Cuisinart EM-500C SERIES Manual

The Cuisinart EM-500C SERIES is a high-performance espresso and cappuccino maker featuring a 15-bar Italian pump, integrated steam wand for milk frothing, removable water reservoir, cup warming tray, and programmable settings for coffee strength and temperature. Designed for home use with a sleek stainless steel housing. 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 Espresso 7. Frothing Milk 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel housing, 15-bar pump, Steam wand, Removable water tank, Cup warming tray, Portafilter with single/double baskets, Drip tray.

Feature	Description
15-bar Italian pump	Professional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Steam wand	For frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes
Removable water reservoir	Easy filling and cleaning, 1.8L capacity
Cup warming tray	Keeps cups warm on top of machine
Portafilter	Includes single and double shot baskets
Programmable buttons	For single/double shot and steam functions
Power button	Turns machine on/off
Pressure gauge	Displays pump pressure during extraction
Drip tray	Removable for easy cleaning
Indicator lights	Show power, ready, and steam status

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
Fill water reservoir with fresh, cold water and insert into machine.
Plug power cord into grounded 120V AC outlet.
Place empty portafilter into group head and run water through machine to flush system (see First-Time Setup).

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during initial setup. Keep away from water sources to prevent electric shock.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; allow to heat up (approx. 3 minutes).

Initial flush: Without coffee, place portafilter and run water through group head for 30 seconds.
Prime steam wand: Turn steam knob to release steam for 10 seconds into empty container.
Set programmable buttons: Press and hold single/double shot button until desired volume is reached, then release to save.
Adjust grind: Use finely ground espresso coffee for optimal results.

CAUTION! Surfaces become hot during use. Do not touch group head, portafilter, or steam wand during operation.

Specifications

Model: EM-500C SERIES
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1500W
Pump Pressure: 15 bar
Water Tank Capacity: 1.8 liters (removable)
Dimensions: 12.2" W x 10.6" D x 13.4" H
Weight: 18.7 lbs
Material: Stainless steel housing with plastic components
Included Accessories: Portafilter, single/double baskets, tamper, measuring spoon, cleaning tool
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER button, Single/Double shot buttons, Steam button, Pressure gauge, Indicator lights (Power, Ready, Steam).

Steam Wand: Rotating knob controls steam output. Turn clockwise to open, counterclockwise to close.

Programming: Hold single or double shot button until desired volume is dispensed, release to save. To reset, hold both buttons for 5 seconds.

Temperature Control: Default setting is optimal for espresso. Not user-adjustable.

Brewing Espresso

Use freshly ground espresso beans for best results.

Ensure machine is heated (Ready light on).
Grind coffee to fine espresso consistency.
Dose portafilter basket (approx. 7g for single, 14g for double).
Tamp firmly and evenly.
Insert portafilter into group head and twist to lock.
Place pre-warmed cup under portafilter.
Press single or double shot button to start extraction.
Stop manually or let programmed volume complete.
Remove portafilter and knock out spent grounds immediately.

Tip: Ideal extraction time is 25-30 seconds for 1 oz (single) or 2 oz (double) espresso.

Frothing Milk

For cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks.

Fill pitcher with cold milk (½ full for expansion).
Purge steam wand briefly into drip tray.
Submerge wand tip just below milk surface.
Turn steam knob fully open.
Lower pitcher as milk expands to maintain tip position.
Heat milk to desired temperature (140-160°F recommended).
Turn steam knob closed.
Wipe wand with damp cloth and purge briefly.

WARNING! Steam wand and milk become extremely hot. Use caution to avoid burns.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Wipe housing with damp cloth. Empty drip tray and water reservoir. Rinse portafilter and baskets.

Weekly: Backflush with cleaning detergent (use blind basket). Descale if water is hard (see manual for solution).

Descaling Procedure: 1. Fill reservoir with descaling solution and water. 2. Run solution through group head and steam wand. 3. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning. Never immerse machine in water.

Regulatory Information

UL listed. FCC Part 15 compliant. 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. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Not plugged in / outlet issue	Check power cord connection; try different outlet.
Low pressure	Grind too coarse / tamping	Use finer grind; tamp more firmly.
Espresso runs too fast	Grind too coarse / under-dosed	Adjust to finer grind; increase coffee dose.
Espresso runs too slow	Grind too fine / over-tamped	Use coarser grind; tamp with less pressure.
No steam	Not in steam mode / clogged	Ensure steam button pressed; purge wand; descale.
Machine leaks water	Loose connections / worn seal	Check portafilter lock; replace group head gasket.
Bitter taste	Over-extraction / stale beans	Use fresher beans; shorten extraction time.
Sour taste	Under-extraction	Increase extraction time; use finer grind.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic controls.

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