Customers highly value the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, KES6551 for its user-friendly design and efficient burr grinder. Users appreciate how easy it is to operate and clean, making it a convenient choice for daily use. The built-in burr grinder is also praised for delivering a consistent grind, enhancing the overall espresso-making experience.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 2 Showing 21-40 of 46 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Enjoying our new espresso machine
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
We are enjoying making our Coffe every morning , we are still learning how to use used. I believe it will take practice to learn . Also the water container is very a bit challenge . We had water all over because was not placed properly . The overflow tray needs to be empty it out frequently otherwise overflow
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Value - Great Quality
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I am in love with my new KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso machine. It was very easy to set up begin using immediately. I am now whizzing through the making of Americanos and Cappuccinos with ease. Super quiet, easy to use, large water reservoir and bean hopper. Very solid construction, heavy weight. I am very impressed!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for first timers
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Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As people who are new to espresso machines and high end coffees, this machine has made everything so simple. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and the machine reins beautifully and I very quiet. We pretty much don’t go to coffee shops anymore as this produces a higher quality beverage than anything Starbucks or similar have produced so far.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great item
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Exactly what my wife was looking for. Very easy to use and is used daily in our house.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Kitchen fave
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love this expresso, very easy to use, sturdy and great quality.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
KitchenAid Expresso
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
We purchased this machine about two months ago and are enjoying our espresso coffees. It would be really nice if the portafilter holder was metal and if the portafilter itself was all metal and bottomless. You have to dump the tray and clean it after about two uses because it’s not very deep. Other than that, just make sure the bean hopper has plenty of beans and the reservoir has enough water and enjoy.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Design, Espresso quality, Grinder
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
KitchenAid Quality Bringing At Home Espresso
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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 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.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Design, Ease of use, Espresso quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Coffee Shop at Home
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As a coffee lover, I love going to coffee shops when I travel. Not the big coffee chains, but the small or medium roasters. If the beans are good I want to recreate the experience in my kitchen. With the KitchenAid semi-automatic espresso machine I am able to do that.
Design & Build: The machine is solid and has that classic KitchenAid durability. It feels substantial on my countertop—definitely not flimsy. Its design is clean and sleek, fitting nicely into my kitchen aesthetic without being overly bulky. I think it will fit well in anyone kitchen
Ease of Use: I really liked that it was semi-automatic, giving me control without being overwhelming. There’s enough room for me to personalize my espresso experience, like adjusting the grind and pulling the shot just right, but I don’t feel bogged down by complicated steps. After a little trial and error with finding the right grind size and shot timing, it became a routine that I could easily replicate. With new beans I needed to adjust the setting again which isn’t too bad.
The steam wand is effective for frothing milk and produces that silky foam you’d want for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s not super fast, but I like the consistency of the froth. With a little practice, I might be able to do latte art.
Grinder: Its ok. Needs time to get use to and adjust it. Again with new beans requires new settings. I only add enough beans to pull a shot I don’t like my beans in the hopper exposed to the air. I recommend store the bean in an air tight container and taking out before using it.
Performance: Pulling a shot with this machine feels satisfying. The shots are consistent once I dialed everything in, and the espresso quality is impressive. The crema is thick, and I’ve had no issues with uneven extraction or bitterness. It's not quite what you’d get from a high-end, professional machine, but it never used a high end one.
Cleaning: It’s relatively straightforward to clean, but you do need to stay on top of it. The drip tray can fill up quickly, especially if you’re pulling multiple shots or using the steam wand a lot. The grinder can be a bit messy, but that’s the nature of fresh grinding—it’s nothing a quick wipe-down won’t fix.
Overall Thoughts: If you’re looking for a machine that gives you a good blend of control without being overwhelming, this KitchenAid setup is excellent.. It’s been a great addition to my kitchen, and now my morning coffee routine feels like a treat every day. It’s not quite the “plug and play” ease of a fully automatic machine, but for someone who enjoys a hands-on experience, it’s ideal.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful machine
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Comes with a great assortment of everything you could need to get started. A great option for someone looking to get into making espresso making at home.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Couldn't be happier with this
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Got this for my wife for Christmas. She loves it. Top end product that's well worth the premium price.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The Best small espresso machine ever
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Wonder machins wonderful experience for pick up.
