I’m a cold coffee person. I drink iced coffee year-round, I order nitro cold brew whenever it’s available, and I’ve accepted that hot coffee just isn’t my thing most mornings.
So when I started seeing the Cumulus Coffee machine everywhere, I was curious, but also skeptical. Cold coffee at home usually means watered-down espresso that just makes me sad.
I’ve been using the Cumulus machine regularly for the past month, testing different capsules, brew settings, and recipes, and paying attention to how it actually fits into a real routine. This post reflects what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s something I’d keep using long-term.
This is my honest Cumulus Coffee review and it is not sponsored in any way (though I may earned a commission if you use my affiliate links)
Why I Wanted A Cold Coffee Machine At Home
I already have an espresso machine in my apartment, and another at my cabin, and I use them daily. Hot coffee isn’t the issue, cold coffee is.
If I want iced coffee, I either have to wait for the espresso to cool down or pour it over ice and accept that it’s going to get watered down. Neither option is great. Nitro coffee is even more annoying since making it at home usually turns into a whole science project, which defeats the point.
I wanted something that actually made cold coffee on purpose, not as an afterthought. That’s what originally pulled me toward the Cumulus machine.
How The Cumulus Coffee Machine Works
The Cumulus machine uses proprietary capsules of artisan coffee. You load one in, pick your brew type, and press a button.
There are three settings:
- Espresso
- Nitro
- Still
Those settings change how the coffee is brewed and finished. The nitro option adds that creamy, slightly fizzy texture you usually only get from a tap at a coffee shop.
The water tank holds about 80 oz and includes a built-in filter. I use tap water since I live in San Francisco and our water is good, but you can absolutely use filtered water if you care about that level of detail.
One thing that matters here. The machine has to chill the water before it can brew anything.
The Cooling Time Is The Biggest Catch
This is the main downside and it affects how you use the machine.
The first time you turn it on each day, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the water to fully cool. While it’s cooling, the light flashes blue. When it’s ready, it turns white.
This isn’t something you turn on and immediately get coffee from. I turn it on first thing in the morning, do other things, then come back. Once the water is cold, the actual brewing is fast. But that initial wait is part of the deal.
If you want instant coffee the second you wake up, this will probably drive you crazy.
The Capsules Cost More Than Standard Pods
Each capsule works out to about $1.50 depending on the roast. You can only use Cumulus Coffee pods since they’re a custom shape, and there aren’t any off-brand options right now.
That’s more expensive than something like a Keurig pod. But it’s still a lot cheaper than buying nitro cold brew out. Where I live, a nitro is easily $7 to $9.
They offer a range of options including medium roast, light and dark roast, decaf, espresso-forward capsules like Sospeso, and everyday blends like Ritual Medium. If cold coffee is part of your daily routine, the cost makes sense. If it’s occasional, it probably doesn’t.
Size And Counter Space Reality Check
This machine is large. There’s no way around that.
It weighs just over 30 pounds and takes up a lot of counter space. It’s noticeably bigger than my espresso machine and needs extra clearance on top because the lid lifts to load capsules.
In a small apartment, it’s a commitment. I ultimately gave mine to a friend with more space. I still think it looks great. It just wasn’t realistic for my kitchen long term.
Measure your counter before you even think about buying it.
The Coffee Is The Strongest Part
The actual drinks are excellent.
Everything comes out properly cold without ice. The nitro setting produces thick foam and a creamy texture that feels very close to what you’d get at a good coffee shop. It doesn’t taste canned or flat.
I made a mole mocha using one of their syrups and would’ve happily paid for it out. I’ve also used it for cold espresso martinis and it holds up well as a base.
The smell is very coffee shop. Clean, fresh, not stale. This is where the machine earns its price.
Cleaning And Maintenance
The machine needs a full cleaning cycle every 150 brews. Cumulus sells a cleaning solution and replacement filters. It’s straightforward, but it’s another thing to stay on top of.
This isn’t maintenance-free, but it’s not complicated either.
Cumulus Coffee Price And Discount Code
The Cumulus Coffee price for the machine is around $695.
