Customer Ratings & Reviews

This Nespresso capsule coffee machine is quieter than others I've used but makes good coffee. It has a removable drip tray to accommodate different size cups.

I am a coffee lover since the age of 7! An amazing cup of coffee is the best way to start a day. But of all the coffee makers I have owned over the years, none of them have been able to replicate the true flavors of espresso you get from professional baristas at a coffee house. I have been chasing the elusive americano since I discovered it at a famous coffee chain some years back. I love the americano and want one at home! I have tried the coffee chain’s beans and grinding my own ect and its good but not the same! A cup of coffee is not the same as an espresso or espresso crafted drink. Now I guess I could spend $600 to $700 and probably get that but with the Cuisinart you don’t have to! I think it comes down to the pressure at which it brews and the temp plus grind particle size. This Cuisinart espresso maker claims 19 bars of pressure which I know is important, the brew temp is set at 200 degrees per the manual (the coffee house chain is 212 degree’s because I asked the barista) and it uses Nespresso original line pods (which I can buy the coffee chain I love’s brand of pod) so the grind size is perfect. Note: The Cuisinart does not come with any sample capsules which was a bummer because I got it delivered and had to wait to get some pods. So out of the box I examined the unit and ran the cleaning cycle. It could not be any easier to set up and it is really a beautiful machine. It has a small narrow foot print and sets solid. It really is sleek and refined and looks great on the counter. I ran a couple of cleaning cycles and got online to order some pods to pick up the next day. There are two buttons single shot (1.4oz) or a double shot (3.2oz) and you can adjust the volume of the shot if you want. You can also adjust the temp a bit as well from 195 degrees to 205 degrees. The great thing about the original line of Nespresso pods is they are everywhere and have some brand named pods including espresso pods from my favorite chain!!! Got home opened the little mermaiden branded box and pulled out a pod. Dropped it into the chamber and pushed the double espresso brew icon. It came to life and the familiar pressure sound was followed by the beautiful aroma and Carmel brown creme brewed espresso flowing from the brew spout into the cup. I have watched the barista and they put a little hot water in the cup then brew the espresso then add the water to finish the americano. I did the same. It looks and smelled and tasted exactly like the americano I was used to! I know it sounds lame and it’s a first world problem to be sure but in these crazy times to be able to sit down at home and chill and have an amazing americano from my favorite coffee house… well it was zen. After brewing I opened the brew handle and the pod drops into a storage container in the unit. Nice. The manual also has some recipes for espresso drinks like the macchiato and café mocha. Cuisinart is a great brand and they really have done an amazing job with this espresso maker! Highly recommend!

This is a fantastic machine for home and office use. Espresso that tastes great in the convenience of my home. I don’t have to pay $5 for a cup of coffee at the trendy coffee chains. I can simply purchase some Nespresso compatible pods and make this at my own leisure. The espresso coffee tastes great and really has a rich and bold flavor. I like the small and compact form of this espresso maker and it’s small footprint since it doesn’t take up too much room on the countertops. The design and functionality are great as well. The machine heats up within a minute and the buttons are easy to press and read. I also really like that I am able to set a desired temperature for my coffee and how much I would like in a given size setting. The machine is not loud when it is making espresso coffee and it’s great for easy clean ups as well. Simply dump out the basket with the empty pods. Overall I really like this machine and am thankful that it’s available to me while I’m working from home daily and don’t rely on coffee shops any longer. It’s a small investment for a home appliance but it’s a long term savings since I’m not spending $5 or more for gourmet coffee chain drinks.

