KitchenAid is a model that’s had a spot in each residence kitchen I’ve ever had, even rising up. When I purchased my very own KitchenAid stand mixer for the primary time after faculty, my house lastly felt like a spot the place a grown-up lived. My affection for that stand mixer can’t be overstated, so naturally my ears perked up when KitchenAid introduced it was revamping its espresso machine lineup.

There are three new fully automatic espresso machines: the KF8, KF7, and KF6. Then there’s the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine, plus a 2-in-1 with a built-in burr grinder. I really like a great absolutely computerized espresso machine for its expedience and ease, however there’s part of me that simply craves the practiced ritual of brewing your own espresso at home. The first of those machines to make their approach to my doorstep was the Semi Automatic, so right here we’re. Keep an eye fixed out for my evaluate of the automatics quickly.

Considerate Counter Footprint

I’m a lifelong apartment-dweller, and one of many many classes I’ve realized from a life spent apartment-hopping is the worth of counter area. When I set the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine on my counter for the primary time, I couldn’t assist however smile.

This is a fully-featured espresso machine with a built-in burr grinder, and it suits within the space beforehand occupied by my rice cooker—a strip of counter too slender for different sensible makes use of. This machine is slender, clocking in at about 13 inches huge and 15 inches tall. It suits comfortably, with room to spare, beneath my considerably low-hanging kitchen cupboards.

Because of the tight area in my kitchen, it’s generally arduous to entry the water tank on the again of espresso machines I check. Usually, I’ve to both wrestle to take away the tank and convey it to the tap, or resign myself to filling it by carrying cup after cup from my sink to the machine. The KitchenAid Semi Automatic effortlessly navigates that little stumbling block by having wheels on the underside. I can simply pull the machine away from the wall, flip it sideways, and absolutely take away the water tank.

I initially nervous the machine can be too slippery with wheels, making it arduous to tighten the portafilter into place with out the entire thing sliding on a regular basis. Thankfully, the wheels are clean however they do require a bit of muscle to maneuver—a great factor. To twist the portafilter in place, you continue to need to brace it with one hand, however you sometimes have to try this with small espresso machines anyway.

The wheels additionally make it a lot simpler to wash underneath and behind the machine. I’m at present testing one other espresso machine on my different countertop, and it is so heavy that transferring it to wash up any spilled grounds or ultrafine espresso mud that’s amassed behind the machine is a big ache. A literal ache, given my power again points.

Whisper Quiet

This KitchenAid machine encompasses a certification from Quiet Mark, that means it’s been examined to make sure it’s as quiet as doable (there’s a cute little Q sticker on the entrance of the machine). I used to be skeptical as a result of even quiet grinders can get fairly loud. I used to be fallacious. This Semi Automatic simply is perhaps the quietest espresso machine I’ve ever examined.

Grinding the beans produces solely a bit of mechanical whirr sound. It’s quiet sufficient you can proceed to have a dialog whereas it grinds—a check each different grinder that’s come by my kitchen has failed, even the quiet ones. The grinder can also be remarkably constant. It produces grounds wonderful sufficient for espresso and coarse sufficient for different brewing strategies. I feel it may possibly absolutely exchange a countertop espresso grinder, it doesn’t matter what form of different espresso you want brewing.