KitchenAid isn’t a brand we’ve typically associated with espresso machines. The kitchen appliance maker’s reputation is built around its gold standard stand mixer, alongside a line of food processors, blenders, and a growing catalog of larger kitchen appliances. But the brand’s newly launched KitchenAid Espresso Collection arrives as an effort to change minds and coffee preparing habits. Built around a sleek modern industrial design outfitted with all of the conveniences and options associated with higher tier coffee machines, we put two of the KitchenAid Espresso Collection machines through the morning grind to see whether they deserved a place on our countertops.
The KitchenAid Espresso Collection includes one semi-automatic model and three variations of a fully-automatic machine. \\\ Photo: KitchenAid
Before we get to user experience, we have to commend KitchenAid for updating these new espresso machines with a more contemporary look, feel, and controls compared to their previous model. Toning down the KitchenAid branding and shifting away from the iconic stand mixer aesthetic toward a more modern industrial design infuses the entire collection with the look and feel of premium espresso machines like those from European makers. We are not alone in bestowing accolades – the four machine collection earned a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024.
I tested the $699 Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder offering more hands-on operation, while Kelly Beall, Design Milk Director of Branded Content, tested out the top-tier $1999.99 Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine KF8.
KitchenAid doesn’t include a knock box, so you’ll want to add one alongside a favorite bag of espresso beans ahead of your first pull. \\\ Photo: Gregory Han
Weighing in at 23 pounds the metal clad KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder has a good heft to it. Measuring 15-2/5 inches tall, 13-1/10 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, the sum makes for a fairly compact setup that still looks and feels serious. We placed our review unit onto a kitchen utility cart, with enough room for a kettle and knock box. KitchenAid also added a pair of small rear wheels that makes moving the machine easy without compromising its stability.
After filling the hopper with a freshly roasted bag of Blue Bottle First Espresso Blend, we were ready to prepare our first serving \\\. Photo: Gregory Han
The integrated burr grinder is out of sight – literally – but also in its performance. The grinding action is noticeably quieter than our cacophonous Fellow Ode Brew Grinder (more about that below), exhibiting an almost mechanical purr while dosing out a consistent volume of grounds for 1 or 2 shot servings. If there was a feature we liked most, it was this surprising sensorial detail.
KitchenAid, alongside its sister brand JennAir, has made it a point to engineer appliances with remarkably hushed operation, earning some models a Certified Quiet Appliance by Quiet Mark. \\\ Photo: KitchenAid
This being a semi-automatic machine, users are tasked with dosing and tamping themselves using an included 58mm easy tamp portafilter. No biggie for someone already used to Chemex pour overs; for some, the routine of dosing and tamping is all part of the appeal of creating a home coffee station. KitchenAid’s Smart Dosing Technology feature takes out the guesswork in hitting the right amount in volume and grind size. For most users once you find the sweet spot paired to your favorite roast, preparation becomes a two button press process.
The layout of controls makes for easy use and adjustments to temperature, dosing, frothing, and cleaning. There’s also an espresso brew pressure dial, but forgoes bars of pressure for a simplified ideal range of pressure to aim for. \\\ Photo: KitchenAid
Once dosed and tamped, the portafilter locks into place with an easy twist. \\\ Photo: Gregory Han
The portafilter itself is designed with a flat base without the horned spouts one might expect, simplifying tamping across a level surface using the included tamper.
Photo: Gregory Han
With dosing and tamping dialed in, extraction proved to be smooth and consistent (if not a little bit splashy due to the height of the pour), with a fine crown of crema offering a pleasant first sip. We also tried the unit’s Multi-Angle Steam Wand with oat milk for a dairy-free latte, finding it easy to steam using the included frothing pitcher.
Photo: KitchenAid
The KitchenAid Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 Kelly tested offers an even more simplified experience, streamlined by a touchscreen display and an auto-dispensing milk container. Kelly likened the KF8 as comparable to a “café with its own barista at your fingertips.” She also liked the option to choose from more than 40 drinks, with the ability to adjust strength, volume, temperature, and milk type exact to her preferences. The top-tier model also allows those settings to be saved as a user preset for one-button convenience.
The KF8 impressed with its automatic steaming, heating, and milk frothing capabilities, designed to top off drinks with milk or plant-based alternatives into two separate cups at once. \\\ Photo: KitchenAid
“There’s a special touch to preparing espresso drinks that I’ve never quite mastered with previous machines,” says Kelly, “The KF8 eliminates the guesswork and does it for you.”
Kelly’s favorite feature aligns with my own experience, specifically the machine’s pleasantly quiet personality. “There’s nothing quite as jarring as the noise of grinding fresh beans first thing in the morning, particularly if you live with others. Thankfully, this machine includes a bean hopper that grinds so quietly that it’s been listed as a Certified Quiet Appliance by Quiet Mark.”
Because who wants to start off their morning bothered by anything until after that first sip?
The Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 is available in Juniper, a shade of green, alongside Porcelain White, Stainless Steel, and Cast Iron Black. \\\ Photo: KitchenAid
Check out the full KitchenAid Espresso Collection at kitchenaid.com.
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