KitchenAid isn't exactly a new brand to American households. But, as this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review will show, this beauty they've just launched is.
KitchenAid isn’t exactly a new brand to American households. But, as this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review will show, this beauty they’ve just launched is.
This high-end espresso machine makes things easier for super busy espresso lovers. Especially those who don’t want to feel like they’re playing Jenga every time they brew a shot.
Essentially, this automatic coffee machine promises powerhouse performance, convenience and easy maintenance. But does it live up to the hype? I simply had to find out, so I bought the KitchenAid KF7 to test out for you.
I’ll uncover why this new-to-market espresso machine has caused such a stir in the auto-brewing coffee community. And a little later, I’ll share my experiences using the thing.
New kid on the block
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
This could be your dream machine
Excellent build quality
Easy to use
Touchscreen display
Tons of drink options
Easy to clean
Rather pricey
Overview: KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review
If you didn’t know already, KitchenAid, of stand mixer fame, also makes good semi and fully automatic espresso machines. The KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is one of the latest additions to this range.
I have to say this coffee maker does take up quite a bit of counter space. What’s more, everything – and I do mean everything – is fully automated. It has an integrated bean hopper (I suppose you won’t need the KitchenAid Coffee Grinder here) that doses and grinds beans. The machine then tamps and brews your espresso before frothing your milk to perfection.
Crucially, this KitchenAid has a superb build quality. Its durable stainless steel construction should guarantee you years of use. It comes fully assembled and boasts a removable water reservoir and milk container.
Also included are a water filter, water hardness indicator strip and cleaning tablets.
The only major downside in this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review is that it doesn’t froth non-dairy milk. It does, however, make up for this with the insanely versatile brewing options.
While you’re at it, you can program your desired drink settings. Select for everything from drink volume and drink temperature, to coffee strength and drink size. All while using the gorgeous touchscreen display!
Another feature I love about this beauty is the low maintenance. Thanks to the post-brew flush/rinse cycle and pull-out drip tray/puck container, cleaning this coffee maker is as easy as pie.
Overall, the KitchenAid KF7 is a game changer for the no-fuss espresso enthusiast. It performs well and is easy to use. And at the hefty price of $1,499.99, so it should!
KitchenAid Espresso Machine KF7 Features
Size and Design
As far as size goes, this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso machine is quite a specimen. It has a relatively large footprint, coming in at 18.5 x 10.2 x 14.3 inches (46.9 x 25.9 x 36.3 centimeters). As for its weight, it’s a respectable 37 pounds (16.8 kilograms).
Comparatively, it’s much larger than the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, which I’ve used before. Because of this, I’d recommend taking counter space measurements before buying this coffee maker.
I love the top-tier quality of this Swiss-made machine. I’ve noticed that KitchenAid draws heavily from Miele’s CM5310. However, this coffee maker boasts a much larger water reservoir (and, for that matter, a much-improved digital display).
Another thing I love about this KitchenAid coffee maker is its brewing capacity. It boasts a 74-ounce (2.2-liter) water reservoir and 26.7-ounce (789-milliliter) milk container. These capacities are decent; they allow you to brew conveniently without constant refilling.
Oh, and another thing: this machine’s dispensing spout is adjustable. Why’s this important, you may ask? Well, this feature allows you to easily brew everything from a single espresso to a double latte.
The durable stainless steel construction offers a classic, minimalist beauty. In addition, it guarantees precision performance and years of reliability.
However, the base has a plastic construction, so there’s that. Still, while we’re on the subject of reliability, this coffee maker comes with a respectable two-year warranty. That’s handy, given the price.
User Interface
One of the best features to point out in this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review is the coffee maker’s user interface. It’s intuitive and so easy to use that a child could master it.
However, I do feel that KitchenAid simplified things a tad too much. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity for techies and no options for cold extraction.
Still, who’s complaining, when you can choose from a wide variety of espresso drinks at the touch of a button? These include single and double espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, americanos and more.
