Cuisinart Espresso Bar™ Espresso Machine
Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or a home-brewing beginner, the Cuisinart EM-320 brings professional-grade espresso making into your kitchen. Its high-pressure 20-bar system ensures optimal flavor extraction, while the cold brew function and steam wand make it ideal for hot or iced lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Designed with ease of use and customization in mind, it also includes an integrated cup warmer, removable tank, and accessory tray—all in a sleek, compact design that complements any countertop.
Product Highlights & Features
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20 Bar High-Pressure Pump – Delivers barista-level espresso with rich crema and bold flavor.
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54mm Bottomless Stainless Steel Portafilter – For consistent extraction and better visual feedback when dialing in shots.
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Cold Extraction Capability – Enjoy smooth, refreshing iced espresso drinks at home.
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Powerful Steam/Frothing Wand – Create creamy frothed milk for lattes, cappuccinos, or dispense hot water for Americanos and tea.
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48 oz Front-Loaded Water Reservoir – Easy to refill and monitor with the convenient viewing window.
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Compact & Modern Design – Fits easily under cabinets and adds a premium touch to your kitchen setup.
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Travel Mug Compatible – Brew directly into up to 20 oz mugs—perfect for on-the-go mornings.
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Integrated Accessory Tray – Keeps filters and accessories organized and within reach.
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User-Friendly Operation – Simple dosing, tamping, and steaming make every brew effortless.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Model Number | EM-320 |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 15.04″ D x 9.21″ W x 14.02″ H |
| Weight | 18.81 lbs (8.55 kg) |
| Pressure System | 20 Bar Pump Pressure |
| Portafilter Size | 54 mm Bottomless Stainless Steel |
| Reservoir Capacity | 48 oz (Front-Loaded, Removable) |
| Coffee Input Type | Finely Ground Espresso Beans |
| Milk Frother | Included Steam Wand |
| Special Features | Cup Warmer, Cold Extraction, Water Filter |
| Material | Plastic, Stainless Steel |
| Power Source | Plug-in Electric |
| Coffee Maker Type | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine |
Final Verdict
The Cuisinart Espresso Bar™ EM-320 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy café-quality beverages at home without the steep learning curve of high-end professional machines. With robust pressure, versatile features, and a stylish yet space-saving design, it hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance.
Yes, some users have noted minor splatter issues, but this can be easily managed with the right cup placement—especially if using a taller glass under the portafilter. Once dialed in, the machine produces rich, velvety espresso that rivals your local coffee shop.
Whether you love your lattes foamy, your espresso bold, or your mornings fast and flavorful, the Cuisinart EM-320 is ready to deliver.
✅ Recommended for home baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and anyone ready to skip the daily café line.
LaurabethLaurabeth –
Nice Machine for the Price
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I’ve waited to review this espresso maker because I had hoped I would getter better at using it. At this point I’ve got down making the espresso but not foaming the milk. I prefer lattes’ so I’m back using my stand alone milk frother for now. I’ve never worked as a barista, so had no clue how to do this. I found a video showing how to use the machine once you get it set up, but I didn’t find a video for how to set it up. And it wasn’t easy to do. Overall, I like the product. It looks nice on my countertop, and I’m going to keep working at it to save money on my lattes’.
Carlos –
Works ok
Works good, but it always dumps a little water into the drip tray with every shot, so you have to refill it frequently.
Tyler JeffersonTyler Jefferson –
Great espresso machine with a small flaw that is easy to manage
I have been very pleased with this espresso machine since I got it and it is worth every penny! I saw that the number one complaint of this product was the portafilter would splash everywhere and make a mess around your machine. It did and I was worried that I would want a refund. However, I have a hack to avoid it: use a 6” tall drinking glass. The space between the base tray and the portafilter is approximately 6 inches. Place a drinking glass underneath it and once you select your dose for a single or double, the espresso will pour into your glass and it will not make a mess. Other than that, this is a great machine that makes quality espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes.
5 people found this helpful
LunaLoveGoodsLunaLoveGoods –
Decent Espresso Machine Not Breaking Your Bank
If you are looking for a decent espresso machine that does not cost fortune, this is a nice set. It makes perfect espresso shot or Americano (if you cycle once or twice). For the price you pay, you get your nice cup of Joe. Here are some pros and cons:Pros: Makes good coffee; option of single or double shot (you can actually run multiple cycle with one compact clump of coffee; water heats super fast; easy to set up and easy to clean up; steam can be use to heat up milk.Cons: Does not grind coffee beans (need a separate coffee grinder); coffee shots are not as strong compared to other makers.Overall, this is a great coffee maker if you are in the market and not want to break your bank.
