Detailed Comparison

KitchenAid KF8 vs KitchenAid KF7

A battle between The only machine that combines true American industrial design with dual bean hoppers and a dedicated plant-based milk mode. and combines sturdy American industrial design with a dedicated plant-based milk setting and one of the quietest grinders on the market.

This head-to-head comparison breaks down features, performance differences, and ownership considerations to help you choose the right super-automatic espresso machine.

KitchenAid KF8

KitchenAid KF8

$1,999

Price approx. & subject to change

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VS
KitchenAid KF7

KitchenAid KF7

$1,699

Price approx. & subject to change

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Buy the KF8 if you:

  • Want the flexibility of dual bean hoppers for decaf and regular.
  • Need a dedicated plant-based milk mode for almond or oat milk.
  • Love the industrial KitchenAid design and metal-clad build.

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.

Expert Verdict

"Choose the KF8 for dual bean hoppers and plant-based milk flexibility. Pick the KF7 if you just want excellent espresso and don't need to switch beans often."

Tale of the Tape

Feature KF8 KF7
Why Buy This? The only machine that combines true American industrial design with dual bean hoppers and a dedicated plant-based milk mode. combines sturdy American industrial design with a dedicated plant-based milk setting and one of the quietest grinders on the market
Interface 5" Color Touchscreen 5" Color Touchscreen
Milk System Auto Tube (Plant Based Mode) Auto Tube
Drink Variety 40 Drinks 20 Drinks
User Profiles 6 4
Grinder Steel Conical Steel Conical
Water Tank 74 oz 74 oz
Bean Hopper 22 oz 12 oz
Brew Group Removable Removable
Dimensions 10.3x14.6x15 10.3x14.6x15
Connectivity No No
Special Feature Plant-Based Milk Mode + Dual Hoppers Plant-Based Milk Mode
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 out of the repair shop, stick to these non-oily selections.

Lavazza Dek (Decaf)
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.

Ethical Bean Sweet Espresso
The Vancouver classic. If you care about Organic/Fairtrade but refuse to sacrifice crema, this is the one. It stands up beautifully to milk without being bitter.

Ethical Bean Sweet Espresso

100% Arabica, Fairtrade and Organic. A velvet mouthfeel with notes of toffee and baker's chocolate.

Lavazza Super Crema
The daily driver. Notes of hazelnuts and brown sugar. Long-lasting crema. Tastes like Italy.

Lavazza Super Crema

60% Arabica and 40% Robusta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the KF8 better than the KF7?
It depends on your priorities. The KitchenAid KF8 excels for users who want The only machine that combines true American industrial design with dual bean hoppers and a dedicated plant-based milk mode., while the KitchenAid KF7 is the better choice if you prioritize combines sturdy American industrial design with a dedicated plant-based milk setting and one of the quietest grinders on the market.
How do the grinders compare?
The KF8 uses a Steel Conical, whereas the KF7 features a Steel Conical. 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 KF8 uses a Removable brew group, while the KF7 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.