KitchenAid - Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF7, KES8557 - Stainless Steel

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• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Impressive Espresso Machine that Looks Great

  • Tech Insider Network Member
  • Top 250 Contributor

  Easy to use, easy to maintain and service and makes great coffee beverages as well! This KitchenAid fully-automatic espresso machine has it all. The bright color touchscreen controls just about everything and a few extra backlit buttons on the sides add functionality. The water supply container is easy to access. The bean hopper has an innovative design to switch beans easily. The main grinding mechanism is easy to access from a door on the side when needed. For more frequently maintenance, the drip dray and used-grounds container are easy to access from the front. This machines looks great on the counter and makes great coffee, but it’s also a breeze to use for your daily grind (pun intended). Highlights: * Excellent results. * Quieter than others when brewing. * Easy to use touchscreen with backlit capacitive buttons along the sides of the screen. * Removable bean hopper for easy-changes of bean variety. * Dispenser slides up and down, has accent lighting and a cup illumination light. * Easy milk rinsing system has the hose connect to drip tray. * Drip tray has a visible indication when it’s full. * Easy to remove and empty the waste bin and drip tray. * Supply water tank level is visible without removing it or opening the lid. * Attractive styling matches other new KitchenAid countertop appliances. * Everything is easy to access. * Serial number is on the side inside the access door. * Great warranty. Room for Improvement: * Rinse water collects on top of drip tray and gets the bottom of mug wet. * No place to store the milk hose when not in use. * Cannot rearrange the profiles or the drinks within each profile. * Cannot remove the rotating handle from the water tank for tank cleaning. * Deep cleaning of the grinder system requires removal from the side. Setup: Everything was assembled already except for the Milk container and hose which are meant to be removed when not in use anyway. As with anything similar, it’s best to wash the water tank, milk container and bean hopper before filling, but the rest should be ready to use. Power on the unit for the first time and the touchscreen walks you through the setup basics including installation of the water filter (optional), measurement of water hardness (also optional) and filling the beans for the first cup. Our water had a 0 hardness reading and we have whole-house filtration, so I opted to skip the in-tank water filter. Before putting the machine in its normal spot, I opened everything up to familiarize myself with all of the parts what may need attention in the future. The water tank has a lid that flips up for easy access to pour water in or if you’d rather remove the tank to bring it to your sink or fridge’s water dispenser, that’s easy, too. There’s a rotating handle you can use to lift and carry the tank easily. It should be noted, however; that this rotating handle does not appear to be removable and it does kinda block the tank’s opening which makes it a tad harder to hand-wash the tank. I used a bottle brush with a long handle to get reach in more easily. The bean hopper is actually removable which is a really neat. You can buy extras (currently around $40 each) and fill them up with different roasts of beans - then swap out the beans for each beverage. There’s even a “bean purge” function in the menus to expel beans from the prior batch so you won’t have any mixed in to the next bean’s batch. This means that you can easily keep a hopper with a darker roast for espresso and another with a lighter roast for coffee if you want. When it comes time to deep clean the bean grinding mechanism, you just open the right side door and rotate a handle to remove it from the machine. My other fully-automatic espresso machine doesn’t require removal of this mechanism, but it still doesn’t appear to be too difficult to do. For those with knowledge of laser printers, removal of this mechanism is similar to removing/reinstalling a toner cartridge which is easy on most printers. Once you get everything washed and set up, it’s a simple matter of choosing your drink, putting a suitable cup under the dispenser and watching the magic. Usage: One of my favorite features of this machine is the ability to have up to 6 user profiles. Each profile has your favorite collection of drink recipes each with their own customizations. This works great if you like a strong Americano but your spouse prefers a more mild Americano. It would be an appreciated improvement if you could sort the profiles and drinks to put your most commonly used ones at the front of the list, but that’s a minor inconvenience compared to having to manually adjust each drink each time you make it. After using a similar fully-automatic machine from another brand for years, I expect that the drip dray and waste bin need to be emptied every few days. Both are easy to access from the front and are a cinch to do. There’s even a red floater in the tray that rises up when the tray’s waste water needs emptying. It’s also easy to empty this tray but just tilting it over the sink versus my other (older) machine that required disassembly of its 4 parts to fully empty it. As with my other machine, this one does a rinse cycle with fresh water immediately after you turn it on. The design of the drip tray on this machine is such that a puddle of water sits on the tray and if you don’t wipe up first, the bottom of your coffee cup will get wet and then transferred to your table. Just something to look out for and a minor inconvenience. My daily use once it’s set up is to turn it on, wait for it to heat up the water and rinse the system, then put the cup on the drop dray (perhaps wiping off the rinse water first), then tap the “Profile” button, my profile name, my desired drink, and then finally the “Play” button to make it. The top of the dispenser lights up to indicate it’s working while the touchscreen shows the details and progress bar. There’s also a light under the dispenser that lights up the cup as it’s being filled. By the way, the machine remembers the last profile used and that’s the default for the next cup, so as long as you don’t constantly switch profiles, it’s one less tap to get your drink. It couldn’t be easier to make a drink that has frothed milk. Just add your choice of cow juice to the provided container, slide open the door on the side of the dispenser and attach the provided milk hose between the dispenser and the milk container. The machine will steam and froth the milk as needed for your drink per the recipe. When done, you can detach the milk container and put it in the fridge for next time. The hose that was detached from the milk container now can be connected to the hole in the drip dray, and the machine offers to quickly rinse the milk system. Sadly, there is no storage area for the milk hose when it’s not being used. I’d like a little spot somewhere covered to put it while the milk container is in my fridge, but that’s just a small suggestion for improvement. I haven’t used this machine long enough to need to do any of the automated cleanings aside from the quick milk rinsing, but the manual outlines what needs to be done when the machine requests it. There’s also a menu in the touchscreen to check on how close you’re getting to needing to do any of the cleaning routines so you can plan ahead if you want. A few cleaning tablets were provided but a quick scan online shows that they are relatively inexpensive to buy more when needed. By the way, the step-up model has a slightly larger touch screen which moves a few of the capacitive buttons into the menus, there are a few more specialized recipes and you can use non-cow milks if desired. Otherwise it’s the same thing. Overall: So far, this machine makes tasty and authentic-tasting coffee and milk-based beverages. It looks great on the counter, is easy to use and easy to maintain. A few small improvements could make it even better, but overall it’s fantastic for what it does and has some convenient features that other brands don’t have.