4 people found this helpful
LoriLori –
Enjoyable and Counter Space-Saving
I have really enjoyed using this machine. I also enjoy that if it doesn’t take up a ton of counter space. It’s allowed machine, no doubt, but it does make good espresso and is easy to do instead of all the weird temperature settings and etc that high level espresso machines make.
One person found this helpful
EAMEAM –
Cuisinart Espresso Awesomeness
I’m normally an I hate mornings, get me my coffee quick Keurig kind of guy. Occasionally, I’ll get a bit more serious and pull out my Timemore Chestnut grinder and do a nice pour over or use my moka pot. I’m almost done renovating our kitchen and this Cuisinart Espresso Bar fits perfectly in the corner between our stove and pantry cabinet.This machine makes having a perfect espresso almost as easy as using the Keurig. Just place the portafilter with either the single or double shot basket into the grinding cradle with the dosing guide on top. Press the single or double button and wait for the appropriate amount of coffee to drop in. The only thing that takes any extra effort is removing the dosing guide and getting the coffee flattened enough to tamp it. Once you get that done, just place the tamping puck on top of the portafilter, place it back into the cradle, and pull the lever down to complete the tamping. Move the portafilter under the brew head and press the appropriate dose size button. If you’d like more water, just place the cup under the steam wand and move the selector to hot water instead of steam. Or use the steam wand to froth your favorite type of milk. It takes a bit of practice with the settings to get it dialed into your preferences.The machine has a 1/2-pound bean storage and conical burr grinder on top. You can choose from 16 grind sizes. The water reservoir can be filled from the top or pulled out for easy filling from filtered water. There is a charcoal filter in the water reservoir. The top has a cup warming spot on the left. You can choose from single or double settings and even reprogram the buttons to add more water for each. The grinder is in a small basket that is removable for easy cleaning and there is a descale setting as well. The baskets and dosing guide can be stored under the machine in a basket behind the tray. I would not put the puck in it as it got a bit stuck when I did. One thing I have noticed is that if there is a bit too much coffee in the basket, you will have trouble turning the portafilter in the brew head. It will become almost impossible and feel as though you’re going to break it. The easy way to avoid that is to pay attention to the tamping puck. If it bottoms out on the basket when you’re tamping the coffee, it will turn in the brew head.Overall, this is a fantastic machine and although it’s fairly expensive, it is not too expensive for what you’re getting. It feels like a commercial appliance and exudes quality. It weighs 35 lbs. At the moment, the Amazon price is about $50 cheaper as compared to the Cuisinart website.I cannot recommend this espresso maker more. If you love coffee and are willing to pay for it, get this machine. If you spend a lot of money at coffee shops and it’s about coffee and not the social scene, get this machine.
2 people found this helpful
Lyze –
HALF the cost of other very similar machines!
We have only consistently used a Breville other than this machine here. For only half the price I was extremely impressed with how similar both of the machines are. This is honestly such a good value for such a nice shot of espresso. They function just the same and honestly, the coffee taste just as good from either machine. It’s easy to use, especially if you have used an espresso machine before otherwise I might recommend watching a video on YouTube explaining how to operate this. Overtime our Breville has started leaking water in certain places if it gets too full, but I have not had that issue whatsoever with this machine.
Peace Maker –
From-Bean-to-Cup — Fresh, Flavorful, and Worth the Counter Space
I received the Cuisinart Espresso Bar Grind & Brew Espresso Machine through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review — and I have to say, this machine has exceeded my expectations. If you’re serious about your coffee and want the convenience of fresh-ground espresso at home without the complexity of a professional setup, this unit strikes a great balance.Right out of the box, you can tell this is a well-constructed machine. It has a sturdy, premium feel with a brushed stainless finish that looks great on the counter. Important note: this is a heavy appliance, and I strongly recommend having two people unpack and move it into place. It’s not something you want to unbox alone if you can avoid it.The footprint is reasonable for a unit that combines a grinder, brewer, and milk frother, and it feels more compact than some of the high-end competitors.The integrated burr grinder delivers consistent, quality grinds — not too loud, and a noticeable upgrade in flavor compared to pre-ground coffee. Adjusting the coarseness is simple, and using fresh beans makes a dramatic difference in aroma and taste.Brewing is quick and satisfying. I consistently get a good layer of crema, and the pressure system seems solid. It allows for single or double shots, and switching to steam is quick and intuitive.The steam wand works well for a home setup. While it takes a little practice to master microfoam, it adds a professional touch to drinks. The wand has decent power and is easy to clean.Daily cleaning is manageable. The drip tray, grounds bin, and water tank are easy to remove and rinse. It also has a rinse function, which helps keep things tidy after each use.Watching a YouTube video or two made a big difference for me. The included instructions are fine, but seeing the process visually helped shorten the learning curve — especially with dialing in the grind size and using the steam wand effectively.This is a serious upgrade for anyone looking to move beyond pods or basic coffee makers. It delivers high-quality espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos with ease and convenience. If you want café-style coffee at home with the rich flavor only fresh beans can deliver, this machine is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for the weight — it’s a solid piece of equipment, and worth every pound.
