I was generously gifted this espresso machine from Kitchenaid and Influenster in exchange for my honest review, and I have to say, this is my favorite reviewed product EVER! For a little info, I am not an espresso connoisseur or a coffee snob, I’m just a girl who loves her morning coffee and her Starbucks run. I’ve never had an at home espresso machine, but I’ve always wanted one, so this was an amazing surprise and it has MORE than lived up to my expectations! Being a beginner, I want to point out just how easy it was to get started with this machine. Out of the box, it comes with a quick-start guide and all of the accessories you might need to make espresso including 4 filter baskets (single double shot baskets in both single and double walled variants) all stored ... MoreI was generously gifted this espresso machine from Kitchenaid and Influenster in exchange for my honest review, and I have to say, this is my favorite reviewed product EVER! For a little info, I am not an espresso connoisseur or a coffee snob, I’m just a girl who loves her morning coffee and her Starbucks run. I’ve never had an at home espresso machine, but I’ve always wanted one, so this was an amazing surprise and it has MORE than lived up to my expectations! Being a beginner, I want to point out just how easy it was to get started with this machine. Out of the box, it comes with a quick-start guide and all of the accessories you might need to make espresso including 4 filter baskets (single double shot baskets in both single and double walled variants) all stored in a hidden compartment in the machine, a double spout portafilter, a stainless milk frothing pitcher, a coffee tamper, etc. On the machine, there is a huge filtered water tank, a hot water dispenser, a milk frothing wand and a very nice burr grinder with bean hopper. It also includes a fun recipe book with tons of ideas for putting your espresso shots to use! The instructions are incredibly easy to follow, and after some initial setup procedures to purge lines and get the machine ready to use, we were ready to brew our first shots! Using the grinder is easy as it will dispense an exact amount of coffee into your portafilter with the push of a button once you have the setting right. It does take a bit of trial and error to find the setting you want, but once you’ve found it, it will grind the same amount of coffee day after day making your espresso shots consistent, quick and easy. After that, it’s just choose your espresso options and pushing a button for an awesome crema topped shot! I am someone who LOVES an iced mocha from Starbucks and after chasing the perfect knock off at home for years with disappointment, I can say confidently, I’ve found it! While I don’t have the experience to say how this machine stacks up to its competitors, I can say that the results speak for themselves and I’m very happy with the ease of use and taste of the finished product. It’s the closest I’ve gotten to Starbucks at home and I am in love!

I was really excited to get this machine and start using it. I have been searching for an espresso machine already, so the timing for receiving this was perfect. My initial impressions were that it’s very high quality and looks nice, a compact but robust size that fits snuggly under a cabinet. There was an issue with the water filter plastic encasing, unfortunately the top part of it broke and then when I opened the bottom to add a filter, one of the plastic latching pieces broke off as well, so now it doesn’t properly shut all the way. It still somewhat works, and since I use filtered water anyway I’m not too worried, just thought it was worth mentioning. I did want to take my time getting familiar with the parts and set up, so I do have one critique here that the ... MoreI was really excited to get this machine and start using it. I have been searching for an espresso machine already, so the timing for receiving this was perfect. My initial impressions were that it’s very high quality and looks nice, a compact but robust size that fits snuggly under a cabinet. There was an issue with the water filter plastic encasing, unfortunately the top part of it broke and then when I opened the bottom to add a filter, one of the plastic latching pieces broke off as well, so now it doesn’t properly shut all the way. It still somewhat works, and since I use filtered water anyway I’m not too worried, just thought it was worth mentioning. I did want to take my time getting familiar with the parts and set up, so I do have one critique here that the instructions and website (linked via QR code) did lack some clarity especially when it came to priming the pump, and then also running the clean cycle. I’m still not clear on the difference between the two, I just know that water comes out of different nozzles for the cleaning cycle - so be prepared with extra cups for that (it shoots out if the steam wand last). It would have been helpful to know how many rounds to expect to go through these cycles before the machine would be ready to brew espresso, I eventually got there but the whole time I felt like I was doing something wrong. Definitely a learning curve! The last issue I had was that the water leaks from the tank in the bottom tray where the extra filters and cleaning brush live (photo attached) I clean it every time, but this happens even after its been unused for hours. But the reason for my five stars is because once everything is said and done, this thing works like a champ! The burr grinder is exceptionally good, the beans are ground with ease and its not loud at all. The texture comes out perfect depending on the setting. The actual brewing function works great, I was able to pull robust frothy shots on my first go. Delicious! I do wish the steam wand was longer, but it gets the job done. I’m excited to continue trying new combinations with the different filters and techniques for grinding the beans to create my perfect cup. I do think there are just a few small things that could use improving that I only mention because of the price point, but overall it’s a very high quality machine for the amateur coffee aficionado.

