TechRadar Verdict
This fully automatic coffee machine makes brewing exquisite espresso as simple as pressing a button.
It’s beautifully and thoughtfully designed, too, and cleaning and maintenance is a breeze.
It’s also far more affordable than its sibling, the KF8, making it hard to fault.
Macchiato is one of seven customizable espresso drinks on the menu
In addition, it includes an automatic milk-frothing system for options including cappuccinos, caffe lattes, and macchiatos.
Unlike the higher-endKitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8we reviewed in 2024, theres no separate profile for plant-based milk.
Its also less expensive than you might expect.
The hatch has a rubber seal to help keep your beans fresh.
The KF6 arrives with a scoop to make this easier.
Additional filters are available to purchase directly from KitchenAid, or fromAmazon.
The tray has a spout shape at the back to avoid mess when emptying and rinsing.
Instead, you just place the end of the tube into your own jug or cup of milk.
However, unlike the higher-end KF8, the KF6 doesnt have a separate profile for plant-based milk.
They were noticeable only when observing up-close, however; youd never see them in ordinary use.
I was just a little surprised it happened so quickly.
Theres scope for customizing the strength, temperature, volume, and body of each drink, too.
The options offered by the KF6 are:
The KF6 can also dispense hot water and warm milk.
The KF6 supports six profiles, but four will be plenty for most households.
The KF6 is Quiet Mark certified, meaning it has been designed with noise reduction in mind.
The KitchenAid KF7 is controlled using a set of touch-sensitive buttons arranged around its small color screen
Its definitely quieter than most of the best espresso machines Ive tested.
Generally speaking, I found the differences between the KF6 and the KF8 to be quite small.
Although there are fewer drink options, the ones I use frequently are still available (and customizable).
The water tank is easily lifted out of the side of the machine, and comes with a filter that screws into the bottom
It’s delicious, and it will be perfect every time with no skill necessary on your part.
It makes preparing your favorite coffee a piece of cake, and is refreshingly easy to clean and maintain.
Unlike the KF8, there’s no profile for soy, almond, oat and other alternatives.
Used pucks are dispensed into a removeable bin that sits inside the drip-tray
Plus, it’s less than half the price of the KitchenAid KF6.
For more details, seehow we test, review, and rate on TechRadar.
The KitchenAid KF6 produces an incredible espresso
Unlike the KF8, the KF6 doesn’t have a mode optimized for plant-based milk
Remove the panel on the right-hand side to access the brew group for cleaning
