KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6, KES8556, Stainless Steel

Specialty coffee makers run the gambit of expense from hundred to a few thousands of dollars. I have owned the product for about 6 months and use it everyday. I makes good coffee and is very easy to use and clean. I like that I can keep my whole coffee beans in the hopper, but can add to the preground scoop for my wife's decalf (without having to remove my beans). It is super easy to clean and add water. My only negative is that the coffee is not as hot as some people may want (but I can microwave as needed). Still for the cost, taste , ease of use, and comparatively low price point, I think this is a winner. It also looks good on the counter.

We’re enjoying the machine. It makes good espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The only one that hasn’t been good is the Americano, which tastes like dirty spit water. Everyone does need to be aware that there is A LOT of ongoing maintenance. The machine tells you when to do each type of maintenance. We had to buy 4 different cleaning products: milk system cleaner, brew unit cleaning tablets, descaling tablets, and one other that I can’t think of right now. Plus, you have to do a quick milk system cleaning every time you froth milk, else the milk will harden on and inside the tubes. I don’t really mind all the cleaning, but it is kind of a lot.

I am reviewing this from the layperson’s point of view as I do not have a sophisticated palate for espresso. For me this machine provides three crucial things: 1) Sleekness of design - looks great on the counter 2) Ease of use & maintenance - drink menu is appealing and easy to navigate // machine does majority of self-maintenance and remainder is simple 3) Drink quality - as mentioned I do not have a sophisticated espresso palate (I can tell when burnt/bad but the bar is pretty low), but the drinks here are flavorful. The fresh grind enhances the aroma profile and the milk-based drinks look pretty with the foam layers etc. It’s a bit of a steep price point but definitely a nice indulgence if you are a casual coffee drinker like myself looking for an upgrade from the Keurig/Nespresso machine. Has a fun drink menu on how to make espresso martinis, etc. as well, which is fun to explore

I’ve had this unit for 3 days and it’s leaking out of the bottom every time I use it. Extremely disappointing for such an expensive product coming from a company with a reputation like Kitchenaid to put out a defective unit. I expect better quality control for a product like this. Update: I put the machine over a cookie sheet to catch the leaking water because lets be real, I still need my espresso while I wait for Kitchenaid support to handle the issue. Now the machine has completely stopped working. When its supposed to be brewing an espresso it just makes a puff/hiss sound and wastes some coffee beans without actually producing any espresso. See video. If I could take away the 1 star I would.

Like this machine. Was looking for one that allowed me to switch easily from espresso to coffee beans so I got the extra tray. Also like how very easy it is to switch the functions and it tells you when to empty, clean the milk hose, etc. The stainless steel front rusts due to the steam and all, I didn’t think to wipe it down every time. Not sure how to clean that off. Coffee temp is fine, the milk drinks are not terribly hot but hot enough.

This thing is so great. Easy to work. Easy to clean. Makes great espresso and allows for customization of your drink strength, body, and temp. Cool drink options with dairy. Loving this purchase & id buy again when it bites the dust one day

For background, I have multiple automatic Jura machines in the office. I used one for almost a year during Covid. So I have experience with machines in the $1,500 - 5,000 price range. We had a Breveille at home. Loved the coffee quality, but finally decided we wanted to step up the easy factor. Didn't want to spend the money on a Jura. So, we went and tried a Bosch 300 Series. They've been making coffee/espresso machines forever, so thought the quality/reliability would be good. Unfortunately the coffee was not. It was strong, but not hot enough, and no crema. Our friends bought a KitchenAid and we tried it at their house, with our beans, and found it was almost as good as our Breveille or the Juras in my offices. For the price, we went for it and bought one. About 1 month in, we're happy with it. The adjustable temp is great (hot is actually hot). The removable bean hopper is a nice feature. It actually makes crema (not quite as much as the Breveille or Jura, but enough). It's quieter than the Bosch and Juras. It's easy to clean. The water tank on the side is easier to fill for us than a tank in the back (we have it under kitchen cabinets, on the kitchen counter). Being able to save settings for multiple users makes it just a little quicker to get your drink started. Really no complaints at this point. Just need to see how it holds up in a few years.

I’ve had five espresso machines, and this one is the best. It makes better coffee than any of the others. The milk dispensing system is phenomenal it rinses itself out, including the hose when you are done. I did not need it, but I like the way it looks. The Phillips machines will be donated . even the pre-ground coffee on the KitchenAid machine comes out like coffee not dishwater. You have three different choices of water heating temperatures and the hot water is very hot. It has a larger capacity for water and coffee than others I’ve used. Would highly recommend.

We wanted an "easy" high quality machine that's less expensive in the long run than a Nespresso. This does not disappoint! Simple enough that my elderly mother can use it and produces a decent variety of good coffees

I had a Jura A1 before purchasing the KitchenAid and I'm very impressed by it's build quality. It's easy to maintain and the coffee taste is awesome. I highly recommend it!

After 6 months of making coffee with this machine I can tell that I definitely like it. Very consistent in the taste. Easy to maintain. Many settings to make strength, boldness, temperature as you like and safe it under your profile.

Not sure why some complain. It's a good looking unit, works great. The "not hot" yah, they will complain about everything. I do think it's over priced at full retail so consider it when on sale.

Le café est bon (avec des grains de qualité) et la machine et incroyablement silencieuse! Look haut de gamme