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Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim Coffee Espresso Machine - Hot or Cold Cafe-Quality Beverages, Cappuccino, Latte, Cold Brew, Steam Wand, Compact

125

$169.69

In stock

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  • Brew hot or cold cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes at home.
  • Powerful steam wand froths milk perfectly for creamy, barista-style drinks.
  • Slim profile fits easily on countertops, saving valuable kitchen space.
  • One-touch buttons simplify making single or double shots of espresso.
  • Cold extraction mode creates refreshing cold-brew-style coffee beverages quickly.

What Works

  • ✓Compact slim design saves counter space.
  • ✓Bottomless portafilter allows visual extraction monitoring.
  • ✓Good 15-bar pressure for crema production.

What Doesn't

  • ✗Portafilter can cause splattering mess.
  • ✗Plastic build may feel less premium.
  • ✗Some units arrive defective or fail early.

Category espresso-machines

Brand Cuisinart

Best For

Home Baristas with Limited Counter SpaceTravel Mug UsersBudget-Conscious Coffee Lovers

Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim Review — Compact Espresso Machine for Hot and Review

The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim is a compact espresso machine designed for home baristas who want cafe-quality beverages without taking up too much counter space. It can make hot or cold espresso-based drinks like cappuccino, latte, and cold extracted espresso. The machine features a bottomless portafilter and up to 15 bars of pressure for balanced extraction, along with an easy-to-use steam wand for frothing dairy or non-dairy milk. Its slim profile and ability to fit 20-ounce travel mugs make it convenient for daily use. Priced under $170, it aims to deliver versatility and performance in a small footprint.

Product Overview

The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim measures 12.8 by 6.54 by 14.45 inches and weighs about 5.15 kilograms (11.3 pounds), making it relatively lightweight and easy to move. The machine body is primarily plastic with stainless steel accents, including the bottomless portafilter and a removable water reservoir that holds up to 51 fluid ounces. This capacity is moderate for home use but may require refilling for multiple drinks. It includes a single and double shot filter basket, a coffee scoop and tamper, a stainless steel milk jug, and a cleaning pin for the steam wand. The portafilter is bottomless, which some reviewers find leads to splattering unless the cup is placed directly underneath. The machine can accommodate travel mugs up to 20 ounces tall (about 6 inches of clearance). Operation is manual with knob controls for steam and water. It features a cup warmer on top and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. The slim design is ideal for small kitchens, though some users note the plastic build feels less premium than all-metal machines.

Key Features

Cafe-Quality Extraction

  • ✓Up to 15 bars of pressure for rich crema and balanced flavor.
  • ✓Bottomless portafilter lets you see the extraction and adjust your grind.
  • ✓Compatible with ground coffee and whole beans (requires grinding separately).

Hot & Cold Beverages

  • ✓Makes hot espresso shots and cold extracted drinks for iced beverages.
  • ✓Versatile for all seasons and preferences.
  • ✓Steam wand froths milk hot or cold for espresso-based drinks.

Easy Frothing Wand

  • ✓Steam wand creates creamy microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes.
  • ✓Works with both dairy and non-dairy milks.
  • ✓Included cleaning pin helps maintain wand hygiene.

Travel Mug Friendly

  • ✓Clearance of about 6 inches under the portafilter fits 20-ounce travel mugs.
  • ✓Removeable drip tray provides additional height if needed.
  • ✓Perfect for preparing drinks to take on the go.

Included Accessories

  • ✓Comes with stainless steel milk jug, single and double shot filters.
  • ✓Includes coffee scoop and tamper for consistent dosing.
  • ✓Cleaning pin included for steam wand maintenance.

Build & Materials

The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim features a plastic body with a stainless steel bottomless portafilter and steam wand. Its slim footprint (6.54 inches wide) is its standout design feature, making it suitable for compact counters. The removable 51-ounce water tank sits at the back and is easy to fill. The drip tray is also removable for cleaning. The machine uses a knob interface for steam and espresso extraction, simple but functional. The bottomless portafilter design allows you to monitor extraction but can cause mess if not positioned correctly.

Some reviewers note that the plastic construction feels less durable than metal machines, but it keeps the weight low and the price affordable. The 52mm portafilter is standard and accepts pre-ground coffee. The included tamper is plastic, which may feel flimsy. Overall, the slim design is practical, but the plasticky feel and splatter issues are common complaints.

Shot Quality

The 15-bar pump produces adequate pressure for crema production on espresso shots. Many reviewers report balanced extraction and good crema after dialing in the grind size and dose. However, the bottomless portafilter can be messy; several users mention espresso splattering onto the counter unless a tall glass is used. Some units arrive defective or fail to pump water, as noted by a reviewer who received a non-functioning machine. Customer support response times vary.

The steam wand performs well for frothing milk, producing a decent microfoam for latte art. Cold extraction is a nice feature for making iced drinks quickly. Overall performance is satisfactory for the price, but consistency and longevity are concerns based on mixed reviews. The machine's three-year warranty provides some peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Compact slim design saves counter space.
  • ✓Bottomless portafilter allows visual extraction monitoring.
  • ✓Good 15-bar pressure for crema production.
  • ✓Steam wand froths milk effectively.
  • ✓Fits tall travel mugs up to 20 ounces.
  • ✓Includes useful accessories (milk jug, filters, tamper).
  • ✓Makes hot and cold espresso beverages.

