
KitchenAid KES6404 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

PRODUCT SAFETY
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.” These words mean:
DANGER: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.
WARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions. All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Read all instructions.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- This appliance is not intended for use by children or by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or a lack of experience and knowledge. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
- To protect against fire, electric shock, and personal injury, do not immerse the cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquids.
- Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Return the appliance to the nearest Authorized Service Facility for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
- The use of accessories or attachments not recommended or sold by KitchenAid may cause fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
- Do not use the appliance outdoors.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Allow the appliance to cool completely before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Always turn the appliance off (O), then plug the cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn the appliance off, then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
- Do not clean the appliance with abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or other abrasive materials.
- Use extreme caution when using hot steam.
- Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
- Irritation to the skin or eyes can occur if they come into contact with the descaling solution. Avoid skin and eye contact. Rinse off the descaling solution with clean water. Obtain medical advice after eye contact.
- Damage to delicate surfaces can occur after contact with the descaling solution. Remove any splashes immediately.
- WARNING: To avoid the risk of injury, do not open the brew chamber during the brew process.

CARE AND CLEANING
For best results, regularly clean the Espresso Machine and its accessories. IMPORTANT: Unplug the Espresso Machine before cleaning. Allow the appliance to cool completely before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
NOTE: Do not use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads when cleaning the Espresso Machine, parts, or accessories. Do not immerse the Espresso Machine or cord in water or other liquids.
- When the Drip Tray indicator rises and becomes visible above the surface of the Drip Tray Plate, empty the Drip Tray and rinse with warm water.
- Wipe the Espresso Machine housing and Group Head with a clean, soft, damp cloth.
- Wash the Drip Tray, Portafilter, Filter baskets, Milk pitcher, and Drip Tray Plate in warm, soapy water and rinse with clean water. Dry with a soft cloth.
- Clean the Steam Wand after every use. Toggle the Mode button to select Water. Position the Steam Wand over the Drip Tray or into a cup. Press the
button, wait 3 to 5 seconds. Press the
button to stop. Wipe down the Steam Wand exterior with a soft, damp cloth. NOTE: To remove the Steam Wand, press the Steam Wand Release Button.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION: Visit www.kitchenaid.com/quickstart for additional instructions with videos, inspiring recipes, warranty information, and tips on how to clean your Espresso Maker.
PARTS AND FEATURES
ESPRESSO MACHINE
- Water tank (Capacity: 47 ounces)
- Water tank handle
- Water tank lid
- Cup warmer
- Drip tray plate
- Drip tray
- Main power On/Off switch
- Steam wand
- Steam wand release button
- Portafilter (58 mm)
- Mode button: Espresso / Steam / Hot Water
- Dose button: 1 (1 shot) / 2 (2 shots)
- Clean cycle button
- Start/Cancel button
- Empty drip tray indicator
- Group head

MILK FROTHER ATTACHMENT
- Storage container
- Milk dispenser tube
- Function knob
- Steam port
- Froth level adjustment knob
- Brush
- Milk tank lid
- Milk hose
- Milk tank
- Milk hose connector
- Milk hose clip
- Hot water function
- Hot milk function
- Froth milk function


GETTING STARTED
First, clean all parts and accessories (see “Care and Cleaning” section). Place the Espresso Machine on a dry, flat, level surface such as a countertop or table.
- Fill the Water tank with fresh water (max. 47 ounces). Replace the Water tank lid.

- Insert the Steam wand until you hear a click. IMPORTANT: Distilled water or mineral water can damage the Espresso Machine. Do not use either to brew espresso.

- Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Press the Main power switch to ON (-).

- The machine automatically pumps water into the heater and starts heating. When the lights stop blinking, the Espresso Machine is ready for use.

- To rinse the Group head, place a container under the Group head. Toggle the Mode button to select Espresso. Toggle the Dose button to 1 and press
the button. The machine will flush water through the Group head and automatically stop when the cycle is complete.
- To rinse the Steam wand, direct the Steam wand towards the Drip tray or into a cup. Then toggle the Mode button to select Hot Water and press the
button to start. Allow water to flow for 3 to 5 seconds, then press the
button to stop.
PRODUCT USAGE
BREWING ESPRESSO
- Select the desired Filter basket (see Basket selection chart). Press the Filter basket into the Portafilter until it clicks into place.

- Fill the Filter basket with fine espresso coffee grounds (see Basket selection chart for dosing recommendations).

