Exceptional espresso every time: The KitchenAid KF3 is a gorgeous fully automatic coffee machine ideal for smaller kitchens

Date:
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:48:57 +0000

Description:
The middle child of KitchenAid's trio of automatic espresso machines released in 2026, the KF3 does an awful lot to impress, and is a great option if you have a smaller kitchen but still want coffee at the touch of button.

FULL STORY ======================================================================KitchenA id KF3: Two-minute review The KitchenAid KF3 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is the middle child of the companys 2026 release of a trio of compact bean-to-cup coffee machines, sitting below the KitchenAid KF4 and above the KF2. Because of its slim build, its a great option for smaller kitchens, but it can easily service a larger household thanks to four customizable user profiles and a solid selection of over 15 coffee-based drink recipes.

It benefits from KitchenAids IntelliGrind system also featuring on the companys larger machines like the KF8 and KF6 that automatically determines the best grind size depending on the beans you pour into the top-mounted hopper. During my testing, I found it consistently delivered a well-extracted and tasty espresso. The KF3s automatic milk system uses a hose that you need to place into your own container (the KF4 uses a similar system but includes
a container), letting you make a variety of drinks including lattes and cappuccinos. Despite not claiming to work with non-dairy milks, I found it delivered a good level of foam when using a barista-style oat milk. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

KitchenAid has given the KF3 a couple of iced coffee recipes too. As with the KF4, and other machines Ive tested such as the Philips LatteGo 4400 Series , you need to put some ice cubes in your glass or cup first, and KitchenAid claims that the machine will brew espresso at a lower temperature. However, when checking the temperature of a regular shot at 'medium' temperature and
an iced-espresso shot with a food-grade thermometer, both registered at
around 40C / 104F, meaning the iced espresso was still hot enough to melt the ice, resulting in a lukewarm and diluted drink.

The other slight niggle I have with the KF3 is that it goes through water quite quickly as it performs a rinse cycle on startup and shutdown. I can understand the latter process to clean out the internals, and the rinsing of the milk hose to keep everything hygienic, but the start-up rinse cycle
seemed unnecessary. Fortunately the rear-mounted water tank is quite large at 1.8L, but if you have a larger household or you drink a lot of coffee each day, you'll be refilling it regularly.

Overall, however, the KitchenAid KF3 is a fantastic mid-range automatic espresso machine thats well made, brews delicious drinks and is ultimately easy to maintain. In fact, I'd say that it does more than enough to compete with the best coffee makers . (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) KitchenAid KF3 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine at B&Q for 748.95 KitchenAid KF3: Specifications Swipe to scroll horizontally

Name

KitchenAid KF3 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Type

Bean-to-cup

Dimensions (H x W x D)

14.2 x 7.7 x 18.5 inches / 361 x 196 x 470mm

Weight

19.8lbs / 9kg

Water reservoir capacity

1.9 quarts / 1.8 liters

Milk frother

Yes (automatic)

Bars of pressure

15

Noise level

72dB grinding, 60dB brewing

User profiles

4 KitchenAid KF3: Price and availability Launched in UK and US April 2026, Australia in July 2026 List price $999.99 / 749 / AU$1,349 The KitchenAid KF3 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine launched first in the UK and US in April 2026, and eventually made its way to Australia in July 2026. It has a list price of $999.99 / 749 / AU$1,349, meaning its one of the companys more affordable machines, while being classified a mid-range option in the grand scheme of things. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Only the lower-spec KF2 is cheaper at $799.99 / 699 / AU$1,099 if you want an automatic machine, while the Semi Automatic Espresso Machine is cheaper
still, although that naturally requires a bit more hands-on involvement.

The top-tier model in this latest series, the KF4 ($1,299.99 / 899 /
AU$1,599) offers much of the same functionality as the KF3, albeit with a wider selection of recipes, a bigger touch display and ships with a milk carafe.

The similarly specced Philips LatteGo 4400 Series is also worth considering
in this price range, with its list price of $799.99 / 599.99 / AU$1,199.
Value score: 4 / 5 KitchenAid KF3: Design Compact size makes it great for smaller spaces Milk system is simple to use and clean No dishwasher-safe components At first glance, the KitchenAid KF3 looks very similar to other models in the companys lineup, from the KF4 and up to the KF8 (theres currently no KF5). Its more compact than the KF6-8, but the same size as the KF4 and KF2, at 14.2 x 7.7 x 18.5 inches / 361 x 196 x 470mm (H x W x D), making it easy to slide onto a kitchen counter. And slide it you can, as
there are two small wheels on the bottom at the rear, so you can lift from
the front and move it forwards and backwards with ease. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) Looks-wise, it adopts a similar aesthetic as the rest of its siblings. Its boxy, with rounded corners, and is available in either
Porcelain White or Matte Black. To cut manufacturing costs, KitchenAid has ditched the predominantly metal build of the larger models, replacing it with plastic. It still looks and feels very much a premium product though.

