Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM640E Manual

The Cuisinart ESPRESSO BAR EM640E is a 15-bar pump espresso machine with a built-in steam wand for frothing milk, a 1.5-liter removable water tank, a warming plate to keep cups hot, a stainless steel housing, and a 3-in-1 filter holder for single/double shots and pods. It features an easy-to-use control panel, indicator lights, and a drip tray with a removable grid. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First Use & Priming 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Indicators 6. Brewing Espresso 7. Frothing Milk 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15-bar pump, Steam/Hot Water Wand, Removable Water Tank, Warming Plate, Drip Tray, 3-in-1 Filter Holder (single/double/pod), Control Panel with indicator lights.

FeatureDescription
15-bar PumpProfessional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Steam/Hot Water WandFor frothing milk and dispensing hot water
Removable Water Tank1.5-liter capacity, easy to fill and clean
Warming PlateKeeps cups at ideal serving temperature
Drip Tray with GridRemovable for easy cleaning; grid for cup height
3-in-1 Filter HolderHolds single/double espresso filters and pods
Power ButtonTurns machine on/off
Espresso ButtonStarts brewing process
Steam ButtonActivates steam wand for frothing
Hot Water ButtonDispenses hot water for tea or Americanos

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
  2. Fill the removable water tank with fresh, cold water. Do not exceed MAX line.
  3. Insert the water tank firmly into the back of the machine.
  4. Plug the power cord into a grounded 120V AC outlet.
  5. Place the drip tray and grid into position.

WARNING! Ensure the machine is unplugged during setup. Keep away from edges and out of reach of children.

First Use & Priming

Before first brew, prime the machine to remove air from the system.

  1. Ensure water tank is full and properly seated.
  2. Turn the machine ON using the Power button. The Power light will illuminate.
  3. Place a cup under the steam wand. Turn the steam knob to open position.
  4. Press the Steam button. Allow water to flow until a steady stream appears (approx. 30 seconds). Turn the steam knob to close.
  5. The machine is now ready for use. The Power and Ready lights will be on.

CAUTION! The steam wand and water will be hot. Use caution to avoid burns.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Control Panel: POWER button, ESPRESSO button, STEAM button, HOT WATER button. Indicator Lights: POWER (green), READY (orange), STEAM (red).

Operation: Press POWER to turn on. READY light indicates optimal brewing temperature. Press ESPRESSO to brew. Press STEAM to froth milk (READY light goes off, STEAM light flashes, then stays on when ready). Press HOT WATER to dispense hot water.

Steam Knob: Turn to open/close steam wand flow.

Brewing Espresso

For best results, use freshly ground espresso coffee.

  1. Preheat: Turn machine ON. Place empty cup(s) on warming plate.
  2. Grind & Dose: Use the appropriate filter (single or double). Fill with finely ground coffee and tamp firmly.
  3. Insert Portafilter: Lock the portafilter firmly into the group head.
  4. Brew: Place preheated cup(s) under portafilter. Press the ESPRESSO button. Brewing will stop automatically.
  5. For manual stop: Press the ESPRESSO button again during brewing.
  6. Remove portafilter and discard used coffee puck.

Tip: Rinse the portafilter and group head immediately after use.

Frothing Milk

Use the steam wand to create microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.

  1. Fill a stainless steel pitcher 1/3 full with cold milk (whole milk froths best).
  2. Ensure the READY light is on. Press the STEAM button. The READY light goes off, and the STEAM light will flash, then stay solid when ready.
  3. Open the steam knob briefly to purge any condensed water.
  4. Submerge wand tip just below milk surface, open knob fully.
  5. Lower pitcher as foam forms to keep tip near surface. Heat milk to 150°F (65°C).
  6. Close steam knob. Wipe wand immediately with a damp cloth. Purge briefly to clear milk residue.

WARNING! Steam is extremely hot. Never touch the wand during or immediately after use.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures performance and longevity. Always unplug and let machine cool completely.

Daily: Empty drip tray and water tank. Rinse portafilter and filters. Wipe steam wand and housing with a damp cloth.

Weekly/Descaling: Descale every 2-3 months or as needed with a descaling solution for espresso machines. Follow solution instructions. Run several cycles of clean water afterward to rinse.

CAUTION! Do not immerse machine, cord, or plug in water. Use only recommended cleaners.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. This appliance is for household use only.

Regulatory Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact customer service at 1-800-726-0190.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine won't turn onNo powerCheck if plugged in; ensure outlet is working.
No water flowEmpty tank/air lockFill water tank; prime the machine (see First Use).
Espresso flows too fastCoffee grind too coarseUse a finer espresso grind; tamp more firmly.
Espresso flows too slow/dripsGrind too fine/over-tampedUse a coarser grind; tamp with less pressure.
No steam or weak steamMachine not ready/calcifiedWait for STEAM light to be solid; descale machine.
Water leaksLoose parts/tank not seatedEnsure water tank, portafilter, and drip tray are properly inserted.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes, then plug back in.

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

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