To keep customers from getting bored, more and more of the best fully automatic espresso machines are offering cold coffee specialties, ranging from iced coffee to cold caffè latte. Heck, there are even a few semi-automatic espresso machine manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon now. This seems to have been well-received and the cold-brewing technology is getting better and better. Hence, this guide to the best cold brew espresso machines.
In this guide, I’ll not only introduce you to my top picks, but also help you answer an important question: Do I really need a cold extraction function, and if so, what should I look for?
Table of Contents
Best Cold Brew Espresso Machines at a Glance
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a sneak peek at my picks for the best cold brew espresso machines:
DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic
High-quality build
Extensive drink menu
Makes superb espresso
Breville Oracle Jet
Beautiful design
58mm portafilter
Tonas of adjustable settings
DeLonghi Rivelia
Innovative and affordable
Interchangeable bean hoppers
Makes great espresso
Cold Brew From a Fully Automatic Machine: Is That Even Possible?
In a nutshell, you simply can’t make cold brew with even the best fully automatic espresso machine. Just as with the relationship between fully automatic coffee makers and drip coffee (which also doesn’t work), the two principles are mutually exclusive.
What is Real Cold Brew?
True cold brew is coffee extracted without heat, and using the full-immersion method for 12 to 24 hours. For this, you use extremely coarsely ground coffee. With the right beans, the result is refreshing, mild in flavor, and very stimulating, as our caffeine test shows. Alternatively, you can also prepare the brew in a slow dripper or even as AeroPress cold brew.
Cold Brew vs Cold Extraction vs Iced coffee
When fully automatic coffee machines advertise “cold brew,” they’re referring to an espresso prepared using cold extraction – that is, at a lower temperature. However, the actual brewing process remains unchanged. With some semi-automatic espresso machines, the cold brew function involves lower temperature, lower pressure and an extended extraction time. However, this still isn’t true cold brew. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is something entirely different.
Why “Cold Brew” Is a Marketing Term When It Comes to Fully Automatic Coffee Makers
Let’s be honest: As long as the result tastes good in the cup or coffee glass, it doesn’t really matter what the manufacturers call their cold coffee or whether it’s one type or another. We just have to make sure that the machines actually offer this option.
For example, when the Philips 3300 LatteGo was launched, it promised “refreshing cold drinks,” but what it really meant was that you could get your brewed coffee slightly colder by adding ice.
Since I apparently wasn’t the only one who complained about this in my review, the marketing language was adjusted. However, there are still more machines that simply offer ice cube tips but still talk about “Cold” capabilities.
The 6 Best Cold Brew Espresso Machines
DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic: Best Overall Cold Brew Espresso Maker:
New edition
DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic
Definitely recommended. It’s robust and well-thought-out
Expansive beverage menu
Hot and cold drinks
Straightforward operation
Excellent value for the money
Hot milk foam could be better
| DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic | |
| Manufacturer | De’Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model number | ECAM63075TM |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Stainless steel with plastic parts |
| Color options | Titanium |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Touch screen |
| App | |
| User profiles | 4 |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 13 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 8.8 oz / 250.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 14 |
| Specialty drinks | 38 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1350 W |
| Weight | 28.6 lb / 13.0 kg |
| Dimensions | 16.0 x 10.3 x 18.2 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, 2 x milk carafes, ice cube tray, cleaning brush, water filter, cleaning supplies |
| Current price on Amazon | $2,079.96 |
| All specifications | |
The revival of the elegant PrimaDonna, with its sturdy metal housing, has been a resounding success. The exceptionally high-quality DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic has plenty to offer – and not just when it comes to cold brew.
It even offers us a kind of filter coffee and gets everything right, from the grinder to the operation to hygiene. Even though this Italian manufacturer isn’t the first choice for fans of elegant machines, it’s hard to ignore this model.
Cold Brew in practice
The PrimaDonna Aromatic perfectly showcases DeLonghi’s Cold Extraction Technology. The cold brew takes around five minutes, during which the machine lowers the temperature and flow rate. During my review, I was impressed by the cold brew’s mellow, chocolatey flavor profile. And while I enjoyed the PrimaDonna’s cold milk foam, I found it to be rather inferior to the hot version. Still, this machine can conjure up some deliciously refreshing iced specialty drinks.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
Costing $2,079.96, the PrimaDonna Aromatic isn’t cheap. Still, it offers the best of what the manufacturer currently offers and costs way less than a comparable Jura coffee machine. If you can afford the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic, it’s most definitely worth buying, and it’ll suit singles as well as large families.