This is review of Cusinart Espresso Defined EM-15. At first sight, it looks elegantly made with the feel & look of simplified machine. This is for drinker of espresso instead of drip coffee. Although it could make an americano style, mainly serve who enjoy the dark and short coffee taste depending on the bean. It is easy to operate and the mini display help with simple options to control how hot, increase/decrease level of brew for single or double shot. It also provide option to set the time for stand by from minimum 15 minutes. On a specific of increasing the brew to give a notion, setting to the maximum allowed for double shot, it would overflow the cup, although just bit more that the size. Then the final brewed coffee does have that nice cushion of creamy foam that slightly sit on the top. In term of flavor of the coffee I think it does ok brewing. I had Peets Dark Intensity 11. It does have naturally Peets signature flavor. But this is only comparing between reviewing machine vs what I have at Peets store. Positive: 1. While brew on an espresso cup, it doesn’t slash out from the cup as does some other brand machine. 2. Quick to preheat. I think it takes about less than 30 sec. 3. Availability of multiple brands and not exclusive to Nespresso. Negative: 1. Doesn’t have on the top a spot to for esrpresso cup such to heat it as would do actual some of good espresso machine at the same price level. 2. The standby setting that goes off based on the time setting doesn’t work if the water bin doesn’t have enough level of water. Hence can’t rely on it if need more water and force to check every time for it after use. 3. Not sure if is isolated situation, from multiple use happened once, that the capsule waste bin was filled with water. But happened once and not repeated at least as of this writing. Wish had: 1. From design point, wish the turn on/off button were on the front or more practical place.

--- SETUP --- The setup of the Cuisinart espresso machine was quick. The unit comes pre-assembled and ready to use after removing some tape that holds things together to prevent removable parts from falling out. --- FEATURES --- The key features of this espresso machine are a removable 24oz water reservoir, 19 bars of pressure, a digital display, one-touch controls, a removable cup/drip tray for taller cups, and a capsule compartment that holds up to 12 ejected capsules. --- PERFORMANCE --- After turning on the machine and pre-heating the water, I had an espresso in my cup within 30 seconds. Now, if you don’t know about espressos, it’s all about what you expect out of your drink. The basic espresso is a 1-oz shot or double shot (doppio), which Cuisinart Espresso Machine will do for you quickly. You can smell the aroma of your beverage as it is being prepared. The pods ejected into the waste receptacle with ease and no mess. Over the course of several days, I would make at least an espresso a day trying two different flavors, and the flavors were always consistent. The way I prepare mine is called a caffe latte, which is a shot of espresso with steamed milk and foam. Keep in mind that this isn’t your traditional full-size cup of coffee machine, it specializes in espressos. --- EXPECTATIONS --- The product meets my expectations. I really enjoyed the simplicity of this machine out of the box. If you want to create your own unique settings, you can change the temperature, the amount of water, and choose between a single or a double shot with the push of a button. The box isn’t clear as to what pods you should buy (Nespresso Original Line) and I think that a sample of at least one or two pods would have gone a long way. As it stands, there are no included pod samples, but you can find them at Best Buy, so pick some up with the machine. --- VALUE --- The price for the Cuisinart Espresso Machine is worth it if you plan on using this daily. A pack of 10 pods runs you about 8-9 dollars, so keep that in mind. --- APPROVAL --- I highly recommend this product for people who want to get into making their own espressos in the simplest way possible.

