Cuisinart Espresso Defined EM-25 Manual

The Cuisinart Espresso Defined EM-25 is a 15-bar pump espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder, adjustable grind settings, programmable shot volume, steam wand for milk frothing, removable water tank, and a warming tray for cups. It features a stainless steel housing, a removable drip tray, and an easy-to-use control panel. 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, Conical Burr Grinder, Steam Wand, Removable Water Tank, Cup Warming Tray, Control Panel, Drip Tray.

Feature	Description
15-bar Pump	Professional pressure for optimal espresso extraction
Conical Burr Grinder	Adjustable grind settings from fine to coarse
Steam Wand	For frothing milk for cappuccinos and lattes
Removable Water Tank	Easy to fill and clean; 1.5L capacity
Cup Warming Tray	Keeps cups warm on top of the machine
Programmable Shot Volume	Customize single or double shot volume
Removable Drip Tray	Collects excess water and spills for easy cleanup
Control Panel	Buttons for power, grinding, brewing, and steaming
POWER	Turns machine on/off
GRIND	Activates the built-in grinder

Installation

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

Remove all packaging materials and stickers.
Wash removable parts (water tank, drip tray, portafilter) with warm, soapy water.
Fill water tank with fresh, cold water and insert into the machine.
Plug the power cord into a grounded 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure the machine is unplugged during cleaning and assembly. Keep away from water splashes.

First-Time Setup

Power on the machine; allow it to heat up (approx. 2 minutes).

Prime the pump: Run a water-only cycle without coffee to flush the system.
Set grind size: Adjust the grind dial (fine for espresso, coarse for other methods).
Program shot volume: Hold the 1-CUP or 2-CUP button until desired volume is reached, then release to save.
Test steam wand: Turn steam knob to release any residual water before frothing.

CAUTION! Surfaces become hot during use. Use handles and avoid touching hot components.

Specifications

Model: EM-25 Espresso Defined.
Pump Pressure: 15 bar.
Grinder: Conical burr with adjustable settings.
Water Tank Capacity: 1.5 liters (removable).
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 1350W.
Dimensions: 12.6" W x 10.2" D x 13.4" H.
Weight: 15.4 lbs.
Material: Stainless steel housing, BPA-free plastic components.
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER, GRIND, 1-CUP, 2-CUP, STEAM. Steam Knob: Controls steam wand output.

Grind Settings: Adjust dial on grinder hopper (1= finest for espresso, 10= coarsest). Programmable Buttons: 1-CUP (single shot), 2-CUP (double shot) – press and hold to program volume. STEAM: Activates steam wand for frothing. Power Light: Indicates when machine is on and heating.

Maintenance Indicators: Descaling alert light when maintenance is required.

Brewing Espresso

Use freshly roasted coffee beans for best results.

Ensure water tank is filled and machine is heated (power light steady).
Add beans to grinder hopper and select grind size (setting 3-5 recommended).
Place portafilter under grinder outlet and press GRIND to dose.
Tamp ground coffee evenly in portafilter.
Lock portafilter into group head.
Place pre-warmed cup under portafilter.
Press 1-CUP or 2-CUP button to start extraction.
Stop manually or let programmed volume complete.

Tip: Ideal extraction time is 25-30 seconds for a double shot.

Frothing Milk

Use cold milk (whole milk froths best) in a stainless steel pitcher.

Ensure machine is in brewing mode (not steaming). Press STEAM button; wait for steam light.
Open steam knob to purge water for a few seconds, then close.
Submerge steam wand tip just below milk surface, open knob.
Lower pitcher as foam forms to keep wand tip near surface.
Heat milk to desired temperature (do not exceed 150°F).
Close steam knob, wipe wand with damp cloth, and purge briefly.

WARNING! Steam wand is extremely hot. Always keep hands clear and use caution.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Clean portafilter, drip tray, and steam wand after each use. Weekly: Backflush with cleaning disc and detergent (if provided). Monthly: Descale using vinegar solution or commercial descaler.

Descaling Procedure: 1. Fill tank with equal parts water and white vinegar. 2. Run steam wand and brew cycles until tank is empty. 3. Rinse by running 2-3 tanks of clean water through system.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before any deep cleaning. Never immerse main unit in water.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Cuisinart. For support, visit www.cuisinart.com or contact 1-800-726-0190. This appliance is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Not plugged in / outlet issue	Check power cord connection; try different outlet.
Weak espresso flow	Grind too fine / clogged	Adjust to coarser grind; clean portafilter and group head.
Machine not heating	Thermostat / heating element	Ensure power is on; wait for heat-up time; contact service if issue persists.
Steam wand not frothing	Not purged / clogged	Purge wand before use; clean tip with pin if clogged.
Grinder not working	Beans jammed / overloaded	Unplug, remove beans, clear obstruction; do not overfill hopper.
Water leakage	Loose connections / worn seals	Check water tank seal and portafilter lock; replace group head gasket if worn.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then restart.

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