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KitchenAid KF4: two-minute assessment
The KitchenAid Totally Automated Espresso Machine KF4 is a brand new addition to the corporate’s lineup, and although it seems similar to earlier fashions just like the KF3 and KF6, it’s significantly smaller and an excellent alternative for compact kitchens. It additionally provides significantly good noise shielding, and through my exams it proved quieter than its siblings when grinding and brewing.
It has the identical Intelligrind system as KitchenAid’s bigger machines, making it simple to realize the proper dosage in your chosen espresso. With just some handbook tweaks of the grinder (which might be adjusted through a dial), you’ll quickly be having fun with persistently scrumptious, well-extracted espresso.
The KF4’s computerized milk system helps you to use that espresso in scrumptious lattes and cappuccinos, and whereas it’s optimized for dairy, it labored completely effectively with barista-style oat milk as effectively, producing foam that was nearly as thick and creamy, and simply the correct temperature.
It’s a disgrace, then, that the KF4’s ‘iced’ espresso and low choices didn’t ship the outcomes I’d hoped. Many espresso machines provide chilly extraction, which takes longer to brew however delivers a drink with a mellow taste that’s simply became an iced latte or loved by itself. The KF4 brews its ‘iced’ drinks at a decrease temperature than ordinary, however the ensuing espresso continues to be scorching sufficient to soften ice inside a minute or two, leaving you with a drink that’s diluted and lukewarm.
In any other case, this is a wonderful mid-range computerized espresso machine that’s solidly made, simple to make use of, and easy to maintain clear. Its elements aren’t dishwasher-safe, however its wonderful set of upkeep applications means conserving every little thing hygienic (together with the milk system) is a chunk of cake.
KitchenAid KF4: specs
|
Title |
KitchenAid Totally Automated Espresso Machine KF4 |
|
Sort |
Bean-to-cup |
|
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
7.68 x 6.3 x 18.7 inches / 195 x 160 x 475mm |
|
Weight |
19.8lbs / 9kg |
|
Water reservoir capability |
1.9 quarts / 1.8 liters |
|
Milk frother |
Sure (computerized, dairy solely) |
|
Bars of strain |
15 |
|
Noise degree |
72dB grinding, 60dB brewing |
|
Consumer profiles |
4 |
KitchenAid KF4: worth and availability
- Launched April 2026
- Accessible in US and UK
- Listing worth $1,299.99 / £899 (about AU$1,850)
The KitchenAid Totally Automated Espresso Machine KF4 launched in April 2026 with an inventory worth of $1,299.99 / £899, placing it in the midst of KitchenAid’s vary of computerized espresso makers. That’s about AU$1,850, however the KF4 isn’t but accessible in Australia.
When you just like the look of the KF4 however your price range gained’t fairly stretch that far, check out the KitchenAid KF3. It is similar to the KF4 however has a barely smaller vary of drinks and no milk carafe. As an alternative, you place the top of the milk tube in a glass or cup, which is a much less elegant resolution, however one which cuts the worth to $999.99 / £749 (about AU$1,420).
For comparability, KitchenAid’s top-end absolutely computerized espresso machine, the KF8, is priced at $1,999.99 / £1,899 / AU$2,599, whereas the lower-specced KF2 is $799.99 / £699 (about AU$1,140).
KitchenAid KF4: design
- Smaller than earlier KitchenAid computerized espresso machines
- Milk system is simple to make use of and clear
- No elements are dishwasher-safe
The KF4 seems very very similar to KitchenAid’s earlier computerized espresso makers, however with one vital distinction: it’s rather more compact. The KF6 measures 10.2 x 14.3 x 18.6 inches / 260 x 363 x 473mm, whereas the brand new KF4 is 7.68 x 6.3 x 18.7 inches / 195 x 160 x 475mm (H x W x D). This permits it to slip right into a a lot narrower house, making it an excellent choice for bijou kitchens.
In any other case, the KF4 follows the identical design language as different KitchenAid machines with its boxy form and rounded corners, and a alternative of porcelain white or matt black finishes. Nonetheless, the corporate has made a couple of considerate tweaks right here. The brushed chrome steel on the prime of earlier fashions has been changed with plastic, for instance, and the metallic across the fringe of the drip tray has a satin end. The general look is sleeker and extra trendy, and the realm surrounding the show is now not prone to gathering unpleasant fingerprints.
The three.5 inch / 8.8cm coloration touchscreen is supplemented by six buttons: 4 that present fast entry to the menu, profiles, rinsing cycles, and machine settings; one which initiates brewing; and one which cancels the present drink. The display has a noticeably decrease decision than different espresso machines I’ve examined not too long ago, such because the Philips Café Aromis, nevertheless it’s clear and responsive.
The bean hopper is generously sized, and in contrast to many different manufacturers, KitchenAid’s designers have opted for an opaque lid with a silicone seal. This implies you may’t examine what number of beans are left at a look, however ensures that your espresso isn’t uncovered to pointless gentle and air, thereby conserving it recent longer. The lid is absolutely detachable somewhat than hinged, which makes the hopper simpler to entry in case you maintain your espresso maker beneath a wall cupboard, and it has a chute for a scoop of pre-ground espresso if you wish to combine issues up. A suitably-sized scoop is supplied with the machine.
Picture 1 of 2
The drip tray is deep, serving to forestall spills, and has a big spout on the again for simple emptying. Used espresso grounds drop right into a detachable bin within the middle, and through testing I used to be happy to see that this was a really tidy course of. Some espresso machines handle to unfold moist grounds everywhere in the drip tray and the inside of the case, however not the KF4.
