In the bustling world of home appliances, KitchenAid has carved out a niche for itself, particularly renowned for its stand mixers. However, the brand’s foray into the realm of fully automatic espresso machines has been nothing short of impressive. The KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is the latest addition to their lineup, promising to revolutionize your home coffee experience. This review unpacks everything you need to know about this high-end machine, from its design and features to user experience and performance.
- Durable Build: Stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
- Easy to Use: Intuitive touchscreen for easy customization.
- Integrated Grinder: Consistent grind sizes with smart dosing.
- Versatile Drinks: Wide range of customizable espresso options.
- Low Maintenance: Automated cleaning and removable parts.
- Large Size: Takes up significant counter space.
- Expensive: High price point at $1,699.95.
- No Non-Dairy Frothing: Limited to dairy milk frothing.
- No Wi-Fi: Lacks smart connectivity features.
- Plastic Base: Less durable than the stainless steel body.
Overview of the KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
The KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts who crave convenience without compromising on quality. This machine stands out with its fully automated process, from grinding and dosing the beans to brewing the perfect shot and frothing milk to perfection. The machine’s robust construction and sleek design are complemented by its impressive functionality, making it a worthy contender in the high-end espresso machine market.
Key Features and Design
Size and Build Quality
The KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is a substantial appliance, measuring 18.5 x 10.2 x 14.3 inches and weighing 37 pounds. Its stainless steel construction exudes durability and a minimalist elegance that fits well in modern kitchens. The machine’s large footprint is justified by its significant water and milk reservoir capacities—74 ounces and 26.7 ounces, respectively—reducing the need for frequent refills.
The design is not just about aesthetics but also about functionality. The stainless steel body ensures longevity, while the plastic base provides stability. The adjustable dispensing spout allows users to brew everything from a single espresso to a double latte, accommodating various cup sizes up to 5.5 inches tall.
User Interface and Ease of Use
One of the standout features of this espresso machine is its user-friendly interface. The intuitive touchscreen display simplifies the process of brewing various coffee drinks, making it accessible even to beginners. While the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and cold extraction options might be a drawback for some, the machine compensates with its extensive menu of espresso drinks, including single and double espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
The digital display also plays a crucial role during the cleaning process. The “Clean Me” indicator light alerts users when the machine requires maintenance, ensuring it remains in optimal condition. The prompts guide users through daily post-brew cleans, deep milk cleans, brew unit descaling, and auto-bean purges, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.
Conical Burr Grinder
The integrated conical burr grinder is a notable feature, ensuring a consistent grind size for optimal extraction. The grinder’s Automatic Smart Dosing Technology adjusts the grind size and quantity based on the selected beverage, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring perfect results every time. Users can also adjust the grind settings to match the roast profile of their beans, with finer settings recommended for light roasts and coarser settings for dark roasts.
The grinder operates quietly and efficiently, adding to the overall premium feel of the machine. Adjusting the grind size is simple, though it can only be done while the grinder is running, ensuring users achieve the perfect grind for their preferred coffee.
Removable Bean Hopper
The machine’s removable bean hopper, with a capacity of 9.5 ounces, is a practical addition. It allows for easy refilling and cleaning, ensuring that your coffee beans stay fresh and uncontaminated by residues from previous batches. This feature is particularly beneficial for households that consume a high volume of coffee.
The hard-plastic hopper protects the beans from external elements and can hold enough coffee for up to 22 single espresso shots. Its ease of removal and replacement enhances the overall user experience, making the transition between different types of coffee beans seamless.
Milk Frothing System
The KF7’s milk frothing system, although not integrated, connects easily to the machine and delivers well-frothed milk for a variety of espresso-based drinks. The smart dosing technology ensures the right amount of milk and froth for each beverage. However, it’s worth noting that the machine does not froth non-dairy milk, a limitation for those who prefer plant-based options.
The milk container’s 26.7-ounce capacity allows for multiple servings before needing a refill. The milk tube connects to the machine’s dispenser head, and the touchscreen display guides users through the frothing process. Post-brew, the machine insists on a milk hose cleaning cycle, ensuring hygiene and preventing residue buildup.
Specialty Drinks and Customization
The versatility of the KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine extends beyond standard espresso drinks. Users can create a range of specialty drinks, such as macchiatos, flat whites, and cortados, with customizable settings for temperature, volume, and strength. The dual-cup brewing capability speeds up the process, allowing you to serve multiple drinks quickly.
