Kalerm KLM1601 Premium Espresso Machine Review: An Exciting New Super Automatic

Tired of dropping all your cash on lattes at the local coffee shop but don’t want to become a barista yourself? That’s understandable, and that’s why super-automatic espresso machines exist. This new model from Kalerm is making waves as one of the most affordable one-touch cappuccino and latte makers on the market!

Summary: The Kalerm KLM1601

• Great value super-automatic espresso machine
  
• Can make one-touch espresso, cappuccino, Americano, and latte
  
• Automatic cleaning cycles and alerts make it easy to maintain

This machine is so easy to use. I especially love that I don’t need to spend any time cleaning up.

– Customer

see on chris coffee

Where to Buy the Kalerm KLM1601

We believe it is important to have buying options when investing a larger portion of money. This is why we offer you two of our trusted choices. Take a look and decide how and where you want to buy your fancy coffee machine.

	RETAILER
Editor’s Pick Editor’s Pick	Chris Coffee	Family-run company Reliable after sales service Offers a wide array of coffee equipment	Check Price

A Full Review of the Kalerm KLM1601 Premium

Kalerm is a relatively new company based near Shanghai, China. But don’t let their youth dissuade you. The brand is already making waves with their extensive line-up of superautomatic espresso machines for home and business. They’re now selling in 65 countries around the world (1). 

The KLM1601 is their entry-level model. But it is far from basic in its design and functionality. Let’s dig into the details.

Kalerm KLM1601 Premium Review

• Design
• Brewing System
• Coffee Quality and Versatility
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Value for Money

3.8

• see on chris coffee

Design – 4/5

All you really need to know about the design of the KLM1601 is that it was awarded the Red Dot Design award. These awards are given out not just for style but also for user experience and smart engineering (2). According to the jury:

It has also received the German Plus X Award, given to new products possessing “innovative technologies, extraordinary design and intelligent, easy to use operating systems.” Much of this fanfare can be credited to their in-house R&D department, something not all coffee companies invest in.

The KLM1601 is relatively compact, mainly as it includes a grinder. It measures 14.5 inches tall by 11.9 inches wide by 17.5” deep, easily sliding under upper cupboards.

Brewing System – 3/5

Kalerm doesn’t reveal much about the process used for brewing, likely in the interest of protecting their R&D. However, we know that it contains a 19-bar pump, which is more than enough pressure to produce a proper espresso with a rich layer of crema. 

We also know it has an integrated burr grinder with five different grind settings and a 250-gram bean hopper. So you’re always brewing with freshly ground beans. Unless, of course, you take advantage of the pre-ground coffee chute — for a quick cup of decaf, for example.

Even for a milk-based drink like a latte or cappuccino, you just push a button and wait. If you have busy mornings and like to multitask, you’ll adore this feature.

And speaking of busy mornings, the Kalerm KLM1601 brews ultra fast. It only takes a few minutes to heat up, thanks to the 1400 W heating element. Once it’s heated, it’s about 30 seconds to pull an espresso or 2 minutes to prepare a milky drink. After brewing, you can program it to turn off automatically, a convenient and energy-saving feature.

Coffee Quality and Versatility – 3.5/5

The KLM1601 prepares four different coffee drinks — espresso, Americano, latte, and cappuccino — and dispenses hot water.

Using the touchscreen display and rotary dial, you can adjust the grind, coffee strength, water temperature, coffee volume, milk volume, milk temperature, and milk texture (3).

A possible downside to this machine is that it prepares only one drink at a time. Many espresso machines, both automatic and semi-automatic, have two spouts, thus preparing two drinks at once. If you live with someone who enjoys the same drink as you at the same time, you’ll probably miss this option on the KLM1601 Premium.

Cleaning and Maintenance – 4.5/5

It’s hard to top a super-automatic when it comes to ease of cleaning. The KLM1601 has an automatic cleaning cycle that runs every time the machine is on and off. You don’t even need to think about it. And if you do want to rinse out the milk system separately, which isn’t a bad idea every once in a while, it’s easy to remove.

Another day-to-day maintenance is equally straightforward. The 1.8-liter water reservoir is large enough that you shouldn’t need to refill it more than once a day. Likewise, the used grounds container can hold 15 portions before it needs to be emptied. And you don’t even need to use your brain to remember these tasks. The screen alerts you to empty the drip tray or waste container, fill the water tank or bean hopper, and when you need to descale.

Value for Money – 4/5

I believe value is why the KLM1601 has become so popular. It is one of the least expensive one-touch latte and cappuccino machines on the market.

Plus, the award-winning design of this model adds to its value. It looks more expensive than it is, making it an affordable way to add a touch of luxury to your home.

Don’t Buy the Kalerm KLM1601 If…

You want more user control: There are plenty of alternatives if you want to be more involved in making your espresso. You could try the Breville Oracle, which is still fully automatic but requires more user participation for each step. Or you could opt for a semi-automatic machine like the Breville Barista Express.

You want something less expensive: While the KLM1601 is great value for money, there are less expensive options on the market. For example, consider the Gaggia Brera, a super automatic espresso machine from a well-respected Italian brand.

You want to make two drinks at once: If you’re one half of a couple and want to be able to brew two drinks at a time, many models do just that. Take a look at the best-selling Jura E8, the Delonghi Magnifica, or the Saeco PicoBaristo.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for a one-touch cappuccino or latte machine that won’t break the bank or take up most of your counter space, you should consider the Kalerm KM1601. This attractive machine from an up-and-coming brand is making a splash in the super-automatic market for its ease of use and impressive coffee quality. Snatch one up now before everyone catches on!

see on chris coffee