The digital display is also instrumental during cleaning. The “Clean Me” indicator light lets you know when your coffee maker requires a cleaning cycle. All prompts appear intuitively, guiding you fully to ensure you don’t make a mess of things.
These prompts offer a step-by-step process from start to finish. This guides you on all types of cleans, including:
Daily post-brew cleansÂ
Deep milk cleansÂ
Brew unit descalingÂ
Auto-bean purges (to prevent old bean residues from contaminating new beans)Â
Pre-storage evaporator cleans
The touchscreen display also allows you to program your water hardness levels and energy-saver settings (a standby time of anywhere from 8 minutes to 8 hours). How cool is that?!
Conical Burr Grinder
Another stellar feature of this automatic coffee maker is the built-in, conical burr grinder. It automatically doses and grinds coffee beans in preparation for brewing.
I like that KitchenAid chose a conical over a flat burr grinder for this application. Besides the versatility, grinding for a broader spectrum of espresso bean grind sizes, a conical grinder is much easier to clean.
What really sets this grinder apart is its Automatic Smart Dosing Technology. It selects the right grind and produces the ideal volume of coffee grounds for each drink every time. No guesswork needed!
You should note that you can change espresso grinder settings only when the grinder is running.
You may also adjust the grind to the roast profile of your coffee beans. KitchenAid recommends a finer grind setting for light roasts and a coarser grinder setting for darker roast profiles. The ultimate in quick service, low-maintenance grind technology!
Removable Bean Hopper
Now, how often do you see a removable coffee bean hopper on a super-automatic? Not very often, I’ll tell ya! This is one feature I did not expect in this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review. So, in that regard, KitchenAid has knocked it off the park!
This 9.5-ounce (270-gram) hard-plastic hopper sits atop the machine, boasting a lever cover that protects your beans. Although its capacity varies on coffee type and roast, and its output varies depending on your settings, this bean hopper carries coffee beans for up to 22 single espresso shots in a single fill.
And as it’s removable, it not only makes it easy to fill up your machine before brewing, but it also makes cleaning a breeze.
Milk Frothing
Automatic milk frothing is a guaranteed feature in many super automatics. The difference with the KF7 is that the milk container isn’t integrated into the machine. It connects to this coffee maker’s dispenser head using a milk tube. This makes it easy to refrigerate any leftover milk after brewing.
To use this feature, place the milk hose into the separate 26.7-ounce (789-milliliter) milk container. Then, connect the milk hose/tube to the machine’s dispenser head. The touchscreen display does the rest. It will brew personalized espresso milk drinks at the touch of a button.
In addition, this coffee maker’s automatic milk steaming and frothing feature has smart dosing. This means it’ll give you the exact amount of milk and froth you need for each drink selection.
However, as mentioned earlier in this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review, this coffee maker doesn’t do non-dairy milks. This is a major oversight, in my opinion, as many coffee lovers can’t (or won’t) consume dairy products. If this is a non-negotiable for you, the upgraded KitchenAid KF8 can steam and froth non-dairy milk options.
Specialty Drinks
Although this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine naturally focuses on espresso, it has a wider functionality. Its capability extends to espresso-based specialty coffee drinks.
What’s more, the drip tray can handle dual-cup brewing, speeding up the process.
Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to cycle through a few brews first, (four or five to be exact). This’ll help you dial in that perfect shot. Think of it as “seasoning” your machine.
As mentioned above, you can select a wide range of coffee drinks with the KitchenAid KF7. This includes espresso, espresso lungo, doppio and americano. You can also brew espresso milk drinks like macchiato, cappuccino, latte, flat white and cortado. Why not rustle up an espresso tonic while you’re at it?
At the same time, this coffee maker allows you to customize your selections. Decide your drink temperature, volume and coffee strength, at the touch of a button. While you’re at it, why not customize your steamed milk and foam settings to suit your taste preferences?
