Hands up who has lusted over one of KitchenAid’s sexy stand mixers? Not only do they make baking a breeze, but there’s a smug feeling that comes with owning a baby-blue-hued appliance that makes your home look like it’s been styled for Vogue Living Magazine, right? Given their reputation for releasing devices that are sturdy, sophisticated, and quick to earn cult status, we were keen to discover what’s brewing with their latest device – the Kitchen Aid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. Here’s the tea, err, coffee…
Spilling the coffee (beans) on on KitchenAid’s latest release
KitchenAid has ventured beyond its baking roots with the introduction of a fully automatic espresso machine line. And, their latest model, the KF8, takes coffee brewing to an entirely new level. As well as the brand’s signature sleek, stainless-steel finish this at cafe-at-home-experience appliance features an impressive five-inch touchscreen display, so navigating through over 40 drink recipe options is as simple as a few taps. The machine’s flexibility allows you to create everything from a classic espresso to a perfectly layered latte macchiato, with room to personalise your drink’s strength, volume, and temperature.
Another firm-favourite feature is its ability to create up to six user profiles. This means you and your family members or visiting friends can each have your own saved preferences for the drinks you hold so dear. Love your coffee strong and piping hot? You’ve got it. Prefer a milder cup with extra froth? The KF8 has you covered. The personalisable profiles are a perfect problem solver in households where everyone has a unique coffee palate.
Perfect for plant-based people
Don’t do dairy? Fortunately the KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine offers a dedicated mode for plant-based milks. With more people opting for untraditional alternatives like almond, oat, and soy, this feature allows the machine to steam and froth non-dairy milk to perfection, which is a tricky task for many espresso machines. Whether you’re adding a silky froth to your morning oat latte or whipping up an almond cappuccino, the KF8 ensures every cup is creamy and well-balanced. It’s an essential feature for plant-based coffee queen and kings who’ve struggled to achieve the right consistency in their homemade brews.
A cup above the rest
At its core, the KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine offers a superior brewing experience thanks to the integrated conical steel burr grinder. This grinder is highly regarded in the coffee world for producing consistent and uniform grounds, a critical component for extracting the richest flavours from your beans. With its 270g bean hopper, you can easily switch out beans to suit your mood or meal. Fancy a light roast Ethiopian blend one day and a dark, bold espresso the next? The removable bean hopper makes switching roasts a breeze. Moreover, if you fancy a late-night decaf or a specialty roast, the pre-ground coffee bypass chute allows you to bypass the hopper entirely, offering even more versatility.
KitchenAid has also simplified what many coffee enthusiasts dread – cleaning. The KF8 includes a handy “clean me” notification that alerts you when it’s time to run a cleaning cycle. Simply follow the machine’s prompts, and it handles the rest, making regular maintenance hassle-free. The automatic milk frothing system also includes an easy cleaning mode to ensure milk residue doesn’t clog up the machine.
Finally, if you’re worried about waking the entire household during your early morning coffee ritual, fret not. The KF8 is Quiet Mark certified, meaning it operates with minimal noise – a huge bonus for those of us who value a peaceful kitchen. Plus, the machine’s metal-clad construction ensures lasting durability alongside high performance.
A latte to pay … but worth every sip
At face value, $2,599, the Kitchen Aid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine might feel a little pricier than your morning latte. However, the rising cost of sustaining your daily caffeine habit, coupled with its advanced features, sleek design, and durable construction make it the kind of investment that will keep your coffee cravings brewing, long after you’ve sipped your last cup of the day.