The machine also features a pre-infusion function, which wets the coffee grounds before the main extraction, enhancing the flavor and aroma of the espresso. Users can tailor their drinks to their exact preferences, adjusting not only the coffee strength but also the amount of steamed milk and foam.
User Profiles
The machine’s ability to save personalized drink settings is a game-changer for households with multiple coffee drinkers. Each user can create a profile with their preferred drink specifications, saving time and ensuring consistency in every cup. This feature supports up to four user profiles, making it ideal for families or shared living spaces.
The customization extends to the order of beverage preparation—users can choose whether the machine pours coffee or milk first, depending on their preference. This attention to detail elevates the user experience, providing a truly personalized coffee brewing process.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining the KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is straightforward, thanks to its automated cleaning cycles and user prompts. The machine performs post-brew flushes, milk hose cleanings, and regular descaling to keep it in top condition. The removable parts, including the drip tray, bean hopper, and milk container, are easy to clean, making the overall maintenance hassle-free.
For daily cleaning, the machine prompts users to perform a post-brew flush to remove coffee residues from the internal components. The milk frothing system also undergoes a thorough rinse after each use, ensuring no milk residues remain. For a deeper clean, the machine’s brew unit can be removed and washed, and the water filter should be replaced every two months to maintain optimal performance.
The machine includes cleaning tablets and a descaling solution to facilitate deep cleaning procedures. Regular descaling, recommended after every 200 brew cycles, prevents limescale buildup from hard water, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the machine.
Performance and User Experience
Over several days of testing, the KitchenAid KF7 consistently delivered high-quality espresso with rich, complex flavors. The adjustable settings allowed for fine-tuning to achieve the perfect shot, whether for a robust espresso or a smooth latte. The machine’s quiet operation and sturdy build further enhanced the user experience, making it a joy to use daily.
The milk frothing system, while not as advanced as some high-end competitors, produced satisfactory results for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine’s insistence on cleaning the milk hose after each use, though initially cumbersome, ensures hygiene and optimal performance.
The machine’s dispenser lights add a touch of elegance, illuminating the brewing process and enhancing the overall user experience. The solid, click-in-place removable parts and soundproofing contribute to the premium feel of the machine.
Verdict: Is the KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Worth It?
The KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine stands out as a top-tier appliance for coffee lovers who value convenience and quality. Its robust build, intuitive interface, and customizable settings make it a worthy investment for those seeking to elevate their home coffee experience. While its price point is steep, the machine’s performance and ease of use justify the cost, especially for busy individuals who want to enjoy barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button.
Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or a casual coffee drinker, the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine offers a seamless and satisfying brewing experience. With its blend of functionality, design, and performance, this machine is poised to become a staple in modern kitchens, delivering exceptional coffee with minimal effort.
KitchenAid KF7 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Specifications
- Manufacturer: KitchenAid
- Model Number: KES8557SX
- Product Category: Super Automatic Espresso Machine
- Housing Material: Stainless Steel with Plastic Base
- Color Options: Cast Iron Black, Juniper, Porcelain White, Stainless Steel
- Milk Frother: External Cappuccinatore with Smart Dosing
- User Interface: Touchscreen Display
- User Profiles: 4
- Water Reservoir: Removable, 74.4 fl oz (2.2 liters)
- Bean Hopper Capacity: Removable, 9.5 oz (270 grams)
- Grinder: Stainless Steel Conical Burr Grinder
- Grind Adjustment Levels: Adjustable (only when running)
- Brew Unit: Removable
- Pump Pressure: 15 bar
- Boilers: Single Boiler
- Max Cup Height: 5.5 inches (14.0 cm)
- Min Cup Height: 3.0 inches (7.6 cm)
- Specialty Drinks: 20 options including espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and more
- Pre-Infusion: Yes
- Adjustable Settings: Coffee temperature, milk foam temperature, milk temperature, coffee strength, drink volume
- 2-Cup Function: Yes (non-milk drinks only)
- Hot Water Function: Yes
- Milk Foam Only Option: Yes
- Water Filter: Included
- Power Consumption: 1450 W
- Weight: 28.0 lbs (12.7 kg)
- Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.2 x 18.5 inches (36.3 x 25.9 x 47.0 cm)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, cleaning tablets, water hardness test strip, water filter
- Current Price: $1,699.95
