Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-640 Series Manual

The Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-640 Series is a versatile espresso machine featuring a 15-bar Italian pump, integrated milk frother, removable water tank, programmable controls for single/double shots, adjustable cup tray, warming plate, and a stainless steel finish. It is designed for home use to create espresso, cappuccino, and latte beverages. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Important Safeguards 3. Parts Identification 4. First Use & Setup 5. Brewing Espresso 6. Using the Milk Frother 7. Cleaning & Maintenance 8. Descaling 9. Programming Functions 10. Troubleshooting 11. Specifications & Warranty

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15-bar pump system, Removable water tank, Milk frothing wand, Portafilter with single/double baskets, Cup warming plate, Programmable shot buttons, Drip tray with indicator, Power ON/OFF switch.

FeatureDescription
15-bar Italian PumpProfessional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Removable Water TankEasy filling and cleaning; 1.5L capacity
Milk Frothing WandSteam nozzle for frothing milk for cappuccinos/lattes
PortafilterIncludes single and double shot filter baskets
Cup Warming PlateKeeps cups warm on top of machine
Programmable ControlsButtons to set single/double shot volume
Drip Tray with IndicatorRemovable tray signals when full
Power SwitchMain power control with indicator light
Steam/Hot Water SelectorKnob to switch between steam and hot water functions
Pressure GaugeVisual indicator of pump pressure during extraction

Important Safeguards

Read all instructions before use. Basic safety precautions apply.

  1. Use only on a stable, dry, level surface away from edges.
  2. Ensure power cord is not damaged and plug fits securely into outlet.
  3. Do not immerse machine, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
  4. Allow machine to cool before cleaning or handling removable parts.
  5. Use only cold, fresh water in the tank. Do not use distilled water.

WARNING! Hot surfaces! Steam and hot water can cause burns. Keep hands and face away from steam wand and hot parts during operation.

Parts Identification

Front/Top View: 1. Water Tank, 2. Power Switch & Light, 3. Cup Warming Plate, 4. Steam/Hot Water Knob, 5. Steam Wand, 6. Portafilter, 7. Drip Tray, 8. Pressure Gauge, 9. Program Buttons (Single/Double), 10. Hot Water Outlet.

Control Panel: Single Shot Button (programmable), Double Shot Button (programmable), Steam/Hot Water Indicator Lights.

Accessories Included: Portafilter, Single & Double Filter Baskets, Tamper, Measuring Spoon, Cleaning Tool, Instruction Manual.

First Use & Setup

Before first brew, clean the machine by running water through the system.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
  2. Fill water tank with fresh cold water and place back into machine.
  3. Place empty portafilter (without coffee) into group head.
  4. Turn power ON. Place a cup under the steam wand and portafilter.
  5. Run water through both the brew head and steam wand for 2 minutes to flush internal lines.
  6. Wipe all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.

CAUTION! Do not add coffee grounds during initial flush. Ensure machine is plugged into a dedicated outlet.

Brewing Espresso

For best results, use finely ground espresso coffee.

  1. Fill water tank, ensure drip tray is empty, and power ON machine.
  2. Preheat: Allow machine to heat for 5-10 minutes until ready light is steady.
  3. Grind & Dose: Fill filter basket with ground coffee (approx. 7g for single, 14g for double). Level and tamp firmly.
  4. Insert portafilter into group head and lock securely to the right.
  5. Place pre-warmed cup(s) under portafilter spouts.
  6. Press Single or Double Shot button to start extraction. Brew will stop automatically at programmed volume.
  7. To stop manually, press the same button again during extraction.

Tip: For optimal crema, use fresh beans and warm cups. Adjust grind fineness if extraction is too fast (sour) or too slow (bitter).

Using the Milk Frother

To create frothed milk for cappuccinos or lattes.

  1. Ensure machine is on and heated. Fill a pitcher 1/3 full with cold milk (whole milk froths best).
  2. Turn Steam/Hot Water knob to STEAM position. The steam light will illuminate.
  3. Wait 30 seconds for full steam pressure. Purge steam wand briefly into drip tray to clear condensation.
  4. Submerge steam wand tip just below milk surface. Turn knob fully open.
  5. Lower pitcher as foam rises to keep wand tip near surface for frothing. For heating only (latte), keep wand deeper.
  6. When milk reaches desired temperature (too hot to touch), turn knob to OFF.
  7. Wipe steam wand immediately with a damp cloth, then purge briefly to clear milk residue.

WARNING! Steam is extremely hot. Never touch wand or point it at people during use.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures performance and longevity.

CAUTION! Unplug machine and allow to cool completely before any cleaning beyond wiping exterior.

Descaling

Mineral buildup from hard water can affect performance.

  1. Prepare descaling solution as per product instructions (use espresso machine descaler).
  2. Fill water tank with descaling solution.
  3. Place a large container under both the group head and steam wand.
  4. Turn machine ON. Run solution through both the brew head and steam wand until tank is half empty.
  5. Turn machine OFF and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  6. Turn ON and run remaining solution through the system.
  7. Rinse tank thoroughly and fill with fresh water. Run at least two full tanks of clean water through both functions to flush.

Note: Descaling frequency depends on water hardness. More frequent descaling is needed in hard water areas.

Programming Functions

You can program the volume for single and double espresso shots.

  1. To program Single Shot: Press and hold the Single Shot button. Extraction will begin.
  2. Release the button when desired volume is reached in your cup. The machine will beep and save this volume.
  3. Repeat for Double Shot using the Double Shot button.
  4. To reset to factory default: Unplug machine for 30 seconds, then plug back in.

Default volumes are approximately 1 oz (30ml) for single and 2 oz (60ml) for double.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power / Lights offNot plugged in / Power switch offCheck plug and outlet; ensure power switch is ON.
Water not flowingEmpty water tank / CloggedRefill tank; check for blockages in tank outlet.
Espresso drips slowlyCoffee too finely ground / Over-tampedUse coarser grind; tamp with less pressure.
No steam from wandNot in steam mode / Not heatedTurn knob to STEAM; wait for steam light.
Machine leaks waterLoose portafilter / Overfilled tankEnsure portafilter is locked in tightly; do not exceed MAX fill line.
Weak or no cremaStale coffee / Incorrect grind / DoseUse fresh beans; adjust grind fineness; check coffee dose.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic controls.

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

Specifications & Warranty

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