KitchenAid Semi 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.

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.

It's so pretty and can make good shots. However, it leaked all over and ruined my table it was sitting on. I've had terrible luck trying to buy espresso machines lately in the $500 range. I thought this one would be it, but then I saw it leaked everywhere. I really trusted Kitchenaid and this was a huge disappointment. It affects how I view the brand at this point... Is this just some Chinese piece of junk that they slapped their logo on? It doesn't seem to be well thought out. I feel like I could get something better rolling the dice on Temu at this point.

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!

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.

Works like a professional machine-it’s so quiet you don’t wake up anyone in the am! Built tough with no crappy plastic Can’t say enough about it-it’s amazing and worth the cost Also learned to get espresso beans that aren’t oily-(no glossy look) just mat bean It won’t clog your grinder up!

Loving it so far, makes great latte

J’adore cette machine à espresso. Elle fonctionne super bien et est facile à nettoyer en plus d’être jolie et solide .

DO NOT BUY! I spent months researching semi-auto espresso machines and then landed on this one because it looks good and came w/ a 2 yr warranty. The first machine shows up, and the set up instructions were very vague and unclear- turns out the machine was stuck in a cycle of constant descaling, therefore never allowing me to actually make any type of beverage. I called AMAZON, and they offered to send a replacement. It took over half an hour to take the machine apart (dump the water, dump the bean hopper), and then get it back into the original packaging. It made a massive mess and water kept leaking from inside the machine and I was never able to recover all the beans. So, the second machine shows up- I’m optimistic. I start the set up process- it would never allow me to prime the machine, but lucky for me, I was intimate familiar with the descaling process, so I implemented that to get everything flushed out. Things seemed to be going well- I followed the videos and instruction booklet on how to pull my first shot- only my two ounces of ground beans only created 1/2 ounce of espresso. I figured some of the settings must have needed a reset as it should automatically pour long enough for 2 shots. I called into the KitchenAid help line… I eventually spoke with someone in counter top appliances- I was texting him pics and video of what was going on, and his response was to return it as they DO NOT have an espresso machine tech they could pass my issues onto. So once again, I had to take everything apart, repackage it, and send it back. Save yourself the hassle and get the Breville- so easy to set up and pulls a GREAT shot out of the gates.

Great espresso machine at this price range.