KitchenAidFully 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.

I bought this about 6-months ago for my sister, and as-shipped it did not include the milk hose. She called Kitchen Aid and they sent her one, and you stick it in a mason jar and it does fine. You can also get the model with the separate carafe and then stick it in the fridge when you are done. Same basic use, just nicer. For the function, it is a beautiful machine, and works wonderfully. Absolute fantastic product. Takes a moment to start up because it goes through a cleaning cycle, but then it cranks out beautiful late drinks. Foam is great, expresso is great, hot milk; just can't ask for more. If I was to buy another, I would get the model with the carafe so you don't have to bother the factory for the hose. They might have re-packaged the product, they told my sister they were still figuring out how to package the unit based on customer input. Solid built and HEAVY.

Brought as gift for wife as her Gaggia Accademia broke down after 7 years. Was a challenge to get it fixed, so after research, I selected this coffee maker. Unfortunately I had to return it for the following reasons, and not on performance. She loved the machine (she a coffee guru), but I didn't know the difference between steaming the milk vs. frothing the milk. This model didn't have frothing, I decided to return it to get the next model up, but then she noticed it was to long in depth as it wouldn't fit in our kitchen remodel cabinetry, as we only had 16 inches of depth for a coffee maker and the unit was 17.5 inches. So it was unfortunate we returned. But overall the machine working great, she loved the coffee bids to quickly replace beans, the water unit that slides out from the side vs the top. The interface for making coffee and the simple cleaning of the milk hose. Had the size been a bit shorter, we would have gotten the K7 or 8. Good machine and was at a great price.

For background, I have multiple automatic Jura machines in the office. I used one for almost a year during Covid. So I have experience with machines in the $1,500 - 5,000 price range. We had a Breveille at home. Loved the coffee quality, but finally decided we wanted to step up the easy factor. Didn't want to spend the money on a Jura. So, we went and tried a Bosch 300 Series. They've been making coffee/espresso machines forever, so thought the quality/reliability would be good. Unfortunately the coffee was not. It was strong, but not hot enough, and no crema. Our friends bought a KitchenAid and we tried it at their house, with our beans, and found it was almost as good as our Breveille or the Juras in my offices. For the price, we went for it and bought one. About 1 month in, we're happy with it. The adjustable temp is great (hot is actually hot). The removable bean hopper is a nice feature. It actually makes crema (not quite as much as the Breveille or Jura, but enough). It's quieter than the Bosch and Juras. It's easy to clean. The water tank on the side is easier to fill for us than a tank in the back (we have it under kitchen cabinets, on the kitchen counter). Being able to save settings for multiple users makes it just a little quicker to get your drink started. Really no complaints at this point. Just need to see how it holds up in a few years.

My semi-auto deLongie broke after 7years. The Kitchenaid KF6 is a well-thought-out machine. It makes excellent coffee. The foaming function does leave a little to be desired, but I bought it for the coffee, which is excellent. It took a couple of days to get it dialed in and the beans make a big difference in the taste. I like the way the screen shows the instructions for cleaning etc. but don't toss the manual. After it finishes the cleaning function it goes back to step 1 and it's very easy to start it up again instead of just exiting. This model is a good choice for those who like their coffee.

initially, when my Nespresso died I bought a Phillips Saeco unit model, after 4 years it died.This Kitchenaid is far superior in every way. very very easy maintenance and the coffee beverages are terrific. Highly automated and a pleasure to use.Highly recommend this model

Beautiful design and worked well but unfortunately it gave up on disposing the old coffee puck automatically after a week of use. Had to return as there is no Amazon option for a replacement.

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 counter2) Ease of use & maintenance - drink menu is appealing and easy to navigate // machine does majority of self-maintenance and remainder is simple3) 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