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TECH FEATURE

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KIT FOR THE KITCHEN

From pouring the perfect espresso, to creamy homemade frozen treats and grease-free air fryer cookery, modern kitchen appliances have radically simplified the preparation process. Get ready to boost your coffee and culinary skills with the latest in kitchen tech. Words Scott Hocking

COFFEE TIME

KitchenAid invented the first electric coffee mill grinder for home use in 1936, and has continued to innovate in the decades since. The kitchen appliance specialist’s new Espresso Collection is spearheaded by both fully automatic and semi-automatic coffee machines that combine simplicity of use, performance, and a striking metallic aesthetic – and, of course, café quality espresso at the touch of a button.

the big 2.2 litre water tank will dispense up to 20 shots before it needs topping up. Auto milk frothing adds creamy foam to lattes and cappuccinos, and there's also a specialised mode for plant-based milks like soy,

Once the inbuilt burr grinder has ground the beans, all that’s required is tamping the ground coffee in the portafilter and then firmly twisting it into the group head. Grind size is fully adjustable to suit your coffee of choice, and the commercial grade 58mm portafilter has a flat base for easy tamping. Smart dosing keeps volume and

almond, and oat, so the texture is just right. The 5-inch touchscreen makes for easy selection from 40+ recipes, including favourites like espresso, flat white, latte, and cappuccino, and you can adjust strength, temperature, size, and order of milk or coffee. Plus, six user profiles can be set up for other household/office members to personalise their preferences. The KitchenAid KF8 is the ideal machine for those who want quality coffee at home with simple prep and easy cleanup. KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder This semi-automatic machine suits those who like to get a little more hands-on with the preparation process, but that doesn’t mean you need barista knowledge to prepare a good cup.

KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Designed for convenience (who wants to wait around for their daily brew, right?), this machine does it all for you – grinding, dosing, and tamping – with no barista skills required. The KF8 has a removable, easy-to-fill bean hopper, and when it’s time to refill, an auto purge function removes residual grounds. And

consistency ideal for 1–2 shots, and pre-infusion adds a little water to the grounds before brewing for a rich and aromatic espresso. The removable 225g bean hopper can dispense up to 17 cups when full, while the generous 2.5 litre water tank can make up to 33 espresso shots (depending on settings) before needing a refill.

32 OCTOBER 2024

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