This is NOT a conventional coffee maker, but a dedicated capsule-based espresso machine that could not be simpler to use and then to enjoy perfectly created one-button espresso. Insert an espresso capsule, NOT included, press a button, enjoy. For just $200 currently at Best Buy, why not give it a serious look? ** WHAT’S IN THE BOX ** • Cuisinart model EM-15 espresso machine with 19 BAR pressure • Removable water reservoir • Detachable power cord • Instruction manual including recipes, with warranty • NOT in the box – espresso capsule starter set ** THE PREMISE ** This dedicated espresso machine is designed to deliver high-quality espresso in home or small office. The unit may use any Nespresso®-compatible Original Line capsules. Espresso is served in smaller portions than a standard cup of coffee. BOTH are coffee drinks. The difference? A cup of coffee starts at about six ounces. An espresso “shot” has about 1.4-oz of liquid for a single and 3.2-oz for a double shot. A very simplified explanation is this - Espresso drinks are created under high pressure through coffee from fine to medium fine grind. The expression of pressure, expressed in “BAR” is an abbreviation from the Greek “baros,” that means weight. One BAR is one atmosphere of pressure, or 14.7 pounds of pressure per square inch, expressed as psi. 19 BAR = 279 psi. Lots of pressure. Crema, the foamy goodness atop the brew, is a desirable outcome. Coffee snobs have their own language! Most consumers, myself included, have not been schooled in espresso-speak or espresso history, and you might not be interested either, except to say that many of us have learned to enjoy espresso from a local coffee house, which is why you may be reading this in the first place. Instead of having to deal with prep, it really is all in the capsule. That is the beauty, the simplicity of the product. On the other hand, users are locked in to the system of pre-configured and pre-loaded capsules. HOWEVER, aftermarket reusable and refillable capsules are available allowing users to purchase pre-ground espresso or to grind one’s own beans, then load the capsules for use and reuse in this machine. You are encouraged to look for more information online about the wonderful world of ESPRESSO. ** THE SETUP ** Easy enough. Instructions call for cycling one hot water shot through the machine as a rinse cycle before enjoying the first cup of espresso. This is accomplished by plugging in the removable power cord, removing the reservoir and putting enough water in it to for this first shot. I filled it. Powering on the machine illuminates the LCD display to show PREHEATING. When preheating is complete, the display will show READY, PLEASE SELECT. With a mug in place, and without a capsule placed in its slot, press the cup symbol and wait until the cycle is completed. And now, it is ready for action, time for the first cup of espresso. BE PREPARED. Unless you are already knowledgeable, stocked and ready to proceed, purchase one or more varieties of espresso capsules in search of favorites. Here are a few tips I have picked up along my journey. Dark roast is a flavor profile, as is medium or blonde, as just three examples. The amount of caffeine, the “jolt,” is greatest in light roast, a counterintuitive piece of information. There is less caffeine in a shot of espresso than in a regular cup of coffee. A setting of single or double shot of espresso is a choice of a less or more intense flavor profile. The only way to find what YOU like is to try many brands and varieties. Capsules are also available that deliver teas as well as espresso in this machine, though the amount of liquid is limited to less than a traditional full cup because this device is a dedicated espresso machine, not a combination of both espresso and traditional six-ounce cup. ** PUT TO THE TEST ** I had never given a thought to espresso vs. coffee until a couple of years ago during an extended visit with friends who have a dedicated espresso machine. They decided upon their preference for espresso over coffee many years ago. I tried espresso and liked it. Throughout my stay, I pushed the buttons on their $500 Italian machine and became accustomed to the intense flavor from multiple double-shots of primarily dark roast coffee. The $500 machine requires fresh beans to be placed in the top and then ground for each shot. The water reservoir must be filled and after use there is considerable after care. “Pucks” of spent coffee are ejected into a receptacle. An automatic cleaning cycle requires emptying of a large tray of spent water and a cup must be placed below twin nozzles to receive a burst of cleaning cycle water. It’s a lot of work. Their machine also features a built-in steamer/frother, an added step many espresso lovers enjoy. Steaming and frothing instructions are included in this Cuisinart Espresso Machine’s included instruction book, though the operation must be performed outside of the capabilities within this device. Back at home base, I returned to my nearly daily drink of freshly made coffee from daily ground beans. And then, in recent weeks, I decided to move up to a dedicated espresso machine. The more modest cost of this $200 device seemed a good entry into my at-home espresso journey. I also visited three popular national brands of coffee bars to sample their espresso offerings for comparison. Three varieties and brands of espresso capsules were purchased in readiness for putting this product to the test. Primed and ready, and armed with my recent coffee shop experience, it was time to load a capsule and try out this machine. The water reservoir was filled with fresh, cold, filtered water. The power button pressed, ready signal on, cleansing cycle completed with cup in place. Next, capsule loaded, double shot selected, and show time! Delivering a nice crema, I tasted the double-shot samples straight, then some with added heavy cream and others with milk steamed, and then frothed according to instructions in the included instruction manual. Each spent capsule is ejected into the used-capsule container located behind and a part of the cup/drip tray. The tray is capable of holding 12 spent capsules. The unit is not without maintenance needs, though the procedure is simplified, and well explained in the documentation. What is needed? Beyond simple hand washing of removable parts, the procedure is called “descaling.” The need for descaling results from mineral deposits that may exist in the customer’s water supply. Mineral deposits here and in similar devices can coat heating elements, diminishing the elements’ ability to do the job. Fortunately, the LCD display will read DESCALE when this is required. ** FINAL THOUGHTS ** Consumers interested in enjoying espresso at home will find Cuisinart Espresso Machine model EM-15 an easy to use entry to the category. What could be easier than dropping in a capsule, pressing a button and sipping freshly created espresso? Individual taste will guide the user to whether this device will yield satisfactory results. As for this user, the experience has been quite satisfying. Users already predisposed to making the upgrade jump to on-board steaming and frothing will be pleased to learn that an upgraded Cuisinart model, EM-25, at just $100 more, is available immediately at Best Buy. And now, excuse me while I enjoy another espresso from my Cuisinart EM-15. ** WARRANTY ** Covered by the manufacturer’s TWO YEAR parts and labor warranty.

