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As the days get longer and warmer, the craving for a refreshing iced coffee often replaces the need for a steaming hot cup. Yet, achieving that perfect, café-quality iced latte or cold brew at home can be a challenge. Simply pouring hot coffee over ice often results in a weak, watery drink that misses the mark. The secret lies in the equipment.
If you're looking to upgrade your home coffee setup, a bean-to-cup machine designed with cold beverages in mind is a worthwhile investment. This guide is here to help you navigate the key features and find a model that delivers both exceptional hot and cold drinks, straight from the bean.
Choosing the right machine can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key considerations to help you focus your search for the ideal home coffee machine for hot and cold drinks.
The method a machine uses to create a cold coffee drink is crucial. Most machines use the "over ice" method, where a concentrated, hot-brewed espresso is poured directly onto ice. For this to work well, the machine must be able to produce a very strong, short shot to minimise dilution.
More advanced models now feature a dedicated coffee machine with cold brew function. This technology uses room-temperature water and a unique, pulsed brewing process to extract flavour without heat, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee that is characteristic of traditional cold brew, but made in a fraction of the time.
To stand up to ice and milk, your coffee base needs to be bold. A high-quality, built-in espresso machine with grinder is non-negotiable. Look for machines with multiple grind settings. A finer grind exposes more of the coffee's surface area to water, leading to a stronger, more intense extraction perfect for an iced latte. The ability to adjust the coffee strength and volume per serving is also essential for tailoring your drink.
If your go-to drink is an iced latte, the milk system is a key feature. Some machines, like the Sage Barista Pro, come with a manual steam wand that gives you complete control to texture milk for hot drinks. For ultimate convenience, other models, such as the De'Longhi Eletta Explore, feature an automatic coffee machine with milk frother that can create both hot foam for cappuccinos and cold foam for iced drinks at the touch of a button.
Here are three standout bean-to-cup machines that are well-suited for making a variety of iced coffee drinks at home.
Why It Stands Out: The Philips 2200 Series offers a fantastic entry point into the world of bean-to-cup coffee. Its intuitive touch display and customisable settings make it simple to brew a strong, concentrated espresso shot—the perfect base for the "over ice" method.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Those new to bean-to-cup machines who want reliable, customisable espresso for creating iced drinks without a steep learning curve or a high price tag.
Why It Stands Out: The Sage Barista Pro bridges the gap between automatic convenience and manual control. Its rapid heat-up time and precision grinder are ideal for pulling rich espresso shots for iced lattes, while the powerful steam wand gives you hands-on control over your milk texture.
Pros:
Who is it for?: The aspiring home barista who enjoys the craft of making coffee and wants to perfect their espresso shots and milk-texturing skills for both hot and cold creations.
Why It Stands Out: The De'Longhi Eletta Explore is a highly versatile machine built specifically for lovers of both hot and cold coffee. It is one of the few machines on the market with dedicated technology for both cold foam and true cold brew, making it an excellent choice for those who want ultimate variety and convenience.
Pros:
Who is it for?: The coffee enthusiast seeking the ultimate all-in-one solution. If you want one-touch convenience for a huge range of drinks, including true cold brew and perfectly frothed cold milk, this machine is a leading contender.
While these three models offer excellent features for iced coffee lovers, they may not be the perfect fit for every kitchen or budget. If you're still exploring, our curated collection features a wider variety of models.
Explore our full range of fully automatic coffee machines to find the right one for your home.
Yes, you can make iced coffee with almost any machine that produces espresso. The standard method is to brew a strong, short shot of espresso and pour it directly over a glass full of ice. However, machines with customisable strength settings and dedicated cold drink functions will deliver a less diluted and more flavourful result.
Iced coffee is typically made with hot-brewed coffee (like espresso) that is rapidly cooled with ice. This process is fast and produces a bright, robust flavour. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for a long period. This slow, heat-free extraction results in a coffee concentrate that is smoother, sweeter and less acidic. Some advanced machines, like the De'Longhi Eletta Explore, can now create a cold brew-style drink in minutes.
While any coffee bean can be used, medium to dark roasts are often recommended for iced coffee. Their bold, rich flavour profiles hold up well against the chilling effect of ice and the addition of milk or syrups. For a stronger espresso shot, consider a blend that includes some Robusta beans, which can add intensity and a thicker crema.