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Can an Espresso Machine Make Iced Coffee? Understanding the Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew
Traditionally, espresso machines are designed to brew coffee hot. Whether you're using a semi-automatic or super-automatic machine, the brewing process relies on hot water and pressure to extract flavour from the coffee grounds. However, in recent years, several manufacturers have introduced new technologies that allow certain machines to create beverages that more closely resemble traditional cold brew coffee.
If you're shopping for an espresso machine and love cold coffee drinks, it's important to understand the difference between an iced coffee function and a true cold brew-style extraction.
Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: Not the Same Thing!
Many espresso machines now include an "Iced Coffee" or "Over Ice" option. In most cases, the machine still brews the coffee hot but adjusts the recipe to account for the ice.
This may involve using slightly cooler brewing temperatures, different coffee-to-water ratios, or a smaller beverage volume to prevent excessive dilution. The result is a refreshing iced drink, but it is still fundamentally hot-brewed coffee served over ice.
A true cold brew-style extraction is different. With cold-brew, the coffee is extracted at significantly lower temperatures using specialized brewing parameters designed to create a smoother, less acidic flavour profile similar to traditional cold brew coffee.
The Pioneer: Jura's Cold Extraction Process
One of the first super-automatic espresso machines to offer a dedicated cold coffee extraction system was the Jura Z10.
Rather than brewing hot coffee over ice, the Z10 uses Jura's proprietary Cold Extraction Process. Cold water is pulsed through freshly ground coffee under high pressure, creating a unique cold coffee experience with a smoother and more balanced flavour profile than traditional iced espresso.
Recommended models:
Jura - Z10 Super Automatic Espresso Machine - Diamond Black #15464
Jura - Z10 Super Automatic Espresso Machine - Aluminum White #15361
De'Longhi's Cold Extraction Technology
De'Longhi later introduced its own Cold Extraction Technology on select machines. Unlike a standard iced coffee recipe, these machines use room-temperature water, controlled flow rates, and lower extraction pressure to replicate the characteristics of traditional cold brew coffee in just a few minutes.
An additional advantage is De'Longhi's LatteCrema Cool System, which can create cold milk foam for iced milk-based beverages.
If cold coffee is a major part of your daily routine, these are some of the best super-automatic options available:
DeLonghi - Eletta Explore Super Automatic Espresso Machine - ECAM45086S
DeLonghi - PrimaDonna Aromatic Hot + Cold Super Automatic Espresso Machine - ECAM63075TM
For the best results, use plenty of ice when preparing these beverages.
What About Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines?
Cold brew-style extraction is less common in semi-automatic machines, but a few models now offer dedicated cold extraction programs.
Most of these machines use thermoblock heating systems because they can more easily manage the lower-temperature brewing profiles required for cold extraction.
Popular options include:
DeLonghi - La Specialista Arte EVO Espresso Machine with Cold Brew & Built-in Grinder - EC9255M
Delonghi - La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine with Built in Grinder - Stainless Steel - EC9555M
You can learn more about the Oracle Jet here:
So finally, what to look for when shopping
If a machine advertises an "Iced Coffee" setting, that usually means it is brewing hot coffee or espresso and adapting the recipe for serving over ice.
If a machine specifically advertises "Cold Brew," "Cold Extraction," or "Cold Extraction Technology," it is using a dedicated brewing process designed to mimic the smoother taste and lower perceived acidity of traditional cold brew coffee.
For coffee lovers who enjoy cold drinks year-round, the difference is noticeable. A true cold extraction process generally produces a smoother, more refreshing cup, making it an excellent option during the warmer months.
