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Product Reviews:
KitchenAid KTA-KPES100PM Pro Line Espresso Maker, Pearl Metallic |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Excellent unit, shop around for lowest price
Comments: Shop around... I have seen this impressive machine selling up to $850. We got ours for $400, which is a real bargain!! We loved our Gaggia Caprezza for 5 years until the pump gave out. At 1st we looked for another Gaggia to replace it, however we had bad luck with the switches on the "new baby" model. Then we found this Kitchenaid machine for the same price, which has Gaggia guts, however it has a much more rugged and attractive housing... and much better switches!!
A double boiler significan notly speeds up making lattes, and is especially great when making multiple drinks - no need to cool down the boiler between drawing successive shots, then heat it up again to steam, etc. I am learning that temperature stability is the real key to excellent espresso. Yes, the steam boiler is a little small, however it's quick and easy to refill... just remember to refill it after each use.
This machine is functionally identical to the Gaggia Baby Twin, which sells for around $700. You aren't likely to find any double boiler machine for much less than this1(at least on sale), regardless of boiler size!!
This kind of semi-auto machine is really made for making1shot at a time, not for entertaining a whole room full of people. This is a personal, hands-on kind of experience. With that in mind, this machine does an excellent job. By the way, the manual and DVD are outstanding!! |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Kitchenaid Expresso Maker is Top Notch!! Great Italian Espresso!!
Comments: I purchased this Kitchenaid Espresso some months ago and have been 100% impressed by its quality of espresso and capuccino, as well as it's speed in going from the off position to steaming hot in just minutes.
I lived in Italy for2years so I have high standards for such a machine. At the same time, I wasn't looking to spend several thousand dollars for a machine for personal use.
This machine is perfect for a couple or a single person. It heats up to maximum temperature in 5-7 minutes (wait this amount of time even if the meter reads ready after 3-4 minutes). I would endorse this machine as the perfect machine for bringing Italian quality espresso into your home. If you want to make espresso for the whole neighborhood at the same time this is not your machine (you will need a commercial machine costing $2000+). However, if you want the best for just you and your family this is the machine for you with no compromise. In this machine Kitchenaid strikes a winning balance of top quality with affordability.
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Rating: 2 (out of 5)
Summary: Hope they get it right!!
Comments: I am glad to see less than5stars, at last!!
We are on our fourth unit and are, finally, getting rid of it.
Yes - it appears great however KitchenAid have dived in here, in the UK, at least, with a product not well researched enough even with the help of Gaggia. I agree, the advantage of2boilers is questionnable and it seems that1can get cavitation problems at the brew head if the steam1dries up. A bit of balancing is needed. Much worse is that we have been at the receiving end of continuous leaks - gauges steaming up and water escaping through the main housing horizonatal joints. KA have, happily, taken these back without a quibble however we are now tired of these problems - water has started to escape through the joint again so we are calling it a day!!
We have had considerable experience with Espresso machines (Domestic and commercial) as previous owners of an Italian Restaurant and a wine bar where we had Gaggia and Brasilia machines, all obviously, with1big boiler - we never ran out of steam. I understand the logic of trying2boilers for domestic use however am not convinced that it is the answer although, perhaps, the only compromise to make it relatively small!!
many great reports indicate that we are unlucky - KA did have a major problem early on where they switched factories to eliminate problems however, apparently, they have sorted this out. Our patience has, however, given up and we are purchaseing something else. This unit costs around $1,000 US in the UK!! |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Does anyone read directions?
Comments: People, I too had problems that many of you mention... then I read the directions and have been making superb latte's ever since.
I purchased this and the matching Pro-line grinder and have really enjoyed these appliances.
The secret to great frothing... push the hot water howeverton with the steam off to fill the steam boiler. You can hear the water start recirculating after about 10 seconds.
Do this, and you will have incredible steam e time.
Oh yeah, warm up the machine for 3 minutes or more after this procedure to ensure hot steam. happy with my latte's. |
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Summary: service stinks
Comments: the machine expired 3 months after the warranty expired. It's been in an
"authorized" service center for months. They've ordered the parts, they just can not get them from Kitchenaid. Emails get answered by form letters. Calling doesn't help. do not purchase this machine. Service stinks. |
