Posted Sun Jun 26, 2011, 7:57pm Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
wizardofvoid Said:
and yeah.. I can see myself getting a pro machine down the line but.. to be honest I am completely content with the quality of the shots that this machine pulls. I go to some of the best Coffee shops in New England and I can make a shot that rivals any of theirs on this machine. It's all trial and error my brother.
I'm glad to hear that, after all, what we are all pursuing here is a better cup. =)
wizardofvoid Said:
As for pods... My girl tries using them on this machine (she just doesn't care to learn how to make a good espresso.. lol) she uses them for Lattes. Personally I watched her make one and it was so sad how thin and pissy that shot looked. But ya know... different strokes and whatnot..
My GF is afraid of my machine, lol. I've tried to get her to learn how to use it but she just says "I'm not touching that thing, I'll have you make me a latte", and laughs. She sticks to her Keurig when she's making coffee herself, Lol.
wizardofvoid Said:
BTW James.. Your machine looks KILLER! You should post some vids of some of the shots that thing produces. Looks like a monster.
I've been desperately trying to borrow a tripod from someone so that I can take video of some shots and lattes but none of my friends have one. It's in the pipe for sure though, cause several people have asked me for videos.
psychobrew Senior Member Joined: 19 May 2011 Posts: 93 Location: Maryland Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Tue Jun 28, 2011, 8:07am Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
I think the second machine is going back. It leaks around the portafilter gasket a little too often and even with the presurized portafilter, the (fake) crema is weak.
epengr Senior Member Joined: 1 Apr 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Saskatoon Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: NS Oscar Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Tue Apr 10, 2012, 11:56am Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
I know this thread is old, but I'll throw in my $0.02.
This is my second machine, my first being a Delonghi BAR32. I got the EM-200 for $20 off craigslist, could say no.
I'll preface by saying I'm a total coffee noob. I've owned the BAR32 for about 3 months and I've been learning as I go.
Has anyone opened this machine? I'm tempted to poke around inside. I bought a cheap asian-made PID and SSR to add to my BAR32 before I found the EM-200... I don't knwo if the EM-200 needs a PID or if it would even be possible to tack it on to it's existing control electronics. I'm guessing it has electronic temp control, but not PID controlled. I've done the "coffee cup" temp measurement with a Fluke meter and a k-type thermocouple and it seems to run a little hot when you let it sit (~206). If you run even a little water through it and then pull the shot as soon as it's ready again it's right around 201. Easiest temp surf even, I'd guess.
This machine does default to a 1.5oz single and a 3oz double. It's basket seems deeper than the BAR32 which is 7/14g. Does teh EM-200 do 1 1/2 and triple shots, or is 3 oz too much? I've tried looking for this "Blonde" point, but I think that's hard with a pressurized filter.
I order the KRUPS filter that supposed to filter the BAR32, we'll see if it fits the EM-200 when it arrives. If not, I'll try to get the Cuisinart filter. I'll need a real grinder first I fear - the old Delonghi grinder I have won't go fine enough. It was great when I used to rely on a Bialetti, but it's no espresso grinder.
If I decide to keep it, I'll probably figure out a way to cut the bottom off the filter holder too.
I'm still learning on this machine, but I'm still torn between the BAR32 and this. The BAR32 seems to have more steam power (especially with the replacement tip I made for it). I'm almost tempted to keep both - my poor-man's double boiler ;).
Anyways... I'm rambling and I doubt anyone's still following this thread.
espressofilus Senior Member Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Saskatchewan Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Faema MP
Posted Fri Apr 13, 2012, 4:15pm Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
Fear not, I continue to watch this thread.
I had my machine replaced under warranty at 2 years and 10 months as it was making nasty noises when it TRIED to steam. I think it was a solenoid issue, but I really haven't a clue.
That gave me a chance to keep the old filter basket before returning the machine. I used a dremel like cutting wheel to remove the bottom of that basket so there's a real mesh screen, and this allows me to grind finer and tamp harder without seizing the machine. I'm pleased with the results, but this is only a good idea if you've got a grinder capable of a good espresso grind. If you have a very basic grinder, the pressurized single hole might be your better option.
I looked into the bottom and the back, but haven't taken anything apart. They look like this. Bottom Back
I definitely customize my shot sizes smaller, to get a much better tasting shot. I'll always choose quality over quantity, and the full large shot at default settings goes well past blonding.
O, and I like your idea of a "poor-man's double boiler".
epengr Senior Member Joined: 1 Apr 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Saskatoon Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: NS Oscar Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Fri Apr 13, 2012, 8:47pm Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
Thanks for the pics - I was contemplating opening mine this weekend. I'll have to study your pic when I'm soberer (English toffee cappuccino with a shot of vodka, anyone?). I'd like to know if it's an electronic or mechanical thermocouple controlling it - I can't see a mechaincal TC in the pic so it's not obvious at first glance. It looks like the PCB is reasonably well self-documented, I maybe able to work it out. Either way, the PID temp controller I have will probably go on the BAR32. I think I can make it into an excellent machine until I can afford (read: convince my GF that I need) a real nice double boiler or HX machine.
I'm hopeful that the $8 krups two-cup unpressurized filter that I ordered will fit when it finally arrives. My Delonghi wheel burr grinder is not up to the task, but my Baratza Encore should arrive Monday.
My local Home Outfitters has Cuisinart, Krups and Brevillle units on display. The Krups was a steam powered cheapy unit with a 4-cup filter. I fit, diameter wise, in the Cuisinart portafilter, but was too tall. I'm hopeful that the 2-cup will fit. The Brevillle filters and portafilter seem to be completely interchangeable with the Cuisinart machines, so a set of Breville unpressurized filters are my backup plan. You can get replacement Breville Barvista portafilter for under $10, so I may consider making a nude portafilter some day too.... The BAR32 portafilter can me made nude my just cutting away plastic though, so that's almost certain to happen soon, even though the replacement portafilter is over $30 for some stupid reason.
On an unrelated matter, there's local Craigslist listing for a circa 1997 La San Marco 85-16M single group for $700 that's absolutely killing me. Should I risk loosing a perfectly wonderful girlfriend for a potentially awesome espresso machine ;).
Posted Mon May 7, 2012, 11:37pm Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
I know this is a bit late, but I too have an EM-200, and I've finally dialed it in, with much trial and error. I wrote a quick tip guide for home barista, and I'll link it here.
AJM Senior Member Joined: 6 Aug 2012 Posts: 11 Location: Ontario, Canada Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Aug 6, 2012, 10:33am Subject: Re: Need help with a Cuisinart EM 200
MaxwellMooney Said:
I know this is a bit late, but I too have an EM-200, and I've finally dialed it in, with much trial and error. I wrote a quick tip guide for home barista, and I'll link it here.
In my opinion, you are just on time. I just recently purchased the Cuisinart EM 200 model espresso maker and I am waiting for it to be delivered. Your tips, along with the tips of everyone else in this forum, are going to be a very great help to me. My biggest decision at this point, is to determine whether I need to order a non-pressurized basket or if I should be trying to modify my basket by cutting out the bottom. Of course I will first try to use the machine as is, but from what I have read it seems that that will not produce the best quality espresso the machine is capable of. I am trying to find a local source for the Breville non-pressurized filter, however I am not finding anything up to this point. Hopefully I will find the source soon, since I am afraid to try and modify my current basket. This is a great discussion forum, and I hope that it continues into the future.
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