BASKET SELECTION CHART

- Tap the Portafilter to level the ground coffee bed and rest on a flat surface. Use the Tamper to tamp down the ground coffee. Sweep excess coffee grinds from the rim.

- Position the Portafilter under the Group head with the handle aligned to unlock. Raise the Portafilter into the Group head and twist to the right side to lock.

- Toggle the Mode button to select Espresso. Toggle the Dose button to select the desired number of shots: 1 (~1 ounce) or 2 (~2 ounces).

- Press the
button to run the selected Espresso cycle. NOTE: Do not remove the Portafilter when brewing.
TIP: Shot duration should be between 20–30 seconds for 1 and 2-shot selections.
- If less than 20 seconds: decrease grind size and/or increase tamp pressure.
- If more than 30 seconds: increase grind size and/or reduce tamp pressure.
USING THE STEAM MODE FOR MILK
- Toggle the Mode button to select Steam. The machine will automatically start heating, indicated by the flashing Steam light. The Steam light will go solid when the machine is ready for steaming.

- Fill the Milk pitcher with the desired amount of cold milk. TIP: Fill to the bottom of the pour spout.
- Angle the Steam wand towards the Drip tray or into a cup. Press the
button to start. Once water turns to steam, press the
button to stop.
- Adjust the Steam wand to a desirable position. Submerge the tip of the Steam wand just below the surface of milk in the Milk pitcher.

- Press the
button to initiate the steam. Froth until the desired level of foam and temperature is reached. To stop the steam, press the
button again. To avoid splattering, wait until the steam stops before removing the Steam wand from the milk.
USING THE HOT WATER FEATURE
- Toggle the Mode button to select Water. Place a cup under the Steam wand.

- Press the Dose button to select the volume of water 1 (~4 ounces) or 2 (~6 ounces). Press the
button to start the water cycle. Water flows out from the Steam wand.
PROGRAMING FUNCTION
The Espresso Machine is equipped with programming functionality. Any customized settings will be saved even in the event power loss to the machine.
Programming the ESPRESSO AND HOT WATER AMOUNT
- To change pre-programmed Espresso Volume for 1 or 2: Toggle the Mode button to select Espresso. Select the dose you desire to program (1 or 2). Press and hold
the button until the desired espresso amount is reached in your cup. While programming your selected dose, the dose and the
button lights will blink. Lights will stop blinking when programming is complete.
- To change pre-programmed Water Volume for 1 or 2: Toggle the Mode button to select Water. Select the dose you desire to program (1 or 2). Press and hold
the button until the desired water amount is reached in your cup. While programming your selected dose, the dose and the
button light will blink. Lights will stop blinking when programming is complete.
PROGRAMING THE WATER TEMPERATURE AND WATER HARDNESS
- To change pre-programmed Water Temperature: Toggle the Mode button to select Espresso, press and hold for 3 seconds. The indicator lights will show the default factory setting or the previous saved setting (see Indicator light chart for reference). Toggle the Mode button between Low-Mid-High to select the desired temperature. To save your selection, press the
button or wait for 10 seconds.
- To change pre-programmed Water Hardness: Toggle the Mode button to Water, press and hold for 3 seconds. The indicator lights will show the default factory setting or the previous saved setting (see Indicator light chart for reference). Toggle the Mode button between Low-Mid-High to select the desired water hardness. To save your selection, press the
button or wait for 10 seconds.
INDICATOR LIGHT CHART

WINTER STORAGE CARE
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage, use and store your Espresso Machine where it will not freeze. Because some water remains inside the unit, freezing can damage the product. If storing or moving during freezing weather, purge your Espresso Machine. To purge the Espresso Machine, ensure the Steam wand is attached, and the Water tank is at least half full.
- Place a cup under the Steam wand nozzle.
- Turn the Espresso Machine on, toggle the Mode button to Steam. Press the button. Once steam exits the Steam wand for approximately 10 seconds, remove the Water tank and allow remaining water in the machine to exit through the Steam wand.
- The purging cycle will be complete once the Espresso Machine stops, and the Water mode will blink.
- Turn the Main power on/off (-) button to Off. Empty and reinstall the Water tank. Then unplug the Espresso Machine.
NOTE: Water Hardness – Low: 0 to 60 ppm / Medium: 60 to 120 ppm / High: more than 120 ppm
TIP: To restore all factory settings, press and hold the “Dose button” for 3 seconds. All indicator lights will blink, indicating that all settings are restored.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE



WARRANTY AND SERVICE
KITCHENAID ESPRESSO MACHINE & MILK FROTHER ATTACHMENT. WARRANTY FOR THE 50 UNITED STATES, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO, AND CANADA
This warranty extends to the purchaser, and any succeeding owner, for the KitchenAid Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment operated in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF REMEDIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXCLUDED TO THE EXTENT LEGALLY PERMISSIBLE. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW ARE LIMITED TO TWO YEARS, OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. SOME STATES AND PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS OR
EXCLUSIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IF THIS PRODUCT FAILS TO WORK AS WARRANTED, CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. KITCHENAID AND KITCHENAID CANADA DO NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province.
HASSLE-FREE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY – 50 UNITED STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND PUERTO RICO
We’re so confident the quality of our products meets the exacting standards of KitchenAid that, if your Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment should fail within the first year of ownership, KitchenAid will arrange to deliver an identical or comparable replacement to your door free of charge and arrange to have your original Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment returned to us. Your replacement unit will also be covered by our one-year limited warranty.
If your Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment should fail within the first year of ownership, simply call our toll-free Customer eXperience Center at 1-800-541-6390 Monday through Friday. Please have your original sales receipt available when you call. Proof of purchase will be required to initiate the claim. Give the consultant your complete shipping address (no P.O. Box numbers, please). When you receive your replacement Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment, use the carton, packing materials, and prepaid shipping label to pack up your original Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment and send it back to KitchenAid.
HASSLE-FREE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY – CANADA
We’re so confident the quality of our products meets the exacting standards of the KitchenAid brand that, if your Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment should fail within the first year of ownership, we will replace your Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment with an identical or comparable replacement. Your replacement unit will also be covered by our one-year limited warranty.
If your Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment should fail within the first year of ownership, simply call our toll-free Customer eXperience Center at 1-800-807-6777 Monday through Friday. Please have your original sales receipt available when you call. Proof of purchase will be required to initiate the claim. Give the consultant your complete shipping address. When you receive your replacement Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment, use the carton, packing materials, and prepaid shipping label to pack up your original Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment and send it back to KitchenAid.
ARRANGING FOR SERVICE AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES, OR ORDERING ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
In the United States and Puerto Rico:
For service information, or to order accessories or replacement parts, call toll-free at 1-800-541-6390 or write to: Customer eXperience Center, KitchenAid Small Appliances, P.O. Box 218, St. Joseph, MI 49085-0218
Outside the United States and Puerto Rico:
Consult your local KitchenAid dealer or the store where you purchased the Espresso Machine & Milk Frother Attachment for information on how to obtain service. For service information in Canada: Call toll-free 1-800-807-6777. For service information in Mexico: Call toll-free 01-800-0022-767.
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KitchenAid KES6404 Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine-FAQS
How do I set up the KitchenAid Espresso Machine?
Before the first use, fill the water tank and run plain water through the brew head and steam wand to flush the system. Once done, attach the portafilter and the machine is ready for brewing.
Should I run water through the machine before first use?
Yes. Always flush water through the espresso head and steam wand to remove any residue from manufacturing.
What does “semi-automatic” mean in an espresso machine?
A semi-automatic machine requires you to grind and tamp the coffee, lock in the portafilter, and choose your shot size. The machine then handles the pressure and extraction.
What is the 30-second rule for espresso?
A balanced espresso shot typically extracts in 25–30 seconds, using around 18–20 g of coffee and yielding 30–40 ml of espresso.
What is the 1:2 espresso ratio (2:1 rule)?
This ratio means 1 gram of ground coffee produces 2 grams of espresso. It’s a common starting point for dialing in shots.
What is the ideal grind size for KitchenAid espresso?
Use a fine grind similar to table salt. KitchenAid Burr Grinder setting is typically 55–70 for espresso.
What are the 7 key variables for a perfect espresso shot?
Coffee quality, grind size, dose, water quality, temperature, pressure, and extraction time.
What is the correct way to tamp espresso?
Use even pressure (about 30 lbs), keep the puck level, and ensure the edges are flush to avoid channeling.
How thick should espresso be?
A good espresso has a syrup-like flow with a rich, thick crema on top.
What drinks can I make with this machine?
Besides espresso, you can make lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, mochas, and more using the steam wand for milk frothing.


