The clearest indicator that lets you know this is the KF3 is the small 2.4-inch / 6cm color display. The KF2 doesnt have one at all, while the KF4s color screen is larger and touch enabled. Its a relatively low-resolution screen compared to the likes of the Philips Caf Aromis , but is still bright and clear, and the use of color helps to identify the drink you want to make. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) The KF3's display is flanked by 10 touch buttons: four that provide quick access to user profiles, drinks menu, rinsing cycles and machine settings; two to initiate and cancel brewing; and four to cycle forward and back through menu options, return and select.

The top-mounted hopper is large enough to accommodate 250g of coffee beans and, as with the other compact machines in the series, it features a
removable opaque lid with a silicone seal. This means you cant easily see the amount of leftover beans (theres a clear audible indication if it doesnt have any to grind) but, then again, the beans arent exposed to light and air, keeping them fresher for longer. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) Image 1 of 3 View Original Image 2 of 3 View Original Image 3 of 3 View Original Furthering its benefits for smaller kitchens, the lid is removable rather than hinged means its easy to fill the hopper if you have
the KF3 positioned under a wall cabinet. Theres also a small chute for pre-ground coffee, and a scoop is included in the box.

The 1.8L water tank slides in and out the rear of the machine and has an integrated handle to make the process simple, although I personally prefer
the side-mounted tank on the Philips LatteGo 4400 as it makes refilling a little bit easier. However, the KitchenAids tank features a hinged lid, so more often than not I would leave it in place and pour water in from a jug.

KitchenAid supplies a water filter with the KF3 that it says is good for around two months of use. It was initially a little fiddly to install, but
the included coffee scoop doubles up as a tool that clips onto the filter, giving you the extra length needed to screw it into place.

The drip tray is deep and extends virtually the full depth of the KF3, and
has a large spout at the back for easy emptying. Used coffee grounds are deposited into a removable bin in the center that can be tipped out when full
you'll see a notification on the display when it's time to do so. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) The KF3s milk system uses a silicone hose
that connects to the side of the dispenser located on the front of the machine. You need to insert one end of the hose into a small socket, while
the other end drops into a tall glass or bottle. KitchenAid offers a sealed container with a double-ended hose as an optional extra for $59.99 / 39 / AU$59, which is included with the KF4 by default.

The KF3 features a thorough rinsing cycle for the hose to ensure its kept clean, but note that none of the removable parts are dishwasher safe.

Lastly, the height of the coffee dispenser can be adjusted to suit a variety of cup sizes, including large mugs and tumbler glasses. I found I needed to use a little bit of force to move it, but this is a minor niggle. Design
score 4.5 / 5 KitchenAid KF3: Performance Well-extracted espresso time after time Good, but not great, milk foaming Iced drinks still hot Four
customizable user profiles The best thing about the KitchenAid KF3 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine is that you can confidently rely on it to deliver an excellent espresso with every use. The IntelliGrind system automatically determines the best grind size depending on your chosen beans to ensure it brews a tasty shot with good crema. I used medium-roast and dark-roast beans during my testing period and I was more than satisfied with the results in each case.

The fact that you dont have to worry about grind size makes this a fantastic option for coffee novices who arent sure how to get the best results. If you're not entirely satisfied, then you'll find a lever hidden behind the
side compartment (which provides access to the brewing unit) that you can use to adjust grind size to a finer or coarser level. I ultimately left it at the default setting in the middle.

That being said, the KF3 does give you the option to adjust the strength and body of the espresso. Strength is denoted on a scale of one to three, with
the difference being the dose of coffee thats ground into the brewing head
7g being the lightest strength and 14g being the strongest. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) Image 1 of 5 View Original Image 2 of
5 View Original Image 3 of 5 View Original Image 4 of 5 View Original Image 5 of 5 View Original You can also select light, medium or strong body, which relates to the rate at which water flows during extraction. A strong-bodied coffee, for example, takes the longest, as the water flows through slowly to extract the most amount of flavor.

Youre also able to adjust the volume of coffee delivered for each drink and the water temperature.

Auto Milk is KitchenAid's milk-foaming system and it works well, although Im of the opinion that a steam wand will always produce superior results. I was, however, pleased to find that it worked well with plant-based milks, despite not having a dedicated option. Coffee machines that cater specifically to plant-based options, such as the KitchenAid KF8, will heat it to a lower temperature compared to dairy for optimal results.

When I made a cafe latte using a barista-style oat milk, I found the KF3 produced a good level of foam with a silky texture, and at a drinkable temperature. I achieved similarly good results with full-fat dairy. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) There are four user profiles on the KF3 for you and your household to store their own drink preferences. While the KF4 lets you name them, theyre fixed at User Profile 1, 2, 3 and 4 here.

