Which is the best Cuisinart espresso maker?
That depends on your needs. These are the 6 different models:
- EM-100
- EM-200
- EM-400
- EM-600
- EM-1000
- ES1500
The EM-100 and EM-200 are basic pump espresso machines.
The EM-400 and EM-600 are capsule-based espresso machines.
The EM-1000 is a super-automatic behemoth.
The ES1500 is a high-quality professional pump machine for discerning espresso drinkers.
So, which is the best Cuisinart espresso maker for you?
Let’s break them down.
Table of Contents
Cuisinart EM-100 Espresso Maker
- Type: Semi-automatic pump
- Integrated Grinder: None
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 53 oz removable
- Portafilters: Pressurized single and double portafilters
- Pod Compatibility: E.S.E. soft pods
- Max Cup Height: 3.5″
- Steam Wand: Integrated, manual
- Unit Size: 9.6″W x 14.7″H x 12.8″D
- Unit Weight: 16.0 lbs
- Watts: 1000W
- Warranty: 1 year
- User Manual: Click here
Performance
- Espresso Quality: C+
- Steamed Milk Quality: B
- Ease of Use: B-
- Bang for Your Buck: B
- Espresso maker with 15 bars of pressure for perfect coffee drinks
- Brews 1 to 2 cups from either ground espresso or pods
- 53-ounce removable reservoir; porta-filter holder; cup-warming plate
- Steam nozzle; frothing cup; removable drip tray; tamping tool included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
The Cuisinart EM-100 is a decent low-end pump espresso machine, which is both compact and easy to use.
The portafilter locks in easily and can pull two shots at once.
The steam wand has convenient swivel functionality and you can control the steam easily by turning the one-and-only knob to the right.
A potential downside of this knob is that there isn’t a single “Brew Espresso” button, and that means your brew time isn’t automatic and standard.
- You turn the knob to start brewing
- You hold to continue extraction
- You turn the knob back to end brewing
So make sure you track how long you’ve been extracting! Most espresso recipes call for around 28-30 seconds.
Related: How to Pull the Perfect Shot in 12 Easy Steps
The 53 oz water reservoir is surprisingly large for such a compact espresso machine.
And despite those compact dimensions, this machine does still have some heft, which I always like in an espresso machine.
It also comes with a cup warmer, but honestly, I’m not a huge fan of these cup warming features — I don’t really see the utility. Still, the EM-100 has the area to warm four cups at once.
Who is this model for?
Espresso drinkers looking for something affordable and who don’t mind monitoring their shot’s extraction time.
Bottom line: The Cuisinart EM-100 is a serviceable low-end pump espresso machine with an attractive stainless steel exterior and easy-to-use, compact design. It produces fairly good espresso and above average foam, both of which are definitely good enough for the price.
Pros of the Cuisinart EM-100
- Decent espresso for its price
- Compact design but still has good weight
- Large water reservoir for its size
Cons of the Cuisinart EM-100
- Requires you to manually time extraction
- Won’t get a very good crema
- Very loud
Cuisinart EM-200 Espresso Maker
- Type: Semi-automatic pump
- Integrated Grinder: None
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 64 oz
- Portafilters: Pressurized single and double portafilters
- Pod Compatibility: E.S.E. soft pods
- Max Cup Height: 3.5″
- Steam Wand: Integrated, manual
- Unit Size: 11.5″W x 15.1″H x 12.8″D
- Unit Weight: 25.0 lbs
- Watts: 1050W
- Warranty: 1 year
- User Manual: Click here
Performance
- Espresso Quality: C+
- Steamed Milk Quality: B
- Ease of Use: B+
- Bang for Your Buck: B
- Programmable espresso maker brews single or double espresso and has 15 bars of pressure.
- Brew 1 or 2 cups of coffee using either ground espresso or pods; You can select a pre-programmed cup size set at 1.5 ounces and 3.0 ounces.
- Stainless steel steam nozzle for cappuccino and latte and separate steam button function for easy use.
- Portafilter holder with locking mechanism that makes it easy to dispose of wet grounds after use.
- Includes 69-ounce removable reservoir, Removable drip tray and cover, warming tray on top of unit, Tamping tool with measuring spoon and stainless frothing cup and limited 3-year warranty.
