KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

I used to go to Starbucks daily. Now I go once a month. I did 6 months of research trying to decide what super automatic machine to buy. I watched countless videos from Tom's Coffee, ECS, Coffee Kiev etc. I think the biggest concerns I had were over return policies if I didn't like it and FOMO with the fancy machines. When it came down to it, the simple ones can do most of what you might want. While the cold foam might look cool coming from a machine, all you need is a hand frother you can pick up online for $10. I went with the KF6 because overall, I felt like it was the best designed machine with tech, but simple tech that was less likely to break. And that I could access the brew unit for cleaning so that it doesn't get moldy. I was already dialing in my selection when Sam's stated carrying it (bonus). A month in, I can say that I love it. It took a few weeks to find a bean I liked since you can't use most Starbucks beans because they are oily. For espresso, I use LavazzaGeand Creama (grind 1 less than finest with 2 oz water, high temp, 3 beans, strong). For coffee, it was a challenge to get it to be similar to a drip (kept my drip machine because my husband prefers it). But I was able to get pretty close. I use Starbucks Blonde or Pete's Big Bang (1 grind less than coursest, 3 beans, Medium temp, strong, 4.4 oz water). I am allergic to milk, I use Elmurst Barista Coconut/Cashew milk (no seed oils). It froths just perfectly. I like making a flat white (just adjust the latte settings), a shaken espresso %26 an iced latte the most. The swappable hopper is nice. Would buy again!