One minute review
KitchenAid needs no introduction and is one of the first brands that comes to mind when it comes to high-end kitchen appliances like stand mixers or blenders. But with only a small range of espresso and drip coffee machines, it's not a major player in the coffee machine market.
The KitchenAid Artisan KES6503 espresso machine is the taller of the two espresso machines available in the US, while in the UK it's the only KitchenAid espresso machine you can buy. As you'd expect from KitchenAid, it's an expensive option, but it has that undeniably sleek KitchenAid style that many covet.
Known as the KitchenAid Metal Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker in the US, this easy-to-use coffeemaker can produce single or double espressos, and the included stainless steel steam wand and milk jug let you create steam and froth. milk to add to your coffee to perfect the art of making a great cappuccino, latte or macchiato. It can also produce hot water on demand if you fancy an herbal tea instead of your usual dose of caffeine.
With a 15 bar Italian pump and a commercial grade portafilter, this espresso machine has everything you need to make the perfect espresso. And if you want to adjust the water temperature and drink volume, it allows you to change them in the settings.
In testing we found this machine easy to use and made perfect espressos almost immediately, it's a great machine for beginners and coffee lovers. Milk steam is terribly noisy, and in our opinion this is the biggest drawback of this well-built espresso machine.
KitchenAid Artisan KES6503 Espresso Machine Price and Availability
- List price: € 449 / € 499.99
The KitchenAid Artisan Espresso Machine, known as the KitchenAid Metal Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine in the US, is available direct through KitchenAid and will set you back $449/€499.99. It is currently not available in Australia. it is an expensive option
In the United States, this semi-automatic espresso machine is also available in a version that includes an automatic milk frother. This model is known as the KitchenAid Artisan Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Attachment Kit and KES6504 Automatic Milk Frother and it will set you back $599.99 (about $450).
Integrated
- 1,4 liter / 49 ounce water reservoir
- 360 degree rotating steam wand
- Cup warmers on top
There's no question this is a KitchenAid appliance, and if you have other KitchenAid countertop appliances, it'll look right at home. Not as compact as some espresso machines, but smaller than bean makers, measuring 28,6 x 16,2 x 36 cm / 11,3 x 6,4 x 14,2 inches (H x W x D) .
As is pretty standard for KitchenAid small appliances, this espresso machine comes in a range of colors including red, black, brushed stainless steel, and if you're in the UK, there's a cream option too.
The stainless steel portafilter is remarkably heavy and feels sturdy, the 58mm diameter is commercial-grade, which KitchenAid says helps maintain optimum heat during extraction. It comes with a choice of four stainless steel baskets to store ground coffee.
There are two single wall baskets, one single and one double shot. They are ideal for fresh coffee beans and provide more control for people who are experts in preparing espresso. The two double-wall baskets are again available in single and double sizes and are ideal for starters and pre-ground coffee.
The stainless steel tamper is nicely weighted for even tamping and there is a stainless steel spoon and milk jug included in the box. On the back, the 1,4 liter / 49 oz water tank is removable and has a handle for easy carrying.
Under the hood there is a 15 bar Italian pump and two temperature sensors to ensure the best possible temperature and extraction. The steam wand rotates 360 degrees and tilts back and forth so you can get the optimal angle for steaming milk.
On the back of the machine, under the water tank, you will find the on/off switch, but the machine will go into sleep mode if you cannot turn it off. Everything else is controlled via four buttons on the front of the machine. The first button allows you to select espresso, steam or hot water.
With the second button you can choose between single or double espresso. The third starts the descaling cycle and the fourth is an on/off button. These buttons can also be used in certain sequences to program the volume of espresso and hot water dispensed, or to adjust the water temperature and hardness settings. There are three levels of water temperature to choose from.
Performance
- Easy to use
- Noisy when steaming milk
- Espresso has a thick crema.
There's not much setup required and with intuitive controls, it wasn't long before we were making rich espressos with heavy cream. The wide portafilter is easy to fill with ground coffee without spilling too much, and it has a flat base so you can rest it on the counter while you tamp. We liked the heavy tamper that compresses the coffee grounds without much effort and can be turned to polish the coffee puck. However, it's worth noting that the portafilter is one of the heaviest we've ever used, at around 625g/22oz.
A double espresso took about 30 seconds to pour and the temperature was 140 F/60 C, but the temperature was set in the middle of three temperature levels, so it can be increased or decreased by programming the settings. There are a lot of drips after most of the dose has been poured, so leave the glass in place to catch the drips. Brewing an espresso peaked at 68dB on our sound level meter, which is the same level of noise created when using an electric shaver on your body.
There is 3,5 cm / 1,4 inches between the two coffee outlets, which means it cannot be poured into a narrow rim espresso cup. Also, while there is enough height to accommodate taller cups, short cups sit well below the spouts, which can cause splashing when pouring coffee, depending on the shape of the cup. Overall we were impressed with the shot of espresso, it had a well rounded flavor and a thick crema that reformed when cut with a spoon.
Frustratingly, before you steam milk, you need to turn on steam mode, point the wand at the drip tray, and allow it to dispense water. Once this is complete and the steam begins to distribute, it should be turned off so you can place the wand in the milk jug and begin steaming. During this process we found that water was not fully captured in the drip tray and could run off the sides, so to avoid damage it is best to point the wand into a cup rather than away from the drip tray.
Heating and texturing milk with a steam wand is a process that takes practice, and creating a frothy cappuccino texture required the pitcher to be set at an angle and the steam wand to be inserted just below the surface. Once you get the hang of it, it works well for dairy and non-dairy milk. It's very loud though, with a piercing sound that registered up to 86dB on our sound level meter, which is the noise level equivalent to a train horn.
All removable accessories require hand washing, although a quick rinse is often sufficient. A button next to the steam wand releases it so it can be thoroughly washed in the sink to remove any milky residue. In the test we had the machine in brushed stainless steel which was easily marked by fingerprints and required regular polishing to keep it looking its best.
There is an automatic cleaning cycle to descale the machine periodically and a flashing light will remind you when to descale, it's an automated process that doesn't require too much input.
Should I buy the KitchenAid Artisan KES6503 espresso maker?
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First revision: March 2022