The machine is a life saver a must have for sure.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
kitchen aid espresso
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
great coffee maker, made of very durable materials.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
great
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great product, really good price at the discounted raye
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Horrible and almost never works
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Horrible. It frequently leaks water and most of the time when you try to use it, it just bricks and won't do anything. When it actually does work it's great but that's rare. After a troubleshooting, it starting working alright for a few weeks and then, right after the return window passed, it stopped working again. It's a piece of junk. No idea what the issue is but pretty frustrating to pay so much for an appliance that doesn't work. Don't buy this!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from KitchenAidTeam
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Hi Bradley, Thank you for providing feedback on your Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine. We are sorry to learn of your experience with the unit. Please contact KitchenAid directly at 1-800-541-6390 for further assistance.
Pros mentioned:
Design, Espresso quality, Grinder
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Attractive & Solid Appearance
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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 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.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Espresso quality, Grinder
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
An amazing espresso machine for a great price.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My first impression of the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic espresso machine with burr grinder is that it is a very heavy espresso machine. Everything about this espresso machine looks and feels commercial. It feels very rugged and very well made.
This is not my first espresso machine, but it is my first espresso machine that is of a commercial look and build. We go through coffee makers and espresso machines quicker than most people probably do, but that is because we use them a lot. I believe this espresso machine will last us a while.
What’s in the Box:
• semi-automatic espresso machine with burr grinder
• 12 oz milk frothing pitcher
• 58mm portafilter
• tamper
• 1 shot single wall filter
• 2 shot single wall filter
• 1 shot double wall filter
• 2 shot double wall filter
• removable bean hopper with lid
• water filter holder
• water filter
• brush
• priming pump
Specifications:
• Built to commercial standards.
• Smart Dosing Technology
• Flat-Base, Commercial-Grade Easy-Tamp Portafilter
• Multi-Angle Steam Wand
• Fast-Heating
Setup:
The setup is quick and easy, but it must be done prior to using. Most machines recommend going through the setup, but that is mainly for sanitation reasons. But this machine must be set p before use.
To set it up, plug in the machine, but don’t turn it on. Fill the plunger with water, press and hold the temperature button for 3 seconds, then press the serve button. Take the plunger and insert it into the hole in the rear of the machine that the water tank sits on. Press on the plunger to start adding water into the tank. When water starts coming out of the front of the machine, press the serve button again to finish. Your machine is now primed and ready for use. That is the complete setup for the espresso machine.
Performance:
OK, this is where the rubber meets the road. So, does the KitchenAid Semi-automatic espresso maker live up to my initial impression? The short answer is yes.
We have had a few espresso makers, but they have been more like coffee makers than real espresso makers. This is our first real espresso machine, and we couldn't be happier with it. This espresso machine is remarkably quiet compared to the espresso machines I hear in restaurants and coffee shops. The burr grinder is also significantly quieter than others. It has 15 different settings allowing you to grind your beans to your perfect grind. The water tank holds 2.5 Liters, that’s .5 liters more than the industry standard for espresso makers. It is removable and has an easy-to-use handle making it easy to fill.
The portafilter is 58mm, an industry standard for commercial espresso machines. It sits level on the tabletop, making it easy to press the ground beans with the included tamper. This is the first espresso machine I have had that uses a portafilter, so there was a bit of experimentation getting the grind and tamper press down for my taste. I started with the single-wall 2-shot portafilter on the advice of KitchenAid. After a few cups, I had it down. Besides the taste, you can use the look of the espresso along with the pressure gauge to see where you are. Once I got it dialed in, the result was a perfect cup of espresso, rich and creamy with a natural sweetness.
If the espresso isn’t right or the pressure is too high or low, you can do the following to dial it in:
• Adjust your grind size.
• Modify your grind amount.
• Change your Tamping pressure.
• Switch to a double wall basket.
Conclusion:
This is an amazing espresso maker. I knew I would like it better than all the others I have had, but I had no idea I would like it this much. The KitchenAid Semi-automatic espresso maker really feels like a commercial grade machine. The buttons have a nice, firm, feel, and all the settings are on the front panel and are easy to see. The machine is easy to use and easy to clean. The water reservoir is within the industry standard, and the portafilter is the industry standard 58mm.
