TL;DR: Some of the best espresso machines for iced lattes are manual or semi-automatic espresso makers capable of making hot drinks too. However, many super-automatic espresso machines craft superb iced lattes and cold drinks from preprogrammed recipes without you needing any prior barista experience. So long as you supply the ice, the espresso machines on this comprehensive list will help you craft café-quality cold drinks with ease!

I’ve got a confession: Regardless of the temperature outside, I’m an avid iced coffee drinker. Whether it’s a cup of cold brew or a flavorful iced latte, cold coffee drinks are my preference, even in the dead of winter. That’s just one reason why I’m here alongside many other Curated Espresso and Coffee Experts. To help you find the best possible espresso machine to achieve your iced latte dreams, contact us anytime for free, personalized advice and expertise.

In the meantime, we’ll go over everything you need to make an informed, decisive choice regarding which espresso machine suits your iced latte lifestyle best. Not only will we clarify what you need out of an espresso machine to make delicious iced lattes, but we’ll also give you a list of the best latte machines to compare and contrast.

Take it from this experienced barista who’s been making and chugging iced lattes for the past decade: I’m here to get you caffeinated. Let’s start brewing.

Espresso Machines Made for Iced Lattes vs. Standard Espresso Machines

Before we start steeping in the details of all things espresso, let's differentiate between standard espresso machines and machines made specifically for cold espresso drinks. To begin, it's important to note that all espresso machines can craft delicious iced lattes. All you need for an iced latte is a flavorful shot of espresso, your milk of choice left cold rather than steamed, and, of course, ice.

However, some semi-automatic machines and super-automatic machines afford consumers multiple cold drink recipes built into their programming. In fact, some of the most successful espresso machines for iced lattes include cold brew and cold foam technology so that you can craft an iced coffee beverage without having to worry about it getting watered down in the process.

Still, as someone who makes iced coffee drinks in their own kitchen daily, I'm the first to tell you that any espresso machine can craft an ideal iced latte. Simply pour your quality espresso shots over ice and add your milk. That's all there is to it if you aren't seeking something more technical, such as instant cold brew or an iced latte with cold foam.

What to Consider About Espresso Machines for Iced Lattes

Despite the fact that all espresso machines are capable of crafting iced lattes, there are still many things for you to consider before making your final purchase or decision. While reaching out to a Curated Espresso and Coffee Expert is always a good idea, you may want to contemplate the following questions before diving in.

1. What Is Your Budget?

Espresso machines are an investment, regardless of your existing budget. While there are some makes and models available for under $500, the average espresso machine capable of making delicious iced lattes costs anywhere from $700 to well over $2,000. Understanding your budget and what you feel comfortable paying for your new kitchen staple is a must.

2. How Experienced Are You With Espresso?

Experience and comfortability in making espresso drinks are everything when it comes to finding a coffee maker ideal for your lifestyle. When I purchased an espresso machine for my own home, I knew I needed something that balanced my professional barista experience with my partner's lack of barista experience. This is also something you may want to consider about your household as you shop.

Iced lattes are incredibly easy to make, as they don't require you to steam milk. So long as you find an espresso machine that aligns well with your shot-pulling capabilities, you can make a delicious iced latte.

You may also decide to purchase an espresso machine that broadens your experience and drink-making horizons, as most of the options on this list have an achievable learning curve. Even if you’re used to your Nespresso machine and all of the pods that come with it, most of the options on this list can help you familiarize yourself with traditional espresso making!

3. Do You Want Any Manual Features?

Tying into your experience level when it comes to pulling shots, it's important to ask yourself whether or not you want any manual features included in your espresso machine. Certain brands or models are super-automatic, meaning every aspect of drink making is handled for you. You won't need to weigh your freshly ground coffee, nor will you need to calibrate the perfect shot time.

However, having manual features doesn't necessarily mean that your espresso machine will be more difficult to use. Certain espresso machines form the perfect balance between advanced espresso knowledge and skills that any beginner can handle. For example, my Breville espresso machine takes care of the dosing and temperature for my shots, but I still have to manually tamp and steam my almond or oat milk.

