Customer Reviews

KitchenAid KPES100NP Pro Line Espresso Maker, Nickel Pearl

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have had this machine now for over three years. I always thought that I made a decent espresso and latte. After trying many different coffee blend, I have stuck with Peets coffee Arabian Mocha Sanani. I had some inconsistency with pulling shots but overall had been pleased.

I also thought that I was making some decent foamed milk.

Well all has changed. I recently noticed that steamed milk from latte bars had a creamier texture and flavor. I had a hard time recreating that with skin milk.

I have now improved my technique and it makes a world of a difference.

1. Leave machine on for at least 30m
2. Keep your milk cold
3. make sure you run the espresso part on prior to pulling shots (surfing)
4. Run your steamer prior to foaming milk.
5. Throw away your steaming wand (black part).
6. After flushing your steamer, place the pitcher at an angle with the wand just under the surface. You should get a rolling circular movement (whirlpool). This is critical. You must get this movement. Remember, your goal is to get micro foam, not giant bubbles. If your steamer seems anemic, stop and flush out by pressing the hot water button then wait a few seconds and start again.
7. Make sure you are ready to pull your shots. When the steaming part is done (temp 150-160), flush your espresso, wipe and then pull your shot.
8. Mean while, clean your wand, and start to tap and gently turn the pitcher in a circular motion. You should see shiny sheen to your milk.

It that simple, Now days I can't believe I was missing out on such great lattes. My wife can not believe that my milk is skin. She swears that i am using whole milk!!!

Try it. Don't give up.


Nana

I got my machine in the mail 2 days after my order. Shipping was free and well packed.
Pro's
Gaggia of Italy is the designer of this unit , we americans do not know coffee like they do
Very heavy , easy to understand controls, simple design, twin but seperate boilers make a drink easy and fasy.
both heat up fast and the gauges help but are an estimate not true temps.
Con's.
half an inch too tall to fit under my cabinets my problem not their's
plastic tamper is tooo fragile and too narrow to do the job correctly
the water holder in back is hard to install when full of water without spilling or pinching tubes
the drain pan pop up finger is un nessary.
would like a porta filter either without bottom or with a single drain shoot.
Over all I rate this machine 5 of 5 stars FOR IT'S CLASS, this is not a semi auto . YOU must time your shots and decide when enough water has gone through.
Everything else in the kitchen is a kitchenaid and this unit adds nicely to the family.
BUY A GOOD BURR GRINDER , the twin unit pro line works well if big in size

Great looking. I don't use it often, but I am going to try the pods like others suggest. The controls are simple, and the milk steamer works well. The one drawback is having to fill the water tank which is located behind the machine. This is a large size expresso maker, and is kind of a pain to turn it around to get to the water tank. If your looking for a cool looking espresso maker, this one is hard to beat.

This machine makes great espresso, especially from prepackaged pods. The problem is that it leaks like crazy from underneath. KitchenAid includes with every purchase its "TLC legendary care plan," which basically means that they'll replace the machine for up to two years if you have trouble with it. Because of the problems with it leaking all over the counter, we've now had to replace the machine 4 times! It's obviously a design defect. Usually it takes a few months before the leaking begins, but once it starts, it's all downhill from there. I can't vouch for other high-end espresso machines, but when the "TLC" plan expires, I certainly won't be buying another one of these.