De’Longhi or KitchenAid? Super Automatic Espresso Machines Compared in 2026
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When comparing a de longhi vs KitchenAid super automatic espresso machine, you look for automation and convenience. Both brands offer fully automatic systems with built-in grinders and milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next features a color display and 13 presets, while the KitchenAid KES8556 offers 15 presets and a removable bean hopper. You need to decide which interface and milk system fit your routine.
Drink Presets
13
15
Display
2.4" TFT color screen
Not listed
Milk System
LatteCrema Hot System
Milk hose
Grinder Settings
13
Not listed
Water Tank
Not listed
2.2 L
Dimensions
9.5 x 17.5 x 14 inches
10.2 x 18.5 x 14.3 inches
Choose the first if
- You want a visual interface with a 2.4-inch color screen.
- You prefer a narrower machine footprint at 9.5 inches wide.
- You value specific grinder adjustments with 13 settings.
Choose the second if
- You need a larger 2.2-liter water tank capacity.
- You want more drink presets, totaling 15 options.
- You prefer a removable bean hopper for easy refilling.
Verdict
Choose the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next if you prefer a color display and a more compact footprint. Pick the KitchenAid KES8556 if you want a larger water tank and more drink presets. Both machines handle automatic brewing and milk texturing effectively.
De'Longhi vs KitchenAid Espresso
Drink Presets
Edge: KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine
You start with the number of one-touch recipes available on each machine. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next offers 13 presets, including espresso, latte macchiatos, cappuccinos, and long coffees. The KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine provides 15 options, covering similar classics like Americanos and lattes. While the counts are close, the KitchenAid gives you two extra selections to choose from. This slight edge in variety means you have more immediate choices for different coffee styles without manual adjustment.
Grinder Settings
Edge: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
Both machines include built-in grinders to handle fresh beans, but the level of control differs. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next features 13 distinct grind settings, allowing you to fine-tune the extraction for various bean types. The KitchenAid machine uses automatic smart dosing technology to produce the ideal grind consistency for each drink. While the KitchenAid simplifies the process, the De'Longhi gives you more manual control over the grind size. If you prefer adjusting the texture yourself, the De'Longhi wins.
Milk System
Edge: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
Texturing milk is a key part of making lattes and cappuccinos. The De'Longhi uses its proprietary LatteCrema Hot System, which automatically textures both milk and alternatives to create a creamy froth. The KitchenAid relies on a separate milk hose that connects to a container of your choice. The De'Longhi system is integrated and designed for consistent results, whereas the KitchenAid setup requires you to manage an external container. For a streamlined, all-in-one experience, the De'Longhi offers a more convenient solution.
Display and Control
Edge: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
Navigating your drink settings varies significantly between these two models. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next includes a 2.4-inch TFT color screen with soft-touch buttons, guiding you through customization and user profiles. The KitchenAid machine does not list a specific display type in its specifications, relying instead on button controls for its 15 recipes. The De'Longhi provides visual feedback and easier navigation for saving personalized settings. If you value a clear interface for adjusting intensity and size, the De'Longhi is superior.
Build and Design
Edge: KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine
The physical construction and materials differ between the brands. The KitchenAid features a durable metal-clad construction, emphasizing precision and long-term reliability. It is available in Stainless Steel or Porcelain. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next comes in Silver and has specific dimensions of 9.5 inches wide by 17.5 inches long. While both are automatic, the KitchenAid highlights its robust metal build as a key feature. If you prioritize a heavy-duty, metallic aesthetic, the KitchenAid has the advantage.
Which Super Automatic Fits Your Routine
Users wanting detailed drink customization
Our pick: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next gives you precise control with 13 grind settings and 5 intensity levels. You can save three user profiles to keep your preferred settings separate. The 2.4-inch TFT color screen makes navigating these options simple. If you like tweaking your espresso strength and grind size, this machine handles it well.
Buyers needing a large water tank
Our pick: KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine
The KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine includes a 2.2-liter water tank. This larger capacity means you refill less often, which is helpful for busy households. It also comes with a water filter and hardness test strip. If you prefer fewer refills and a straightforward setup without a display, this model fits your needs.
Those wanting the most drink presets
Our pick: KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine
The KitchenAid model offers 15 one-touch recipe options. This is two more presets than the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next, which provides 13. If you want the widest variety of automatic drinks like lattes and cappuccinos at the push of a button, the KitchenAid gives you more choices right out of the box.
De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
Best for: Users wanting customizable milk drinks and a color screen
- Drink Presets
- 13
- Milk System
- LatteCrema Hot System
- Grind Settings
- 13
- Burr Type
- Conical
- Display Type
- 2.4" TFT color screen
- Color
- Silver
This De'Longhi super-automatic machine features a 13-setting conical burr grinder and a LatteCrema hot milk system. You get 13 one-touch recipes and a 2.4-inch TFT color screen for easy navigation. It supports three user profiles with customizable intensity and size settings. The unit measures 17.5 by 9.5 by 14 inches and weighs 21.2 pounds. Removable parts are dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning.
