KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6, KES8556SX, Stainless Steel

Specialty coffee makers run the gambit of expense from hundred to a few thousands of dollars. I have owned the product for about 6 months and use it everyday. I makes good coffee and is very easy to use and clean. I like that I can keep my whole coffee beans in the hopper, but can add to the preground scoop for my wife's decalf (without having to remove my beans). It is super easy to clean and add water. My only negative is that the coffee is not as hot as some people may want (but I can microwave as needed). Still for the cost, taste , ease of use, and comparatively low price point, I think this is a winner. It also looks good on the counter.

So far, we love it. Very smooth and super tasty all different products it makes. I have not had any issue with it at all so far 2 months using without any glitch. It cleans milk system after a few times using which is perfectly find. it is very quiet, like super quiet, it is pretty nice looking and not at all bulky. Overall, we have fallen in love with this. Price very reasonable compared to more pricey products, I have hard time believing it is any less quality wise at all I have seen/tried many different expensive products in 2000-3000 price range and this is as good in my opinion actually better).

Like this machine. Was looking for one that allowed me to switch easily from espresso to coffee beans so I got the extra tray. Also like how very easy it is to switch the functions and it tells you when to empty, clean the milk hose, etc. The stainless steel front rusts due to the steam and all, I didn’t think to wipe it down every time. Not sure how to clean that off. Coffee temp is fine, the milk drinks are not terribly hot but hot enough.

This thing is so great. Easy to work. Easy to clean. Makes great espresso and allows for customization of your drink strength, body, and temp. Cool drink options with dairy. Loving this purchase & id buy again when it bites the dust one day

This machine makes a very good cup of coffee, however I’m on my third one as water began filling the tray instead of the coffee cup. Customer service was very helpful and replaced it under warranty. Now the 3rd one is broken! Do not buy this machine!

Makes great coffee (I'm not really an espresso drinker, and no milk, just cream added later) and is a 1-touch type like my old Miele. Quieter by far when grinding. No fiddling with handles and moving containers from one part of the maker to another, just one touch. No frou-frou drinks, just good aromatic coffee. Stunningly better than a drip carafe. As usual with this type of machine you'll need to rinse and clean it. My old Miele after many years just became too dirty inside to fully clean and developed a smell like old dry soil. But 10 years is a good run, so I'm hoping the same for this one. Looks like good quality, but my Miele was twice the price so I can only hope it lasts 5. Nice bonus is it comes with its own water filter which my Miele did not, leading to a "descaling program" that took forever to run every once and a while. Overall very nice. Temperature and strength, many different new options again that my old Miele did not have, while retaining the same basic layout and function. Only minor complaint I have is that my old Miele would let me make a coffee for my wife and I with a double tap to "2 coffees" while this one you need to change the settings each time -- if you forget and leave your 1 portion at 2, watch out! Not a big deal, but double clicking on it and walking away would be easier. Also the way it makes Americano the water comes from the middle so there isn't a way to make 2 cups at once.

I considered buying the KF7 or KF8, but I’m glad I went with the 6. I have no desire for alternative milk and no real need for a touchscreen. The 6 is more than enough for me. It’s super easy to use once you get the hang of it and dial in your coffee preferences. I don’t drink scalding hot coffee, so the hottest setting is perfect for me—though I know some say it’s not hot enough. I’m also saving a lot of money now that I’m not hitting the drive-through 1–2 times a day. And the macchiato and latte rival what I was buying.

I am reviewing this from the layperson’s point of view as I do not have a sophisticated palate for espresso. For me this machine provides three crucial things: 1) Sleekness of design - looks great on the counter 2) Ease of use & maintenance - drink menu is appealing and easy to navigate // machine does majority of self-maintenance and remainder is simple 3) Drink quality - as mentioned I do not have a sophisticated espresso palate (I can tell when burnt/bad but the bar is pretty low), but the drinks here are flavorful. The fresh grind enhances the aroma profile and the milk-based drinks look pretty with the foam layers etc. It’s a bit of a steep price point but definitely a nice indulgence if you are a casual coffee drinker like myself looking for an upgrade from the Keurig/Nespresso machine. Has a fun drink menu on how to make espresso martinis, etc. as well, which is fun to explore

Le café est bon (avec des grains de qualité) et la machine et incroyablement silencieuse! Look haut de gamme

I had a Jura A1 before purchasing the KitchenAid and I'm very impressed by it's build quality. It's easy to maintain and the coffee taste is awesome. I highly recommend it!

So easy to use! Perfect coffee every cup. Whatever they say in their sales videos or articles, they do deliver 100%! Bye... I'm going to make a cappuccino now!

Not sure why some complain. It's a good looking unit, works great. The "not hot" yah, they will complain about everything. I do think it's over priced at full retail so consider it when on sale.

Well, I loved this machine until it stopped working at 4 months in. It started to leak, and then started punting the espresso into the waste grounds tub. I got a refund from Kitchenaid, as I didn’t want to risk the same thing happening again.