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 close attention to how it actually fits into a real routine. This post is what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s something I’d actually keep using long-term.
This is my honest Cumulus Coffee review and it is not sponsored in any way (though I may earn 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 entirely.
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. That’s pretty much it.
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, which is the whole reason I wanted this thing in the first place.
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 filtered works fine too 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 shapes how you use the machine day to day.
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 chilling, the light flashes blue. When it’s ready, it turns white.
This is not a machine you turn on and immediately get coffee from. My routine became: flip it on first thing, go do something else, come back. Once the water is cold, the actual brewing is fast. But that initial wait is part of the deal and there’s no getting around it.
If you want coffee the second your eyes open, 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 in San Francisco, a nitro is easily $7 to $9 a cup.
They offer a solid range too, 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 per-cup cost makes sense. If it’s occasional, it probably doesn’t pencil out.
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 significant chunk 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 real 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, and I’d rather be upfront about that than pretend otherwise.
Measure your counter before you even think about buying it.
Cumulus Coffee Nitro Cold Brew Quality: The Strongest Part Of This Machine
The actual drinks are excellent. That part I won’t hedge on.
Everything comes out properly cold without ice. The nitro cold brew setting produces thick foam and a creamy texture that’s very close to what you’d get at a good coffee shop. It doesn’t taste canned or flat, which is the usual problem with at-home nitro attempts.
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 when it brews is very coffee shop. Clean, fresh, not stale. This is genuinely where the machine earns its price tag.
Cleaning And Maintenance
The machine needs a full cleaning cycle every 150 brews. Cumulus sells a cleaning solution and replacement filters separately. It’s straightforward, but it’s another thing to stay on top of.
Not maintenance-free, but not complicated either. Just set a reminder so it doesn’t sneak up on you.
Cumulus Coffee Price And Discount Code
The Cumulus Coffee machine is around $695.
You can use code WHIMSY100 for $100 off, which takes a real bite out of the upfront cost. Capsules, syrups, glassware, and accessories are sold separately. Financing is available if you want to spread it out.
Pros And Cons After A Month Of Daily Use
What Worked Well
- Very good nitro cold brew that actually tastes like a coffee shop
- Drinks come out ice cold without ice, so nothing gets watered down
- Coffee shop quality at home without leaving your kitchen
- Clean, modern design that looks good on a counter
- Easy to use once the water is chilled
- Works well for coffee cocktails like espresso martinis
What You Should Think About Before Buying
- 15 to 20 minute cooling time before first brew of the day
- Large, heavy footprint that’s a real commitment in a small kitchen
- Only works with Cumulus proprietary capsules, no off-brand options
- Capsules at $1.50 each cost more than standard pod systems
Who This Machine Actually Makes Sense For
This works best if cold brew or iced coffee is a daily habit, you regularly spend money on nitro drinks out, you care about texture and quality in the cup, and you have the counter space to give it a permanent home.
If you mostly drink hot coffee, want something instant, or have a small kitchen, this probably isn’t the right fit. That’s not a knock on the machine. It just has a specific person in mind.
Final Verdict On The Cumulus Coffee Machine
For the right person, it’s worth the $695.
It makes cold coffee that’s actually good, and over time it replaces a daily coffee shop habit that adds up fast. But it asks for counter space, a 20-minute morning runway, and a commitment to using it consistently. Whether that tradeoff works depends entirely on how you drink coffee and how your kitchen is set up.
And for what it’s worth, I still think about it every time I’m waiting for my espresso to cool down.
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 machine at checkout.
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 it can brew anything.
Does The Cumulus Machine Use Coffee Pods Or Capsules?
It uses proprietary Cumulus capsules only. You cannot use third-party or off-brand capsules at this time. They’re designed specifically for the machine’s cold brewing system.
How Much Do Cumulus Coffee Pods Cost?
Most Cumulus Coffee capsules cost around $1.50 per pod depending on the roast and blend. More expensive than standard pod systems, but typically cheaper than buying nitro cold brew at a coffee shop daily.
Can You Make Espresso With The Cumulus Machine?
Yes. The machine has a dedicated espresso setting for cold espresso. It works well for iced espresso drinks and as a base for 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. Noticeable but not disruptive.
How Big Is The Cumulus Coffee Machine?
It’s large and heavy, weighing about 30.6 lbs. It takes up significant counter space and needs extra clearance on top because the lid lifts to insert capsules. Measure your counter before ordering.
How Much Water Does The Cumulus Machine Hold?
The water reservoir holds about 80 oz, which is enough for roughly two large drinks before refilling.
Does The Cumulus Coffee Machine Require Special Water?
The machine includes a built-in water filter. You can use tap water, filtered water, or distilled water. Water quality will affect taste, but tap works fine in most cities.
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, and this is one of the best things about it. Drinks come out ice cold without ice, so nothing gets watered down.
Can You Make Coffee Cocktails With The Cumulus Machine?
Yes. Cold espresso and cold brew from the machine work well for coffee cocktails like espresso martinis and cold brew old fashioneds.
How Much Does The Cumulus Coffee Machine Cost?
The Cumulus Coffee machine is around $695. Use discount code WHIMSY100 for $100 off.
Is The Cumulus Coffee Machine Worth It?
It’s worth it if cold brew or nitro coffee is a daily habit, you want cafe-quality results at home, and you have the counter space to give it a permanent spot. If you drink hot coffee or only want iced coffee occasionally, it probably isn’t the right fit.
