Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine - KES6403, Charcoal Grey

The media could not be loaded. ✅️ easy to use✅️ doesnt take up too much counter space.❌️ matte black is more a very very dark grayIm so happy I purchased this machine.✅️ heavy/ nice weight to the portafilter handle/holder (i dislike how most at home machines portafilter handle feels like it will break. This handle "chefs kiss" feels sturdy and has nice weight to it (like a high end professional one)✅️ comes with different filters so you get to choose what works best for you. My favorite is the single wall double (it comes with 4 total 2 double walled (used more for pre ground beans, this is what most if not all at home espresso machines come with sizes are single (shot) and double (shot) and single walled (used more for fresh ground coffee also a single shot and double shot ... this does not normally come with at home espresso machines these are my favorite and i feel give a much better coffee house experience at home)This machine is sturdy and weighted nicely so its easy to move around and out of the way.✅️ programmable buttons (you can set water temp and also program the machine to dispense exactly the perfect amount of espresso (manual tells you how to do this)Manual is very clear and concise. I always read it front to back before even turning the machine on.I set the water temp to the hottest it allows (has low, medium, and high) and it gives me espresso exactly how I like it, with the right fine ground beans you get a really nice creme foam bit on the head.Hemmed and hawwed because of the price thinking it seemed expensive for a home machine but it was worth every penny I paid. I use this machine every morning and I feel kitchenaid got the home machine down perfectly. You get the feel of a professional coffee house espresso machine with the compactness of the home machine.I love love love being able to make my iced espresso drinks at home in comfort. Its consistently always the same no surprises, no burnt tastes. Just pure at home espresso.✅️ tamper is solid and heavy. A true professional style tamper. It wont break on you and you can easily get the perfect tamping pressure you need/want with absolute ease.Water tank is easy to fill just pop it off, fill and slide back into place. The water tank is decent build quality I'd advise dropping it though as its just plastic but does look nice (I use R.O. water in mine which makes me not have to clean it as often of build-up) speaking if which, the auto clean function is nice although it takes approx 15 minutes and once started can not be stopped and you have to stay next to the machine to go to the next step (all in the manual)All in all I love this machine. Couldn't be happier and so glad I spent the extra dollars for this machine rather then buying another "good enough" machine that will break in a year.Uploaded a video - seems loud but its not as loud in person. Ive used the machine while my bf is in zoom meetings and he says he cant even hear it. (Kitchen is very close to where his office set up with with no doors to block the noise)You will always have to put up with some noise with at home espresso machines because of the pump. Theres no escaping it.

KitchenAid Semi-automatic espresso machine is one of the small size espresso machine in its class that our family have ever owned. We had Breville, Calphalon , De’Longhi machines that are huge and took more counter space on our kitchen. The compact design and ease of use brings espresso-making into the home with professional quality.What’s in the box: Espresso Machine with water tank, Stainless Tamper, Milk Pitcher, Portafilter(58mm), Steam Wand, 4 filter baskets (single wall 1 shot, single wall 2 shot, double wall 1 shot, double wall 2 shot), Milk Frother attachment.Packaging is top notch. Every part is individually wrapped and the machine is double wrapped with plastic and cloth bag. Took few minutes just to unpack before setup and very impressed.Set up is very simple. Just rinse all the removable parts before first use and fill the water tank with fresh water(distilled or mineral water is not recommended per instructions), insert the steam wand if not using automatic milk frother attachment. Select your filter basket to your choice and press into the portafilter, add coffee (pre-ground or freshly ground), tap the portafilter to level using tamper and insert it to the machine until its locked. Toggle the mode button to select espresso and select the number of shots (1 or 2) and press on button to make your espresso. Machine takes less than 45 seconds to preheat due to its fast-heating thermocoil technology and this is fast considering most home espresso machines took much longer that I owned.This machine offers a lot to at-home baristas during this work from home situations and for anyone who is new to making espresso with its ease of use. This semi-automatic machine is fast with its startup, heating and automatic milk frother attachment and is the first residential espresso machine that features dual, smart temperature sensors. Like professional espresso machines this machine has 15-bar pump to make a thick crema delicious coffee with the automatic temperature control.Automatic Milk Frother Attachment that is included with this is for anyone who likes to froth the milk automatically or for hot milk. Tried using this attachment and prefer to use the wand for single cup and would use the attachment if making coffee for guest of 3 or 4 and will come handy during that time considering the cleanup after usage. Its very easy to setup. Just fill the milk tank with max of 17oz with the cold milk or you can also directly immerse the hose to any container or cup or bottle with milk. Align the steam wand of attachment to the machine, adjust the function knob to froth function and toggle on the espresso machine to steam mode and press the on/play button on machine. Froth level adjustment can be done by rotating the knob on the top of the attachment for variable micro-foam and texture.Taste of espresso that this machine makes is great and depends on the type of coffee ground and personal preferences. This machine has filter basket for fresh ground whole bean coffee (single wall) and pre-ground coffee(double wall). The portafilter is heavy and is flat which makes tampering good unlike other competitor brands.Pros: Small footprint/ compact targeted for basic entry barista skill level for use at home, removable/adjustable steam wand for milk texturing, removable drip tray, automatic milk frothing attachment, 4 filter basket, heavy duty tamper.Cons : Cleanup of milk frother is little time consuming, smaller water tank capacity, no stainless finish for its price point.Overall, recommend this for any coffee lover who is looking for reliable espresso machine with automatic milk frother for home use at professional result.