KitchenAidSemi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, 2.5L, Juniper, KES6551JP

This is fantastic. I drink several espressos a day and this beauty can keep up. The espresso gauge works great, the espresso bean grinding is effortless, clean, and so easy. We used another big brand and it was okay, but this machine makes wonderful espresso, with multiple temperature controls, distinct features that make it easy and simple to make your favorite espresso drink. The frothing is thick and foamy, the tamper is well made with slight weight (you may want to upgrade to a heavier tamper if you prefer). The espresso is smooth, silky, and yummy. The pressure pulls the flavors and oils through the entire process leaving you enjoying your favorite espresso all the way to the end, with a clean empty cup. Definitely worth it. The machine is metal, the espresso handle is heavy duty, all of the components are well made.

We wanted to love this machine as it worked well for us, and made good coffee but unfortunately some rust stains appeared within a few weeks. They appear not only under the machine where coffee is made, but also on the sides of the machine. See pictures.These ARE not water or coffee stains, and They can not be removed with a soft wet sponge.Mineral oil, applied with a soft rag, in the direction of the grain, helps somewhat, but does not remove these stains.Our kitchen has many other brushed stainless steel, (mostly type 304), surfaces, sinks , and appliances. None of these other items shows any brown rust spots at all.I contacted Kitchen Aid customer service who responded they could not help as "aesthetics" are not covered under warranty. Seriously ? Aesthetics ? I expected much better from KitchenAid, both in terms of product quality and customer service. Additionally, i tried to leave a review on their website a week ago but unfortunately it does not appear publicly. This raises concerns about the transparency of their review process and gives the impression that negative reviews are being filtered out.

The KitchenAid Espresso Machine is a standout in the world of home espresso makers, offering a perfect blend of performance, design, and ease of use. With its sleek, modern aesthetic, it brings a touch of professional elegance to any kitchen. But it’s not just about looks—this machine delivers excellent espresso shots consistently, thanks to its powerful 15-bar pump and precise temperature control.The portafilter is sturdy, and the adjustable steam wand makes frothing milk a breeze, creating velvety microfoam ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. Additionally, the intuitive interface with clear controls ensures that even espresso beginners can create café-quality drinks without a steep learning curve.Cleaning is simple, with easy-to-remove parts, and the overall build feels premium and durable. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a casual coffee enthusiast, the KitchenAid Espresso Machine delivers a delightful espresso experience, combining both style and substance in one impressive package.

Lots of good similarly priced machines in this category but I went with this one mainly due to the counter footprint and stainless construction. I have a small kitchen and other more popular models I looked at were just too large. It's still a big machine but leaves me with some counter space to work with.I upgraded from a Delonghi ECP and the quality improvement is a world of difference going from ESE pods to fresh grounds. The frother is also significantly better and easily the best I've used. Setup instructions are a bit lacking so I watched a few videos for setup and was able to grind, brew and froth a drink fairly quickly.I really like how quiet the grinder is, the automatic configuration for settings and brewing, and how the water pitcher can be removed horizontally so the machine can be placed under a cabinet.I haven't had any issues with static while grinding as I'd seen in another review. I've been using the single-wall double basket with mid roast beans at about 75% of the finest grind setting and have been pulling shots with good crema. I saw a review about the grinder not going fine enough and would say that's a questionable claim. Retention seems to be quite low as well.My only complaints are about the accessories and drip tray. The portafilter is mainly plastic with plastic spouts which really detract from the overall quality and marketing about the build being fully stainless. One of my reasons for upgrading was to reduce plastic in the brewing process so that's pretty disappointing. A bottomless portafilter or one with stainless spouts would've been much better. The portafilter has a nice weight to it and seems solidly built but the plastic can't be removed. I would've also liked to see a puck screen and dosing funnel included as they're practically a necessity. The tamper is half plastic but works for now.The drip tray seems to accumulate a lot of water from the internal functioning. I've noticed it while the machine warms up or switches to steam mode. So expect to empty it frequently.Those things aside, it's a great machine so far and really makes an excellent espresso. Most of the accessories can be upgraded but it would've been nice if they included better ones. It also looks good next to my other KitchenAid appliances which are workhorses in my kitchen. I'm hoping this machine is as solidly built and will hold up to the same level of quality over time.

I’m a beginner, but after a couple of test runs, I’ve finally mastered pulling a good espresso shot. The best part? I’m saving so much money by not hitting up cafes every week. The KitchenAid machine is absolutely gorgeous—I almost went with the Breville, but the look of this one really won me over. The sage green is stunning; it has a metallic finish that shifts between grey and green depending on the lighting. In darker settings, it looks more grey, while in bright spaces, it pops with a green hue.Functionally, it’s incredibly easy to use! I was nervous at first due to some negative reviews, but after three months, I’m totally obsessed. The espresso tastes great and the steam wand is powerful! I’ve noticed it might be getting a little louder, but I’m keeping an eye on it. I regularly run an empty puck, in hopes it will help with maintenance/longevity . I’ll updated if any issues pop up, but so far, I couldn’t be happier with my decision!