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  Posted 1 year ago by gadgeTT

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  A Great Automatic Espresso Machine

  • Tech Insider Network Member

  The KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF7,is a sleek, modern design. Its stainless steel exterior gives it a professional, robust look, while its compact size fits nicely on my kitchen countertop without taking up too much space. Looks aren’t everything—what really matters is how well it performs, and I have to say, this machine delivers quite an impressive experience. Setup for the KF7 was super easy and quick to set up, just plug it in and power it up and follow the step-by-step on the LED screen, with how to install the water filter, filling the water storage and how to set the grind size of the coffee beans. In the settings of the KF7 you can add multiple user profiles and save how you like your coffee from the amount of coffee that will come out, temperature, and if you want milk added. This makes it perfect if you have multiple people in the house who like their coffee a certain way. The coffee hopper is very nice and allows you to remove the whole thing from the machine which makes it easier to refill, and change beans on the fly if you want. A nice little feature that KF7 has that I didn't realize at first is that it has wheels, which allows it to pull out if you have deep countertops. I do recommend running the KF7 a couple of times with coffee in it before consuming any coffee because the first cup I had tasted a little funky and ran it 3 more times and it tasted perfect after that. One of the best things about the KF7 is its ability to make a variety of coffee beverages with ease. Whether you're craving a simple espresso, a foamy cappuccino, or a creamy latte macchiato, this machine has you covered. With just the touch of a button, it can brew: Espressos: Rich, full-bodied, and with a perfect crema on top. The machine allows you to choose between a single or double shot, depending on your caffeine needs. Americano: If you like a smoother, longer coffee, the Americano option adds hot water to your espresso for a less intense flavor. Cappuccinos: The KF7 perfectly froths the milk for a classic cappuccino, giving you a velvety foam that balances well with the espresso. Latte Macchiatos: For those who love a creamy, indulgent coffee, the machine steams the milk to perfection before adding a shot of espresso, creating that signature layered look. Flat White: This is one of my favorites. The balance between the rich espresso and steamed milk without too much foam is spot on. Hot Water: Ideal for tea drinkers or other hot beverages. Each drink can be customized to your taste. You can adjust the strength of your espresso, the amount of milk froth, and even the water temperature. The machine also remembers your preferences for future brews when saved to your profile.. This is a fully automatic machine, meaning it takes care of every step of the brewing process, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. Here’s a rundown of some of the standout features. The Integrated Conical Burr Grinder works seamlessly to grind fresh coffee beans for each cup, preserving the flavor and aroma. You can adjust the grind size, which is great for tailoring the brew to your taste. For those who prefer pre-ground coffee, the KF7 also includes a bypass doser. The Automatic Milk Frothing System creates milk-based drinks with this machine. The automatic milk frother is detachable for easy cleaning and produces consistently rich foam. You can adjust the froth level depending on whether you want a cappuccino or a latte, I do wish the container top had a suction seal, it just sits on top of the container, this would have been ideal, because I could just store it in the refrigerator if there is any left over milk. The touch-screen interface is intuitive, and I can easily select the drink I want without navigating through confusing menus. Plus, the machine is quick to heat up, so I never have to wait long for my morning coffee. Self-Cleaning System: Maintenance is a breeze thanks to the machine’s self-cleaning capabilities. After each use, it automatically rinses the milk and coffee circuits, keeping everything hygienic. The removable brew group also makes deep cleaning easy. Double Boiler System: One of my favorite features is the double boiler system, which means I can steam milk and brew coffee at the same time. This significantly reduces wait time, especially when making multiple drinks back-to-back. Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper: The water reservoir is 2.3 liters, which is large enough that I don’t have to refill it often. Similarly, the bean hopper holds a decent amount of beans and has a sealed lid to keep them fresh. Adjustable Spout: The adjustable spout is a thoughtful feature, allowing me to use different cup sizes without worrying about splashing or drips, though my 16oz Ember tumbler wouldn't fit under it which was a tad sad but now just have to transfer my coffee to it, when I’m on the go. Pros and Cons Pros: 1.Wide variety of coffee drinks: From espresso to cappuccino, the machine makes everything I need with just the press of a button. 2. Customizability: I love being able to tweak the strength, grind size, and milk froth levels to suit my preferences. 3. Ease of use: The touch-screen interface is simple, and the machine operates very intuitively. 4.Self-cleaning: The automatic rinsing system saves me a lot of time, and I don’t feel overwhelmed by maintenance. 5.Quick brewing: Thanks to the double boiler, it’s fast, especially when making multiple milk-based drinks. 6.Sleek design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen and feels durable. Cons: 1.Price: It’s on the pricier side, so it’s more of an investment for serious coffee lovers. 2.Milk frother cleaning: While the self-cleaning feature is great, the milk frother sometimes needs a more thorough manual cleaning to keep it in top shape, and lack of suction seal on the cap. 3.Large footprint: Though not huge, it’s bigger than a regular drip coffee maker, so you’ll need some counter space. Overall, the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF7 is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves high-quality, café-style coffee at home. It offers an impressive variety of drinks, customization options, and convenience that make it a joy to use daily. While it’s a bit of an investment, if you’re serious about your coffee, it’s worth every penny. The ease of use and the ability to craft a perfect cup at home has definitely elevated my coffee game.

