Koolatron Kenmore Fully Automatic Coffee Maker - Grinder, Milk Frother, Auto Tamper, Descaler Espresso Machine, Cafeteras Modernas for Home/Office White
$1,087.99
In stock
- Koolatron quality and reliability
- Perfect for espressotested use
- Premium quality construction
- Durable and long-lasting design
- Easy to use and maintain
Koolatron Kenmore KKSACM-W Fully Automatic Coffee Maker Review — Review
The Kenmore KKSACM-W by Koolatron is a fully automatic espresso machine designed to simplify home brewing. With a built-in conical burr grinder, automatic milk frother, and a vibrant full-color touchscreen, it offers one-touch access to espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more. Programmable settings let you adjust strength, temperature, and milk volume. Its self-cleaning milk system and automatic rinse cycles aim to reduce maintenance, while the 1.8L water tank and compact footprint fit most countertops. However, early user experiences reveal some design challenges, particularly with coffee ground buildup and a forced descaling routine that cannot be bypassed. Ideal for those who value convenience and variety but willing to manage some quirks.
Product Overview
The Kenmore KKSACM-W is a fully automatic espresso machine that grinds whole beans fresh for each brew or accepts pre-ground coffee via a separate bypass. The conical burr grinder offers multiple grind size settings, and the machine includes a milk frother that handles both dairy and plant-based milk. It measures 18.31 inches deep, 8.66 inches wide, and 13.39 inches high, weighing 20.9 pounds. The water tank holds 1.8 liters, which is smaller than many drip machines but typical for super-automatics. The machine includes a reusable filter, cleaning brush, measuring spoon, and a detachable milk container that can be stored in the refrigerator. All plastic parts are made from BPA-free materials, though some reviewers express concern about black plastic components. The brew unit is removable for cleaning, and the drip tray includes a float indicator. A two-year support warranty backs the machine. The slim design and white finish suit modern kitchens, but the forced descaling cycle (every ~10 cups) and frequent drip tray emptying are common complaints. If you drink multiple cups per day, expect to refill the water tank and empty the drip tray often. The machine also requires periodic cleaning of the ground chute to prevent clogs.
Key Features
Full-Color Touchscreen
- ✓Intuitive interface with one-touch controls for espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano, and more.
- ✓Customizable strength, milk volume, and temperature settings for each drink.
- ✓Vibrant display simplifies selection and monitoring.
Integrated Conical Burr Grinder
- ✓Grinds whole beans on demand for maximum freshness.
- ✓Multiple grind size settings to fine-tune extraction.
- ✓Bypass option for pre-ground coffee without altering the grinder.
Automatic Milk Frother
- ✓Produces silky microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
- ✓Compatible with dairy, soy, oat, and almond milk.
- ✓Detachable milk container stores in the refrigerator to keep milk fresh.
Versatile Drink Menu
- ✓One-touch preparation for espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte, steamed milk, and hot water.
- ✓Adjustable drink size and coffee strength for personalized cups.
- ✓Consistent results across all beverage types.
Self-Cleaning System
- ✓Automatic rinsing cycle after each brew to keep the brew unit clean.
- ✓Self-cleaning milk system with dedicated rinse program.
- ✓Built-in descaling program with alerts, though it cannot be skipped.
Programmable Settings
- ✓Customize coffee strength (mild to strong), temperature, and milk volume.
- ✓Save multiple user profiles for quick access.
- ✓Adjustable grinder and dose settings for precise shots.
Compact and Ergonomic Design
- ✓Slim footprint (8.66" wide) fits in tight counter spaces.
- ✓Removable drip tray and brew unit for easy cleaning.
- ✓Clear water tank with level markings for easy monitoring.
Build & Materials
The Kenmore KKSACM-W is built primarily from ABS plastic with a glossy white finish. The machine feels solid for its price point, though some reviewers note that the plastic bean hopper and drip tray could be more premium. The removable water tank is translucent plastic, making water level easy to see. The touchscreen is responsive and well-placed for easy access. The milk container is a plastic carafe with a lid, designed to be stored in the fridge. The brew unit is removable for cleaning, but the ground chute is a known problem area where coffee oils can build up and cause blockages. The machine includes a cleaning brush for this purpose, but it requires regular attention. The overall aesthetic is modern and minimalist, though the white finish may show smudges over time.
Shot Quality
Espresso quality from the KKSACM-W is generally good but inconsistent straight out of the box. Many reviewers report that after adjusting the grind setting to medium-fine (around 5), the machine produces rich crema and balanced shots. However, some users experience bland, watery coffee even at the finest grind and strongest settings, suggesting potential variability in unit calibration or grinder performance. The milk frother performs well, creating dense foam suitable for latte art, though it struggles slightly with plant-based milks unless they are barista blends. Temperature stability is acceptable, with hot beverages served at a proper drinking temperature. The forced descaling cycle is a notable drawback: after about 10 cups, the machine will lock out and require a 60-minute descaling process that many find cumbersome. Additionally, the drip tray fills quickly because the machine runs rinse cycles after each brew and again after short idle periods. This leads to frequent emptying, especially in households that brew multiple times daily.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Intuitive touchscreen with clear menu navigation.
- ✓Freshly ground beans enhance flavor compared to pre-ground or pods.
- ✓Excellent milk frothing quality for dairy and plant-based alternatives.
- ✓Compact design fits well on small countertops.
- ✓Self-cleaning cycle helps maintain hygiene with minimal effort.
- ✓Two-year warranty provides peace of mind.
- ✓Multiple beverage options with customizable strength and temperature.
What Doesn't
- ✗Coffee ground chute clogs regularly, requiring manual cleaning with a brush.
- ✗Forced descaling cycle cannot be bypassed, even with filtered water.
- ✗Frequent drip tray emptying due to multiple rinse cycles per cup.
- ✗Water tank is relatively small (1.8L) for heavy use.
- ✗Some units produce weak, watered-down coffee regardless of settings.
- ✗Plastic components, especially black plastic, raise durability and health concerns among some users.
The Verdict
The Kenmore KKSACM-W offers a compelling feature set for its price, including a full-color touchscreen, integrated grinder, and reliable milk frothing. However, design flaws like the frequently clogging ground chute and forced descaling cycle detract from the experience. It is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who value fresh-ground espresso and don't mind regular maintenance. Those seeking a hassle-free machine may want to look elsewhere.
Is It Worth It?
What You Get
- Fully automatic espresso machine with built-in grinder and milk frother
- Touchscreen with one-touch drinks and programmable settings
- Self-cleaning milk system and automatic rinsing
- Two-year warranty
What You Pay
$1,087.99 (full price)
Maintenance Tips
Shipping & Returns
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of whole beans?
How often does the machine need descaling?
Is the milk frother compatible with non-dairy milks?
How do I clean the ground chute to prevent clogs?
What is the warranty period?
How do I adjust the grind size?
Why does the drip tray need emptying so often?
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Product Specifications
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