[Rewarded Review] A LUXURIOUS UPGRADE!!!

I recently tested out the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, and it has completely transformed my coffee-making experience. This espresso machine is a luxurious addition to any coffee enthusiast's kitchen. Not only does this machine looks and feels exceptional but also delivers an exceptional performance. So, let's go over what the new KitchenAid-Semi Automatic Espresso Machine has to offer.Ease of Use: The semi-automatic functionality allows me to have control over the brewing process while still being easy enough for a novice to use. The controls make it simple to adjust settings for your desired espresso strength and temperature. The steam wand is powerful and produces a rich, velvety texture for lattes and cappuccinos. The built-in burr grinder ... MoreI recently tested out the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, and it has completely transformed my coffee-making experience. This espresso machine is a luxurious addition to any coffee enthusiast's kitchen. Not only does this machine looks and feels exceptional but also delivers an exceptional performance. So, let's go over what the new KitchenAid-Semi Automatic Espresso Machine has to offer.Ease of Use: The semi-automatic functionality allows me to have control over the brewing process while still being easy enough for a novice to use. The controls make it simple to adjust settings for your desired espresso strength and temperature. The steam wand is powerful and produces a rich, velvety texture for lattes and cappuccinos. The built-in burr grinder providing freshly ground coffee beans for every cup, providing fresh espresso or coffee each and every time. The removable coffee hopper makes filling and switching beans much easier.Design and Build Quality: Everything about this about this espresso machine screams quality. The sleek and modern design of the KES6551 adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. It’s not just about looks, the build quality is solid and durable, ensuring long-term use making barista style coffee or espresso right at home. The only thing that was a bit of concern to me with the build of this unit was the stainless-steel finish. The unit is prone to fingerprints, which is not a big deal but the constant cleaning to make sure the unit looks pristine does become cumbersome.Performance: Every shot of espresso from this machine is a masterpiece, with consistent richness, creaminess, and a flawless crema. The powerful steam wand ensures effortless frothing, allowing you to create barista-quality java delicacies right at home.Overall, I highly recommend the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine to anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience. It’s a great addition to any kitchen and delivers café-quality espresso right at home!

[Rewarded Review] Attractive & Solid Appearance

So this is our first KitchenAid appliance other than a mixer. We were bit leery but eventually pleasantly surprised. Appearances: the upscale look of the all stainless steel model we got is top shelf and compliments any kitchen's design. But it is the way things work together, the way they fit together, the way the buttons feel when pressed that this machine excels in. It feel like an industrial / commercial grade machine build tough and solid to last tens of thousands of cups for years and years. That alone is what to us justifies the hefty price. The built in grinder is excellent in its own right and it only took us a few days of experimenting to figure out our preferred grind. Having the grinder as part of the coffee machine saves valuable kitchen counter top ... MoreSo this is our first KitchenAid appliance other than a mixer. We were bit leery but eventually pleasantly surprised. Appearances: the upscale look of the all stainless steel model we got is top shelf and compliments any kitchen's design. But it is the way things work together, the way they fit together, the way the buttons feel when pressed that this machine excels in. It feel like an industrial / commercial grade machine build tough and solid to last tens of thousands of cups for years and years. That alone is what to us justifies the hefty price. The built in grinder is excellent in its own right and it only took us a few days of experimenting to figure out our preferred grind. Having the grinder as part of the coffee machine saves valuable kitchen counter top space as well. Brewing is quick, really quick, it almost seems as if it is too quick and didn't get hot enough but it certainly did and then some. Its a perfect size, actually a little bit on the smaller size in general. My wife really liked that the corners are rounded as opposed to pointy. Although it heights and where we have in underneath kitchen cabinets means we have to pull the whole thing out some to fill the water tank. The cup warmer is a very nice touch but the temp setting of low, med and high don't show the actual temp and my wife and I know from other machines we've had in the past that we prefer 95 degrees F but the med setting seem much hotter than that so we use the low setting but that seems a little too low. Perhaps its just our imagination. The one or shot option is ideal since I like mine two shots and my wife likes one shot. And of course just like in other similar machines, the dosing option means you don't have to measure out the amount yourself. But the bean hopper is actually pretty small all things considered so we still need our vacuum bean container. All said we would recommend this machine to our friends and family.