Overall this espresso machine is an elegant upgrade to my kitchen. The quality of the 19 bar output is on a completely different level than my other capsule machines I've used in the past. Although the machine does lack the bells and whistles of others, it does make up for it with its ease of use, one button controls and compact design. This makes cleaning the used capsule compartment and storing a breeze. I was a little surprised with the how loud the machine is, so I try to not use it until the rest of my family is awake in the morning...not a deal breaker though. The pods are expensive, but well worth it with the coffee tasting (in my opinion) equal to or better than its other name brand competitors. Overall, this is a great machine even though I would prefer to see a quieter version in the future.

Listen, Cuisinart knows what they are doing and I’m completely satisfied with my Espresso Machine! I knew nothing about bars of pressure but let’s just say this machine provides more pressure than it takes to fill a tire. It explains the creamy richness of my espresso. Of course I opted for a blend familiar to me but these days so many companies make the pods for the machine that you’ll surely find your fix! There’s no mess at all. The pods have a chamber they get dumped into and I love to use the left over grounds for plants that need acid. As for design, it is above standard. If you’re looking for something to sit nestled on your counter or better yet something you can store and pull out for company it will work! The lever is this beautiful chrome finished handle with weight in it. So when you pressed down you understand it is doing it’s job. The vessel that stores water is also just as compact but never ran out of water for myself and three others to have an espresso. Overall I’d say I am pleased with my Espresso Machine and love how simple, easy to clean, cute, and easy to store it is!

I wanted to like this but in the end this machine was just ok. You can get better that make more than just espresso for the same money. Pros: 1. It’s heats the water fairly quickly 2. Espresso tastes great Cons: 1. Pods are expensive and costly, even the reusable pods to purchase are not conveniently available, whichever ones are available are costly with no great reviews. 2. Very loud and noisy 3. There’s no milk steamer attached, it’s inconvenient to heat milk separately. Overall, I wouldn’t purchase this machine due to its overall costs. However it does it make a great espresso.

The Cuisinart EM-15 Defined Espresso Machine is one of many Nespresso compatible machines out there. This essentially is for espresso lovers who don’t want the hassle of making espresso the traditional way. Using Nespresso or Nespresso-compatible cups, espresso afficionados simply has to put one cup and almost instantly, one would already have a single shot of espresso or a lungo at that. But what differentiates this from the others. Well, it’s size is to be considered first. Measuring 13.5"(L) x 5.75"(W) x 9.5"(H), it doesn’t really take up much space but still can handle a 24 oz water container. And it’s quite simple to use. It has two buttons on the left and right which indicate whether you want a short single shot or a lungo. In the middle of these two buttons is the menu button which would enable you to change the volume of the coffee and the temperature of the water. Other options include a reset function and a screen showing the serial number and that’s all there is to it. While some may find this to simplistic, I find this enough for my needs. And to add, there are reusable espresso cups for you to use to save you money. Unfortunately, I haven’t time to try this yet since I am still in the process of ordering a few. But that said, it is still nice to know that there is that option.

