If you want barista-style lattes at home, this is the best way to get them.
Ive done my fair share of barista-ing.
So I love testing thebest espresso machines.
Is theKitchenAidSemi Automatic Espresso Machine one of them?
The short answer: oh my gosh, one hundred percent yes.
But what makes it so good, I hear you ask?
Well, the machine produces creamy, fully extracted espresso shots for a start.
Are there any downsides to this machine?
Well, its $700, but thats not excessive compared to other semi-automatic and bean-to-cup machines.
For this machines quality, the $700 is definitely worth it.
Find out the full story in this KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder with Burr Grinder review.
This is pretty pricey for the average person, but its not too bad for a semi automatic machine.
KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder review: Design
I love how this machine looks.
Its available in three colorways: black, steel, and cream.
I tested the black version and my oh my, does it look wonderful in the office kitchen.
It brings a sort of sleek, modern glamor to the place.
Not that we dont bring enough of that ourselves.
Theres none of that on the KitchenAid Semi Automatic.
The entire machine is sturdy, well-made, and well-designed.
Its easy to clean, too, but more on that in the Storage and maintenance section.
Its a pretty quiet burr grinder: it maxed out at 70.2dB in testing.
Yes, I was using the double shot portafilter.
Then, I set it to single shot and it was too little to fill the portafilter.
KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder review: Espresso
Pulling shots is pretty straightforward.
After grinding to your liking, you tamp the coffee with the included weighty tamper.
Ive never seen this before on a coffee machine it could be a game changer.
Take a look at how beautiful this espresso shot is.
This was extracted through a single-walled double shot portafilter at the highest temperature setting.
This picture was snapped immediately after the shot finished pouring, hence the drop mark on the surface.
While brewing shots, it averages 54.6dB.
Ive never been able to create velvety microfoam like this on an at-home espresso machine before.
Which is not great if you want latte art.
Speaking of latte art, this is what I managed to accomplish using the KitchenAid Semi Automatic steam wand.
Office lighting is hard.
This milk texture is perfect microfoam exactly what youd get in a good cafe.
I doubt this success is due to my barista background, because other machines are incapable of steaming microfoam.
When its full, a little full red sign pops up through the grates how cute is that?
KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder review: How does it compare?
I was testing Smeg machines at the same time as this KitchenAid machine, and the difference is astounding.
In terms of coffee making obviously the most important aspect I cant fault this machine at all.
I adored the melted-ice-cream-like milk texture, delicious espresso shots, and ease of use.
For a semi-professional machine, this is remarkably easy to get used to.