[Rewarded Review] Brew the perfect espresso at home

This KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine is the third machine, and second from the KitchenAid brand, that I have reviewed through the Tech Insider Network. This latest KitchenAid machine makes it easy to brew great espresso at home, thanks to the easy adjustments to grind size, grind amount, and the inclusion of multiple portafilter types to get the most out of your coffee beans.#Unboxing and first impressions#Unboxing the KitchenAid Espresso Machine was very easy thanks to some thoughtful package design from the KitchenAid team. At the top of the box is a small tray-ish box full of the accessories and manuals. After removing that small box, KitchenAid has nice handles in a cardboard insert that let you easily lift this large machine out of the rest of the ... MoreThis KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine is the third machine, and second from the KitchenAid brand, that I have reviewed through the Tech Insider Network. This latest KitchenAid machine makes it easy to brew great espresso at home, thanks to the easy adjustments to grind size, grind amount, and the inclusion of multiple portafilter types to get the most out of your coffee beans.#Unboxing and first impressions#Unboxing the KitchenAid Espresso Machine was very easy thanks to some thoughtful package design from the KitchenAid team. At the top of the box is a small tray-ish box full of the accessories and manuals. After removing that small box, KitchenAid has nice handles in a cardboard insert that let you easily lift this large machine out of the rest of the packaging (photos attached to this review). Much of the packaging is cardboard for easy recycling, but there were plastic bags and plenty of tape around the machine and other components to protect them in shipping. Total time from cutting the box open to full assembly and my first shot of espresso was about 20 minutes. This included rinsing all of the components in hot water and priming the pump. I like that the machine has hidden storage for your extra portafilter cups below the machine in a drawer hiding behind the drip/overflow tray.#The first shot and those that follow#One thing I really like about this KitchenAid machine is the inclusion of helpful tips on what settings to adjust based on the output you get from the maker, as well as the pressure gauge on the machine itself. My first pull, made with some not-so-fresh coffee beans, came out a little watery with just a ring of crema rather than a nice foamy layer. Using the guide in the manual, I adjusted my grind and dose sizes with the second pull, and got a modest pressure and crema even with these older beans. I eventually used the double wall filter insert for these beans and got a rich crema that made for some great cups of espresso. I purchased a fresh bag of espresso roast and got great pulls immediately with the single wall filter inserts.The milk steamer arm is very easy to use and clean, and conveniently can fold in or out to take up less space on the counter. There's a separate dispenser for hot water next to the portafilter mount, so you can get hot fresh water without fiddling with the steamer tube.#Conclusion#I think this KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso machine is a great step-up espresso machine for someone who is looking to 'graduate' from single cup makers or lower end espresso machines. You can make plenty of adjustments with this maker to squeeze the best espresso out of your coffee beans with this machine so you aren't beholden to the 'default' settings that a lower end machine might have. For someone who isn't quite ready to drop 4 figures on an espresso maker, this is an excellent machine that gives you more control over your espresso without committing to a pro-grade machine.

[Rewarded Review] Decadent Rich Espresso at Home!

