KitchenAid has just introduced a new range of coffee makers that can make 50 different hot and cold drinks, all without waking your partner. Some coffee makers can reach 70 decibels (dB) during grinding and brewing (the same as a washing machine), but all models in KitchenAid's Espresso collection are Quiet Mark certified for their low noise levels.
According to Quiet Mark, while coffee machines generally give your ears a break between different parts of the brewing process, grinding beans and making espresso can still be an uncomfortably loud activity.
“For this reason, it is especially important to isolate the noisiest components, such as the grinding blades,” the organization says. “In addition, liquid noises outside of the coffee pouring process should be minimized, as they create a leaky sensation that may force the user to stop the machine to check for cracks.”
Don't consume dairy? No problem
The new KitchenAid Espresso collection includes three models. The KF6 can make up to 15 different coffee drinks and has a 24-inch colour touchscreen so you can easily choose your preferred beverage. The KF7 has a 3.5-inch display and offers 20 different coffee options. Finally, the KF8 (above) has a massive 5-inch display and can make over 40 different drinks, with six customisable favourites.
Each bean-to-cup coffee machine has an integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder and a removable 270g/9.5oz bean hopper. Interestingly, if you want to brew something other than your usual beans, you can use a separate chute to bypass the grinder and brew pre-ground coffee. This can be especially useful if you want to brew a cup of decaf coffee every now and then, or if you have a friend who prefers a different roast than you.
All three machines have an automatic milk heating and frothing system for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, and the KF8 has a specific mode for plant-based milks like almond, oat and soy, which conventional automatic machines tend to struggle with.
The new coffee makers will be available to order direct from KitchenAid today (3 September) in the UK. At the time of writing, prices for all three machines have yet to be announced, but we will update this article as soon as we have more information. International release dates are yet to be confirmed.
If you're thinking about upgrading your coffee machine but don't know where to start, our roundup of the best coffee makers will help you make the right decision.