One person found this helpful
MissP –
Needs tweeking in design
I have tried over 10 espresso machines and have come to realize what my individual needs and expectations are. In order of improtance: consistant great tasting coffee, uncomplicated brewing of coffee, ease of maintenance and small footprint on counter space. After aprox. a month of daily use I found this particular machine was an 8 in taste, a 6 in easy to set up due to the finicky response of the machine to grounds texture as well as spurts, a 5 in maintenance and a 3 in space it takes up on the counter. This company produces fantastic appliances but this isn’t one of them in my opinion. I don’t use frothed milk but gave it a go to properly review this. I found it refreshing that the spout didn’t burn me if accidently touched and it was okay to clean. The water capacity is fine and the temp of the coffee was to my taste which is on the hot side. As far as noise goes, all espresso machines make noise due to the type of brewing …I will stick with my previous espresso machine.
One person found this helpful
David P –
A real upgrade
Years ago I messed around with espresso and cappuccino. I had some small well known brand of espresso cappuccino maker that cost less than a hundred dollars and was about the same size as a regular coffee maker. I ground the beans using a small electric grinder. Nothing fancy. Wait until the grinding sounded about right and tamp the coffee into the handle for inconsistent results. The milk foamer ran a bit too hot or cold. I eventually gave up on that and stored them in the cabinet of failed kitchen toys.Then I got this beast. I know it is not the super-expensive professional Italian model you find in coffee shops, but it is a real upgrade to what I used in the past. I have fallen down a rabbit hole full of espresso gurus. “What do you mean you are not weighing your beans?” or me frantically Googling, “Why is there water on top of my puck?” Obviously, you do not need to get that fanatic about your coffee. I just like having these types of obsessions, I mean hobbies. The machine allows you to choose between 16 grind settings. It allows you to use the default settings for a pull. It also allows you to program the time for the pull and grind duration. So, once you find the perfect combination of bean, grind, and pull duration you can use those programed settings over again. Luckily, it is also easy to go back to the default settings because the instruction manual is short, illustrated, and legibly written. There is a place on top of the machine to warm my double walled hand blown with a cute little spout espresso cups – NOT included, but what’s the use of having this fantastic machine if you are not going to go all out? My wife can confirm that I have made 6 cups in a row, marking the specific variables in a spreadsheet of course, to find the best combination for the perfect espresso. Now I will get another brand of coffee bean and start the process again. I am not being sarcastic when I say the entertainment value of making espresso for company or alone makes owning this machine worth it. Now, if I could only figure out the best technique for foaming the milk. I have a couple of gallons of whole milk in the fridge waiting for me. I’m excited to get back to it. I’ve had it for about a month and enjoy using it every day. It is by a well known trusted manufacturer as well, so just get it.
One person found this helpful
TanH –
Not as convenient as a fully automated espresso maker
This espresso machine requires a bit of manual labor, and isn’t as convenient as a more expensive automatic machine. You have to manually tamp your coffee grounds and froth using the steam wand, compared to others that use the LatteGo auto frother. You’ll also have to remove and clean out the portafilter after each use. If you’re on a budget, this is still a great espresso machine that makes much better tasting espresso than a French press. If you make espresso several times a day though, the convenience of a fully auto machine might be worth the splurge.
One person found this helpful
Katie F –
Love it
Works great and love the adjustable mug shelf.
DOUG FISHER –
Cheaper then StarBucks
Makes expresso easy & add with coffee maker it’s cheaper then Starbucks
Customer BobCustomer Bob –
Makes a nice cuppa!
I haven’t tried out all the features yet on this marvelous machine. But for a regular cuppa, it does the job very well. No complaints. Amazon price is better than at the manufacturer’s website.
One person found this helpful
John GrimeJohn Grime –
Cuisinart Excellent Espresso Bar
Let’s start with looks! This espresso machine is absolutely beautiful, looks fantastic sitting on my island. It’s not one of those huge bulky machines but it’s also not compact, it’s a nice medium size that would fit just fine in a smaller kitchen but still stand out in a large chef’s kitchen.Setup was simple enough and it makes a nice well rounded espresso without any fuss. What I like most is all the many accessories it includes: stainless steel milk jug, storage tray, steam wand cleaning pin, tamping tool, water filter, charcoal filter, single shot espresso filter, double shot espresso filter, 52mm bottomless portafilter and a coffee scoop. The only accessory you’ll need to buy if you don’t already have one and want to use whole beans is a coffee grinder. My favorite is the cold extraction feature as I really like to enjoy iced coffees during the hotter months. All around excellent espresso machine. Highly recommend!