User Profiles
Another neat feature of the KitchenAid KF7 is that the digital display allows you to create “Personal Profiles.” This feature adjusts and saves your drink preferences for future use.
Why does this matter? Well, this feature saves you from constant programming – something no automatic espresso machine owner wants anyway!
Additionally, the KitchenAid KF7 allows you to customize your drinks in advance. Select for coffee strength, drink temperature and shot preference to coffee and water volume for everything from your latte macchiatos to your lungos.
Interestingly, this coffee maker also allows you to specify how you prefer it to make your drink (coffee first or milk first). Pretty neat!
How to Use the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
To operate the KitchenAid Fully Automatic KF7, plug your espresso machine into your wall socket. Next, switch on the power button on the top right of the machine. This should power up the display, prompting you to install the water filter.
Then, fill up the water tank with clean brewing water. Next, place a bowl under the dispenser to pre-rinse the machine.
Now to load up your coffee. Following the prompts on the touchscreen display, remove the bean hopper. Fill it with coffee beans or grounds (I prefer whole beans for maximum freshness). Then, lock back in place, replacing the top cover.
Now, place your espresso, demitasse, cappuccino or latte mug onto the drip tray. While we’re at it, you can place two coffee cups simultaneously to speed up your session.
The machine should prompt you to press the rinse button to heat your coffee or espresso cup. Toss this water and then place your cup under the dispenser again. Select your espresso drink of choice. All you have to do is follow the prompts on the touchscreen display.
If you’re more of a cappuccino or latte person, pour dairy milk (lactose-free or 2% milk also works) into the milk container. Now place it to the left of the machine. Then, connect one end of the milk tube to the milk container and the other to the machine’s dispenser.
Again, using the digital display, select your espresso beverage of choice. The machine will brew your espresso base before directly steaming and frothing the milk onto it. Choose from cappuccino, latte, cortado or anything you fancy.
You’ve now mastered using the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. From here, take things up a notch and make yourself an espresso martini!
My Observations
I ended up spending several days with the KitchenAid KF7, partly because it’s such a joy to use and partly because it makes superb espresso. Seriously, this baby worked wonders with my Coffeeness coffee beans.
Once I’d dialed in the grinder and found the ideal settings, I enjoyed cup after cup of sweet, chocolatey and complex espresso.
Incidentally, one of the adjustable settings you can play with is the coffee’s “body.” I noticed that decreasing the body resulted in an increased flow rate. However, the cup results weren’t that different when I maxed out the body setting. What’s more important is to dial down the volume setting and make sure all three coffee bean icons are highlighted when you’re adjusting the strength.
I have to say that the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is one of the quieter super automatics I’ve used. So kudos to the manufacturer for its soundproofing. Plus, the machine feels very solid and sturdy, and all removable parts click satisfyingly into place. Oh, and I got a special thrill from the dispenser lights – there’s just something so cool about watching espresso cascade into an illuminated cup.
As for the KitchenAid milk system, it’s effective and very easy to use. Sure, I always prefer an integrated flask, but attaching the hose isn’t really a hassle. However, the machine just won’t leave you alone until you’ve let it perform its milk hose cleaning cycle after you’ve made your latte. I suppose that’s a good thing.
I found the milk foam quality to be acceptable without being anything special. Let’s just say it’s not quite up to DeLonghi or Jura standards. Then again, I wasn’t complaining as I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino that I’d been able to tweak to my personal preference.
Best Coffee for the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
High-quality beans through direct trade
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Easy on the stomach
Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn
Medium roast
After 10 years reviewing super automatics and espresso machines, and over 15 years reviewing coffee beans, we’re proud to offer our own Coffeeness Espresso Blend. Comprising ethically farmed and sourced coffee beans, our Espresso Blend is expertly roasted in small batches to guarantee freshness.
This premium blend of direct trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.
