Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-160C Series Manual

The Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-160C Series is a 15-bar pump espresso machine with a built-in steam wand for frothing milk, a removable water tank, a drip tray, and a cup warming plate. It features a professional-grade portafilter, a one-touch control panel for brewing and steaming, and a compact stainless steel design. 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 pump, Steam Wand, Removable Water Tank, Drip Tray, Cup Warming Plate, Portafilter with single and double shot baskets, Control Panel.

Feature	Description
15-bar pump	Professional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Steam wand	For frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes
Removable water tank	Easy filling and cleaning
Drip tray	Collects excess water and coffee grounds
Cup warming plate	Keeps cups warm on top of the machine
Portafilter	Includes single and double shot baskets
Power button	Turns machine on/off
Brew button	Starts espresso brewing cycle
Steam button	Activates steam wand for frothing
Indicator lights	Show power, ready, and steam status

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface.

Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
Fill the removable water tank with fresh, cold water. Do not exceed MAX line.
Insert the water tank into the back of the machine.
Plug the power cord into a grounded 120V AC outlet.

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

First-Time Setup

Before first use, prime the machine and clean internal components.

Press the POWER button to turn the machine on. The POWER light will illuminate.
Wait for the READY light to turn on, indicating the machine is heated.
Without coffee in the portafilter, place an empty cup under the brew head.
Press the BREW button and let hot water run through the system for about 30 seconds to clean and prime. Discard the water.
Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth.

CAUTION! The machine surfaces become hot during operation. Use handles and avoid touching hot metal parts.

Specifications

Pump Pressure: 15 bar.
Water Tank Capacity: Removable, approximately 1.0 liter.
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1050W.
Dimensions: Compact stainless steel design.
Included Accessories: Portafilter, single & double shot baskets, tamper, measuring scoop, cleaning tool.
Warranty: Limited 3-year warranty.
Material: Stainless steel housing with plastic components.
Operating Temp: Designed for standard kitchen environments.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER button, BREW button, STEAM button, Indicator Lights (POWER, READY, STEAM).

Operation: Press POWER to turn on. Wait for READY light. Press BREW to start espresso extraction. Press STEAM to activate steam wand for frothing.

Portafilter: Insert basket, add ground coffee, tamp firmly. Attach to brew head and lock into place.

Steam Wand: Turn knob to open steam flow. Submerge tip in milk, turn STEAM button on. Wipe clean immediately after use.

Brewing Espresso

For optimal espresso extraction using freshly ground coffee.

Ensure machine is on and READY light is illuminated.
Fill the portafilter basket with finely ground espresso coffee. Tamp evenly and firmly.
Lock the portafilter into the brew head.
Place a pre-warmed cup under the portafilter.
Press the BREW button. Extraction will begin; stop when desired volume is reached (approx. 25-30 seconds for a double shot).
To stop manually, press BREW button again.
Remove portafilter and knock out used coffee grounds.

Tip: Use filtered water for better taste and to reduce scale buildup.

Frothing Milk

Creating microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.

Fill a stainless steel pitcher with cold milk (do not exceed half full).
Ensure READY light is on. Press the STEAM button; wait for STEAM light to illuminate.
Open the steam wand knob to release any condensed water, then close.
Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface. Turn the knob to open steam.
Keep the tip near the surface to create foam, then submerge to heat the milk. Move pitcher in a circular motion.
When milk reaches desired temperature (approx. 150°F/65°C), turn knob to close steam.
Press STEAM button to turn off steam function.
Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth and purge briefly to clear the wand.

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

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Wipe exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Empty and rinse drip tray and water tank. Clean portafilter and baskets after each use.

Weekly/Descaling: Run a descaling solution through the machine as per instructions to remove mineral deposits. Use only approved descaling agents.

Steam Wand: Clean immediately after each use to prevent milk residue buildup.

CAUTION! Unplug machine and allow to cool completely before cleaning. Do not immerse machine in water or use abrasive cleaners.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed. Complies with FCC Part 15 for Class B digital devices. This appliance is for household use only. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / lights off	Not plugged in / outlet issue	Check power cord connection; try a different outlet.
Espresso brews too slowly	Coffee ground too fine / tamped too hard	Use coarser grind; tamp with less pressure.
Espresso brews too fast	Coffee ground too coarse / not enough coffee	Use finer grind; add more coffee to basket.
Little or no steam	Steam wand clogged / not enough water	Clean steam wand tip with pin; ensure water tank is filled.
Water leaks from brew head	Portafilter not locked in properly / worn seal	Ensure portafilter is securely locked; inspect and replace group head gasket if necessary.
Machine makes unusual noise	Low water / air in pump	Refill water tank; run brew cycle without coffee to purge air.

Descaling: Perform if machine indicates scale buildup or performance declines.

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