I Gave KitchenAid's Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine a Nearly Perfect Score in Its Test — And It's Even Converted My Instant Coffee-Loving Boyfriend to Better Espresso

When I first moved into my flat, I didn't have a coffee machine. That meant I became quite accustomed to a cup of instant each morning (I know, I know, the former barista in me is appalled). Well, I now have four machines on my counter — all being trialed and tested — and I've really learned just how much your machine can impact the flavor, quality, and enjoyment you get from the milky morning ritual.

Well, one of those four machines is KitchenAid's Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine (currently discounted by £130 on Amazon), and it just might be one of the best espresso machines I've tested so far. What works for you all depends on what you want from your coffee. Do you value flavor freshness? The ability to steam milk? An easily customizable routine?

KitchenAid's Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine seems to tick all the boxes. It's high-tech enough to produce that sought-after high-quality brew at home at the touch of a button, but still lets you take enough control of the experience to hone your at-home coffee-making craft. But before you commit, here are my honest thoughts.

Olivia Wolfe

Olivia Wolfe has been a design writer for Livingetc since 2024, and has a master's degree in arts and lifestyle journalism from the University of the Arts London, London College of Communication. Previously, Olivia worked in the coffee industry at multiple cafes, both in London and the United States. During this time, she took training-intensive courses at coffee roasteries where coffee beans are roasted, packed, and shipped. During these trainings, Olivia learned about different types of coffee beans, how region affects flavor, roasting methods, grinding methods for different brews, and the flavor profiles of coffee. Since being at Livingetc, Olivia has tested multiple coffee machines (and currently has four on her kitchen counter).

First Impressions

If this were a job interview, I would've hired the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine on the spot. Why? When I opened the package, there were cardboard handles to help pull the product out of the delivery box. A small detail, but anyone who has ordered a large machine online knows the struggle of trying to slide it out, awkwardly. I felt this inclusion shows the brand really thought about the entire process. So, 10 points to KitchenAid.

However, the machine itself scored a solid first impression as well. It's sleek, sophisticated, and surprisingly slim. Was I slightly worried that my small apartment kitchen would no longer have room on the worktop? Yes. However, that proved to be far from reality. And in some ways, it took up even less room than other pod machines, like the Morning Machine, which has a very long body. Alternatively, the KitchenAid is far more compact.

Plus, it arrived with the necessary coffee machine accessories, like a milk frothing jug, portafiller, and even an extra water filter. So far, so good.

Testing the Machine

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For me, the real test lies in how easy a machine is to use. Yes, being an ex-barista and a self-proclaimed coffee snob means that I enjoy all the faff of a complex coffee routine. I like steaming the milk, grinding fresh beans, and reminiscing on my cafe days. But I am also someone who needs every extra minute of sleep, so ease is key.

The instruction manual and step-by-step were, thankfully, very easy to consume. I went old-school and followed the paper manual, but you can also scan a QR code for video help from KitchenAid on how to set up the device.

Considering how high-tech the machine looks, the semi-automatic name rings true. That is, you still feel like the one making the coffee, rather than the machine doing all the work for you. Fill the water tank with water, fill the hopper with beans, set the dials to your preferred settings, press the button, and follow the steps for making coffee. Easy as counting to five.

Even though freshly ground beans are tastier, I really liked the function of being able to use pre-ground beans as well. Versatility is key when choosing an espresso machine vs a coffee maker.

Quality of Coffee

Full disclosure: My partner and I grew to really like a humble cup of instant coffee in the morning. So, when I passed him his first latte from the KitchenAid semi-automatic coffee machine, I waited in honest anticipation. Would it be enough to convince him that we need to give this machine a permanent home in our flat?

To my delight, the coffee scored a 10/10 with him. But there are a few factors that determine the quality of coffee made by this machine. First of all, taking the time to perfect the grind size, temperature, and shot size is key to finding a flavor that is perfect for your taste (I was able to get the grind to a level I was happy with after only two or three tries). You can use pre-ground beans, but you risk your cup of joe being a step below cafe-level.

Learning the proper milk frothing techniques is also essential, as burnt milk will never lead to a luxury latte. The good news is that it's nearly impossible to reach that point as the steaming system is designed to be easy, and there are clear instructions for how to use it.

Rather than having to shop for syrups and fancy add-ons to help make your Nespresso pods taste better, this cup of coffee is delightful with just the espresso shot and your milk of choice.

Should You Buy The KitchenAid Semi Automatic Machine?

So, here we are with one last question to answer: Is the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic coffee machine the right device for you?

This is a fabulous machine for anyone ready to invest in a quality espresso maker that is a step up from smaller, more basic machines, like the De'Longhi Dedica Duo, but isn't necessarily a pro barista. You can easily produce a quality cup of coffee, but there is still enough user interaction to learn more about grind size and milk frothing, further enhancing your skills.

The size would obviously be more ideal for kitchens that have counterspace to spare or a dedicated coffee nook, but as mentioned, it is surprisingly slim (my small apartment kitchen doesn't feel overcrowded). It's more a matter of what you want to prioritize. Maybe a stylish coffee pod machine is better for convenience's sake if you already have a busy morning schedule.

Overall, this is a machine that has definitely made it to my top three coffee makers that I have tested, for quality, value, and usability.

More Coffee Products From KitchenAid

No coffee nook is complete without the right machine. Could the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic coffee machine be the missing piece for your space?