See Also: DeLonghi PrimaDonna Review
Philips Café Aromis: Best Value Fully Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Philips Café Aromis 8000 Series
A huge success
Expansive beverage menu
Hot and cold drinks
Straightforward operation
Excellent value for the money
Hot milk foam could be better
| Philips Café Aromis 8000 Series | |
| Manufacturer | Philips |
|---|---|
| Model number | EP8757/20 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
| Color options | Silver Chrome |
| Milk frother | Integrated carafe |
| User interface | Touchscreen |
| App | |
| User profiles | 8 |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 6.0 in / 15.2 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
| Grinder | Ceramic flat burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 12 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 9.9 oz / 280.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 12 |
| Specialty drinks | 50 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1500 W |
| Weight | 20.5 lb / 9.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 15.3 x 9.9 x 17.8 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, 2 x milk carafes, coffee scoop, water hardness test strip, water filter |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,999.95 |
| All specifications | |
During my Philips Café Aromis review, I wondered whether this fully automatic machine really needed to exist. However, when looking at it through a cold brew lens, I come to a very different conclusion.
For a brand-new fully automatic machine with almost endless recipes, customization options and a really quiet grinder, the Café Aromis represents excellent value for money at $1,999.95.
Cold Brew in Practice
Just like the DeLonghi Primaddona Aromatic, the Aromis cold brew coffee comes out at just around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Unlike the PrimaDonna, however, the cold Philips milk foam is even better than the hot version. The machine strikes a really good balance between acidity and richness, making it a pleasure to use the Café Aromis 8000 Series at any temperature.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
If you’re looking for a high-quality fully automatic espresso machine that brews great coffee, is easy to use and offers thorough cleaning functions, the Philips Café Aromis is the perfect choice. However, it’s only suitable for smaller, quality-conscious households, as it can’t prepare two cold or hot beverages at the same time.
See Also: Philips Café Aromis Review
Jura Z10: Best Performing Cold Brew Espresso Maker
Great innovation
Jura Z10 Gen 2
It can do anything — even make hot cocoa
First fully automatic machine with a cocoa function
Quiet grinder
Tons of settings
Fabulous cold brew function
Superb espresso and milk foam
Too much marketing nonsense
Some new features don’t hit the mark
| Jura Z10 Gen 2 | |
| Manufacturer | Jura |
|---|---|
| Model number | 15792, 15812, 15811 |
| Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | |
| Housing material | Plastic |
| Color options | Aluminum Black, Aluminum Champagne, Aluminum White |
| Milk frother | Cappuccinatore |
| User interface | Touchscreen |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 81.2 fl oz / 2.4 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 6.1 in / 15.5 cm |
| Minimum cup height | 3.1 in / 7.9 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 7 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 9.9 oz / 280.0 g |
| Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
| Grounds discard container capacity | 20 |
| Specialty drinks | 50 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| Adjustable milk temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Pot function | |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1450 W |
| Weight | 27.0 lb / 12.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 14.3 x 12.6 x 18.5 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, coffee scoop, syrup attachment, chocolate attachment, microfiber cloth, water filter, cleaning supplies |
| Current price on Amazon | $4,470.00 |
| All specifications | |
I would be remiss of me not to feature the Jura Z10 in this guide. After all, the original Z10 was one of the first espresso machines with cold brew to hit the market. Although lacking a cold foam function, the latest Gen 2 model comes with an updated electronic grinder, sweet foam, chocolate foam and a caffeine regulator. There’s also a Light Brew option, but that’s not worth discussing. Overall, the Jura Z10 still feels like the ultimate super automatic espresso machine.
