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Cuisinart 1.66 Quart Stainless Steel Espresso Maker - Silver EM-100NAS, Single & Double Shot, Steam Frother, 15-Bar Pump

966

$194.99

In stock

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  • Brew rich, authentic espresso at home with 15-bar professional pressure.
  • 1.66-quart stainless steel boiler ensures consistent heat for perfect extraction.
  • Easy-to-use control panel with programmable settings for customized brewing.
  • Includes single and double-shot filter baskets for versatile espresso drinks.
  • Compact design fits snugly on your countertop without sacrificing performance.

What Works

  • ✓Makes espresso with thick crema according to many users
  • ✓Dual brewing flexibility with grounds or pods
  • ✓Easy to use after a short learning period

What Doesn't

  • ✗Noisy operation; water tank can rattle
  • ✗Learning curve to avoid clogging with fine grinds
  • ✗Pressurized basket limits grind fineness for true espresso

Category espresso-machines

Brand Cuisinart

Cuisinart EM-100 Espresso Maker Review — 15-bar pressure for rich Review

The Cuisinart EM-100 espresso maker brings café-quality coffee home without breaking the bank. This 15-bar pump machine appeals to beginners and budget-conscious home baristas who want real espresso, not steam-powered approximations. It accepts both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods, offering flexibility. A steam wand allows for milk frothing, though it requires patience. Many reviewers praise the crema it produces but note a learning curve to avoid clogging the unique pressurized filter basket. Overall, it is a capable entry-level machine that rewards careful technique.

Product Overview

Making espresso at home has become more accessible with the Cuisinart EM-100. The machine measures 8.19 x 12.56 x 10.94 inches and weighs about 1 pound, making it compact for countertop use. Its 53-ounce removable water tank is easy to fill and clean. The portafilter uses a pressurized double-wall basket that builds pressure using a single small hole, which limits acceptable grind size to coarser settings. Included accessories: a portafilter, tamper, frothing pitcher, and drip tray. The cup-warming plate on top is a thoughtful touch. Many users report good espresso with thick crema once they dial in the grind. However, some experience leaks or clogs, especially with fine grinds. Regular cleaning and descaling with white vinegar help maintain performance. The machine is moderately noisy; the water tank can rattle against the body. Overall, it is a practical choice for those willing to learn its quirks.

Key Features

15-bar pump system

  • ✓Delivers consistent high pressure for espresso extraction
  • ✓Pressurized dual-wall filter basket simulates crema with pre-ground coffee
  • ✓Single-hole design requires coarser grind to avoid clogging

Dual brewing options

  • ✓Accepts both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods
  • ✓Brews 1 or 2 cups at a time
  • ✓Manual operation gives full control over shot volume

Steam wand for frothing

  • ✓Produces steam for heating and frothing milk
  • ✓Includes a frothing cup for convenience
  • ✓Takes a few seconds to transition from coffee to steam mode

Removable water tank

  • ✓53-ounce capacity for multiple drinks
  • ✓Detachable for easy refilling and cleaning
  • ✓Tank has a lid to prevent spills

Cup warming plate

  • ✓Top surface keeps cups warm
  • ✓Helps maintain espresso temperature during brewing
  • ✓Simple on/off switch activates heating

Included accessories

  • ✓Comes with portafilter, tamper, and frothing pitcher
  • ✓Removable drip tray for easy cleanup
  • ✓Cleaning pin and instructions provided for unclogging

Build & Materials

The Cuisinart EM-100 has a plastic body with stainless steel accents, keeping weight low. The portafilter handle is plastic but feels sturdy. The water tank is clear plastic and detaches with a simple pull. The drip tray snaps out for emptying. The steam wand is metal with a plastic tip. Build quality is adequate for the price, though some reviewers note rattling from the water tank and concerns about long-term durability of plastic components. The pressurized filter basket is a key design element: it has a single tiny hole that creates back pressure, allowing use of pre-ground coffee but requiring careful grind selection.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Makes espresso with thick crema according to many users
  • ✓Dual brewing flexibility with grounds or pods
  • ✓Easy to use after a short learning period
  • ✓Removable water tank simplifies refilling and cleaning
  • ✓Included accessories add value
  • ✓Compact footprint fits on most countertops
  • ✓Cup warmer helps maintain beverage temperature

What Doesn't

  • ✗Noisy operation; water tank can rattle
  • ✗Learning curve to avoid clogging with fine grinds
  • ✗Pressurized basket limits grind fineness for true espresso
  • ✗Some units reported leaking or mechanical issues
  • ✗Steam wand takes time to heat up and produce steam
  • ✗Plastic components feel less premium

The Verdict

The Cuisinart EM-100 is a solid entry-level espresso machine that delivers good coffee at a reasonable price. It excels in producing crema with pre-ground coffee and offers flexibility with pods. However, its pressurized basket and single-hole filter require a specific grind and technique, and build quality could be better. For budget-conscious home baristas willing to learn, it's a worthwhile investment.

