Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-160 Series Manual

The Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-160 Series is a versatile espresso machine designed for home use, featuring a 15-bar Italian pump, integrated milk frother, removable water tank, cup warming tray, and programmable settings for single/double shots and steam. It includes a stainless steel finish, filter baskets (single/double), measuring spoon/tamper, 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 Espresso 7. Frothing Milk 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15-bar Italian pump, Milk frother wand, Removable water tank (1.2L), Cup warming tray, Control panel with LED indicators, Portafilter with single/double baskets.

Feature	Description
15-bar Italian pump	Professional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Milk frother wand	Steam nozzle for frothing milk for cappuccinos/lattes
Removable water tank	1.2L capacity, easy fill and cleaning
Cup warming tray	Heated surface to pre-warm cups
Control panel	Buttons for power, espresso, steam, and program functions
Portafilter	Includes single and double shot filter baskets
Measuring spoon/tamper	For dosing and tamping coffee grounds
Cleaning tool/brush	For maintenance of group head and steam wand
Programmable shot volume	Customize single/double espresso output
Ready indicator lights	LEDs for heating and steam readiness

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface near power outlet.

Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
Fill water tank: Remove tank, fill with fresh cold water (max line), reinsert.
Plug into 120V AC power outlet.
Place empty portafilter into group head to preheat machine.

WARNING! Ensure hands are dry when handling plug. Do not immerse machine in water.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; allow to heat up (approx. 2-3 minutes).

Initial rinse: Run water through group head without coffee to clean internal system.
Program shot volume: Press and hold SINGLE or DOUBLE button until desired volume is reached, then release to save.
Preheat cups: Place cups on warming tray during heat-up.
Prime steam wand: Turn steam knob to release condensed water before frothing.

CAUTION! Surfaces become hot during use. Use handles and avoid steam wand contact.

Specifications

Model: EM-160 Series.
Pump Pressure: 15 bar.
Water Tank Capacity: 1.2 liters.
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1350W.
Dimensions: Approx. 11" W x 14" D x 12" H.
Weight: 15 lbs.
Material: Stainless steel housing, BPA-free components.
Included Accessories: Portafilter, single/double baskets, tamper, cleaning tool, instruction manual.
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER button, SINGLE/Double shot buttons, STEAM button, PROGRAM function.

Indicator Lights: POWER (green), HEATING (red), STEAM READY (orange).

Programming: Hold SINGLE or DOUBLE button during extraction to set custom volume (saved automatically). Steam Control: Turn knob on steam wand to adjust steam flow. Cup Warmer: Always on when machine is powered. Auto Shut-off: After 30 minutes of inactivity (except warming tray).

Brewing Espresso

Use finely ground espresso coffee.

Preheat: Ensure machine is heated (POWER light solid, HEATING light off).
Dose: Fill filter basket with ground coffee, level with spoon, tamp firmly.
Insert: Lock portafilter into group head.
Brew: Place cup under spout, press SINGLE or DOUBLE button.
Stop: Press button again to stop early, or let programmed volume finish.
Remove portafilter and discard grounds immediately after brewing.

Tip: Use fresh, cold water for best taste. Rinse group head after each use.

Frothing Milk

For cappuccinos, lattes, etc.

Prepare: Fill pitcher with cold milk (⅓ full for frothing).
Steam Ready: Press STEAM button; wait until STEAM READY light illuminates.
Purge: Open steam knob briefly to release water condensation.
Froth: Submerge wand tip just below milk surface, open knob fully. Move pitcher to create vortex.
Temperature: Stop when pitcher is warm to touch (approx. 150°F).
Clean: Wipe wand immediately with damp cloth; purge briefly to clear milk residue.

WARNING! Steam is extremely hot. Keep hands and face away from wand.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Wipe exterior with damp cloth. Rinse steam wand after each use. Weekly: Backflush group head with cleaning disc (if provided) and detergent. Monthly: Descale with vinegar solution or commercial descaler (follow instructions).

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

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't turn on	Power connection	Check plug; ensure outlet works; press POWER firmly.
No water flow	Empty tank/clog	Refill water tank; check for blockages in group head.
Espresso too weak	Grind/tamping	Use finer grind; tamp more firmly; ensure proper dose.
Steam not hot enough	Not ready	Wait for STEAM READY light; purge wand first.
Leaking water	Portafilter not locked	Ensure portafilter is fully rotated to lock position.

Descale: If machine heats slowly or has reduced flow, descale following manual instructions.

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