Cold Brew in Practice
During my original Jura Z10 review, I remember renaming the cold brew “coldpresso.” The machine lowers the brewing temperature as well as the pressure, and takes its sweet time to produce an absolutely delicious extraction. Sure, you’ll need to add ice to the somewhat lukewarm brew, but not much. Besides, the Jura Z10’s approximation of cold brew is fabulous with the addition of cold milk or even a little ice cream.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
While I question the value of some of the Jura Z10’s latest features, this is still an incredibly premium fully automatic coffee machine. It also produces some of the best espresso I’ve tasted and is a joy to use. Still, only those who can justify parting with $4,470.00 should start weighing up the pros and cons of the Jura Z10.
See Also: Jura Z10 Review
Breville Oracle Jet: Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine With Cold Brew
New release
Breville Oracle Jet
This could be Breville’s best yet
Sleek design
Awesome touchscreen
Improved milk system
58mm portafilter
Many adjustable settings
Not suitable for true espresso nerds
| Breville Oracle Jet | |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
|---|---|
| Model number | BES985 |
| Product category | Hybrid espresso machine |
| Housing material | Stainless steel with plastic parts |
| Color options | Black Truffle, Brushed Stainless Steel, Damson Blue, Olive Tapenade, Sea Salt |
| Milk frother | Steam wand |
| User interface | Touchscreen |
| App | |
| User profiles | Memo function only |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm |
| Tamping | Automatic |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 77.8 fl oz / 2.3 l |
| Number of boilers | 1 |
| Pump pressure | 15 bar |
| Maximum cup height | 4.0 in / 10.2 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
| Grind adjustment levels | 45 |
| Bean hopper capacity | 12.0 oz / 340.0 g |
| Specialty drinks | 10 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
| 2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
| Hot water function | |
| Hot milk function | |
| Milk foam only option | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1500 W |
| Weight | 26.7 lb / 12.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 16.7 x 15.0 x 14.5 in |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Notes | Included Accessories: User manual, milk steaming pitcher, knock box, 2 x filter baskets, cleaning / maintenance supplies |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,999.95 |
| All specifications | |
A hybrid espresso machine with an integrated grinder, the Breville Oracle Jet is incredibly sophisticated. You can take over and have full control over every aspect of your espresso, or let the machine guide you every step of the way. And thanks to its professional-grade components, the Oracle Jet can produce exceptional espresso. It’s very uncommon to find a semi-automatic espresso machine with cold extraction technology, but Breville knocked it out of the park in this case.
Cold Brew in Practice
Seeing as it’s a semi-automatic espresso machine, the Breville Oracle Jet produces cold brew that’s a modified version of “true” espresso. In saying this, I’m referring to the fact that you’ll prepare your portafilter as usual, then the machine will reduce the pressure and extraction time while keeping the brew group unheated. The result is a tasty beverage that goes really well with milk, but is best enjoyed black, with a few ice cubes.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
The Breville Oracle Jet is one of the best home espresso machines I’ve reviewed. If you’re up for putting in some of the work yourself, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful espresso and cafe-quality milk foam. And thanks to the machine’s intuitive touchscreen interface, navigating the menus and settings is a piece of cake.
See Also: Breville Oracle Jet Review
Additional Recommendations
DeLonghi Eletta Explore: It’s a bit older now, but the Eletta Explore is still a real all-rounder. The asking price is very reasonable, the drink selection is well-thought-out and the whole machine is a success.
DeLonghi Rivelia: It stands out for its removable bean hopper and affordable price, but it can also make cold coffee. The Rivelia doesn’t get as much attention as other fully automatic machines, but it’s a favorite of mine.
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Cold Coffee?
Hot coffee drinks are pretty good at masking roasting errors or bean defects. After all, our tongues have to cope primarily with the sensation of heat. With cold coffee, that’s not possible – whether you prepare it using cold water or brew it hot then let it cool.
In a fully automatic espresso machine, poor-quality coffee beans and cold brewing pose a double problem. That’s because the machine is a compromise device – it produces great coffee or latte macchiato only with high-quality beans and specific coffee roast profiles.
So if you use coffee beans from the supermarket or a discount store, don’t be surprised if the iced flat white from your expensive machine tastes mostly sour or bitter. Even lighter roasts, which I love using for cold brew, aren’t suitable here.
Instead, go for the happy medium: a medium roast espresso blend with balanced acidity, depth of flavor and plenty of sweetness. Check out my guide to the best espresso beans for inspiration!