I love coffee, but up until now I had been intimidated to try making my own espresso and learning the ins and outs of pulling a good shot. This Kitchen Aid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine has changed everything for me. I have learned what it takes to make a decadent shot of espresso and have been making all kinds of concoctions while trying out different beans every day just because I can now.I’ll admit, I was still confused about the process after reading the manuals provided but luckily Kitchen Aid and Best Buy both provide easy to follow instructional videos that helped get me going and I highly recommend watching those. The manuals are very detailed and provide additional necessary info about the machine, so definitely don’t skip them.Once the machine is up ... MoreI love coffee, but up until now I had been intimidated to try making my own espresso and learning the ins and outs of pulling a good shot. This Kitchen Aid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine has changed everything for me. I have learned what it takes to make a decadent shot of espresso and have been making all kinds of concoctions while trying out different beans every day just because I can now.I’ll admit, I was still confused about the process after reading the manuals provided but luckily Kitchen Aid and Best Buy both provide easy to follow instructional videos that helped get me going and I highly recommend watching those. The manuals are very detailed and provide additional necessary info about the machine, so definitely don’t skip them.Once the machine is up and running, there is a trial-and-error period of figuring out the grind to quantity size that pulls a shot within the depicted “espresso range.” The booklet gives details on how to adjust depending on the pressure pointer’s direction. I suggest using a single shot for this to waste less beans in the process.The bean hopper has an airtight lid which means all the beans loaded into it remain fresh. The top burr can be customized beyond the standard settings to get eight finer grind sizes.The machine is surprisingly low profile at just over a foot all around and the internal storage, overhead space, and drip tray help keep all of its components neatly stored within its space. There are two wheels in the back that make it easy to move back and forth and clean around it.It is extraordinarily easy and quick to wipe down clean after each use and the drip tray shows when it needs to be drained and cleaned. The froth wand simply gets cleaned by spraying it into the drip down tray, I also clean it while cleaning out the group head by running hot water through and keeping the froth wand underneath it and then wiping both with a cloth. Once the tray displays it is full, I drain, wash, and then dry it. I find making espresso is both incredibly messy and easy to clean. And when you are well-caffeinated, nothing is really that much of a chore.The machine heats up as soon as it is turned on, coming to temp in about a minute. There are three temperature settings for shot. I chose warm or hot for my hot lattes and mochas and the lowest temperature to make iced drinks.Kitchen Aid includes 4 basket options, two single-walled and two double-walled. The manual explains uses for each and the dose each holds in grams. Also included are the Portafilter, tamper, stainless steel milk pitcher, and a two-sided bristle brush. There is one water filter for the water tank included that should last two months.This espresso machine is honestly perfect for coffee aficionados. It is easy to learn with for beginners and perfect for those already versed in pulling espresso shots. It pulls full-bodied, aromatic, crema-rich shots that are better than what a coffee-shop provides and froths/steams milk all faster than it takes for my coffee maker to finish brewing. It’s hard not to look like you are an actor in a cheesy commercial when you sit all alone actually savoring every sip with a slow blink and a smile because that is how good this machine works.