What Doesn't

  • ✗Portafilter can cause splattering mess.
  • ✗Plastic build may feel less premium.
  • ✗Some units arrive defective or fail early.
  • ✗No built-in grinder requires separate purchase.
  • ✗Water reservoir capacity is moderate.
  • ✗Customer service response can be slow.

The Verdict

The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim is a budget-friendly option for those who need a compact espresso machine that can handle both hot and cold drinks. Its slim profile is a clear advantage for small kitchens, and the bottomless portafilter appeals to enthusiasts who want to refine their technique. However, splattering issues and reports of defects mean it may not suit everyone. If you are willing to work around the mess and prioritize space savings, it delivers decent value. Consider it for casual use, but invest in a better tamper and be prepared for potential learning curve.

Who Is This For?

Home Baristas with Limited Counter Space

The slim design fits in small kitchens and the bottomless portafilter appeals to those who want to refine their technique.

Travel Mug Users

It accommodates tall mugs up to 20 ounces, making it great for commuters.

Budget-Conscious Coffee Lovers

At under $170, it offers espresso, frothing, and cold drinks without a high price tag.

Is It Worth It?

What You Get

  • Slim design for tight counters.
  • Hot and cold espresso capabilities.
  • Bottomless portafilter for extraction visibility.
  • Steam wand for milk frothing.
  • Travel mug compatibility.
  • 3-year warranty.

What You Pay

$169.69 at the time of review.

For the price, the Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim offers good versatility and a compact footprint. Build quality and splatter issues hold it back, but it's a reasonable entry-level machine for space-conscious buyers.

Maintenance Tips

✓ Rinse the portafilter and basket immediately after use to prevent coffee oil buildup.
✓ Descale the machine every 1-3 months using a descaling solution to prevent mineral buildup.
✓ Clean the steam wand after each use by wiping and purging steam; use the cleaning pin weekly.
✓ Wash the drip tray and water tank regularly with mild soap and water.
✓ Replace the water filter (if used) every 2 months or as needed.
A space-saving espresso machine with good versatility, but be prepared for splattering and a plastic build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it come with a grinder?
No, it does not have a built-in grinder. You need to use pre-ground coffee or grind whole beans separately.
Can it make cold brew?
It can make cold extracted espresso drinks, but not traditional cold brew coffee.
How do I clean the steam wand?
After each use, wipe the wand with a damp cloth and purge steam. Use the included cleaning pin to clear the tip if clogged.
How often should I descale?
Descaling frequency depends on water hardness, but typically every 1-3 months. Use a descaling solution suitable for espresso machines.
Does it fit standard cups?
Yes, but tall travel mugs up to 20 oz fit under the portafilter. The drip tray is removable for additional height.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, it includes a 3-year limited warranty. Customer service is handled by Cuisinart.
Why does the espresso splatter?
The bottomless portafilter lacks a spout, causing espresso to drip straight down. Using a tall narrow cup helps reduce mess.
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Written by Espresso Tested Editorial Team. We pull shots on every machine we cover, measure what actually matters, and rank them so you can buy once and brew right.

(3) Comments

Excellent espresso machine with a minor, manageable flaw
I've been extremely satisfied with this espresso machine since I bought it—it's absolutely worth the investment! I noticed that the most common complaint is about the portafilter splashing and creating a mess. It did happen to me, and I was initially concerned I'd want a refund. However, I discovered an easy fix: use a 6-inch tall drinking glass. The gap between the drip tray and portafilter is about 6 inches, so placing a glass underneath catches the espresso perfectly without any mess. Aside from that, this machine produces excellent espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes.
Defective machine never worked
After thorough research, this machine seemed ideal with its sleek design and easy setup. However, it was defective from the start—it wouldn't start, and no steam came out even after filling the water reservoir. I suspect air-clogged valves. Despite multiple attempts to contact customer service and the seller, I received no response. Amazon eventually granted a one-time return after the window closed. I'm very disappointed and won't buy this machine again; I usually use Keurig products.
Splattering Coffee Issue
We have owned this espresso machine for around three months. I chose it because it includes a three-year warranty, as most machines in this price range seem to last only three to four years, and competitors typically offer just a one-year warranty. I hope this one lasts at least five years. My main complaint is that the coffee portafilter has a wide open bottom, causing coffee to splash sideways unless the cup fits perfectly. Other brands I've used have a funnel-shaped bottom that directs the coffee precisely. As a result, I end up wiping the counter after every use. If future models address this, I would give it a perfect five-star rating.

Product Specifications

Dimensions (D x W x H) 12.8" x 6.54" x 14.45"
Weight 5.15 kg (11.3 lbs)
Pressure 15 bars
Water Tank Capacity 51 fluid ounces
Coffee Input Type Ground, whole bean (requires grinding)
Filter Type Reusable
Material Plastic, Stainless Steel
Power Source Electrical
Operation Mode Manual
Included Components Milk frother, single/double filters, scoop, tamper, cleaning pin
Model Name Espresso Bar™ Slim
Model Number EM-160ES
Other Features Cup warmer, removable tank, water filter
Unit Count 1 unit

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