Cleaning and Hygiene for Cold Coffee
It doesn’t matter at all what temperature you use to make your latte macchiato: you must thoroughly clean your fully automatic coffee machine every day.
You’ll have to get used to the idea of thoroughly rinsing and drying the milk system, the milk container and all moving parts after each day of use. Otherwise, there’s a risk of mold and germs running rampant.
For general instructions, check out my guide to coffee maker cleaning and descaling; for specific details, refer to your machine’s user manual.
Buying Guide: What Is Important for a Cold Brew Espresso Machine?
Even though this guide focuses primarily on a candidate’s cold-brewing performance, that’s not the most important criterion for a top rating. Much more important are:
Ease of use – whether via app, touchscreen or buttons
Quiet and capable grinder
Adjustable settings to match your personal taste
Excellent interplay of all components during extraction
Full-bodied espresso, silky milk foam
Hygienic cleaning
Balanced price-performance ratio
Delivery of marketing promises
If we focus on iced flat white, cold americano and the numerous versions of Cold Extraction Technology (a marketing term coined by DeLonghi), the machine must also be capable of the following:
Adequately lowering the temperature during cold preparation
Sufficiently extending the extraction time for full flavor
(Automatic) adjustment of preparation parameters for cold preparation
Preparing cold milk foam with a similar structure to hot milk foam
An unambiguous assignment of accessories (milk container)
A clear overview of the cold options in the menu for easy navigation
Unfortunately, the only way to find out if a model meets these requirements is to test it out. But at least you can check whether the cold brew function is real or if the machine just suggests using ice cubes. A simple price comparison can help with that.
Currently, models designed for cold preparation cost around $1,000 and up. If they also include a cold milk foam system, that’ll likely add another few hundred bucks to the price.
How to Make the Perfect Iced Coffee With an Automatic Espresso Machine
Even though your machine should do most of the heavy lifting, there are things you can do yourself to bring out even more flavor from the brew:
Check the grind size: Cold extraction takes longer, and a coarser grind can help balance the flavors better.
Optimize the brew strength: If the settings allow it, set the brew strength a little higher. This is a good way to prevent the coffee from becoming watered down when it comes into contact with ice.
Adjust the amount of ice: The more ice cubes you use, the colder and more watery the coffee will be. Use this to your advantage: Instead of letting the machine make an iced americano, for example, brew a concentrated espresso and let the meltwater dilute it.
Rethink your choice of glassware: Double-walled coffee glasses not only keep drinks hot, but also slow down the melting of ice cubes.
Save on ice: Ice cubes and cold milk foam don’t mix. As soon as milk is involved, I’d put the glasses in the freezer before filling them or choose stainless-steel alternatives to ice cubes.
Hot and Cold: The Best Recipes for Your Automatic Espresso Maker
Coffee recipes from a machine always follow the same pattern: espresso, water, foam – done. No matter what the temperature is. That’s why it doesn’t matter if, for example, the Eletta Explore offers fewer cold options than the PrimaDonna Aromatic. If you want, you can simply make your own (iced) latte macchiato or flat white. You’ll find some ideas here:
Precisely because there’s so much money to be made with cold brew options, manufacturers come up with all sorts of nonsense to artificially inflate the range of coffee options their machines offer. The PrimaDonna Aromatic, for example, distinguishes between “Cold Brew,” “Cold Brew to Mix” and “Cold coffee,” while Jura offers “Light Brew” in addition to cold brew.
Don’t let that confuse you, though. The different names simply refer to the water-to-coffee ratio or the amount in the glass. You can easily adjust those yourself if needed.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cold Brew Espresso Machines: Are They Worth Buying?
After having long neglected to pay much attention to the cold-brew capabilities of fully automatic coffee makers with the option during my reviews, I’ve lately adopted a more methodical approach.
After all, what once felt like a gimmick has now become a deciding factor for more and more consumers. I can certainly understand that, because it’s not just my top pick, the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Aromatic, that proves cold beverages are getting better and better and opening the door to a whole range of new coffee creations.
Still, I stand by my advice: When buying a fully automatic coffee maker, pay attention to all the other factors first before you even think about cold brew or chilled espresso.
Are you guys also caught up in Cold Fever? Which specific features should I take a closer look at next? Which machine is missing from my list? Feel free to leave a comment!
