The KitchenAid KF8 (model KES8558) is a fully automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine with a built-in grinder, a 5 inch touch screen and an included milk container. KitchenAid sells it for $1,999.99 and lists more than 40 recipe options.
What is the KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine?
It is the top model of KitchenAid's three-machine fully automatic range, which also includes the KF6 (KES8556) and KF7 (KES8557). Per the owner's manual, the KES8558 adds a 5 inch touch screen, 6 user profiles, 40+ drink types and an alternative milk cycle on top of the removable bean hopper and milk container the KF7 has. You fill the hopper with whole beans, press a drink on the screen, and the machine grinds, brews and, for milk drinks, froths and pours.
KitchenAid says it can store personalized recipes by strength, length and temperature, and that the milk system suits both dairy and plant-based drinks.
KitchenAid KF8 specs
| Model | KES8558 (Porcelain White is KES8558PL) |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.99 on kitchenaid.com |
| Drink options | 40, with 6 user profiles |
| Display | 5.0 inch LCD touch screen |
| Grinder | Built in, 7 grind settings |
| Bean hopper | 270 g, removable |
| Water tank | 2.2 L (74 oz), removable |
| Milk container | 790 ml, included, with hose |
| Heating | Single thermocoil, under 40 seconds to ready |
| Pump pressure | 15 to 18 bars |
| Power | 1450 W, 120 V |
| Cup clearance | 3.5 to 5.4 in (89 to 137 mm) |
| Size | 10-13/64 in wide, 18-1/2 in deep, 14-19/64 in high |
| Warranty | 2 years, limited |
How the KF8 grinder and brew unit work
The built-in grinder has 7 grind settings, changed from inside the service door on the right side of the machine. Strength has 5 steps and coffee temperature 3 (low, medium, high). The bean hopper twists and lifts off, and an auto purge function clears the beans left in the grinder chamber so the next batch can be a different roast straight away. KitchenAid states that the hopper holds 270 g.
Pre-ground coffee goes in through a separate coffee grounds shaft under a cover on the upper right, which is how you would make a decaf cup without emptying the hopper. Shots cannot be adjusted in ground coffee mode. The brew unit is removable: the manual walks you through pulling it out of the service door and rinsing it under cold running water, plus a two-phase cleaning routine with brew unit tablets.
How the KF8 milk system works
The machine uses a milk container with a hose that connects to the dispenser, or you can drop the hose into a regular milk carton. KitchenAid describes a dual-drink delivery system and an alternative milk cycle programmed for plant-based drinks. After a milk drink the machine runs an Easy Milk Rinsing step, and the manual says the system should be rinsed after each use, with a Deep Milk Clean program with milk cleaning detergent for a fuller clean. The manual says the milk container lid is not dishwasher safe and should be washed by hand.
KitchenAid KF8 vs Jura E8
The Jura E8 costs $2,599.00 and makes 17 one-touch drinks, against 40 options on the KF8. The E8 has a 1.9 L tank and a 280 g hopper, close to the KF8's 2.2 L and 270 g. Both have 7 grind settings and a 2 year warranty. The E8 is priced about $600 higher, so the question is whether Jura's milk spout and grinder are worth that gap to you.
KitchenAid KF8 vs De'Longhi Rivelia
The De'Longhi Rivelia is $1,299.95, which is $700 below the KF8. It has a 1.4 L tank, two 250 g hoppers and 13 grind settings, and a 3.5 inch display. The KF8 has the bigger tank, the larger screen and 6 profiles to the Rivelia's 4. If you drink milk drinks daily and want the larger water tank, the KF8 gives more; if you want the lowest price of the two, the Rivelia does.
Is the KitchenAid KF8 worth it?
At $1,999.99 it sits in the middle of the bean-to-cup machines range. What you get for the money is a removable brew unit, a removable hopper, a large tank and a long drink list, from a brand most buyers already know. What you do not get from the maker's pages is a grinder burr material, a noise figure or a country of manufacture on the US product page, so those stay unknown here. Nobody has tested it, so taste and shot quality are not covered.
Who should buy the KitchenAid KF8 (and who should not)
It suits a household that wants a long menu of one-touch drinks, several people with their own saved recipes, and a brew unit it can rinse itself. It also suits anyone who swaps between two roasts, because the hopper lifts off and purges. It is a poor fit for someone who wants a machine for black coffee only and does not need a milk system, or who wants the lowest price in the category. Parts such as the water tank, drip tray, hopper and milk container lid have to be washed by hand because none are dishwasher safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drinks does the KitchenAid KF8 make?
KitchenAid lists 40+ recipe options, including espresso, americano, latte, cappuccino, flat white, cortado, macchiato, lungo and ristretto, many with single and double options.
Does the KF8 have a removable brew unit?
Yes. KitchenAid lists a removable brew unit, and the manual shows how to take it out through the service door and rinse it.
Can the KitchenAid KF8 use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, through the coffee grounds shaft on the upper right of the machine. Shots cannot be adjusted in that mode.
How big is the water tank and the bean hopper?
The water tank holds 2.2 L and the removable bean hopper holds 270 g.
Is the KitchenAid KF8 dishwasher safe?
No. The manual says none of the removable parts, including the drip tray, hopper, tank, brew unit and milk container lid, are dishwasher safe.
How long is the KitchenAid KF8 warranty?
Two years from the date of delivery under KitchenAid's limited warranty for machines used in the United States.
What cup height fits under the dispenser?
The manual gives a cup clearance of 3.5 to 5.4 inches (89 to 137 mm), with a spout that slides up or down.
