My mornings can feel a little chaotic, especially now that I have a new puppy, but one constant in my routine is my coffee. I drink it hot or iced, depending on the day (although lately I’ve been doing iced in the morning, and hot for my afternoon cup).
Typically I use my trusty Keurig K-Elite that I’ve had for years. But now there’s a new machine that’s vying for my loyalty. KitchenAid just launched three new space-conscious Fully Automatic Espresso Machines with Iced Coffee: the KF2, KF3, and KF4. The brand sent me the KF4 model to try out ahead of the launch, and let me tell you — it has seriously upgraded my favorite morning (and afternoon) coffee ritual.
What You Should Know About KitchenAid’s Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Iced Coffee
You probably know and love KitchenAid for its iconic stand mixer. But did you know the brand offers a bunch of coffee and espresso machines, including three Fully Automatic Espresso Machines: the KF6, KF7, and KF8? Well, now KitchenAid has expanded to offer the KF2, KF3, and KF4 models, which the brand says are more compact than the original versions by 25%.
Not only are these machines space-conscious, but, as the name states, they’re also fully automatic machines, which means they’ll take care of everything for you — no grinding beans or tamping grounds necessary. Plus, in a brand first, these espresso machines offer iced coffee, along with the classic hot drinks.
Each of the machines is a little different in terms of both features and price, so here’s a quick look at how they break down.
My Honest Review of KitchenAid’s Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Iced Coffee
One thing that immediately stood out to me about these machines is their iced coffee function. As someone who drinks both hot and iced coffee almost every day, I love that these machines accommodate both types.
After installing the filter, filling the water tank, adding in coffee beans, and doing the initial run to prep the machine, I decided to start with the “iced coffee” setting. This setting is different from the hot coffee settings in two ways: You are instructed to fill your cup with ice before putting it underneath the nozzles, and the brewing temperature is lower. The touchscreen display is clear and so easy to use. I was able to decide on the coffee strength, volume, and body before brewing, and then the machine got to work making my drink. The end result was delicious, effortless, and made just to my specifications.
For my next drink, I decided to up the ante. I made a hot latte using the AutoMilk System. I filled the container with almond milk and used the included tube to connect it to the espresso machine. Then, once again, I got to customize my drink, including the temperature and milk volume this time. I was so impressed by this latte. It was frothy, bold, and not-too-hot to sip. Just what I asked for, and totally café-quality.
The only thing I’ve had to get used to with this machine is the constant self-cleaning it does. While I appreciate that it does some of the cleaning for me, it does rinse itself every time I turn it on and when I turn it off (or when it auto turns off) after making a drink. I’ve started keeping an espresso cup sitting underneath the nozzle so I don’t have to rush around for a mug to catch the rinsing water.
Overall, this machine has been so fun to have in my kitchen. I love getting to scroll through the display of drink options, deciding if I want a flat white, a latte macchiato, a cappuccino, or an iced espresso. The range truly makes me feel like I’m in my own little coffee shop — with my barista-approved syrups stationed nearby, too.
Buy: KitchenAid KF4 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Iced Coffee, $1,299.99 at KitchenAid
Do you have an automatic espresso machine? Tell us about it in the comments below.
