When the heat presses in, coffee doesn’t disappear from the routine: it changes its form. The steaming espresso gives way to glasses filled with ice, to slow cold-brew infusions, and to refreshing combinations like espresso tonic, which this summer makes its way back onto the menus of trendy cafés and, more and more, into home kitchens.
The good news is that recreating that summery ritual doesn’t require a professional bar or extra complications: with a few-step recipes and a coffee maker — whether superautomatic or manual — like De’Longhi’s, you can always have the same base espresso. In superautomatics, adjusting intensity, temperature or water amount is just a tap away; in manual machines, the control is more direct and allows you to fine-tune every variable to taste. And going from classic iced coffee to cold brew or espresso tonic can be done very easily.
In fact, the advantage of both systems is clear: superautomatic machines turn preparation into a daily, constant, effortless gesture, while manual machines add a more artisanal touch for those who enjoy the process without sacrificing quality results.
What’s the difference between cold coffee, cold brew, and espresso tonic?
Cold coffee is the generic term for any coffee served cold, from an ice espresso to an iced latte; it’s usually prepared with hot water and then cooled or served directly over ice.
The cold brew, on the other hand, isn’t a specific drink but a method: coffee is infused in cold water for a long time, which yields a smoother, less acidic and less bitter coffee, that can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or with milk.
Here’s where De’Longhi’s differentiating point comes in: its Cold Extraction Technology allows reproducing that same flavor profile — smooth, balanced and with low acidity — in under 5 minutes, compared with the hours traditional infusion requires. This way, you get an authentic cold brew quickly and consistently, without prior planning.
And the espresso tonic is another thing. It’s a cocktail-style cold coffee that mixes a highly concentrated espresso with tonic water and ice in a tall glass, sometimes with a citrus twist or herbs, resulting in a very refreshing drink where you notice the contrast between the coffee’s bitterness and the tonic’s bittersweet fizz.
What to consider before buying a superautomatic or manual coffee machine?
- Extraction quality: the proper pressure is between 15-19 bars. It should also have a burr grinder, grind adjustment and temperature control.
- Texture of the crema: it should feature a manual frother or an automatic pitcher that achieves a fine, silky foam (microfoam).
- Accessible latte art: look for an adjustable steam wand and spouts with controlled pouring that let you draw in the cup without being a barista.
- Design that adds to the space: materials, finishes and dimensions matter. The coffee maker sits on the counter and should integrate into the kitchen.
- Automation and customization: the machine should offer user profiles and memorized recipes for having each favorite coffee at a single touch.
- Consistent specialty results: it must deliver cafe-quality coffee, cup after cup, without depending on the user’s skill.
- Easy maintenance: cleaning, descaling and detachable parts extend the life of the device; hence, accessories are essential.
Comparison table of De’Longhi’s superautomatic and manual coffee makers
De’Longhi superautomatic coffee machines that craft the best cold coffee for summer
Rivelia Superautomatic Coffee Machine
Ideal for those who enjoy exploring different types of coffee and want to switch between them
The superautomatic Rivelia opts for an award-winning design with a 3.5” touchscreen and 19 bars of pressure. Its standout feature is the Bean Switch System: interchangeable bean hoppers to alternate between Arabica, Robusta or decaf in seconds, combined with Bean Adapt technology for intelligent extraction.
It includes cold coffee recipes, espresso and cold Americano, LatteCrema Hot system and up to 4 user profiles. Compact, quiet and designed for coffee lovers who want to vary beans without sacrificing style
As a Hero product, Rivelia represents De’Longhi’s new generation of superautomatic machines: a key model in the lineup that blends real innovation —like bean switching— with a fully personalized experience and a contemporary design, establishing itself as one of the brand’s most advanced and versatile references.
Pros ✔️
- Bean Switch System with interchangeable bean hoppers.
- Hero product that stands out for its major innovation.
- Award-winning design iF Design 2024 and Red Dot with a matte finish.
- 19 bars of pressure and Bean Adapt Technology.
- Compact (24.5 cm wide) and quiet.
Cons ❌
- The LatteCrema Cool system for cold milk drinks is sold as an optional upgrade, but adding it significantly expands the cold‑drink menu.
- Water tank of 1.4 liters is somewhat smaller, though sufficient for daily household use refilling once a day.
- Does not include app connectivity, but its touch interface with personalized routines makes mobile control unnecessary.
Recipe for Cold Coffee with the De’Longhi Rivelia Superautomatic
1. Choose your bean. Select the hopper with your favorite coffee thanks to the Rivelia’s Bean Switch system.
2. Fill a tall glass with ice to about three-quarters of its capacity.
3. Pour 150 ml of cold milk (cow’s or plant-based) directly over the ice in the glass.
4. Place the glass under the machine’s nozzle and select the Espresso function.
5. Serve without stirring for a more visually appealing presentation, or stir gently before drinking
*If you have the LatteCrema Cool jug, simply add ice to the glass and select the Iced Cappuccino or Iced Latte recipe on the touch screen.
