In partnership with Cumulus. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
Do you like your coffee hot or cold? Your answer to that question is more than just an answer; it’s a lifestyle. Any cold brew lover will tell you that even in the depths of January they’d take their caffeine chilled. And while some will turn their noses up at this statement, the truth is hot and cold coffee differ far beyond temperature alone.
The way coffee is brewed affects its flavor profile, and cold brew coffee particularly uses a time intensive process to achieve its smooth texture and less bitter taste. Pouring your hot espresso over a ton of ice cubes just can’t replicate the 12+ hour cold brew process, but until now there has not been a quick and easy way to get quality cold brew at home. Notice how I said until now? Cold brew lovers, say hello to Cumulus Coffee.
We like
- Extremely user-friendly
- Three high quality cold coffee settings
- On demand– drinks are ready in 60 seconds or less
- No ice necessary
- Coffee capsules are completely recyclable
We don't like
- Higher price point
- Large machine might not be suited for tight spaces
- Most most accessible– pods can only be ordered on brand site
Quick, Quality, Cold, Cold, Cold
Mesh Gelman is no stranger to the cold coffee craze. A former member of Starbucks’ executive team, he saw firsthand how many people not only craved a cup of Joe in the morning, but how the act of picking up coffee alone was more than just a fleeting moment in the day, it was ritual. Soon cold coffee surpassed hot in sales. Consumers were yearning for their cold coffee fix, and really the only way to do so was head to a coffee shop. Sure you can pour an espresso over ice, mix cold brew concentrate with water, or brew your grounds overnight if you have 14 hours to spare, but while the market was filled with innovative ways to bring a premium hot coffee experience into the home there was no cold coffee equivalent. With that knowledge, Gelman set out to make it himself and elevate the cold coffee experience for sippers everywhere.
The Cumulus Machine is a sleek, effortless way to make cold coffee, and cold coffee alone. While you may have encountered other machines that offer cold brew settings, they’re usually taking shortcuts to brew a more lukewarm cup of Joe. Cumulus is the first of its kind in that its technology is designed specifically for brewing cold coffee, which is a fundamentally different process than brewing hot. With three distinct settings, Cumulus delivers cold coffee the way you like it best with just the push of a button. You have your classic crisp Cold Brew, the smoother and stronger Nitro Cold Brew, and a punchy Cold Espresso which is perfect to use for iced lattes or espresso martinis.
The single-serve machine costs $695 and comes in cream and carbon colorways. It works with its compatible coffee capsules, which come in 8 unique flavor profiles, including decaf. Every capsule starts with Arabica beans that are slow-roasted at low temperatures for flavor preservation, then cold-steeped for 20 hours, no heat at all, to bring out more flavor. Lastly, they’re cold-packed into small, recyclable aluminum capsules similar to K-Cups or Nespresso Pods. When you buy the machine you also get a starter pack: cleaning solution, a water filter, a blank cleaning capsule, care & use guide, and a 12-pack coffee sampler so you can find your favorite flavor.
Is It Really That Easy?
Yes. I was surprised by how intuitive this machine is to use. There’s a cap on the top of the machine, you simply push the cap up, insert the coffee capsule, push the cap down, and twist the dial to your desired setting, and push the button. In under a minute your drink is ready to go, and you don’t even need to add ice. Cumulus pops its beverages out chilled to a perfect drinking temperature.
The machine is so user-friendly by doing the work for you, which also explains why the machine is large, albeit sleek. Cumulus is 6” wide, 16” high, and 19” deep, and clocks in at just over 30 pounds. This design may not be ideal for small spaces, but it fits on most countertops and even snugly under kitchen cabinets. Inside, there’s a water tank that can hold up to 80 oz. as well as a compressor that works to chill the water so your drinks come out cold and crisp.
Other than innovative design, Cumulus uses an innovative process. The patent-pending Cold Cloud technology pulls nitrogen from the air into the device and disperses fine bubbles into the brew for a creamy, frothy texture. The Nitro Cold Brew and Cold Brew beverages always come out at 10 ounces, while the Cold Espresso always comes out in 2 ounces. This cannot be adjusted, so choose your mugs accordingly.
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Cold Brew Even a Skeptic Will Love
I’m highly skeptical of any expensive product promising to deliver perfection, but from the first sip of Cumulus Coffee I was pretty impressed. I tried the Lucid light-medium roast ($27 for 10 capsules) with notes of citrus, cherry, and honey, which Cumulus describes “like sunshine and clear skies after heavy rain.” It sounded enlightening and honestly it tasted it too. I popped in the capsule and chose the regular Cold Brew setting to keep things simple. In an instant my afternoon pick-me-up was staring me right in the eye. Each sip was strong but clean, crisp, and velvety-smooth. While I may not be a coffee connoisseur, I respect the craft. I know that I’ve never tasted a cold brew like that outside of a coffee shop equipped with serious machinery. To know this could be done at home, in less than 60 seconds with the press of a button? Some would call that revolutionary.
Making Space For Cumulus
When I saw the $695 pricetag for this machine, I was a bit apprehensive to recommend this product. But I’m glad I did not let the sticker shock cloud my judgment on the Cumulus. I don’t think this is the right coffee machine for everyone, but if you are someone who loves cold brew and values quality coffee, I think you’ll be happy investing in this machine. Not only does it make a damn good cup of cold coffee, but it makes it extremely fast and extremely easily. If you’re already paying $5 for a cold brew every time you step into a coffee shop, you’ll break even on this pretty quickly. And you can’t put a price on something that makes your mornings a little brighter.
Ride the cold coffee wave and order your Cumulus today.
