2. Place the portafilter under the grinder chute. Press and hold the GRIND button to grind coffee directly into the portafilter.
3. Remove the portafilter and tamp the grounds evenly with moderate pressure.
4. Lock the portafilter securely into the group head.
5. Place a pre-warmed cup or cups on the drip tray.
6. Press the CUP button (1 or 2) to start the programmed brewing cycle.
7. The machine will automatically stop after dispensing the programmed amount of espresso.
8. To manually stop brewing, press the CUP button again.

Tip: Run a short burst of hot water through the group head without coffee to pre-heat it before brewing.

Frothing Milk

Use the steam wand to create microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.

1. Fill the frothing pitcher with cold milk (no more than halfway).
2. Press the STEAM button. The steam ready light will blink and then stay solid when ready (approx. 30 seconds).
3. Open the steam valve by turning the knob on the steam wand counter-clockwise. Purge any condensed water for 2-3 seconds.
4. Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface. Turn the knob fully open.
5. Lower the pitcher as the milk expands to incorporate air and create foam. Aim for a swirling vortex.
6. When the milk reaches temperature (approx. 150°F), turn the steam valve closed.
7. Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth immediately and purge it briefly to clear any milk residue.

WARNING! Steam is extremely hot. Keep hands and face away from the wand. Always purge before and after use.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily and weekly cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

• Daily: Empty the drip tray and grounds container. Rinse the portafilter and baskets. Wipe the group head seal with a damp cloth.
• After Each Use: Wipe the steam wand immediately with a damp cloth.
• Weekly: Remove and clean the shower screen. Soak the portafilter and baskets in warm, soapy water. Clean the water tank and exterior with a soft, damp cloth.
• Burr Grinder: Unplug the machine. Use the provided brush to clean ground coffee from the burrs. Do not wash with water.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine and allow it to cool completely before cleaning internal parts. Never immerse the main unit in water.

Descaling Procedure

The descaling alert icon will flash when maintenance is required. Frequency depends on water hardness.

1. Prepare a descaling solution as directed by the manufacturer (use a food-safe espresso machine descaler). Fill the water tank with the solution.
2. Place a large container (at least 1 liter) under the group head and steam wand.
3. Turn the machine ON. Press and hold both the CUP and STEAM buttons for 5 seconds to enter descale mode.
4. The display will show "dESc". Press the 1-CUP button to start the cycle.
5. The machine will pump descaling solution alternately through the group head and steam wand. This takes approximately 25 minutes.
6. When the cycle is complete, rinse the water tank thoroughly and refill with fresh water.
7. Run at least 3 full tanks of clean water through the group head and steam wand to flush out any residual descaler.

Important: Do not interrupt the descaling cycle. Ensure the drip tray is emptied frequently during the flush process.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use.

• This appliance is for household use only.
• Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug, or after malfunction.
• To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove any covers. No user-serviceable parts inside.
• Do not immerse the main unit, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
• Always turn the appliance OFF and unplug it from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
• Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter.
• The heating surface and steam wand remain hot after use.
• Use only cold water in the reservoir. Do not use distilled water.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug the machine for 2 minutes to reset the electronic control system.

Service: For service, contact Cuisinart Customer Service at 1-800-726-0190 or visit www.cuisinart.com.