KitchenAid understands that iced drinks are popular, even at home, and has given the KF3 dedicated presets for cold coffees. In theory, the shot the machine dispenses is brewed at a lower temperature, although you do still
need to put ice in your cup or glass, but that didn't seem to be the case in reality.

I used a thermometer to measure the temperature of both a regular espresso shot and an iced espresso shot and found them to be similar. The regular shot was around 50C when brewed at a medium temperature, while the iced shot was around 45C. I conducted this test twice, with the same results both times.

As such, the iced espresso shot was still too hot and melted the cubes in my cup relatively quickly, resulting in a diluted drink. If you like your cold coffees, you'd be better off considering other machines like the DeLonghi Dedica Duo and the Jura J10 that offer proper cold-extracted espresso.

The KF3, like other KitchenAid espresso machines, is QuietMark-certified, indicating it should be whisper-quiet in use. Thats something I can certainly attest to, as I recorded around 70dB while grinding and 60dB when brewing, using the decibelX app on my iPhone and standing next to the machine in a relatively quiet space. That puts it on par with the KF4, although we found the flagship KF8 to be quieter still with an average of 44dB during the
entire coffee-making process. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) Image 1 of 2 View Original Image 2 of 2 View Original Keeping the KitchenAid KF3 clean is incredibly simple. Not only does it automatically complete a rinse cycle on startup and shutdown (which, as I mentioned does mean the water tank can empty relatively quickly), but it will also prompt you when its time to empty the ground container and drip tray. It will also ask you to rinse the milk system after every use. You can skip this process at first, but when you turn the machine off or it automatically shuts down after a predetermined amount of time it wont do so until the hose has been flushed.

There are further and more thorough cleaning procedures within the settings menu for washing the brewing unit with special cleaners, and a couple of tablets are included in the box. You will need to buy descaler and a milk system cleaner separately.

Theres also an option to evaporate all the water from the system entirely, which my colleague Cat Ellis has previously expressed as being a feature she wishes all automatic espresso machines had . This is particularly useful if you know youre not going to be using the machine for an extended period of time and keep it hygienically dry for the duration. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) Image 1 of 3 View Original Image 2 of 3 View Original Image 3 of 3 View Original Performance score: 4 / 5 Should you buy the KitchenAid KF3? Swipe to scroll horizontally KitchenAid KF3 score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Well-priced considering the features and functionality.

4/5

Design

An attractive design thats compact enough to suit all kitchens.

4.5/5

Performance

Excellent performance for hot coffee-based drinks, and milk foaming is good. Iced options arent quite up to scratch, however.

4/5 Buy it if...

You have a smaller kitchen

The KitchenAid KF3 is compact enough that it should fit into most homes, especially those that are short on space.

You want fuss-free coffee

The KF3 does virtually all of the work for you. All you need to do is select your preferred drink and it will be delivered perfectly each time.

You want value for money

The KitchenAid KF3 is well priced considering its features and the fact its from a premium, well-known brand. Don't buy it if...

You want to really fine tune your coffee

The KF3 has options for adjusting various aspects of a coffee, but if you
want to get really hands on, then youll need to look elsewhere.

You want authentic cold brew

The KitchenAid KF3s iced coffee options arent as cold as they should be, with brewed espresso being hot enough to quickly melt ice. KitchenAid KF3: Also consider If you're not sure whether the KitchenAid KF3 is the right espresso machine for you, here are three other options to keep in mind.

Philips Cafe Aromis

This machine is more expensive than the KF3, but the investment is worth it. It brews delicious espresso, has a more legible screen, can brew proper cold-extracted coffee and foam cold milk, and has a genuinely useful app. Its not available in Australia, however.

Read our full Philips Cafe Aromis review

Philips LatteGo 4400 Series

Ive mentioned this Philips machine several times in this review for good reason. It performs similarly to the KF4 and is equally compact. It too falls short where iced coffee is concerned, and there are only two user profiles, but it can often be found at a cheaper price.

Read my full Philips LatteGo 4400 Series review

Ninja Luxe Caf

This bean-to-cup espresso machine can not only make hot coffee drinks, but it can even do drip filter coffee and cold brew. Its super easy to master and is regularly discounted.

Read our full Ninja Luxe Cafe review KitchenAid KF3: How I tested I used the KitchenAid KF3 for two weeks, and having already spent time with the KF4, I was well versed with what to expect from the slightly lesser-specced machine. I prepared a wide range of drinks with and without milk, and used two different styles of coffee beans to test the IntelliGrind feature on the KF3.

I used a barista-style oat milk and full-fat dairy milk to test the automatic milk-foaming system, and ran the machines recommended cleaning cycles.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2026 KitchenAid KF3 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine : Price Comparison 748.95 View 748.95 View voucher gift Low Stock 748.95 View 749 View No price information Check Amazon We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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