KitchenAid’s New Compact Espresso Machine Promises Café-Quality Coffee Without the Counter Clutter – It's Quick, Quiet, and Seriously Chic
It's perfectly intuitive to make exceptional espresso, simple
We all seem to be on the hunt for the perfect brewer – a coffee machine that can make a range of excellent drinks, handle beans and milk with ease, and do it all without taking over the entire kitchen counter.
Luckily, the latest espresso machines from KitchenAid appear to be up to the task. Around 25% smaller than previous models, the new KitchenAid KF2 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine combines a built-in conical burr grinder with an integrated milk steaming wand, making it your personal barista at home.
It is already shaping up to be a contender for the best espresso machines – especially thanks to the added cold brew functionality. Here’s everything you need to know.
Article continues belowWe’ve always been fans of the KitchenAid coffee machines, particularly the KF range. The KF6, for example, earned an impressive 4.5/5 stars in our expert review by Lydia Hayman, thanks to its exceptionally quiet operation and chic silhouette that sits seamlessly in any modern kitchen. It also delivered consistently strong, well-balanced espresso, the true litmus test for any machine in this category.
The new KF2 variation is simply smaller – offering the same great brewing power on a more compact footprint. It offers six hot and iced recipe options, from rich, bold espresso to refreshing iced coffee, all at the touch of a button. Drinks can also be tailored to taste, too, with a backlit LED display (another upgrade on the previous model) that makes adjusting strength, size, and temperature simple and intuitive.
A built-in burr grinder automatically adapts to different beans and roast profiles, helping ensure a consistently well-rounded extraction without the need for barista-level training.
It has certainly earned its spot on the busiest kitchen counters, and I can't wait to put it to the test.
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What Else to Shop
To help you make the best coffee at home, I’ve rounded up a selection of coffee station essentials designed to elevate both your brewing routine and your countertop aesthetic.
All prices correct at time of publication.
The KF3 KitchenAid espresso machine comes with a built in milk dispenser, if you have the extra budget and counter space. It ensures your drinks always have the perfect amount of milk, for a more hands-off brewing experience.
The Airscape containers have been designed specifically to force out air and preserve the contents for longer, keeping coffee beans fresh.
Italy is the home of espresso, so bring a touch of the Mediterranean life into your kitchen with these hand-painted stone wear espresso cups.
Your water quality can impact the taste of your brew. This Espresso Machine mineral packet can be added to the water, and is specially engineered to protect your espresso machine’s boiler while delivering exceptional espresso shots with rich crema, balanced acidity, and enhanced sweetness.
These matching glass bottles come with precision pumps for easy and consistent dispensing in retro style. They also come with labels to fully personalize your setup, too.
Our coffee expert and trained chef, Lydia Hayman, dubbed the glass version of the AeroPress in her review as the 'Rolls Royce' of coffee makers, and this Stainless Steel model now has a more durable exterior that doesn't risk breaking when transported or stored in a cramped kitchen drawer.
With your new automated in-house barista on the way, check out some of the expert coffee bar organization ideas to maintain order.
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Chiana is Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliances editor. With a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, she grew up experimenting in the kitchen every weekend with her baking-extraordinaire Mom, has spent time cooking with Le Creuset's expert chefs, and has developed a great understanding of how tools and appliances can make or break your ideal relaxing kitchen routine.