FAQ's for Fully Automatic

Q: What is the brew temperature setting for Low, Medium, and High?

A: The optimal water temperature for brewing espresso is between 189 205°F (87 and 96°C). 

The KitchenAid Espresso Machines temperature levels (Low-Medium-High) gives the ability to adjust within this range, tuning the temperature approx. of +/- 2°C to 5°C, depending on many factors such as grind size, dose, roast, and freshness of the coffee. 

Q: What type of heating element is inside the unit, and what is it made of? 

A: It is a thermoblock, one-piece unit with a heating element embedded in metal that runs alongside a water pipe flash-heating the water.

Q. What type of pump does the machine use?

A.  The 15-bar pump provides the optimal pressure to pull an authentic, full-bodied espresso shot. To pulling a shot, the pump has a low Pressure Pre-infusion slowly and steadily adds water to coffee allowing grounds to expand before high-pressure extraction. Thus, the correct pressure is the key to creating great shots of espresso.15 bars of pressure in residential machines helps to maintain the temperature consistent at every shot, use the machine continuously without need to cool it down between shots and create the ideal crema.

Q: Why is the removable bean hopper important? 

A: KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso machines are designed to encourage exploration. Simplifying the way to change beans is an important benefit to exploring different roasts and coffees.

Q: What does it mean that the KF8 machine has an alternative milk cycle?

A: The Plant-Based Milk Cycle from KitchenAid is programmed to understand the differences between plant-based beverages and traditional Dairy milk, adjusting the amount of air and steam to different milk fat & protein contents to provide a creamy, stable milk foam. Plant-based beverages typically contain less fat and protein than traditional dairy milk. Therefore, more air is needed at the start of the steam process to produce a creamy, stable foam. KitchenAid’s unique Alternative Milk Option has the ability to produce foamy milk from common plant-based milks - like Oat, Almond, Soy, and Coconut - at the touch of a button. 

Q: What is the dosage size used for one shot of espresso? Super Autos are typically under the "normal" 18 grams, what does this machine use?

A . We recommend 10-12 grams of coffee grounds to produce one shot of espresso (about 1oz) 18g is a double shot. we recommend 17-19g for a double shot and 10-12g for a single shot.

Q. Can I change the grind size on the Fully Automatic Espresso machines?

A . The FA machines have 7 grind settings. The change must be made while the grinder is grinding. Change the grind fineness by moving the regulator, located in the upper right-hand corner. (left is “finest to right is “coarsest) Complete instructions can be found on page 17 of the U&C.

Q. What is the purge beans function? How can I use it?

A. The purge function allows the user to remove the remaining coffee from the grinder in case you want to change the coffee beans used. Thus, the different kind of beans will not mix. Note: if it is used ground coffee, purge function is not needed because the powder will go directly to the  brewing system 

Q. Can I use pre-ground coffee? 

A. Yes, using espresso-grade ground coffee is possible. Open the Bypass Chute located on top of the unit next to the bean hopper and add only one scoop of ground coffee using the scoop provided. The grounds go directly to the brewing unit, and they are not visible. Only one scoop (shot) at a time can be brewed. Follow the steps as shown on the screen.

Q. Can loose tea be placed in the bypass chute on the Fully -Automatic?

A. No, only pre-ground coffee can go through the chute. Tea is brewed by placing a tea bag in the cup and brewing it.

Q: Can Hot chocolate be made using the bypass chute?

A: No, only pre-ground coffee can go through the chute. Hot Chocolate can be made by putting your mix in the cup and using hot water or warm milk.

Q. Can I use flavored beans in the grinders?

A. Coffee beans that have been treated with additives (e.g., sugar), ground coffee, or freeze-dried coffee will damage the burr grinders. Only use roasted, untreated coffee beans to fill the bean container.

Q. Why do the Fully Automatic machines purge water at the start and shut off?

A. Purging at the start and shut-off helps clear the lines of old or cold water. The Standby time (Auto-shutoff) can also be adjusted (8 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours), which can reduce the rinse the machine automatically goes through if it will be used often throughout the morning or day.

Q. Why do you need to dry the brewing unit after cleaning and before restarting?

A. The section of the machine where the brewing unit is seated should be dry because of electrical components. Drying the brewing unit is not mandatory but recommended.

Q. Is there any way to return to default settings without erasing the profiles?

A. No, there is not. Resetting the unit to factory settings would restart it as if it were brand new, and all the saved information would be lost.

Q. Can I use vinegar to descale the Fully Automatic Espresso machine?

A. It is not recommended because vinegar has less descaling effect than proper descaling solutions and the life cycle of the unit would be impacted.

Q: Are water filters included with my purchase? Where can I buy additional filters when needed?

A: A water filter is included with each machine. Additional filters will be available through the KitchenAid website.

Q: How often do water filters need to be replaced?

A: KitchenAid advises replacement of the water filters every 50L of water or every 6 weeks.

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