- 13 grind settings for precise bean preparation
- 13 one-touch drink recipes including lattes and cappuccinos
- LatteCrema hot system textures milk and alternatives
- 2.4-inch TFT color screen with intuitive buttons
- Three user profiles for personalized drink storage
- 13 drink presets offer fewer options than the KitchenAid KF6
- 21.2-pound weight makes it heavier than many compact units
- 14-inch height requires more vertical counter space
- You want a wide variety of one-touch milk drinks
- You prefer a color screen for easy navigation
- You need customizable intensity and size settings
- You need more than 13 preset drink options
- You have limited vertical counter space
- You prefer a lighter machine for easy moving
Verdict: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next suits you if you prioritize a colorful display and extensive drink customization over maximum preset variety. It delivers consistent results for milk-based beverages.
KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine
Best for: Users who prefer manual milk customization
- Drink Presets
- 15
- Milk System
- Milk hose
- Water Tank Capacity
- 2.2 L
- Features
- Built-In Grinder
- Drink Type
- Cappuccino, Latte, Americano
- Color
- Stainless Steel
The KitchenAid KF6 is a fully automatic espresso machine with a metal-clad build and built-in grinder. It features 15 drink presets, including lattes and cappuccinos, using a single milk hose system. The 2.2 L water tank supports regular home use. Its dimensions are 18.5 by 10.2 by 14.3 inches. This model suits users who want automated brewing with manual milk customization options.
- 15 preset drink options including espresso and latte
- Built-in grinder with automatic smart dosing
- 2.2 L removable water tank
- Metal-clad stainless steel construction
- 2.2 L water tank is smaller than the 2.5 L tank on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
- Uses a single milk hose instead of an integrated automatic milk system
- 15 drink presets are fewer than the 17 presets on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next
- You want automated brewing with a built-in grinder
- You prefer a metal-clad stainless steel design
- You are comfortable using a separate milk container
- You need an integrated automatic milk frothing system
- You want more than 15 preset drink options
- You prefer a larger 2.5 L water tank capacity
Verdict: The KitchenAid KF6 Stainless Steel Espresso Machine fits users who value a sturdy metal build and automated grinding. It is a practical choice for those who do not mind using a separate milk container for their lattes and cappuccinos.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next | KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Drink Presets | 13 | 15 |
| Milk System | LatteCrema Hot System | Milk hose |
| Grind Settings | 13 | – |
| Burr Type | Conical | – |
| Display Type | 2.4" TFT color screen | – |
| Water Tank Capacity | – | 2.2 L |
| Features | – | Built-In Grinder |
| Drink Type | – | Cappuccino, Latte, Americano |
| Color | Silver | Stainless Steel |
| Brewing Method | Espresso | Espresso |
| Operation | Automatic | Automatic |
| Dimensions | 19.7 × 12.2 × 16.1 inches | 18.5 × 10.2 × 14.3 inches |
| Weight | 20.8 pounds | – |
| Size | Magnifica Evo Next | 2.2L |
| Model | CRT2DLECAM31080SBRB | KES8556SX |
Frequently asked questions
Which machine is smaller for a compact kitchen?
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is the more compact option. It measures 9.5 inches wide and 17.5 inches long. The KitchenAid model is slightly larger, with a width of 10.2 inches and a length of 18.5 inches. You should check your counter space carefully before choosing.
Does either model include a built-in grinder?
Yes, both machines include built-in grinders. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next features an integrated grinding system for fresh beans. The KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine also offers automated grinding. This means you do not need to buy a separate grinder for either setup.
Can I make cappuccinos and lattes with these?
Both super automatics handle milk-based drinks well. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next includes a milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes. The KitchenAid model also supports these drinks, though it uses a separate milk container for texturing. You get similar beverage variety from both brands.
Which one weighs less for easier moving?
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is lighter. It weighs 21.2 pounds. The KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine does not list a weight in its specifications. If you need to move the unit often, the De'Longhi has a clear advantage in portability.
Do I need to buy a separate milk jug?
It depends on your choice. The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next has a built-in milk frother, so you do not need a separate jug. The KitchenAid 2.2L model requires a separate milk container for lattes and cappuccinos. You should factor this into your setup.
Which machine has a digital color display?
The De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next features a color screen. It uses a 2.4-inch TFT display for navigation. The KitchenAid 2.2L Automatic Espresso Machine does not mention a color display in its data. If a visual interface is important to you, the De'Longhi is the better fit.
