Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-640C Series Manual

The Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM-640C Series is a versatile espresso machine designed for home use, featuring a 15-bar pump pressure system, integrated steam wand for frothing milk, removable water reservoir, cup warming tray, and a professional-style portafilter. It supports brewing single or double espresso shots, cappuccinos, and lattes. 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/Hot Water Wand, Removable Water Tank, Cup Warming Tray, Portafilter with Single/Double Filter Baskets, Drip Tray, Control Panel.

Feature	Description
15-bar Pump	Professional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Steam/Hot Water Wand	For frothing milk and dispensing hot water
Removable Water Tank	Easy filling and cleaning; 1.5L capacity
Cup Warming Tray	Keeps cups warm on top of machine
Portafilter	Includes single and double shot filter baskets
Drip Tray	Removable for easy cleanup
Power Button	Turns machine on/off
Espresso Button	Starts brewing process
Steam Button	Activates steam wand for frothing
Hot Water Button	Dispenses hot water for Americanos or tea

Installation

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

Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
Fill water tank: Remove tank, fill with fresh cold water, reinsert.
Plug into 120V AC power outlet.
Allow machine to heat up (indicator light will show when ready).

WARNING! Ensure machine is on a heat-resistant surface away from edges. Keep cord away from hot surfaces.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, run a water cycle to clean internal components.

Ensure water tank is filled and machine is plugged in.
Press Power button to turn on; wait for ready light.
Place a cup under the portafilter (without coffee).
Press Espresso button to run water through system for 30 seconds.
Repeat process with steam wand to clear any residue.

CAUTION! Do not touch hot surfaces during heating. Use handles only.

Specifications

Model: EM-640C Series
Pump Pressure: 15 bar
Water Tank Capacity: 1.5 liters (removable)
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1350W
Cup Warming Tray: Yes
Portafilter Size: Commercial standard 58mm
Included Accessories: Single/Double filter baskets, tamper, measuring scoop, cleaning tool
Dimensions: 11" W x 13" D x 12" H
Weight: 15 lbs

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: Power On/Off, Espresso, Steam, Hot Water buttons with indicator lights.

Operation: Power light indicates heating; Espresso light indicates brew-ready; Steam light indicates steam mode active.

Adjustments: Use steam knob to control frothing pressure. Grind size and tamp pressure affect espresso quality (fine to medium grind recommended).

Brewing Espresso

For single or double shots.

Grind coffee: Use fine espresso grind, fill filter basket (single ~7g, double ~14g).
Tamp: Firmly press coffee with tamper for even extraction.
Insert portafilter: Lock into group head securely.
Place cup: On drip tray under portafilter.
Brew: Press Espresso button; shot should extract in 25-30 seconds.
Stop: Press button again or wait for auto-stop (if equipped).

Tip: Preheat cups and portafilter for best results.

Frothing Milk

For cappuccinos and lattes.

Fill pitcher: With cold milk (⅓ full for expansion).
Purge wand: Press Steam button, briefly open steam knob to clear condensation.
Froth: Submerge wand tip just below milk surface, open knob; create whirlpool for microfoam.
Stop: Close knob, wipe wand with damp cloth, purge briefly.
Add to espresso: Pour frothed milk into brewed shot.

WARNING! Steam wand is extremely hot; avoid contact with skin.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Empty drip tray, rinse portafilter and baskets. Weekly: Backflush with cleaning tablet (if recommended). Monthly: Descale with vinegar solution or commercial descaler.

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

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Not plugged in / outlet issue	Check plug and outlet; ensure Power button is pressed.
Espresso runs too fast	Grind too coarse / under-tamped	Use finer grind; tamp more firmly.
Espresso runs too slow	Grind too fine / over-tamped	Use coarser grind; tamp less firmly.
Little or no steam	Water tank low / not in steam mode	Refill tank; ensure Steam light is on.
Machine leaks	Portafilter not locked / seal worn	Lock portafilter firmly; replace group head gasket if worn.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then restart.

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