KitchenAid, KES6551 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, 2 Cup, Juniper

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.

I spent 16months looking at this machine—dreaming of it before I purchased. Literally LOVE this machine. I use fresh air roasted beans, vanilla bean sugar, starbucks vanilla syrup, Kemps 2%milk. Took a few months until new grinder. Makes espresso perfect. Amazing value at discount. Designers put thought into this for under counter space, design and even for clean up. Frother is top tier better than any brand. Its sleek, crisp and innovative. I push it hard 3-5 times a day. DO NOT use tap water, just use filtered bottled water so no purging machine for 2months(if used every other day). Just remove filter from water tank to use filtered bottled water(NO SPRING WATER). Do not leave machine "unused" for 2+ weeks, then clean water will smell, if used ovbiously no smell. Ease of use is extremely easy, i recommend for everyone. DO NOT FORGET TO PRIME FIRST #1 Rule. Or Prime every 2 weeks because you can. Purge every 2 weeks because you can. Clean water tank every 2 weeks because you can. This is a tool not a toy. Pretty sure all the bad reviews are paid actors or amateurs. Water does not spill/leak everywhere, its the drip tray over flowing. Rinse drip tray everyday or after every 4 espresso makes. You will 100% need some tools and this goes for ALL home espresso brands not just kitchen aid, so dont think another brand is going to save you. Its actually going to be worse because other brand portafilters are only (54mm). Kitchen-aids, is professional size (58mm). Most home espresso machine grinders are to small in mm(40mm)(42mm)(44mm) so not every bean works and will grind to fine on max course. I wasted many beans. So no matter what you will have to buy a df54mm or df64mm coffee grinder to make "ANY" coffee bean you want instead of guessing. I myself have saved a $1000 since I can make it myself now. The set up below is for kitchenaid semi-automatic espresso machine(non negotiable)— 1. df54mm grinder. 2. 58.5mm Espresso Tamper—6 Adjustable Pressure Settings. 3. A set of 0.2mm Ultra-Thin Coffee Espresso Filter Screen. 4. Electronic Coffee Scale. 5. Dosing Ring. 6. Espresso Distribution Tool 7. One 2.5oz-One 4oz Espresso Shot glass for weighing espresso. 8. 20oz Stainless steel froth cup if you want extra foam like me(do not have to). The rest you can figure out. You're all extremely welcome for this review that you wont even find a video on the internet for.

Love this machine.Cons - 1. Did all the setup as required including priming the system but like others, it was leaking after I attached a 'max' water tank. I was really discouraged because I had read other reviews of the leaking. But so many people loved it. So my wife and I decided we'd do a ln experiment. We kept the tank off and put it back on to use the first time. After the first two coffees, there was no leak. Not sure if the system just needed to run a coffee or two first before the leak would stop? Anyway, we've been using it for 4 days now and not a single leak.Pros - Super quiet!! Beautiful machine. High quality built and accessories. Love that the hopper can be switched out for other beans (decaf, etc.).

…and now I can get my fix right in the comfort of my own home! First things first, this review is after about a week of having the machine. So to start, the thing looks gorgeous. Got the Juniper color and it’s beautiful. Definitely not as green as the pictures, but still not the typical stainless, black or white (not saying they’re bad, they’re not - the white is a looker as well).The machine is very well made, KitchenAid quality abounds - lots of metal with some heavy plastic thrown in, like with the grinder and the drip tray. But it looks nice, feels better and screams premium.Pulling a shot is pretty straight forward - grind, tamp, pull, froth, enjoy!The grinder is awesome - very quiet compared to other grinders. Play with the grind settings, amount and grind size to find your ideal settings. It’s fun to figure out how to get your kitchen to taste like your favorite coffee shop - and here’s the keys to the kingdom. Follow these suggestions and you’re sure to make a quality espresso every time. First, use actual espresso beans. Do not use oily beans - they will clog your grinder as oil and “dust” do not mix. If you use regular coffee beans that are oily, you will not understand why your grinder is clogged and you’ll leave bad reviews. Your beans should look matte, not shiny. Thank me later. Second, tamp hard, make sure that the espresso grounds are nice and tight, the pressure gauge (and your mania about not enough pressure will thank you). When done right, you’ll hit that halfway mark in the ideal pressure range, every. single. time. The frother is decent, use it, make some mistakes and find your groove - you’re probably not an expert when you open this thing, but a little patience and common sense will go a long way.All in all, this machine was worth the money - just take your time to understand how it works, how to use it and I am confident that you’ll be pulling great shots in no time flat.

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!Update: 05/07/26I still love the look and style of this machine. Now that I have owned it for a year…. I am changing the star from 5 to 4. For how expensive it is….it has its quirks. I have nothing to compare it to. However, I don’t think it was built to a quality that would reflect the original 1200-800 price tag. If it is on sale, snag it! It brews an amazing espresso once you figure it out. I think it does best with a medium roast. I also use way more grinds on the dial than I would expect. So the espresso is great and the look and feel of this machine is still amazing! But biggest issue I have found is the grinder and the water gauge. If you are using the grinder, you HAVE to shake or tap the puck while it dispenses grounds. If the pile gets too high, it goes to the static gauge. Then it sprays the grounds everywhere….it honestly enrages me lol but if you occasionally use the spoolie to dust the inside and keep the grounds low, it helps prevent the spray. That has been my experience. If that doesn’t work, you have to pull the whole things apart, Which is a pain. They have directions on their website, because it is a common issue. The second biggest thing, that is just overall faulty and poor design, is the water gauge. It doesn’t recognize it’s low on water till it legit runs out. This has happened to me mid shot…. Multiple times. Which means you have to stay on top of filling the tank. It’s sounds like a silly complaint, but to have it not pull a full shot and waste your perfectly good grounds…. Is more than frustrating. It shouldn’t even attempt a shot of espresso, if it doesn’t have enough water.Overall, I got a good deal on Black Friday, so I don’t regret my purchase. I’m seriously obsessed with it overall and looovvvee my espresso machine. The lattes it makes is my favorite part of my day now hahaHowever, if more established espresso brands are within $100 or so of the same price as this one, go for the established brand. I love the look of this machine, but functionally it has some issues.Hope this helps!