Good news for KitchenAid devotees with high-quality coffee needs: the brand has recently entered the espresso machine space. And even more good news for those who would be KitchenAid devotees but have yet to indulge because of price? Many of those KitchenAid espresso machine models are on sale on KitchenAid and Amazon now through July 20. Tempted? Here's a quick rundown of KitchenAid's new Espresso Collection models along with sale details and other insights about the brand.
We tested KitchenAid's regal semiautomatic espresso machine and have almost nothing bad to say. It's quiet, easy to use and it's dow to $230 right now.
We've already tested one of the cult-favorite kitchen brand's espresso offerings. The shiny countertop machines are simple to operate, shiny, beautiful and turn out creamy espresso shots and frothy milk for lattes et al. KitchenAid's espresso machines rival Breville's industry-leading line but with one notable upgrade: bean hoppers can be removed for cleaning or to change the beans based on you or your housemate's coffee preferences.
Read our take on The 3 Best Espresso Machines for 2024.
KitchenAid Espresso Collection
KitchenAid is best known for its iconic stand mixers, of course, which are the very standard bearers for stand mixers when it comes to both functionality and style. KitchenAid is far from a one-trick pony, however, as it makes a variety of other highly rated kitchen sidekicks as well, including countertop appliances such as toasters, food processors, rice cookers and even full-scale appliances such as ranges, dishwashers and refrigerators. (Don't mind me drooling over here at the very thought of a full KitchenAid-appointed kitchen in a signature color.)
The KF6 is coffee shop quality with push button convenience.
The KitchenAid Espresso Machine collection was just launched in the spring of 2024, offering another feather in the cap of this iconic brand, and the promise of KitchenAid's style and quality applied to our favorite espresso drinks. KitchenAid currently offers 5 fully automatic or semi-automatic espresso machine models, from entry level to professional grade options for those who take their daily brew in shot form:
There are four models to choose from available in black, white, stainless steel, green and KitchenAid's signature fire engine red.
Fully automatic vs. semi-automatic espresso machines
KitchenAid has entered the espresso machine category with a impressive lineup of coffee makers.
Since you are potentially wondering, top-of-the-line, fully automatic espresso machines take you from zero to prepared espresso drink with the touch of a button, with no need to grind, measure, tamp, froth, discard, etc. Semi-automatic machines will do some of that for you, but you'll need to be prepared to play barista.
In KitchenAid's models, the top-flight Fully Automatic KF8 delivers a finished drink for you, including those made with dairy-alternative milks. The KF7 delivers a fully finished drink, but is only equipped for traditional milk. The KF6 model doesn't include the milk container, but has a hose that allows you to extract milk into the machine from your own container. Most of the rest of the nuances between the three fully automatic models have to do with display size and functionality.
KitchenAid's semi-automatic models require you to measure (and sometimes grind) beans and froth milk separately but allow for more creative control over the outcome. If color selection is of importance to you, (if you're KitchenAid-committed, then it probably is) the semi-automatic options here allow for a little deeper selection beyond the standard grayscale color palette.
Save up to $200 on most KitchenAid espresso machine models
KitchenAid's current sale coincides with the upcoming Amazon Prime Days and is marketed as Black Friday in July. (So that's Christmas in July, Black Friday and Amazon Prime Days, all rolled into one big massive savings for would-be espresso machine owners.)
The best news here is that the biggest savings available are for the already lowest price options, further lowering the bar for entry when it comes to potentially owning a KitchenAid Espresso Machine. All but the Fully Automatic KF8 model have discounts applied, whether you buy on KitchenAid or on Amazon, of up to $200.
For maximum impact, my eye is on the Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, which includes the milk frothing wand, and comes with the biggest variety of colors, including a stunning Juniper look. A high-quality espresso machine should start in the $500 range, so this is KitchenAid quality at an entry level price.
Why we love KitchenAid appliances
KitchenAid's Espresso Collection will be included in our next round of espresso machine testing, but meanwhile there are several reasons why the brand is a safe bet for more than just its iconic style, and you should feel confident to get in on the deal here if you're in the market for a high-grade espresso machine.
To start, KitchenAid products routinely top our "best of" lists for various kitchen countertop appliances. Both its stand mixer and food processor took the top spot in our recent evaluations. What's more, these espresso machines have already racked up hundreds of favorable reviews, despite having been on the market for only a few months.
On KitchenAid's website, every model scores 4.6 out of 5 or above, with at least 94 distinct reviews. Both the Fully Automatic KF7 and KF8 score an impressive 4.8 rating. Even over on Amazon, where presumably consumers aren't automatically self-identifying KitchenAid acolytes, every model has scored at least 4.2 out of 5, with the KF6 model being the top performer.
While users report that set up is quick but that you might need to do some tinkering to get the feel of the machines, KitchenAid's Espresso Machines offer "solidly built machines bordering on professional quality." Several users noted that the heavier duty models are set on wheels, allowing them to be used easily on your countertop.