From the phrase "Hot and Cold" in its name, it is immediately evident that it offers something for lovers of cold coffee as well. This espresso machine, apart from preparing hot coffee, also has a function for cold extraction, making the preparation of cold beverages based on espresso easier and faster.

First Impression

Let's take a look at the machine before trying it out. Inside the package, you will find the device, with a slim design and elegant inox casing. On the front, there are four operation buttons with blue LED lighting. On the side, the steam control knob and the nozzle for frothing milk.

Also included are the portafilter, two baskets for single and double shots, the dosing/tamper spoon, and the user manual. The base has a removable liquid collection container with a metal lid and at the back, a removable 1.2-liter water tank. On the top, there is a heated base for the cups.

The machine has a pump pressure of 20 bar and a power of 1350W.

Tests

With the Rohnson R-98013, I conducted tests for both hot coffee and frothed milk, as well as for the extraction of cold coffee. The coffee in Cold mode does not come out frozen, but less hot, allowing for easier preparation of freddo.

I tried both packaged ground coffee and freshly ground coffee from a coffee shop. The performance of the espresso was as expected from a machine of this category: nice crema and aroma. Frothing milk with the nozzle was smooth and the result was velvety, although this depends on the user's skills.

I always recommend buying a separate milk frother machine for convenience and better results. The machine does not have an automatic extraction stop, which may bother some people, but it allows for control of the extraction according to the variety and quantity of coffee.

Cold Espresso Preparation

For the preparation of cold espresso, you put the coffee in the chamber, press the button with the snowflake, and the coffee comes out lukewarm. The manufacturer recommends using cold water from the refrigerator. I tried three cases (tap water, cold from the refrigerator, and frozen with ice cubes) without any significant difference in the final result.

The convenience is that you put the glass directly and the coffee falls onto the ice cubes, ready for freddo espresso. For dissolving the sugar, you can use the steam nozzle for a few seconds.

It is necessary to address the obvious for espresso lovers. One of the basic principles in the preparation of espresso is the correct water temperature during extraction, so that the coffee retains all its aroma and characteristics. With the lower temperature in this machine, some necessary compromises are made. The coffee is not like the freddo you would drink outside, but for the sake of convenience and speed, the result is satisfactory.

I would like a greater distance from the base to the chamber, so that it can comfortably accommodate taller glasses, which is important for making freddo. Although not 20cm glasses, a low glass at 10-12cm fits marginally. This would prevent the need to transfer the coffee to another, more desirable glass after extraction.

Final Verdict

At €100 and something, the Rohnson R-98013 is ideal for beginners looking for a good espresso machine. It is beautiful, with a nice design and size, and offers satisfactory espresso. The option for cold espresso is an additional advantage for those who want to enjoy freddo at home, making their lives easier.