Espresso Machines

KitchenAid KES6503SX

#5 · Best Metal Build for Latte Lovers
6.8 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $349.99 Amazon
Our verdict
A conditional pick for milk-drink fans who value a metal build and can find it near $250 to $350.

Pros

  • Mostly stainless steel construction
  • Best latte in Consumer Reports' budget group
  • Seven accessories included
  • Repair-parts list published

Cons

  • Less intuitive than others
  • Heavy portafilter
  • Noisy when steaming
  • Reviews are mixed on espresso quality
  • Price varies widely

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

View best price at Amazon
Last reviewed October 25, 2026
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Review

What to know about KitchenAid KES6503SX

A metal-bodied semi-automatic with a steam wand and 7 included accessories, including a steaming jug. Consumer Reports' testers said it made the best latte in its budget group; other reviews are mixed on espresso. Often $250-$350.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

Consumer Reports praised its largely stainless build and its latte, and KitchenAid publishes a repair-parts list. The accessory set makes it easy to start.

Other reviews are mixed. TechRadar found it easy to use with great espresso and thick crema but noisy when steaming. Expert Reviews UK called the coffee mediocre and reported a dripping tank valve and fiddly controls. Consumer Reports found it less intuitive than rivals, with a heavy portafilter.

What to know

Skip it if you're paying much over $350. Its price swings widely, and the current Amazon offer is from a third-party seller.
Performance

Score breakdown

Beginner-Friendliness

How quickly a novice gets a good drink: heat-up time, clear controls, forgiving baskets, assisted grinding or dosing, cleaning effort and learning curve, as described by testers.

6.5
CR found it less intuitive with a heavy portafilter; TechRadar found it easy to use.
Espresso Quality

Shot taste, crema, consistency and temperature stability in independent tests (with a proper grinder where needed).

6.5
Mixed: TechRadar positive, Expert Reviews 'mediocre'.
Milk Steaming

Ability to make latte and cappuccino microfoam; automatic wands score well for beginners; also steam power and wait between brewing and steaming.

7.6
Best latte in CR's budget group.
Build & Reliability

Materials, durability, warranty length, owner-reported failures, and parts and repair availability.

7.5
Metal body and published parts list, but Expert Reviews reported a dripping tank valve.
Health & Materials

Materials in the hot-water path (boiler and heater metal, lead-free brass, stainless steel), BPA-free plastics, manufacturer PFAS claims, recalls, standby energy and auto-off.

6.5
Lots of real stainless steel (CR); no PFAS or BPA disclosure; no recall found.
Value

Total cost to good espresso (including a grinder if one is needed) relative to performance, at typical US street prices.

6.5
$350 plus about $200 for a grinder; price-volatile and sold by a third party.
Specifications

KitchenAid KES6503SX specs

General

Machine type
Semi-automatic
Built-in grinder
No
Water tank capacity
47 oz

Milk

Automatic milk frothing
No

Materials

Manufacturer PFAS-free claim
No
Shopping

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Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
AmazonLowest $349.99 In Stock View deal
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Lowest verified price $349.99
30-day low $349.99
90-day average $349.99
90-day low $349.99

Based on 2 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

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