The water tank is giant too, and feels very sturdy. It has a hinged lid and a recessed deal with, making it simple to take away, carry, and slide again into place with out spilling. The KF4 can also be equipped with a water-testing strip and water filter. The tank is sort of slender, so reaching inside to suit the filter might be difficult, however this doesn’t must be performed too usually.
The KF4’s milk system is identical as that of the KF8, with a lidded carafe that connects to the machine through a silicone tube. Raise a small cowl on the aspect of the KF4’s espresso dispenser to disclose a socket, push one finish of the hose into place, then connect the opposite to the carafe. It’s not as neat because the Philips LatteGo system, the place the milk carafes are made out of three easy items of onerous plastic, however the KF4’s rinsing and cleansing applications assist maintain every little thing hygienic. The milk carafe might be saved within the fridge between makes use of, however not one of the detachable elements — together with the milk system, drip tray, and grounds container — are dishwasher-safe.
The peak of the dispenser might be adjusted to accommodate different-sized cups, with a very good vary of motion that fits every little thing from an espresso cup to a 350ml espresso mug. The motion isn’t as clean as with the most recent machines from Philips and De’Longhi, which is a disgrace, however that is a minor quibble.
KitchenAid KF4: efficiency
- Persistently well-extracted espresso
- Good milk foaming, regardless of lack of devoted plant milk mode
- 4 person profiles, which may retailer 4 customized drinks every
- ‘Iced’ drinks are brewed at a decrease temperature, however are nonetheless hot
Most significantly, the KitchenAid KF4 brews a wonderful espresso. Its Intelligrind system selects the very best dose in your espresso beans, and it’s simple to tweak the grind measurement for the optimum extraction. It produced very constant outcomes throughout my exams, and as soon as I’d dialled in the very best grind measurement for every sort of espresso, I might be assured that it might at all times style nice.
Milk-foaming is nice as effectively. Though there’s no choice particularly for foaming plant milk, as there may be with the KF8, I discovered it carried out completely effectively utilizing barista-style oat milk. I obtained the thickest, silkiest foam when utilizing full-fat dairy milk, however plant and semi-skimmed milk have been each nice as alternate options. Nonetheless, it’s price figuring out that, not like another espresso makers I’ve examined not too long ago (together with the De’Longhi Primadonna Fragrant and Philips Café Aromis), the KitchenAid KF4 can solely produce scorching milk foam, so iced lattes and cappuccinos are off the menu.
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There are 4 person profiles, which can be lots for many households. The draw back is that every profile can solely retailer 4 customized drinks. I discovered that the default volumes of espresso and milk have been fairly small, so I’d have most popular to have the ability to create much more bespoke presets for fast entry.
I used to be disillusioned with the KF4’s two iced drink choices (iced espresso and iced espresso). Many trendy espresso makers — from the budget-friendly De’Longhi Dedica Duo by way of to the prosumer Jura J10 — provide cold-extracted espresso. This makes use of ambient temperature water direct from the tank and produces a drink with a extra mellow taste than scorching espresso, which is right for iced drinks with or with out milk.
The KF4, alternatively, takes the identical strategy because the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series by asking you so as to add a handful of ice to your cup after which pouring a shot of scorching espresso excessive. KitchenAid says that the ‘iced’ espresso and low are brewed at a decrease temperature than ordinary, however throughout my exams they have been nonetheless scorching sufficient to rapidly soften the ice in my cup, leaving me with a diluted, lukewarm drink. I’ve come to count on higher outcomes from KitchenAid’s machines, and it was disappointing.
These two ‘iced’ choices occupy two spots within the KF4’s menu that might be used for different drinks. The KF4 doesn’t have a preset for brewing a cortado, for instance, which is a disgrace because it’s a favourite of mine.
There’s higher information in the case of noise shielding. KitchenAid’s absolutely computerized espresso makers are a few of the quietest in the marketplace, and the KF4 is not any exception. The truth is, it’s one of many quietest machines I’ve ever used, averaging 72dB whereas grinding and 60dB whereas brewing.
Upkeep is refreshingly easy and thorough as effectively, with a alternative of fast and deep cleansing choices. The machine rinses itself upon startup and shutdown, prompts you to empty the drip tray and grounds container repeatedly, and asks you to rinse the milk system after every use. When it’s time for a extra intensive clear, open the settings menu, and also you’ll discover choices for laundry the milk system and brewing unit with particular cleaners. The KF4 is equipped with cleansing tablets for the brew unit, although you’ll want to purchase descaler and milk system cleaner individually. There’s additionally an choice for evaporating all of the water within the machine, which is an excellent function I want all computerized espresso machines had. It makes it simple to maintain every little thing hygienically dry, and is especially useful in case you’re going to be storing or delivery it.
Must you purchase the KitchenAid KF4?
|
Attribute |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
One in every of KitchenAid’s extra reasonably priced choices. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Extra compact than the model’s earlier auto machines, however simply as smart-looking. |
4.5/5 |
|
Efficiency |
Wonderful espresso and milk, however ‘iced’ choices are disappointing and it could possibly solely retailer 4 customized drinks per person. |
4/5 |
Purchase it if
Do not buy it if
KitchenAid KF4: additionally think about
When you’re undecided whether or not the KitchenAid KF8 is the correct espresso machine for you, listed below are two different choices to remember.
KitchenAid KF4: how I examined
I used the KitchenAid KF4 for 2 weeks, instead of my ordinary espresso machine. I used it to arrange a variety of drinks with and with out milk, utilizing two several types of espresso to see how the machine would adapt, and the way simple it was to dial within the grinder. I examined the milk system with barista-style oat milk, and each semi-skimmed and complete dairy milk. I ran the machine’s cleansing applications as directed after every use, and used the brew unit cleansing and evaporation cycles on the finish of testing.
First reviewed June 2026
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