[Rewarded Review] KitchenAid Quality Bringing At Home Espresso

The KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder in Stainless Steel has earned a spot on the kitchen counter beside the KitchenAid mixer and Cuckoo rice cooker. This is a bold statement as my wife highly values her kitchen aesthetic along with counter space.The unboxing for the Espresso Machine entailed a lot of tape removal, as the pieces are well secured. There are two boxes with accessories along with them stored in the bottom of the machine! I could not find the 3 other portafiller baskets but they are stored away (which is awesome to have as an option for general daily use). There is a red stopper to help protect the water reservoir seal. Ensure that you remove this red stopper, I did not by accident, thinking it was supposed to be there and ... MoreThe KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder in Stainless Steel has earned a spot on the kitchen counter beside the KitchenAid mixer and Cuckoo rice cooker. This is a bold statement as my wife highly values her kitchen aesthetic along with counter space.The unboxing for the Espresso Machine entailed a lot of tape removal, as the pieces are well secured. There are two boxes with accessories along with them stored in the bottom of the machine! I could not find the 3 other portafiller baskets but they are stored away (which is awesome to have as an option for general daily use). There is a red stopper to help protect the water reservoir seal. Ensure that you remove this red stopper, I did not by accident, thinking it was supposed to be there and it created problems. The espresso machine is sleek appearing with stainless steel and black accents. The stainless still does take on fingerprints quickly though, as my toddler is intrigued by the buttons she can press. There are wheels on the back side, so by lifting the front you can slide the espresso machine in and out from the wall to allow for refill of the water easily. There are two main sides to the espresso machine, on the left is the bean hopper and grinder which allows for easy pre-filling of beans and then grinding with the push of a button and dialing of a knob directly into the portafiller. There is an option to obtain extra bean hopper so you can interchange them without removing all the beans first if you like variety. The portafiller sits gently in there and can be removed without loss of grinds and then tampered. After tampering (tamper included) one then attaches to portafiller to the right side which allows for the brewing. There are two main brewing settings (1 vs 2 cup) along with adjustment of heat. Following recommended settings, I was able to achieve a great first time brew with the espresso pressure gage being within the expected range and taste aggreed. This was with slight trial and error of general use as I had left that red stopper mentioned previously in the water tank so my water went mostly onto the countertop instead of where I wanted it. The device had flashing power button and water button to let me know there was an issue (outside of no brew happened). Once user error was eliminated, the process went well. The espresso machine is overall quiet, there is slight vibration as expected but the noise will not wake up the house. I will say it has been difficult for me to get the portafiller to screw into the machine. I almost always have this problem, but with these first few uses I have had it is a tight fit that requires a little muscle. Other than that you are able to froth milk with the frother device and there is also a setting to get hot water. Clean up is standard for an espresso machine and overall easy. The bottom collection area indicates when it is full, which is a nice touch versus guessing and having any overflow.This is an investment, but well worth it in my opinion. I approximated after about 80-ish drinks plus or minus you have paid it off... which within 1-week of unboxing I have made more than I should admit. I am very happy with this espresso machine. One of the most surprising aspects was after my user error, I created a good cup of espresso without issue. I was expecting a much larger learning curve (as there had been for my previous machine) but it was quick and easy. This having the ability to grind beans allows for 1 device versus a second grinder situation and overall creates a great home brew.