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Kit LatteCrema Cool
A new dimension of cold coffee varieties
Notably, the model can be expanded with the LatteCrema Cool kit, available separately. This accessory acts as an upgrade that enables preparing cold milk drinks — such as iced latte or cold cappuccinos — with the same creamy texture characteristic of the LatteCrema Hot system, broadening the machine’s possibilities beyond hot recipes.
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Cafetera superautomática Eletta Ultra
Designed for coffee lovers seeking a wide selection of beverages
The Eletta Ultra presents itself as a 3‑in‑1 coffee maker capable of preparing espresso, filter coffee, and Cold Brew with more than 50 one‑tap recipes. It stands out for its Cold Extraction Technology, which reduces Cold Brew time to under 5 minutes, and for the LatteCrema Hot & Cool system to froth both hot and cold milk. The frothing pitcher with cold-foaming tech is included as standard.
Its Silent Technology reduces grinding noise by up to 65%, and it organizes drinks into 7 Intelligent Collections based on tastes and habits. It also includes 6 creative recipes with a step-by-step on-screen guide, including espresso tonic.
Pros ✔️
- Cold Brew ready in less than 5 minutes thanks to Cold Extraction Technology.
- More than 50 recipes, including espresso tonic and cold-milk blends.
- Silent Technology up to 65% quieter.
- Sistema LatteCrema Hot & Cool for hot and cold milk.
- Color touchscreen with 7 Intelligent Collections.
Contras ❌
- It’s a premium model with a high price, but the investment pays off by replacing several machines (espresso, filter, and Cold Brew).
- Its large catalog of drinks may be overwhelming at first, though the smart collections guide the user in a few steps.
- The dimensions are generous, but as a centerpiece it fits perfectly on a well-organized countertop.
Espresso Tonic Recipe with the De’Longhi Eletta Ultra Superautomatic
1. Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes.
2. Squeeze a wedge of lime or lemon over the ice and drop it into the glass to aromatize.
3. Pour about 150 ml of premium cold tonic slowly over the ice, leaving space at the top.
4. Place the glass under the machine’s nozzle and select the Espresso function.
5. Enjoy the incredible layered effect that is created automatically before gently stirring to drink.
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Magnifica Duo Superautomatic
Perfect for stepping up to freshly ground coffee with a convenient experience
The Magnifica Duo is a superautomatic coffee maker with a 2.4” TFT touchscreen and 20 recipes spanning hot and cold drinks. It includes LatteCrema system for hot and cold milk foam with adjustable levels, plus Bean Adapt technology for smart grinding.
Its big standout is the instant Cold Brew function, which brews this slow-extraction coffee with barista quality in minutes. All of this with 3 user profiles and the ability to create custom recipes. Additionally, the jar with cold-foaming function is part of the standard equipment.
Pros ✔️
- Instant Cold Brew function—no 12–24 hour waits.
- Sistema LatteCrema Hot & Cold for hot and cold milk.
- 20 predefined recipes, including cold beverages.
- 3 user profiles for personalized coffee.
- Compact design (24 cm wide) with a brushed finish.
Contras ❌
- 2.4” screen smaller than premium models, but still clear enough to navigate by icons.
- Only 3 user profiles, though ample for a family of 4.
- No app connectivity, but its direct touch control is intuitive and doesn’t require mobile dependence.
Cold Brew Recipe with the Magnifica Duo Superautomatic
1. Fill a tall glass with ice in large cubes (to melt slowly).
2. Select the Cold Brew function on the screen and pour directly over the ice .
3. Add two thin slices of orange and a strip of lemon zest.
4. Sweeten to taste with a splash of vanilla syrup or brown sugar syrup.
5. Stir gently and let rest for 30 seconds so the aromas mingle.
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PrimaDonna Aromatic Auto
Designed for those who prioritize high-level extraction
The PrimaDonna Aromatic superautomatic features a color TFT touchscreen and a 19-bar pump. It integrates Bean Adapt and Adaptive Grinding Technology to automatically adapt milling, temperature, and pre-infusion to each bean. It also features Cold Extraction Technology to prepare Cold Brew in minutes. It comes with a Cold Brew to Mix pitcher included.
Thanks to LatteCrema Hot and LatteCrema Cool technologies, it offers more than 35 hot and cold recipes, from espresso and filtered coffee to iced drinks and cold brew with milk or plant-based milk. The 500 g bean hopper and 2.2-liter water tank are designed for high-consumption homes, while the 4 user profiles and app connectivity allow you to customize and launch recipes directly from your phone.
Pros ✔️
- Wide catalog of hot, cold and Cold Brew drinks (over 35 recipes), with clear separation between hot, cold and Cold Brew menus.