I bought this Nespresso machine from Best Buy because it went on sale for $100.... couldn't resist! Our KitchenAid was a beautiful machine but leaked too much water into the capsule container even with Nespresso capsules. This machine is so quite and fast that I am very surprised! The coffee is excellent, plenty of crema. The amount of water adjustments allowed are fine and very precise....I would have preferred 120 ml as the max limit than 100 ml, but still works out very well. You will experience some leaking of water if you use cheap plastic capsules like Delicitaly...not recommended unless the plastic capsules has an aluminum bottom. I am very pleased with the machine overall.

I search for some time to find the perfect espresso machine and I finally decided on this one. So simple to use, small and compact, quiet, and above all makes a great espresso! Would highly recommend it!

This espresso machine works great so far. I bought it for my wife and she has been pretty happy for the price.

Easy to use and makes amazing espressos love that its very compact able to fit anywhere

Makes the best espresso easy to use, set up, and it was a great price

Great gift for a coffee addict. Makes a great cup of espresso.

Awesome espresso machine. Makes a delicious quick cup of espresso. I didn’t need the bells and whistles and this bad boy really does the trick, highly recommend for espresso drinkers. Obviously it’s not a top of the line machine but it absolutely works for what I need it for

I was so excited when I received this couple of weeks ago. My sister-in-law had the same machine and after she made me a cup of coffee I had to have my own. I was skeptical on the price but this machine makes such delicious coffee. The coffee blends Nespresso has are so good and such a variety. I have been a K-cup drinker for a few years now but boy-o-boy am I really enjoying my espresso. I get a great cup of coffee every time. Much better than I even expected. The only problem is, that I can't live without it. I cannot say enough good things about makers and the product! The machine itself is beautifully designed, very solid and well made. I really like that the machine disposed of the cartridges into a container for easy disposal. I never thought an automated coffee machine with pods could taste so good. This thing makes terrific espressos and is really easy to use, at least for basic functions. I really like the small size - this takes up much less room on a countertop and is easily transported if you want to take it along when visiting family or friends over the holidays. The Nespresso machine perfectly meets all of my requirements. Buying this tiny-shiny espresso maker is worth every penny for someone who prefers espresso over dripping coffee. This machine makes a strong and flavorful Italian espresso that even smells heavenly. The body made from metal, the painting is smooth and shiny. Nice to touch it. Surprisingly, the plastic parts are very good quality too. It's extremely easy to use. Just follow the manual it is correct. The machine does make a noise when it makes the coffee, but I won't say it's too loud or noisy. I find it noisier in the cleaning cycle (running through water without pods), which concerned me initially. Pros: - It’s very compact! Doesn’t take up nearly as much countertop space as our Keurig. Has a minimal & sleek look! - It’s quick. Takes under a minute for machine to warm up and pour espresso. - Machine shuts off by itself! - Espresso tastes great! If you’re into a quick little latte or cappuccino a few times a day, you’ll be saving tons of money by not frequenting coffee shops twice a day. I have only had it for a short period of time but so far every cup of espresso has been perfect or at least better than I ever imagined getting from a pod. This espresso machine is fantastic. It’s well made, small (perfect for my small kitchen). It makes the tastiest, smooth, creamy espresso. I love lattes and cappuccinos so espresso is very important element to it. My espresso is so tasty now. It would have been really good if they had included some samples with it and that's the reason I've deducted one star from my review. There is nothing negative that I can say about it, apart from this one complaint. If you are in the market for an espresso maker, then this is THE best way to go! If you are looking for a small, fairly inexpensive espresso machine that produces a good quality shot, IMO this is a good choice. The capsules aren't cheap, but neither is a double shot from a coffee shop. The nice thing is, it's quick and easy, and you can have your espresso before running out the door in the morning.

This is my first Nespresso machine. Very easy to use. Pour water in, place a Nespresso capsule in the slot and, at the push of a button. makes a decent espresso. Only thing missing is a milk frother.

Good coffee maker. It's not the best Nespresso machine, but it works pretty well once you get used to its functions.