You can use code WHIMSY100 for $100 off, which helps with the upfront cost. Capsules, syrups, glassware, and accessories are sold separately. Financing is available.
Pros And Cons After Using It
What Worked Well
- Very good nitro cold brew
- Drinks are cold without ice
- Coffee shop quality at home
- Clean, modern design
- Easy to use once chilled
- Works well for coffee cocktails
What You Should Think About
- Long cooling time
- Large and heavy
- Only works with Cumulus capsules
- Capsules cost more than standard pods
Who This Machine Makes Sense For
This works best if you drink cold brew or iced coffee almost every day, regularly buy nitro drinks, care about texture and flavor, and have the counter space for it.
If you mostly drink hot coffee or want something instant, this probably isn’t the right machine.
Final Verdict Of The Cumulus Coffee Maker
For the right person, it’s worth it.
It makes genuinely good cold coffee and replaces expensive coffee shop habits. But it asks for space, patience, and routine. Whether that tradeoff works depends entirely on how you drink coffee.
And you’re always allowed to change your mind later.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cumulus Coffee Machine
What Is The Cumulus Coffee Machine?
The Cumulus Coffee Machine is a cold-only coffee machine designed to make cold brew coffee, nitro cold brew, and cold espresso at home. It does not heat water and does not require ice. Everything is brewed cold from start to finish.
Do You Have A Cumulus Coffee Discount Code?
Yes! Use code WHIMSY100 for $100 off your coffee machine!
Does The Cumulus Machine Make True Nitro Cold Brew?
Yes. The nitro setting creates a creamy, fizzy texture similar to what you’d get from a coffee shop tap. The foam is thick and stable, not flat or bubbly like canned nitro coffee.
How Long Does The Cumulus Coffee Machine Take To Brew?
Once the water is fully chilled, each drink brews in under a minute. The first use of the day requires about 15 to 20 minutes to cool the water before brewing.
Does The Cumulus Machine Use Coffee Pods Or Capsules?
It uses proprietary Cumulus capsules. You cannot use third-party or off-brand coffee capsules at this time. The capsules are designed specifically for the machine’s cold brewing system.
How Much Do Cumulus Coffee Pods Cost?
Most Cumulus Coffee pods cost around $1.50 per capsule depending on the roast and blend. While more expensive than standard pod systems, they are typically cheaper than buying nitro cold brew at a coffee shop.
Can You Make Espresso With The Cumulus Machine?
Yes, the machine has an espresso setting designed for cold espresso. It works well for iced espresso drinks and espresso martinis.
Is The Cumulus Coffee Machine Loud?
It makes noise while cooling the water and during brewing, similar to other high-end coffee machines. It is noticeable but not disruptive.
How Big Is The Cumulus Coffee Machine?
The machine is large and heavy. It weighs about 30.6 lbs and takes up significant counter space. It also needs extra clearance on top because the lid lifts to insert capsules.
How Much Water Does The Cumulus Machine Hold?
The water reservoir holds about 80 oz of water, which is enough for roughly two large drinks before refilling.
Does The Cumulus Coffee Machine Require Special Water?
The machine includes a water filter. You can use tap water, filtered water, or distilled water. I personally use tap water, but water quality will affect taste.
How Often Does The Cumulus Machine Need Cleaning?
Cumulus recommends a full cleaning cycle every 150 brews. Cleaning solution and replacement filters are sold separately.
Can You Make Iced Coffee Without Ice?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of the Cumulus machine is that drinks come out ice cold without ice, so your coffee does not get watered down.
Can You Make Coffee Cocktails With The Cumulus Machine?
Yes. Cold espresso and cold brew from the machine work very well for coffee-based cocktails like espresso martinis and cold brew old fashioneds.
How Much Does The Cumulus Coffee Machine Cost?
The Cumulus Coffee price is around $695. You can use discount code WHIMSY100 for $100 off the machine.
Is The Cumulus Coffee Machine Worth It?
It is worth it if you regularly drink cold brew or nitro coffee, want cafe-quality results at home, and have enough counter space. It is likely not worth it for occasional coffee drinkers or people who prefer hot coffee.
