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Time and time again, the coffee makers are reminding us that we can make awesome coffee at home. But have you really tried and committed to it? We have. And it’s worth it. Making coffee at home keeps getting easier, thanks to the evolution of the coffee maker. KitchenAid's newest fully automatic espresso machines are a good example of how far things have come in the last five years.
The new KitchenAid® Fully Automatic Espresso Machines with Iced Coffee brews both hot espresso drinks and refreshing iced coffee from a single machine, giving coffee lovers more reason to enjoy their favorite drinks without a trip to the café.
Things we like right from the jump? Smart brewing technology, automatic milk frothing, and a smaller footprint for your kitchen countertop.
Espresso Machines With Abundant Features
Not many coffee makers can brew both hot and iced. We’ve tested models from Keurig and Ninja Kitchen, and we’re happy to see KitchenAid enter the competition.
KitchenAid's fully automatic espresso machine takes the guesswork out of brewing. Two built-in systems work together behind the scenes:
- IntelliGrind automatically adjusts the grinder based on the beans you use, so there's no need to change grind settings when switching between different roasts. Plus, the brand touts QuietGrind Technology (Quiet Mark Certified) to minimize vibrations so you can make your morning drink without disturbing your significant other.
- Aroma Balance manages water flow during brewing to bring out the flavor of each coffee bean.
- AutoMilk balances the ratio of coffee to milk based on your drink of choice.
Despite the features, these new machines are also about 25% smaller than the company's KF6, KF7, and KF8 fully automatic espresso machines. That makes them easier to fit on crowded kitchen counters.
Three Models to Choose From
KitchenAid launched three models, giving shoppers options based on their budget and the features they want:
- KF2 (KES8452): The base model priced at $799.99 includes a Pannarello auto steam wand, LED screen and 6 recipes.
- KF3 (KES8453): The next level up is priced at $999.99; it includes an iced espresso setting, a 2.4” color display touchscreen with 15+ recipe options and a milk hose that can be used with your own container.
- KF4 (KES8454): Priced at $1,299.99; includes a 3.5” color display touchscreen with 20+ recipes, and opportunity for added personalization. Unlike the other models, this one arrives with a dedicated milk container with hose.
All three models include the new hot and iced coffee capability. The higher-end models add more premium features and customization options for users who enjoy experimenting with different coffee drinks.
For households that make coffee every day, a fully automatic machine can also reduce spending on coffee shop drinks over time. Instead of stopping for an iced latte on the way to work, you can make one at home with freshly ground beans and automatic milk frothing in just a few minutes.
FAQ
How does this coffee maker compare to the Ninja Luxe Café?
Both machines are designed to help people make café-style drinks at home, but they take different approaches. I haven't had a chance to try it firsthand, but I know that KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine handles nearly every part of the process for you, from grinding beans to brewing espresso and frothing milk automatically. It's built for convenience and consistency.
The Ninja Luxe Café (priced lower at $599) gives users manual control over brewing and milk frothing while still offering helpful guided features. If you want to customize your drinks and don't mind being more involved, I think the Ninja may be a better fit. If you'd rather press a button and let the machine do the work, KitchenAid's fully automatic system offers a simpler experience.
How often do you need to clean your coffee maker?
Daily maintenance is usually quick, but deep cleaning your coffee machine takes more effort. The new KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machines include an auto-rinse setting that clears residue after every use. For deeper cleans, the appliance will help with on-screen alerts. Even so, if you sense that your coffee tastes different, or the machine is running differently, take steps to clean areas you can access to reduce oils and buildup before it damages the system.