The KitchenAid semi-automatic espresso machine is an amazing espresso maker. If you want an espresso maker that looks and feels like a commercial espresso maker, but don’t want the commercial grade price, then I highly recommend the KitchenAid semi-automatic espresso maker with built-in burr grinder.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Espresso quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Restaurant quality at home
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
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, 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.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Espresso quality, Grinder
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Love my perfected morning lattes!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently upgraded to this Kitchen Aid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine, and so far I am loving it. I didn’t realize the different it would make to have a fresh grinded coffee for my lattes, and even just this change is already making my morning coffees better!
Setting up the espresso machine was easy, but it did take some time to read the manual and understand all the buttons and options. My other espresso machine had less options, and so I made sure to understand the machine before making my first coffee.
I like the smart dosing tech which makes it simple to select 1 or 2 shots and give you enough coffee to help me make the perfect espresso. One of the biggest differences that I noticed compared to my previous espresso machine is that my shots are more creamy and it’s easily noticeable with how the shot looks before pouring the oat milk. It even smells better too! I like the little gauge that lets me know if I am making a good espresso shot because it really does matter in the quality of the coffee.
My wife loves to have her evening teas, and we love the quick option for hot water. It even has different levels for how hot you want the water to come out, and we love this more than we knew we would. We also appreciate that it came with a book that includes some easy to do recipes. We have done a couple and love them!
I also want to point out the built quality because it just adds comfort to feel that this espresso machine will last me sometime. Cleaning is super easy as well and I appreciate that you know when you need to clean it because it lets you know by popping this little part where you place the coffee cup.
Overall, I highly recommend this espresso machine. I’ve saved hundreds probably thousands of dollars since I started making my cappuccinos and lattes at home instead of buying them, and I know this machine will help keep this tradition!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Espresso quality, Grinder
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
No-brainer option in this price range!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is an easy pick at this price when looking at the competitions offerings, especially when this veast is on sale! We are so pleased with how great this machine is performing in making us all the espresso we need to sate the caffeine addictions of two adults and our friends when they come over.
The build quality of this espresso maker is amazing and leaves no room for disappointment. It is packed with clever features that you will enjoy, including a handy little storage bin in the drip tray for stashing away all of your portafilter adapters in a quick and convenient location! This espresso maker provides all of the fun aspects of the manual part of making great espresso, including hand tamping your grind in the convenient flat bottomed portafilter and making your own preferred dairy-based toppings and foam with the wand. What this machine automates and has built in are exactly the features I want like a grinder with fifteen of its settings and other bits and pieces that nice and convenient to have included. A few of the aspects of this espresso maker that I like better than my well-loved and used De'Longhi Specialista Arte are that grinder and portafilter require no adapter to hook up and that there is no need for a special “tamping pad” since the portafilter body is flat on the bottom with recessed spouts as I mentioned earlier. These features are highly convenient, plus the handy storage is very welcome too!
Overall, I give this espresso make 5 out of 5 stars. I think that this segment of the espresso maker competition is getting pretty dialed in with manufactures seeming to have finally figured out what we want in our home espresso makes.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Espresso quality, Grinder
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Im pretty much a barista now.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Looks like my visits to the local coffee shops will be little to none with this bad boy on my countertop. My favorite drink is a dirty chai, now I can make them at home with ease and perfection.
First off, it’s beefy and solid feeling, not cheap, light weight and covered in plastic. The buttons and dial have a nice feel to them, and everything locks into place nicely. First impression out of the box makes me very happy. Unboxed and plugged in, it heats up quickly and indicates when it’s ready, it also comes with the burr grinder built in which is a game changer and my favorite part about this espresso machine, milk pitcher, portafilter and tamper, 1 and 2 shot wall filters (single and double), bean hopper that’s removable, water filter, brush, and priming pump. Did I mention this machine is also made in the USA!! Clean up the parts and pieces, soak the filter and prime the machine to get it all ready for its first usage.
It’s very simple to use, fill the water tank, roll it back into position (back wheels), load the beans into the hopper, select your grind coarseness and your dose. I’m not much of a frothy milk guy but I tried the milk frother and it kicked out a huge amount of steam and heat with ease. I’m sure it wouldn’t let anyone else down either.
I haven’t gotten there yet but it evidently also notifies you when it’s ready to run the cleaning cycle with a “ clean me “ notification.
So far I'm really enjoying this machine. Time to try out dome bew concoctions.