Semi-Automatic w/Burr Grinder FAQ

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

The optimal water temperature for brewing espresso ranges from 189–205°F (87–96°C). 

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

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

It is a thermocoil, one-piece unit with a heating element embedded in metal that runs alongside a water pipe flash-heating the water. The thermocoil develops a more consistent temperature, serves double duty - heating the water in the brew chamber and creating steam and doesn't suffer from leakage problems because it is one single piece. The body of the heating element is made of aluminum and has stainless steel tubing.

What is a PID Temperature Control on an espresso machine?

PID stands for Proportional Integral Derivative. In terms of coffee, it simply means that the espresso machine can constantly monitor the water temperature and make small adjustments to keep it at the set temperature.

Without a PID controller, an espresso machine works much like a thermostat. Once the temperature drops to a certain threshold, the water will heat back up to the set temperature, making fluctuations in water temperature much more constant. A PID ensures temperatures in an espresso machine are consistent. With greater consistency in temperature comes greater overall consistency in the quality of the espresso, from texture to taste.

What type of pump does the machine use?

The 15-bar pump provides the optimal pressure needed to pull an authentic, full-bodied espresso shot. To pull a shot, the pump has a Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion that 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 needing to cool it down between shots, and create the ideal crema.

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