- Cold Extraction Technology enables preparing Cold Brew and other cold drinks in minutes.
- Includes the Cold Brew to Mix pitcher and LatteCrema Cool.
- Color TFT touchscreen with interactive guide and user profiles.
- App connectivity to adjust parameters and create personalized cold recipes.
Contras ❌
- It is a premium model with a high price, but its combination of real Cold Brew, cold drinks with milk and advanced customization is aimed at users who prioritize high-quality cold coffee.
- Requires some learning time: the number of recipes, menus and adjustments (especially for cold drinks and Cold Brew) can be overwhelming at first for users less familiar with superautomatices.
- The height of 407 mm requires some space under tall cabinets, so it’s best placed in a clear area of the counter.
Cold Brew Recipe with the PrimaDonna Aromatic Manual
1. Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes.
2. Fill the LatteCrema Cool jug with cold milk (whole or plant-based) and connect it to the machine.
3. Select the Cold Brew Latte function on the touch screen so the machine automatically serves the cold foam and coffee over the ice.
4. Add a drizzle of caramel or vanilla syrup on top if you like a touch of sweetness.
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Manual De’Longhi coffee machines for a barista-level cold coffee
Manual La Specialista Touch
The right choice to enjoy an authentic barista experience with guided steps
The Specialista Touch manual coffee maker from De’Longhi features a 3.5” color touchscreen and a 15-bar pump, designed for those seeking a barista experience at home. It includes an integrated grinder with Bean Adapt technology, 15 grind levels, PID temperature control and an advanced tamper for precise dosing.
Its Auto LatteArt system and the cool-touch steam wand allow you to create cappuccinos, flat whites and latte art with professional quality. It also includes Cold Extraction Technology to prepare Cold Brew in less than 5 minutes.
As a Hero product, La Specialista Touch is De’Longhi’s best option for those who want to go beyond automation and become the barista of their own kitchen: it combines the precision of a professional machine with the convenience of an intuitive touch interface, positioning itself as the brand’s reference model within its manual range.
Pros ✔️
- Integrated grinder with Bean Adapt technology and 15 grind levels.
- The Auto Latte Art system froths the milk automatically, adjusting the type of milk, temperature and amount of foam, though manual control is also possible.
- Cold Extraction Technology with Cold Brew in under 5 minutes.
- Active PID control with 3 infusion temperature profiles.
- Cool-touch steam wand for safe and hygienic milk frothing.
Cons ❌
- Fewer grind levels and customization than higher-end models.
- No touchscreen or guided interface.
- Requires learning and practice to master extraction and milk.
Cold Brew Recipe with the La Specialista Touch Manual
1. Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes.
2. Aromatize by slicing a strip of fresh orange peel. Squeeze it lightly over the ice to release its essential oils and drop it into the glass.
3. Select the Cold Brew function on your machine’s touch screen and follow the steps to perform the extraction.
4. Garnish with a thin orange slice on the rim for a sophisticated visual touch.
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La Specialista Arte Manual
Recommended for those who want to learn and perfect the art of coffee
La Specialista Arte forms part of De’Longhi’s manual range aimed at those who want to start in the barista world without giving up control and quality. It is a compact and elegant manual espresso machine, with 15 bars of pressure and a design geared to optimize kitchen space. It includes an integrated grinder with 8 grind adjustments, three temperature profiles and a complete barista kit that makes dosing and precise tamping easier.
It features a My LatteArt steam wand designed to texture milk manually and create microfoam, ideal for cappuccinos and latte art. It also includes three preconfigured recipes (Espresso, Americano and hot water) that simplify the experience without losing the artisanal character.
Pros ✔️
- Integrated grinder with 8 grind levels to tailor coffee to taste.
- Complete barista kit that eases precise dosing and tamping.
- Three temperature profiles to adapt extraction.
- My LatteArt wand to manually foam milk with good control.
- Compact and functional design, ideal for small kitchens.
Cons ❌
- Fewer grind levels and customization than higher-end models.
- No touchscreen or guided interface.
- Requires learning and practice to master extraction and milk.
Cold Brew Recipe with the La Specialista Arte Manual
1. Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes.
2. Aromatize by slicing a strip of fresh orange peel. Squeeze it slightly over the ice to release its essential oils and drop it into the glass.
3. Select the Cold Brew function on your machine’s touch screen and follow the steps to perform the extraction.
4. Garnish with a thin orange slice on the rim for a sophisticated visual touch.
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Which De’Longhi coffee maker is ideal for making cold coffee?
- To enjoy different varieties of bean coffee and switch between them without complications: Rivelia.
- For maximum variety and creative recipes: Eletta Ultra.
- For the easiest and most comfortable milk coffee: Magnifica Duo.
- For maximum customization and smart technology: PrimaDonna Aromatic.
- For a barista-guided experience: La Specialista Touch.
- To start in the 100% manual barista world: La Specialista Arte.