Is It Worth It?

What You Get

  • 15-bar pump espresso extraction
  • Dual brewing: ground coffee or pods
  • Steam wand with frothing pitcher
  • 53-ounce removable water tank
  • Cup warming plate
  • Portafilter, tamper, and drip tray included

What You Pay

Around $195 at major retailers

For the price, the Cuisinart EM-100 offers solid espresso quality and useful features. However, its quirks and mixed reliability mean it's best for those who enjoy tinkering. A good value if you're patient.

Maintenance Tips

✓ Descale with white vinegar or descaling solution every 3-6 months depending on water hardness.
✓ Clean the portafilter basket and steam wand after each use to prevent buildup.
✓ Empty the drip tray regularly to avoid overflow and leaks.
✓ Use the cleaning pin to clear the single hole in the filter basket if clogged.
✓ Run plain water through the machine without coffee to flush residues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my espresso not coming out?
Most likely the grind is too fine or you tamped too hard. The single-hole filter clogs easily. Use a coarser grind and light tamp. Clean the basket hole with the included pin.
How do I clean the machine?
Run a mixture of white vinegar and water through the machine periodically to descale. Clean the portafilter, drip tray, and steam wand after each use. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions.
Can I use finely ground espresso?
Many reviewers found that very fine grinds clog the basket. Use a grind suitable for pressurized baskets (coarser than traditional espresso). The included pod option avoids grind issues.
Does the machine leak?
Some users reported leaks from the water tank or back of the unit. Ensure the tank is properly seated and the drip tray is emptied regularly. If leaks persist, contact customer service.
How do I froth milk with the steam wand?
Fill the frothing pitcher with cold milk. Wait for the machine to heat up (approx. 1 minute). Submerge the wand tip slightly and turn on steam. Move the pitcher up and down to create froth. Practice is needed.
Is the machine noisy?
Yes, it is noticeably loud during operation. The pump and water tank vibrations contribute. Some reviewers placed a cloth under the tank to reduce rattling.
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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 with a Few Quirks
This machine produces superb espresso with perfect crema after a short learning curve. The key is to avoid over-tamping and using too fine a grind, as the single-hole filter basket clogs easily. Clogs can usually be cleared with a pin, but if the basket gets stuck, let pressure subside before removing. Regular descaling with vinegar maintains performance. The drip tray collects water and must be emptied to avoid leaks. Despite these quirks, the espresso is thick, strong, and creamy, making it a great value.
Excellent Value for Money
After 5 years of daily use, this machine is still performing well. I had one issue where a loose electrical connection caused smoke, but I fixed it easily. The machine produces good espresso with more crema and a stronger taste than my previous Krups. However, it uses a double-bottom filter that creates back-pressure, resulting in soupy grounds and potential pump wear if tamped too hard. It's also quite noisy, which can disturb nearby bedrooms. Despite these minor drawbacks, for the price, it has been very reliable and makes good coffee.
Consistent failures and poor support
I'm on my third machine since December 2012, and each one has had issues: the first broke after 2.5 weeks, the second didn't work at all, and the third leaks. Customer service was rude and unhelpful. Although the coffee is good, the product is unreliable and the company treats customers poorly. I advise against buying this machine.

Product Specifications

Brand Cuisinart
Model EM-100
Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine
Operation Mode Manual
Output Pressure 15 Bars
Wattage 1000 watts
Voltage 120 volts
Coffee Input Type Both Ground Coffee and Pods
Filter Type Reusable
Water Tank Capacity 53 ounces
Item Dimensions (D x W x H) 8.19 x 12.56 x 10.94 inches
Item Weight 1 pound
Number of Items 1
Human Interface Input Buttons
Other Special Features Milk Frother, Drip Tray, Cup Storage

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