The KitchenAid KF6 (model KES8556, Stainless Steel Finish KES8556SX) is a fully automatic espresso machine with 15 drink types, a built-in grinder, a removable bean hopper and an automatic milk hose. KitchenAid sells it for $1,199.99 on its US site.
What is the KitchenAid KF6 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine?
It is the entry model of KitchenAid's fully automatic line, below the KF7 and the KF8. You fill a removable 270 g bean hopper and a 2.2 liter water tank, pick a drink on a 2.4 inch color display and the machine grinds, brews and, for milk drinks, froths through a milk hose that you drop into a carton or a container of your own. Hot water is a separate drink, and a coffee grounds shaft takes pre-ground coffee.
The owner's manual covers the KF6, KF7 and KF8 together, so some features it describes, such as the 0.8 liter milk container, belong to the larger models. This page keeps to what KitchenAid states for the KES8556.
KitchenAid KF6 specs
| Model | KES8556SX (Stainless Steel Finish) |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.99 on kitchenaid.com |
| Drink types | 15 |
| Grinder | Built in, smart dosing, 7 grind settings |
| Strength | 3 settings |
| Pump | 15 to 18 bar |
| Heating | Single thermocoil, ready in under 40 seconds |
| Bean hopper | 270 g, removable |
| Water tank | 2.2 liters, removable |
| Cup clearance | 3.5 to 5.4 in (89 to 137 mm) |
| Power | 1450 W, 120 V |
| Size | 10-13/64 x 18-1/2 x 14-19/64 in (W x D x H) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
How the KitchenAid KF6 makes milk drinks
There is no milk container in the box. You put the milk hose into a carton or any container, and the cappuccinatore froths and heats the milk on its way to the cup. The KF6 has a single milk outlet; the KF7 and KF8 add dual milk delivery. Milk volume can be set, but KitchenAid lists no milk temperature adjustment and no option to change the order of milk and coffee.
After a milk drink the display asks you to rinse the system, and the Easy Milk Rinsing cycle pushes steam through the internal milk path. The manual says to do this as soon as possible, and at the latest before switching off.
Grinder, brew unit and upkeep
The grinder is set while it runs, with a regulator behind the service door; KitchenAid says finer for light roasts and coarser for dark ones. The hopper twists off, and a purge function clears the grinder chamber so you can swap beans and brew a new cup at once. The brew unit pulls straight out and is cleaned under cold running water with a cleaning tablet. None of the removable parts, the dispenser and the brew unit included, are dishwasher safe, according to the manual.
A message on the display tells you when to descale, and KitchenAid lists alerts for the water filter, the brew unit and the milk rinse. The included filter is used up after about 50 liters of water.
KitchenAid KF6 vs De'Longhi Rivelia and KitchenAid KF8
The De'Longhi Rivelia costs $1,299.95, $100 more than the KF6. It has two removable 250 g hoppers, a 1.4 liter tank and 13 grind settings, against one 270 g hopper, a 2.2 liter tank and 7 settings here, plus a LatteCrema milk system and a 3.5 inch touch display. Both list four profiles. The KF6's bigger tank is the clearest difference.
The KitchenAid KF8 sits at the top of the same family. KitchenAid's own manual lists 40+ drink types, six profiles, a 5 inch touch screen, a milk container and dual milk delivery for it, and its US page prices it at $1,999.99, $800 above the KF6. The KF6 keeps the grinder, hopper, tank and brew unit and drops those extras.
Is the KitchenAid KF6 worth it?
At $1,199.99 it is a fully automatic machine with a large tank, a removable hopper and brew unit, and a 2 year warranty. The costs are a hand-washed milk path, no milk container, a small display and no published noise figure; KitchenAid says only that operation is quiet. It also lists no net weight, since the spec sheet shows 0 lbs against a gross weight of 37 lbs. Browse other options in bean-to-cup machines.
Who should buy the KitchenAid KF6 (and who should not)
It suits a household that wants espresso, americano, cappuccino and latte from one machine, with a big tank that needs less refilling. It does not suit anyone who wants a milk container that goes in the dishwasher, dual milk drinks or a large touch screen. For those, the KF7 or KF8 are the KitchenAid step up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the KitchenAid KF6 cost?
KitchenAid's US site lists the KES8556SX Stainless Steel Finish at $1,199.99, in stock, with free shipping on orders over $49.99.
How many drinks does the KitchenAid KF6 make?
KitchenAid lists 15 drink types, including espresso, americano, latte, cappuccino, latte macchiato and macchiato, many as single or double.
Does the KitchenAid KF6 come with a milk frother container?
No. The manual says the KES8556 does not include a milk container. You place the milk hose in a carton or container of your choice.
Can the KitchenAid KF6 use pre-ground coffee?
Yes. Open the coffee grounds shaft, add a level spoon of ground coffee and close it. KitchenAid notes the shots cannot be adjusted in ground coffee mode.
Is the KitchenAid KF6 brew unit removable?
Yes. It pulls straight out and is cleaned under cold running water. KitchenAid says not to use detergent on it.
What is the difference between the KitchenAid KF6, KF7 and KF8?
The KF6 has 15 drink types and 4 profiles. The manual lists 20+ drink types and a milk container for the KF7, and 40+ drink types, 6 profiles and a 5 inch touch screen for the KF8.