Here’s how we recommend setting up your KitchenAid KF7 for the perfect cup of coffee:
Grind setting: Second finest
Attention: Only adjust when the grinder is running!
Espresso volume: 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters)
Temperature: Medium
Body: Strong
Espresso strength: Maximum
KitchenAid KF7 Machine Cleaning
As every responsible coffee lover knows, cleaning your coffee machine isn’t a choice; it’s a duty. The same goes for super automatics. So, naturally, I couldn’t omit this step in this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review!
To begin, detach the milk hose from the milk container and point it into the drip tray. Then, place a bowl under the dispenser and select the “Easy Milk Rinsing Process” option on the touch screen.
You should see cloudy, milk-laden waste water dispensing into your container. Wastewater will also flush through your milk hose into the drip tray. This post-brew cleaning process prevents milk residue accumulation after daily use.
For a deeper clean, remove the drip tray/puck container for a deeper clean and empty any pucks into a bin. Don’t throw these spent coffee grounds away! Coffee grounds are good for many uses: Composting, fertilizing your garden plants and even deodorizing your fridge.
Then, wash this tray in warm, soapy water before rinsing, drying and placing it back into place. Do the same for the milk frother (contained within the dispenser) and the milk container. Remember to wipe down the steel exterior with a wet microfiber cloth on the daily.
The KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine also provides long-term care procedures. These guidelines help keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition. Cleaning tablets are handy for deep-cleaning the brew unit. Descaling solution, on the other hand, prevents limescale build up from hard water. KitchenAid recommends descaling after every 200 brew cycles.
You may also deep-clean the milk frothing system with soapy water to keep it sanitary. A word of caution here: Before carrying out any deep cleaning procedures (there are many), consult your user manual.
And, oh, don’t forget to replace your water filter every two months. This will keep your machine working optimally.
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF7: Technical Specifications
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine | |
Manufacturer | KitchenAid |
---|---|
Model number | KES8557SX |
Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
Removable brew group | |
Housing material | Plastic |
Color options | Cast Iron Black, Juniper, Porcelain White, Stainless Steel |
Milk frother | Cappuccinatore |
User interface | Touchscreen |
App | |
User profiles | 4 |
Removable water reservoir | |
Water reservoir capacity | 74.4 fl oz / 2.2 l |
Number of boilers | 1 |
Pump pressure | 15 bar |
Maximum cup height | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
Minimum cup height | 3.0 in / 7.6 cm |
Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
Grind adjustment levels | N/A |
Bean hopper capacity | 9.5 oz / 270.0 g |
Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
Grounds discard container capacity | 5 |
Specialty drinks | 20 |
Pre-infusion | |
Adjustable coffee temperature | |
Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
Adjustable milk temperature | |
2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
Pot function | |
Hot water function | |
Hot milk function | |
Milk foam only option | |
Water filter | |
Power consumption | 1450 W |
Weight | 28.0 lb / 12.7 kg |
Dimensions | 14.3 x 10.2 x 18.5 in |
Warranty | 1 year |
Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, cleaning tablets, water hardness test strip, water filter |
Current price on Amazon | $1,499.99 |
All specifications |
Verdict: KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
New kid on the block
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
This could be your dream machine
Excellent build quality
Easy to use
Touchscreen display
Tons of drink options
Easy to clean
Rather pricey
Well, folks, I hope this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review has given you the skinny on why this coffee maker has built up such a rep. Its excellent build quality and top-notch brew quality more than justify its price. Additionally, this beauty is easy to operate and maintain, making it a valuable investment.
As you can probably tell, I loved testing this awesome new machine. If you’re a sucker for push-button coffee brewing, this machine will give you the speed and convenience you need. You’ll enjoy good-quality espresso daily without any of the hassles (however pleasant for us coffee nerds) of manual espresso brewing. I Highly recommend it!
Are you a fan of super automatics? Would you consider getting this KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine? As always, I’m waiting for your opinions in the comments section!