The American home appliance brand KitchenAid hardly needs an introduction. It’s owned by the Michigan-based Whirlpool Corporation, which has been successfully competing in the market since 1911. Today, many consumers are familiar with KitchenAid mixers and dishwashers. The company manufactures its products in factories in Ohio, South Carolina, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Ontario, and even in Canada and China.
Of course, Whirlpool hasn’t forgotten about coffee machines, which have long been one of the most popular accessories in the modern kitchen. Today, the company produces several series, including a semi-automatic lineup (KitchenAid Artisan series) and drip coffee makers.
In the spring of 2024, the company officially announced and launched the KitchenAid KF6, KF7, and KF8 fully automatic espresso machines of the new KitchenAid Espresso Collection.
The flagship KitchenAid KF8 model is priced at nearly $ 2,000, features a large 5-inch full-color touchscreen, offers advanced beverage customization settings, and supports multiple user profiles. In addition, the KF8 has a special program mode for frothing plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat), which optimizes steam supply for different protein and fat compositions. A 3.4″ touchscreen with several additional buttons is the main difference over the KF7. It costs ~$ 1,700. The entry-level KF6 costs ~$ 1,200, but offers only a 2.4″ screen and soft-touch buttons.
In spring 2026, the company introduced their compact, fully automatic espresso machines with the names KF2, KF3, and KF4. The entry-level KF2 (KES8452) costs $ 799.99 and includes a manual steam wand and six drink presets. The KF3 (KES8453) costs $ 999.99 and additionally features a small color display, an auto-milk hose system, and expanded drink menus. The flagship KF4 (KES8454), priced at $ 1,299.99, features a large color touchscreen, supports over 20 programs, and comes with a milk carafe.
Design, Espresso and Coffee programs
Of course, the compact design is one of the KF4’s main advantages. Its dimensions and weight are only (7.7″ x 14.2″ x 18.5″) / (19.5 x 36.0 x 47.0 cm)@10.1 kg / 22.3 lbs, making it ideal even for tiny kitchens with limited space between countertops and wall cabinets.
Espresso vs Coffee program
Each company implements its own programs for preparing various drinks, sometimes creating confusion. In particular, the Espresso and Coffee programs in KitchenAid automatic coffee machines differ significantly in pressure, water volume, and extraction time. The list of the main differences includes (Espresso vs Coffee):
– pulling a shot – water is forced under high pressure (9-15 bar) through a tightly pressed, finely ground coffee puck vs water is forced under low pressure through a coarser or medium-ground puck (simulation of a drip coffee maker);
– volume – 30 or 60 ml (single or double shot) vs 120-180 ml;
– density and texture – a dense, concentrated drink with a thick, nutty foam (crema) vs a more watery drink with a very thin foam;
– flavor – rich and sharp with a distinct bitterness or acidity depending on the beans (ideal for cappuccino or latte) vs more soft and delicate, with nuanced flavors.
Some people confuse the Coffee mode with the Americano mode. But KitchenAid coffee machines use two different programs. Specifically, Americano is a classic shot of full-bodied espresso, to which the machine adds hot water in cup from a special nozzle. When brewing Coffee, the KF4 forces water through ground coffee at low pressure.
Grinder and Iced Coffee
The company positions the coffee grinder as ‘adapts automatically to every bean type and roast – no manual adjustments needed.’ Moreover, KitchenAid calls its IntelliGrind System to automatically fine-tune the dose for every coffee. But in reality it’s a regular stainless steel conical burr grinder with five setting, which can be selected using a dial. To be fair, the grinder is even quieter than the stated 67.3 dB, which is equivalent to a normal conversation.
Excellent sound insulation is due to the use of QuietGrind, which is Quiet Mark certified. For reference, it uses specialized internal insulation materials around the grinder housing to absorb high-frequency motor and mechanical noises. Additionally, vibrating components are securely isolated from the external chassis.
Iced Coffee
The coffee machine makes Iced Coffee. However, it’s different from Cold Brew, which extracts at a lower temp. For reference, Cold Brew was invented by Dutch merchants. In the Middle Ages, heating water on wooden ships was a serious problem, and cold brewing successfully solved it. Very coarsely ground coffee was poured into cold water and steeped for 12 hours. This extraction produces a smoother coffee flavor with reduced bitterness.
Today, many manufacturers equip their premium models with this feature. Iced Coffee involves adding ice to the coffee. Some companies adjust the algorithms to brew a more concentrated coffee to compensate for the additional water from melted ice.
The KF4 uses a hybrid algorithm:
– selection of ‘Iced Coffee’ or ‘Iced Espresso’ on the touchscreen display;
– adding of ice cubes to the cup;
– the machine reduces brewing temp to avoid rapid melting of ice;
– after extraction at low temp, you can pour in cold milk.
