Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF4 (KES8454BM)

I was sent one to test and it's quite lovely. Takes a lot of the guesswork out. Apparently this new line is more compact for counter space.

If it produces the same quality espresso with the same dose size as the KF6, KF7, and KF8 models, I think a lot of folks are going to jump on the less expensive models. If the grinder can adjust grind size automatically per drink without the need to run the grinder and waste a shot first, that is a pretty nice upgrade. Will need to wait and see if the machine can actually do this and what intelligrinder actually means. One unfortunate thing is there is no cold foam option. That really woule have added to any iced coffee style drink. Of course there is no swappable bean hopper. It was one of the reasons I went with the KF8 but ended up never actually using it. I think I might have swapped hoppers like three times since owning the machine. Having to waste a full dose of coffee when switching hoppers each time kind of made it not worth the effort.

This ain't Philips and hopefully Ninja did it right. An auto grinder is a great feature with it being able to change grind settings on the fly between espresso, drip, and cold brew. Also, their grinder works on weight based dosing and has a barista assist built in that will work like the Ninja Luxe but auto adjust for you. This is what the Kitchenaid KF4 tried to make their Intelligrind sound like with their marketing, but the KF4 works nothing like this and it's completely manual adjusting.

The barista assist will adjust based on extration times, etc. When you change the bean, you need to have the machine recalibrate and it will pull a few shots to dial it in. It also says it will adjust as the beans age. I was watching the videos that Ninja put out yesterday on the machine. You will also able to overide the settings if you wanted to use a different grind size then it adjusted for. Sounds like a win/win really. I am just really curious on the size of the dose. But go to Ninja's YT page and check out their videos. I am excited for this machine. Had to pull the trigger on it.

I have a Ninja and a KF8. If this can clear up space on my counter, my wife will be very happy. I hope it can replace both machines. It will come down to how good the espresso is. I can't speak for the Baristina, never used one and never interested me. I can't see how this machine wouldn't hype up anyone looking for a super auto with it's features and at this price point I am excited for an auto grinder. I ordered the KF4 solely based on thinking it would have that. Returned it when I saw it didnt. Believe whatever you want. I am not here to prove anything to you and I don't have loyalty to any one company.

- Smaller hopper - Smaller water tank - Smaller drip tray - Water tank in back - Probably plastic shell not metal - Smaller screen - Maybe more differences Sounds like it is generally worse, except maybe some newer technology (if this intelligrind can grind coarser for some drinks that would be nice) + smaller footprint + cheaper price.

Yeah, not putting down the KF4. Just saying it's not better than the KF8, and is likely worse (as expected!).

I'm not sure why. Both the KF4 and KF6 are losing functionality from the KF8. The main benefit of the KF4 appears to be the smaller footprint, but you lose the nice finishes of the 6/7/8. Except on insidepass, where you can currently get the KF4 for $585. Maybe that signals the price will be cheaper soon. It's just too bad you cant get a metal shell for a little more money. The small footprint is really nice.

I have a KF4, I’ve had it about 3 weeks and I love it so far. It is smaller than the 8, so there is a lot of drip tray emptying but that’s part of the deal with a smaller footprint, which I’m okay with.

My eletta recently died after 4 years of regular use. I’m going to try to repair, but got a kf4 in the meantime. The kf4 makes way better tasting drinks in my opinion. The only downside of the kf4 thus far is the tiny water tank and bean hopper.

I typically drink an americano from the eletta and have been using the coffee setting on the kf4. It tastes great. I’m working through a bag of Peet’s major Dickinson beans now in the kf4, but I’ve used all kinds of beans in the eletta. There was a period where I was exclusively using local small batch roasted beans. It was good, but what’s coming out of the kf4 truly tastes better to me, even with these beans I got on sale at Costco.