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  Posted 1 year ago by Ian L

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Easy To Use, Looks Good, And Has Custom Settings

  • Tech Insider Network Member

  KitchenAid has made an easy to use automatic expresso machine with the KF7 Series. It looks good, has a good design, and is easy to use. It took only a few minutes to get setup and running. There are clearly marked touch sensitive buttons on the front as well as a bright easy to read touch screen. The drip tray is easy to insert and remove and has a indicator that will let you see when you need to empty the tray. The machine will also let you know by displaying a message on the screen. It also comes with a container for milk and a hose that is connected to the machine and the milk bin. Features The KF7 makes it easy to select what type of drink I want. The touch screen is bright and easy to read. Through the screen, I can also set up profiles. The initial settings are for small cups, but you can change the amounts of coffee and milk that is used for any particular drink. The use of profiles is helpful in that I can set specific amount of Oz used for each type of drink and save it to the profile. This allows me to have specific amounts used based on the different sized cups that I have. Initially, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the milk container design, but it grew on me quickly. It's deign uses a hose that connects to the machine and the milk container. It takes only a second to remove the hose from the container. I then place the container in the fridge. Cleaning the hose is an option that displays after I make a drink that uses milk. To clean it, I connect the end of the hose that connects to the milk container to a port in the drip tray. Then select the appropriate option on the touch screen. The K7 then preforms a basic cleaning. There is also an option for a deep clean. It has a bean hopper on top towards the back of the machine. It's removable making it convenient to add coffee beans when you need to. It would be nice if the K7 had a window of some kind that would let you see the level of beans in the hopper, but unfortunately, there isn't. The water revivor has a water level indicator that can be seen while standing in front of the K7. That's helpful as I can't look at it from the side since I have the K7 next to something. Construction The K7 is constructed well. The look is nice and looks good next to my other appliances. The milk container's walls and bottom are plastic, but I'm not expecting any problems with it. The hose that connects to the milk container if very flexible and should last a while. It would have been nice to have an extra, but that is something KitchenAid can consider as a possible addition to the package. The water bin is made of plastic and has a good design. It fits well in the side of the K7. The bean hopper is also well made and is removable. Overall, I think the construction is good and I believe the K7 will last a long time. Final Thoughts KitchenAid has a good offering in the K7. They have made it very simple to make drinks. The design makes it easy to clean and setup. I like the results of the drinks I've made with it. I also like the customization it allows when it comes to the amount of coffee and milk. The profile feature is something that I use and it really helps that KitchenAid has added that as a feature. If you are looking for something that is straight forward, easy to use, and produces really good results, then I would recommend considering KitchenAid's K7 Automatic Espresso Machine.

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  Posted 1 year ago by James