KitchenAid KF7 vs Saeco Xelsis

Q: Is the KF7 better than the Xelsis?

It depends on your priorities. The KitchenAid KF7 excels for users who want combines sturdy American industrial design with a dedicated plant-based milk setting and one of the quietest grinders on the market, while the Saeco Xelsis is the better choice if you prioritize deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter.

Q: How do the grinders compare?

The KF7 uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Xelsis features a Ceramic Flat. While both are high-quality internal systems, they are sealed components. To prevent clogging and avoid expensive repairs, we strongly recommend using non-oily, medium-roast beans in both machines.

Q: Which machine is easier to clean?

The KF7 uses a Removable brew group, while the Xelsis uses a Removable system. Generally, removable groups (like DeLonghi) allow for manual rinsing under a tap, while fixed groups (like Jura) rely on automated tablet cleaning cycles.

Buy the KF7 if you:

Love the iconic KitchenAid aesthetic and want it to match their stand mixer.
Need a machine with a dedicated "Plant-Based" milk cycle for almond or oat milk.
Prioritize a quiet machine for early morning routines.

Buy the Xelsis if you:

Want to tweak every parameter with CoffeeEqualizer sliders.
Need the HygieSteam system to automatically sanitize the milk path.
Share the machine with multiple users who have specific tastes.

Expert Verdict

"Choose the KF7 for simple, quiet luxury. Pick the Xelsis if you want deep customization via the CoffeeEqualizer touch sliders."

Tale of the Tape

Feature	KF7	Xelsis
Why Buy This?	combines sturdy American industrial design with a dedicated plant-based milk setting and one of the quietest grinders on the market	deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter
Interface	5" Color Touchscreen	Color Touch
Milk System	Auto Tube	Auto Tube (HygieSteam)
Drink Variety	20 Drinks	15 Drinks
User Profiles	4	6
Grinder	Steel Conical	Ceramic Flat
Water Tank	74 oz	57 oz
Bean Hopper	12 oz	15.8 oz
Brew Group	Removable	Removable
Dimensions	10.3x14.6x15	11.1x19.2x15.5
Connectivity	No	No
Special Feature	Plant-Based Milk Mode	Coffee Equalizer

Critical Maintenance Warning

Don't Ruin Your New Investment

Regardless of which machine you choose, both rely on internal grinders that are sensitive to oily beans. To keep your KitchenAid or Saeco out of the repair shop, stick to these non-oily selections.

Finally, a decaf that produces actual crema. I serve this to guests and they never know it's decaf. Safe for your grinder too.

Lavazza Dek (Decaf)

Medium roast decaffeinated via natural water process.

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This is my #1 recommendation if you make milk drinks. The slightly darker roast punches through the milk better than the Super Crema.

Lavazza Gran Crema

South American Arabicas blended with South East Asian Robustas. Rich and intense with notes of dark chocolate and spices.

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The sweetest of the bunch. If you find espresso too bitter, switch to this. It has a very smooth, non-aggressive finish.

Lavazza Qualita Oro

Sweet and aromatic with floral notes. 100% Arabica.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the KF7 better than the Xelsis? ▼

It depends on your priorities. The KitchenAid KF7 excels for users who want combines sturdy American industrial design with a dedicated plant-based milk setting and one of the quietest grinders on the market, while the Saeco Xelsis is the better choice if you prioritize deep CoffeeEqualizer sliders to tweak every shot parameter.

How do the grinders compare? ▼

The KF7 uses a Steel Conical, whereas the Xelsis features a Ceramic Flat. While both are high-quality internal systems, they are sealed components. To prevent clogging and avoid expensive repairs, we strongly recommend using non-oily, medium-roast beans in both machines.

Which machine is easier to clean? ▼

The KF7 uses a Removable brew group, while the Xelsis uses a Removable system. Generally, removable groups (like DeLonghi) allow for manual rinsing under a tap, while fixed groups (like Jura) rely on automated tablet cleaning cycles.