Skip to main content

Why I’m excited about Cuisinart’s first-ever Espresso Bar Collection

The announcement of these espresso makers caught my eye

Cuisinart Espresso Bar Collection
Cuisinart

Cuisinart recently debuted its first-ever Espresso Bar Collection, which immediately grabbed my attention. This stunning trio of espresso machines, designed for home use, meets a wide range of brewing preferences for all coffee lovers. As an espresso lover, what got me most excited about this announcement was the cold extraction technology, a feature designed to make iced espresso beverages in under five minutes. I love making iced Americanos at home — and the new Cuisinart Espresso Bar Collection seems like the perfect kitchen companion for doing so.

Upon first glance at the product images, the super-slim model (Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim Espresso Machine (EM-160) was the first I noticed. If you’ve been looking for a sleek espresso maker with limited counter space, this model might catch your eye, too. Made specifically for compact kitchens, this model features a hidden 1.5L removable water reservoir on the back, allowing it to deliver powerful performance without occupying precious counter space.

Recommended Videos

Each of the three models in the Cuisinart Espresso Bar Collection appears equally impressive, with a sleek stainless steel and black exterior finish. In addition to the slim model, the new launch includes two other home espresso machine models:

  • Cuisinart Espresso Bar Grind & Brew Espresso Machine (EM-640) – A full-size countertop espresso maker with 16 grind settings, an assisted tamping lever, 75-ounce removable water reservoir, and integrated accessory tray.
  • Cuisinart Espresso Bar Espresso Machine (EM-320) – A go-to choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a straightforward, stylish way to enjoy bold espresso at home.

All three models in the Cuisinart Espresso Bar Collection are now available on Cuisinart.com and at select retailers, including Amazon and Target.

Emily Caldwell
Emily is a freelance journalist with a focus on food, travel, health, and fitness content. She loves to travel to new…
New to making espresso drinks? These are the coffee appliances I recommend
The convenience of this espresso maker is unmatched
Nespresso Vertuoplus

So many of us (including our grandparents) have only known coffee in one form, usually drip coffee, for many years. While you can't mess with greatness, it's fair to want to explore the world of espresso-style drinks. From lattes to cappuccinos, there's something special about cafe-style espresso drinks that can almost scare newbies away. However, you don't have to visit a cafe daily to enjoy handcrafted espresso drinks. You also don't have to commit to purchasing a fancy espresso machine to brew espresso with a rich crema. Here's why I think the Nespresso Vertuoplus & Aeroccino3 are all you need to make espresso drinks at home.
Convenience of the Nespresso Vertuoplus
There are quite a few criticisms in the world of Nespresso machines. One of the most common criticisms addresses the high cost per cup compared to other methods of brewing espresso. While it's true that you may pay more per cup of espresso when using a Nespresso pod vs. espresso beans, you're paying for the convenience factor. Whether you're a beginner espresso Barista or not, we all value convenience.

I have a traditional espresso maker and the VertuoPlus -- and I love both. There's a time and a place for conventional espresso brewing methods, but I don't have that kind of time daily. As a coffee writer, I admit there are times when I will prioritize a fast and convenient shot of espresso. At the same time, I value the authentic process of brewing espresso with an espresso maker; I find myself returning to the VertuoPlus for reliable espresso on hectic days. I'm not a beginner when brewing coffee, yet I still thoroughly value what this maker brings.

Read more
Black coffee’s resurgence: Why 2025 could be the year of simplicity
Will you fall in love with black coffee again?
black eye coffee

Coffee trends change by the month, with new and exciting products and flavors constantly emerging. Yet, some coffee experts believe 2025 may be the year coffee drinkers return to a tried-and-true classic: plain black coffee. Jeff Daniels, Director of Sales at Non-Fiction Coffee Co., predicts a resurgence of black coffee this year, anticipating that coffee lovers will regain their appreciation for it. With over 10 years in the coffee industry, Daniels shares with us Here's why.
Has black coffee lost popularity in the past?

"I think the perceived dip in black coffee over the years was primarily a result of successful marketing efforts to make coffee more palatable to more people. Seasonal flavors and limitless syrup options meant that coffee became a lesser player in the overall drink people were getting. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that," says Daniels.

Read more
What is lungo? Here’s how it compares to your regular espresso shot
Lungo means long in Italian
espresso shot

You might come across a "caffè lungo" around Italy or a "long shot" in cafes around the U.S. I only recently learned the difference between a short espresso, known as a ristretto, and the opposite order: a lungo. The difference between variations of an espresso shot depends on the water-to-coffee ground ratio, leaving each shot of espresso with a different volume and taste. Now that I know the difference between these espresso shots, it makes ordering espresso even more fun. If you've also wondered: "What is lungo?" when reading a coffee shop menu, here's what you should know.
What is lungo?

A lungo is a shot of espresso that contains more water than a standard espresso shot. Its name is derived from the Italian word "long" (which seems fitting if you ask me). Lungo espresso shots use the same amount of ground coffee beans as traditional espresso shots. However, twice as much hot water is used.

Read more