The Cuisinart EM-200 has the same build and structure as the EM-100 but adds programmable functionality to take it to the next level.
(Plus, its water reservoir is massive for its size: 64 oz.)
Instead of turning the knob to pull your shot and manually timing the extraction yourself, the EM-200 pulls your shot at the push of a button with no manual timing required.
The EM-200 has two brew buttons:
- Single shot: 1.5 oz
- Double shot: 3.0 oz
You can customize the volumes, though!
However, the manual steam wand does still need to be run and timed by the home barista. The knob to control the steam wand is located on the right side of the machine.
Both the Cuisinart EM-100 and EM-200 pull the same quality shots with the same quality foam.
These models run on the same internal components — the only difference is the EM-200’s programmable, “push a button” brew options.
That gives this machine a better Ease of Use score, but all else is pretty much the same.
Who is this model for?
Espresso drinkers looking for something affordable and easy to use.
Bottom line: When you’re shopping for espresso machines in this price range, you know you aren’t getting commercial quality. Understanding that, the Cuisinart EM-200 gives decent espresso and steamed milk at the push of a button from a compact machine.
Pros of the Cuisinart EM-200
- Programmable brew sizes for single and double shots
- Larger 64 oz water reservoir
- Sturdy, durable construction
Cons of the Cuisinart EM-200
- Doesn’t give you a very good crema
- Very loud
Cuisinart EM-400 illy Espresso Maker
- Type: Capsule espresso machine
- Integrated Grinder: None
- Pressure: 19 bars
- Reservoir: 34 oz removable
- Portafilters: None; works with illy capsules only
- Pod Compatibility: illy capsules only
- Max Cup Height: 6.75″
- Steam Wand: None
- Unit Size: 5.2″W x 11.8″D x 14.0″H
- Unit Weight: 9.0 lbs
- Watts: 1200W
- Warranty: 2 years
- User Manual: Click here
Performance
- Espresso Quality: C
- Steamed Milk Quality: n/a
- Ease of Use: A-
- Bang for Your Buck: C+
- 5 blue led controls for single or doubleespresso, manual/flavor strength, and hot andhotter temperature settings
- Stay-Clean brew head exclusively designed forsealed lily espresso capsules
- Removable 1-liter/34-ounce water reservoirfor up to 20 short espressos
- Automatically ejects used capsules into a removable capsule container
- 3 cup height positions for espresso, cappuccino and travel mugs
This is a capsule-based espresso machine that works with 2 types of capsules:
- illy Espresso Capsules
- illy Coffee Capsules
The espresso capsules can brew either short (1.2 oz) or long (3.0 oz) espressos. The coffee capsules brew a 6 oz long coffee.
illy makes special iperEspresso capsules, which are blue and are intended to be used with the 3.0 oz long espresso setting. They recommend this to prevent a watery coffee.
Speaking of available brew sizes, the Cuisinart EM-400 has 5 pre-programmed buttons:
- Single shot espresso (top left button)
- Double shot espresso (middle left button)
- Long coffee (bottom left button)
- Manual flavor/strength setting (top right button)
- Temperature setting, 2 temps (middle right button)
Other features include the following:
- 60 minute auto-off mode
- Spent capsule container with 10 capsule capacity
- Adjustable extraction time for shorter or longer beverages
I wouldn’t go with this machine.
If you want the best Cuisinart espresso maker, look at one of the other models on this list. Possible the EM-1000 if price is no object or the EM-200 if you want to be a little cost-conscious.
And if you want the best capsule-based espresso machine, look elsewhere as well. May I direct you to Nespresso?
This machine does not come with a frother, so you’re going to have to buy one separately. I’d recommend you go with an Aeroccino frother.
Who is this model for?
If you want a Cuisinart espresso maker and want convenience above else, go with either the EM-400 or the EM-600. If you don’t drink many specialty beverages, like cappuccinos and lattes, then the EM-400 is more your speed because it doesn’t come with a frother.
Bottom line: Among capsule-based espresso machines, the Cuisinart EM-400 doesn’t really compete with the leader, Nespresso. If price is a concern for you, you can almost always find a Nespresso machine, such as the Nespresso Inissia or Nespresso Essenza Mini, on sale on Amazon.