User interface and milk-based programs
The KF4’s 3.5-inch/9cm color touchscreen display is surrounded by touch-sensitive buttons. Overall, the user interface is extremely simple, streamlined and easy to use.
In fact, a user manual is not really necessary even for beginners.
For milk-based drinks, KitchenAid uses a built-in automatic system called the AutoMilk System. According to the company, it adjusts milk texture and temperature, depending on the selected drink. Externally, it looks like a tube that connects from the milk container to the dispensing spout. But despite its unassuming appearance, the system works superbly, always delivering near-perfect milk foam for cappuccinos at a temperature of 66°C / 150°F. Depending on the recipe, the AutoMilk calculates the proportions and automatically dispenses foam directly into the cup via the integrated dispensing system.
In fully automated models, the system allows the user to select the dairy or plant-based milk. But only the flagship KF8 model features a dedicated cycle for oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk, which have lower protein and fat content. In this mode, the built-in program automatically modifies the air and steam delivery algorithm to ensure a glossy, stable microfoam. Other models lack a specific profile for plant-based milk. They use standard settings designed for cow’s milk.
Unfortunately, the KF4’s algorithms for preparing milk-based drinks are a bit puzzling. Despite the milk container’s capacity of up to 1 liter, the machine produces no more than 140 ml / 4.7 ounces of milk foam. This is acceptable for a cappuccino. However, the minimum volume for a latte is almost 240 ml / 8 ounces, which creates a problem with the amount of foam.
KitchenAid KF4 vs KF7
Despite the price difference ($1,300 vs $1,450), the models are built on virtually identical platforms. Unlike the KF4, the KF7 can make a cortado or ristretto on command and has a special setting for plant-based milk. It also features a removable bean hopper.
Unlike KF7, the KF4 makes iced coffee. The cold brew function offers Iced Coffee and Iced Espresso programs, which use reduced temperatures for extraction and the adding ice.
Basically, size and weight are their main differences. In particular, the compact KF4/KF3/KF2 takes up 25% less space vs KF8/KF7/KF6.
Dimensions / weight – (36 x 19.5 x 47 cm) / (14.2″ x 7.7″ x 18.5″)@(~9 -10.1 kg) / (19.8 lbs – 22.3 lbs) vs (36.3 x 26 x 47.3 cm) / (14.3″ x 10.2″ x 18.6″)@12.7 kg / 28 lbs.
In fact, the KF4 is 7 cm narrower and several kg lighter.
KitchenAid KF4 vs KF7
The models offer:
– removable brew group;
– plastic body;
– milk frother – cappuccinatore;
– touchscreen;
– 4 user profiles;
– removable water reservoir (1.8 l / 60.9 fl oz vs 2.2 l / 74.4 fl oz);
– 1 boiler;
– 15-bar pump pressure;
– max & min cup height – 5.5″ / 14.0 cm & 3.5″ / 8.9 cm vs 5.5″ / 14.0 cm & 3.0″ / 7.6 cm;
– stainless steel conical burr grinder (5 vs 7 adjustment levels);
– bean hopper capacity – 250 g / 8.8 oz vs 270 g / 9.5 oz;
– pre-ground coffee bypass – yes vs no;
– coffee grounds container (shots) – 10 vs 5;
– specialty drinks – 21 vs 20;
– 2-cup function – no vs yes.
Conclusions
Pros
– excellent espresso and coffee;
– great milk foam.
Cons
– expensive;
– limited amount of milk foam.
To be fair, KitchenAid coffee machines are quite expensive compared to similar models from other brands. For example, the Ninja AutoBarista Pro with drip coffee and Cold Brew modes is affordable $ 950 in the US and £ 900 in the UK. The price of the new compact Jura C3 from the legendary Swiss company ranges from €1,050 to €1,150 in Europe. It features one of the industry’s best Professional Aroma Grinder, supports 17 programmed options, and offers new L.E.P. brewing tech. The new Delonghi Magnifica Evo Next from the Italian industry leader offers 13 pre-programmed beverages. Its price at € 550 – € 700 in Europe and $ 1,100 in the USA.
On the other hand, the impeccable reputation for quality of the Whirlpool products, including KitchenAid mixers and dishwashers, is a significant advantage. Many American consumers have had positive experiences with KitchenAid appliances, which is a compelling argument in favor of KF coffee machines. In addition, many experts note the superb quality of its drinks. Finally, the compact size and 24 preset drink recipes are also significant advantages.
The relatively high price point may limit their presence on this year’s bestseller lists. Overall, however, the marketing prospects for the new KF coffee machines look quite promising.
The video introduces the new KitchenAid KF4 fully automatic espresso machine with Iced Coffee.