[Rewarded Review] Lets you customize to discover your ideal espresso

The KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine (KES6551) is a really great espresso machine that offers a fully customizable grinding and brewing experience to let you discover your perfect espresso.Pros:• Super quiet burr grinder• Lots of controls to adjust grind• Tactile front panel buttons• Water temperature and shot volume adjustments• Pressure indicator to provide feedback about the size and quality of your espresso tamp• Easy to use frother• Sturdy water container construction with durable cast aluminum handle• Thoughtful component storage compartment below the machine behind the drip trayCons:• Metal face shows fingerprints a bit and is not magnetic• Bean hopper has a shallow angle which may require you to push the beans into the grinderThe ... MoreThe KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine (KES6551) is a really great espresso machine that offers a fully customizable grinding and brewing experience to let you discover your perfect espresso.Pros:• Super quiet burr grinder• Lots of controls to adjust grind• Tactile front panel buttons• Water temperature and shot volume adjustments• Pressure indicator to provide feedback about the size and quality of your espresso tamp• Easy to use frother• Sturdy water container construction with durable cast aluminum handle• Thoughtful component storage compartment below the machine behind the drip trayCons:• Metal face shows fingerprints a bit and is not magnetic• Bean hopper has a shallow angle which may require you to push the beans into the grinderThe review:I tested the KES6551 over more than a week before writing this review. At the start, I found that I was able to make a perfectly serviceable cup of coffee with the machine. After tweaking some settings and observing the changes, I was pouring masterpieces within a few days.Along the way, I learned a lot about how to find the right settings to make what I would consider ideal espresso. If it's not clear yet, I love how this machine allows me to dial in the perfect grind, water temperature, and brew time to produce my ideal cup of coffeeBut there's a lot more to love about this machine than its wide range of settings. Let me compare the benefits of the KES6551 to the drawbacks of my old machine.With my old all-in-one espresso machine, I found the burr grinder to be noisy and messy, spitting grounds all over the catch tray and countertop in front of the machine. By contrast, the burr grinder on the KitchenAid machine is so quiet I can carry on a conversation with my wife while it does its work and so tidy that I rarely spill grounds. When I do spill, it's only a tiny bit from my own clumsiness.My old espresso machine had a touch-sensitive black plastic front control panel that frequently failed to register touches, and barely offered customization, while the KitchenAid offers nicely tactile buttons and a ton of options for changing settings.My old machine never seemed to pull a full-extracted shot, leaving the coffee tasting decent and mild, but without the punchy qualities of a great espresso. The KitchenAid gives me a real chance to pull barista-quality shots that make me say "wow!"Finally, my old machine offered only a small amount of space underneath the portafilter when it was mounted in the group head. The KitchenAid's flat-bottomed portafilter gives me an extra couple of inches of clearance, allowing my large ceramic mugs to fit underneath.I am an adherent of the unadorned Americano, which means I like my coffee bold, dark and un-sugared. All I need to make a perfect cup is a nice strong double shot of espresso and about 16 ounces of hot water.In order to make this happen with the KES6551, I had to do some tweaking to the settings. After the first shot I pulled, I realized the pressure gauge wasn't getting up into the "espresso" range, and I also felt the high temperature water setting was causing a lot of bitterness in the coffee, so I went to work to figure out how to make my shots better.I dipped into the excellent KitchenAid manual, which explained the importance of both grind size and portafilter fullness. It showed me that the KitchenAid portafilter has a line that shows the ideal level for a tamped shot. I reduced the water temperature from level 3 to level 2, which produced a less bitter brew.I adjusted the grind size and portafilter fullness, and noticed the shots weren't as full as when I had a smaller puck with larger grind size, and there was very little crema. So I dipped back into the manual, which showed me how to extend the brew time of a shot by holding down the button to teach the machine my preferred water volume.After about 7 Americanos, having finally dialed in the perfect portafilter full of fine ground coffee, along with the proper water temperature and volume, I pulled my first "WOW" shot.The pressure needle went up to over the mid-point of the espresso range, the crema poured out rich and thick at the end of the shot, and the taste and smell was out of this world. This was coffee like I have only tasted from the hands (and 5-figure machine) of an expert.I am completely sold on the ability of this espresso machine to make an AMAZING cup of coffee, and I can't wait to keep experimenting with different roasts, grind size, water temperature, and more.The KitchenAid KES6551 is a great tool, and with a little time and effort, it can WOW you.Highly recommended.

[Rewarded Review] Restaurant quality at home

As a daily user of the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, I can confidently say this has transformed my morning routine and become a welcome companion, especially as colder weather approaches. This machine isn’t just about making espresso; it’s about exploring the art of coffee-making in a way that feels both approachable and rewarding.One of the standout features is the Smart Dosing Technology, which takes the guesswork out of grinding. Whether I’m pulling a single or double shot, the grind consistency is always on point, allowing me to focus on perfecting my technique rather than worrying about grind settings. The flat-base, 58mm commercial-grade portafilter has been a real game-changer too. Unlike many residential espresso machines, ... MoreAs a daily user of the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, I can confidently say this has transformed my morning routine and become a welcome companion, especially as colder weather approaches. This machine isn’t just about making espresso; it’s about exploring the art of coffee-making in a way that feels both approachable and rewarding.One of the standout features is the Smart Dosing Technology, which takes the guesswork out of grinding. Whether I’m pulling a single or double shot, the grind consistency is always on point, allowing me to focus on perfecting my technique rather than worrying about grind settings. The flat-base, 58mm commercial-grade portafilter has been a real game-changer too. Unlike many residential espresso machines, this one offers a much more stable tamping experience. This results in a rich crema and full-bodied espresso every time—exactly the kind of comfort I’ll be reaching for on those cold winter mornings.The multi-angle steam wand is another highlight, offering versatility in frothing milk for different beverages. Whether it’s a smooth latte or a frothy cappuccino, I can easily achieve café-quality drinks from the comfort of my kitchen. The fast-heating technology is a time-saver, delivering the ideal brewing temperature almost instantly, which is perfect for busy mornings.Beyond its performance, the machine is thoughtfully designed for ease of use and durability. The metal-clad construction feels sturdy and premium, and the included accessories—like the milk pitcher, tamper, and filters—are all of great quality. I particularly appreciate the removable bean hopper, which makes it easy to switch between coffee beans without hassle.Another thing worth noting is the machine’s “clean me” notification, which is a simple yet effective feature that ensures maintenance is never overlooked. Keeping the machine in top condition is made easy, so I know it’ll continue delivering great coffee for years to come.In short, this KitchenAid espresso machine with its built-in burr grinder strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and customization. It has turned daily espresso-making into a ritual I look forward to, especially with the thought of warming up with a perfect cup on those chilly mornings ahead. For anyone looking to elevate their home espresso game, this is an investment that pays off daily, both in terms of quality and the overall coffee experience.