Pros of the Cuisinart EM-400
- Super easy to use
- Intriguing design
- Affordable
Cons of the Cuisinart EM-400
- Not the best espresso, even by capsule standards
- illy capsule universe isn’t very expansive
- Doesn’t come with a frother
- Not very durable
Cuisinart EM-600 Espresso Maker
- Type: Capsule espresso machine
- Integrated Grinder: None
- Pressure: 19 bars
- Reservoir: 34 oz
- Portafilters: None; works with illy capsules only
- Pod Compatibility: illy capsules only
- Max Cup Height: 6.75″
- Steam Wand: Automatic and integrated with removable 22 oz milk container
- Unit Size: 8.0″W x 13.1″D x 11.5″H
- Unit Weight: 14.0lbs
- Watts: 1200W
- Warranty: 2 years
- User Manual: Click here
Performance
- Espresso Quality: C
- Steamed Milk Quality: B-
- Ease of Use: A-
- Bang for Your Buck: B-
- 8 blue led controls for single or double espresso, manual flavor strength, one-touch latte and cappuccino, and hot and hotter temperature settings
- Stay-Clean brew head exclusively designed for sealed lily espresso capsules
- Frothing wand with exclusive "burst of steam"to automatically clean wand after each use
- 22-Ounce milk container for up to 6 cappuccinos
- Removable 1-liter/34-ounce water reservoirfor up to 20 short espressos
The Cuisinart EM-600 builds upon the Cuisinart EM-400’s capsule technology by adding an automatic frothing container, which holds up to 22 oz of milk.
There are two ways to use this frother.
The Manual Way
- Fill with milk above the minimum 5 oz line
- Place your cup on the drip tray and position the wand over it
- Press the “Steam” button to start
- Use the knob to manually adjust the air being whipped into the milk
- Press the “Steam” button again to stop
- Enjoy
The Automatic Way
- Fill with milk above the minimum 5 oz line
- Place your cup on the drip tray and position the wand over it
- Press the “Cappuccino” or “Latte” buttons to set the automatic program
- Enjoy
Note that turning the frothing knob to the right creates more froth.
As mentioned above: This is not my favorite capsule-based latte system. Both in terms of raw results and value, I’d much rather a Nespresso machine. Perhaps the Nespresso Inissia bundle with a separate Aeroccino frother, or you could go all-in with one of the three Lattissima models.
You can read about those on our compare Nespresso machines page.
Aside from the additional milk frothing functionality, all of the additional features noted above about the Cuisinart EM-400 (such as 60 minute auto-off mode) apply here as well.
Who is this model for?
If capsules and convenience are what you’re looking for, the EM-600 isn’t the best Cuisinart espresso maker but it definitely is one of the most convenient ones, especially if you want easy cappuccinos and lattes.
Bottom line: Like the Cuisinart EM-400 above, I’d rather buy into the Nespresso capsule system. But if you really want a Cuisinart espresso maker and are diggin’ the capsules, then the EM-600 gives you the same thing the EM-400 does plus milk frothing functionality.
Pros of the Cuisinart EM-600
- Comes with a frother
- Intriguing design
- Easy to use
Cons of the Cuisinart EM-600
- Not the best espresso even by capsule espresso standards
- Not very durable
- illy capsule universe isn’t very expansive
Cuisinart EM-1000 Espresso Maker
- Type: Super-automatic espresso machine
- Integrated Grinder: Yes with bean hopper
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 34 oz
- Portafilters: None
- Pod Compatibility:
- Max Cup Height: 6.75″
- Steam Wand: Integrated frother, but you need to provide milk container
- Unit Size: 7.8″W x 15.8″D x 12.5″H
- Unit Weight: 20.0 lbs
- Watts: 1400W
- Warranty: 3 years
- User Manual: No manual available
Performance
- Espresso Quality: B
- Steamed Milk Quality: B
- Ease of Use: A
- Bang for Your Buck: C
- Espresso (single & double), cappuccino, latte, & steamed milk
- Up to 5 cups of Coffee with integrated whole bean grinder
- Touchscreen controls also includes a clean function
- Fully programmable with removable water tank
- Limited 3 year warranty
The “Espresso Defined” model from Cuisinart, the EM-1000 is Cuisinart’s version of an all-in-one super-automatic espresso machine.
It comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a do-it-all espresso machine:
- LCD touch screen
- Bypass doser for pre-ground coffee
- Custom grind size
- Custom milk volume
- Custom brew temperature
- Custom strength control
- Remembers settings for up to 4 users
And it works just like any other super-automatic espresso machine.
- Fill it with beans
- Choose your settings, including grind size
- Select a beverage type
- Press start
- Wait and enjoy
Speaking honestly, this is not my favorite super-automatic espresso machine.
Other coffee makers such as the Gaggia Anima, Gaggia Anima Prestige, and Jura Ena Micro 9 offer better performance and durability for what’s usually a similar price tag.
Who is this model for?
If you’re a Cuisinart fanboy (or fangirl!) and want to shell out big bucks for their best super-automatic espresso machine, you’ll want to give the EM-1000 a look. If you’re OK going with something other than a Cuisinart, you’ll be better served looking at one of our best super-automatic espresso machines under $1,000.
Bottom line: A true do-it-all machine, this is the best Cuisinart espresso maker but isn’t the best espresso maker among all brands. Still, it’ll grind your beans for you and make you a latte with the push of a single button, you just have to be OK with the price tag.
Pros of the Cuisinart EM-1000
- Super-automatic functionality does it all from grind to foam
- LCD touch screen is easy to use
- Brew group is easy to clean
Cons of the Cuisinart EM-1000
- Doesn’t come with a milk jug for steamed milk
- Concerns about durability
- Espresso is good-not-great
Cuisinart ES1500 Vero Barista Espresso Maker
- Type: Semi-automatic pump
- Integrated Grinder: None
- Pressure: 15 bars
- Reservoir: 42 oz removable
- Portafilters: Single and double pressurized
- Pod Compatibility: E.S.E. soft pod
- Max Cup Height: 3.5″
- Steam Wand: Integrated manual steam wand
- Unit Size: 12.0″W x 18.0″H x 16.0″D
- Unit Weight: 16.5 lbs
- Watts: 1400W
- Warranty: 5 years for 120V model only
- User Manual: Click here for Waring version of the ES1500 manual
Performance
- Espresso Quality: A-
- Steamed Milk Quality: A-
- Ease of Use: C+
- Bang for Your Buck: B+
If you’re familiar with Nespresso, you’ll know the company uses other manufacturers to produce their machines. That means when you buy a Nespresso machine, it’s usually made by Breville or DeLonghi.
That’s what’s happening here with the Vero Barista ES1500 Professional Espresso Maker.
This model is made by different manufacturers, such as Cuisinart and Waring.
Like the EM-100 and EM-200, this model is a semi-automatic pump espresso machine, which means it uses a portafilter with ground coffee and isn’t a do-it-all super-automatic model like the EM-1000.
The ES1500 gives you a little more insight into the brewing process:
- Comes with a control lever
- Has a boiler thermometer
- Has a manual steam wand with its own lever
You may recall from the EM-100 review above that I deducted points for not having an automatic brew button like the EM-200. Instead, you had to turn the knob for as long as you wanted extraction to run.
You need to do the same thing with the ES1500.
Except this time that’s actually a positive!
This is a commercial quality espresso maker designed for more experienced baristas. Professional baristas can regulate extraction time a little better and manipulate the resulting shot on purpose by extracting longer or shorter.
In conjunction with grind size and tamp pressure, you can get a lot of subtle differences from shot to shot.
Also like the EM-100 and EM-200, the ES1500 is E.S.E. soft pod compatible and doesn’t use the illy espresso pods like the EM-400 and EM-600 do. I wouldn’t buy this with the intent of using it for espresso pods, but that functionality may appear to you on some days when you just want something easier.
Overall, this is a pretty impressive espresso machine for its price range. It has good heft and an awesome design, similar to some of the very expensive copper espresso machines you’ll find on Amazon.
Who is this model for?
Espresso drinkers who love total control with high quality components and are OK shelling out top dollar.
Bottom line: Commercial quality lever espresso machines are a different beast and are designed for a specific type of espresso drinker. If that’s you, you’ll be happy with this machine.
Pros of the Cuisinart ES1500
- Awesome design
- Sturdy construction
- Gives you complete control over your espresso
Cons of the Cuisinart ES1500
- Expensive
- Comes with pressurized portafilters instead of non-pressurized
Which Is the Best Cuisinart Espresso Maker?
Have you ever used on of these models? Comment below with your experience!
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