TechRadar Verdict
Great quality coffee doesn’t get much easier than this.
This is primarily a bean-to-cup machine, with an alternative only for occasional use.
The automatic milk frother works well too, and offers options for both dairy and plant-based milk.
The KitchenAid KF8 has a dedicated mode for steaming plant milk, unlike most other bean-to-cup machines I’ve tested, which are optimized only for dairy
Surprisingly, almond milk foamed even better than dairy during my tests.
Most bean-to-cup coffee makers only have one setting thats optimized for dairy, so this was a pleasant surprise.
There is also a button inside that allows you to remove the hopper for cleaning.
Theres a measuring scoop supplied to make this easy, but this is primarily a bean-to-cup machine.
Most fully automatic coffee makers use milk from a tube dangling in an open-topped container.
It tucks neatly to the side without spoiling the coffee makers clean lines.
The machine is supplied with two cleaning tablets, and more can be bought from Kitchenaid.
The process takes a long time, but you wont need to repeat it regularly.
The manual looked chunky, but the section for each language was surprisingly brief for such a feature-packed gear.
Theres almost no need to refer to the paper manual at all.
Each instruction is presented in plain language, with images where necessary.
It really couldnt be easier to use.
The machine will then brew and dispense your drink.
I also appreciated the option to choose whether milk or coffee is dispensed first for lattes and cappuccinos.
It was definitely some of the best tasting coffee Ive tried from a bean-to-cup machine.
Thats about the same noise level you might expect in a library.
The tray has a spout at the back that makes it very easy to empty and rinse.
The whole process is fast and simple.
The large water tank is easy to remove thanks to its ergonomically designed handle, and comes with a screw-in filter
Should I buy the KitchenAid KF8?
If you like to use pre-ground coffee, a coffee machine without a grinder is a more logical choice.
KitchenAid KF8: also consider
Not completely sold on the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8?
Load beans into the hopper, and ground coffee into the chute (at the top right)
Here are a couple of alternatives to consider.
Read our fullBreville Oracle Touch review
Ninja Luxe Cafe
Can’t choose between drip coffee and espresso?
Find out we test.
The large, bright touchscreen makes it easy to fine-tune your perfect coffee
The milk dispenser is easy to attach, and unlike most fully automatic espresso machines, the KF8 keeps the container covered at all times.
Espresso was consistently well extracted, with rich, golden crema
You can tailor your drinks to suit your preferences, including volume dispensed
Used coffee pucks drop into an easy to clean container that you can pull out with the drip tray