[Rewarded Review] beautiful hardware for your kitchen

Just pulling this unit out of the box felt magical, not even gonna lie, i have 4 espresso machines, my household drinks more coffee than we would ever admit to.... and honestly this is by far the cream of the crop when it comes to full featured midranged affordable espresso machines. we have only had this machine for a small amount of time, but it is quickly becoming a top favorite.Coming from smaller lines of espresso machines, some with steam wands some without, some with grinders some without. This one wins hands down for features, quietness, quick cleanup. I have to say this machine was a little intimidating to look at when we got it in place on our coffee station, however after glanzing through the more technical manual and then following the smaller quick ... MoreJust pulling this unit out of the box felt magical, not even gonna lie, i have 4 espresso machines, my household drinks more coffee than we would ever admit to.... and honestly this is by far the cream of the crop when it comes to full featured midranged affordable espresso machines. we have only had this machine for a small amount of time, but it is quickly becoming a top favorite.Coming from smaller lines of espresso machines, some with steam wands some without, some with grinders some without. This one wins hands down for features, quietness, quick cleanup. I have to say this machine was a little intimidating to look at when we got it in place on our coffee station, however after glanzing through the more technical manual and then following the smaller quick start guide the initial run was pretty fast and smooth, a few dials to adjust but out of the gate using the defaults shown in manual for dial settings etc, seem to be on point and made the first run pretty easy.In my opinion this machine is as nice as you think it is and can be maintained in many ways (and should be) I would highly suggest reading the smaller quicksetup guide first, run the machine through, get the general idea and then read the larger manual for care and maintenance etc. and go from there.The machine in general is fantastic, from the very large water tank in the back to the super quiet grinder, you will not be disappointed here at all. There are so many features and options I don't even know where to start here, ...This unit lets you adjust everything from the coffee beans' grind size all the way up to the temperature of the coffee. Watch your pressure gauge as you fill your cup, giving you the ability to adjust and make slight changes to maintain that perfect ratio for perfect pours everytime.I could type here all day about how great this machine is so i'll wrap it up, at the end of the day this machine is beautiful looking, the features are bar none on par with anything you could want on a machine at this price and it gives you a perfect shot of espresso without much fuss.pros:The machine itself, honestly i can't get over how nice this is, it just really pops out and draws your attention to itThe grinder, quiet, quick, adjustable sized grindsThe machine features adjustable temps, sizes, plus steam or hot waterA hidden compartment houses 3 additional filters (2, single wall (1 & 2 cup) and 2, double wall (1 & 2 cup) filters as well as a wire brushAdditionally the unit ships with a 12 oz milk pitcher, heavy tamper, 1 water filter & 1 priming pumpFeatures a 2.5L Water Tank Capacity, and movable Steam Wand, as well as a removable bean hopperThis machine is Quick to heat, you will surprised by how fast to pour you receive w/this unitConsI really couldnt pinpoint anything i disliked about this machine, everything just worked. I didn't have to make many adjustments from my initial dials that i set from reading the manual to get the pressure at that right spot. Cleanup was minimal, and the use of the machine after the first run was pretty quick to pickup on and use.Overall this is a great machine, the price is affordable for a mid level espresso machine, we all know they can reach into the thousands and this for me sits at a great price point for a higher end type machine with mid range price. If you are a coffee lover and are looking for a nice upgrade for your homes coffee station, you should really check this out. KitchenAid nails another product in my book.