Additionally, your manual espresso machine may not be lower in price compared to machines with more automation. Depending on the brand, boiler type, and other capabilities within the machine, some manual options cost the same if not more than automatic machines. There are tradeoffs to both options, but your skill level and comfortability should be the first things you consider.

4. What Other Accessories Do You Need?

It's important to consider your entire budget when shopping for an iced latte espresso machine. While some espresso machine manufacturers have barista toolkits included or optional accessories available alongside your maker, many machines come as they are without the necessary tools you may need to craft your morning brew.

Do you need a versatile tamper or precision tool to keep your shots consistent? Or perhaps you're looking for a tamping mat, knock box, or espresso shot cup. Do you already own a coffee grinder for that perfect grind, or are you seeking a machine with an integrated grinder? Regardless of the potential accessories you may need, don't forget the most important thing when it comes to making an iced latte: You're going to need ice cubes!

5. How Much Countertop Space Do You Have?

Understanding the dimensions of your kitchen and how much counter space you can afford for your new appliance is a must before shopping for an espresso machine. If you have a fairly compact kitchen, your final choice may need to be smaller than average. This is especially true if you plan on storing your espresso machine underneath kitchen cabinetry or other obstacles that could block your access to water reservoirs or other necessary components.

Some espresso machines capable of making iced lattes are similar in size to the average drip coffee maker. But others are much larger, both in width and in height. Regardless of your kitchen layout, there's a machine that will fit. Just be sure to check the dimensions before making your final purchase.

6. Do You Want Cold Foam or Milk Frother Options?

Not every espresso machine makes cold foam or other cold drink options. Likewise, if you want to top your iced latte off with frothed milk as opposed to steamed or non-foamed milk, purchasing a machine capable of accomplishing this is a good idea. Otherwise, you'll need to find a separate appliance that can help you achieve these goals, a task that may further extend your budget as well as how long it takes you to make drinks in the morning.

The 5 Best Espresso Machines for Making Iced Lattes

With all of your questions and concerns in mind, let’s take a look at five potential options that are capable of bringing your iced lattes to life.

Most Compact: De'Longhi Dinamica Plus

While not necessarily the most compact espresso machine on this list, the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is among the most compact options capable of creating cold foam and drinks over ice. You'll notice De’Longhi on this list of espresso machine choices multiple times, as this iconic coffee brand has perfected the art of making espresso over ice.

Fully automatic with a built-in grinder, the Dinamica Plus is ideal for those seeking iced coffee in an instant. Not only does this espresso machine craft nearly 20 different coffee drinks at the touch of a button, either on the integrated touchscreen or on your smartphone, but it also has a unique brewing technology that ensures your espresso keeps its taste when brewed over ice.

Less than 10 inches wide and just over 13 inches tall, the Dinamica Plus packs plenty of features in a compact footprint. While it isn't necessarily budget-friendly, this espresso machine takes all of the guesswork out of coffee and quality espresso, making it ideal for novices and those seeking an easy morning brew.

Best on a Budget: Breville Bambino

Compared to the Dinamica Plus, the Breville Bambino seems humble and far less feature packed. This is, of course, the case, but you can still craft delicious iced espresso drinks using the Bambino for a fraction of the cost compared to all of the other espresso machines on this list.

Compact and made of polished stainless steel, the Bambino is simple but effective. It's an ideal machine for home baristas seeking control and manual effort over their morning shots. With a microfoam steam wand and Breville's ThermoJet heating system that boots up in three seconds, this machine is a fantastic introductory espresso option for anyone on a budget. Or check out the Breville Bambino Plus for a bit more control over your milk texture.

Cold Brew Maker and More: De'Longhi Eletta Explore

Not only is the Eletta Explore fully automatic, but it also affords any home barista the option to customize and tailor their beverage experience. Just shy of $2,000, the Eletta Explore isn't for anyone seeking an espresso machine on a budget. However, the tech within this system is well worth the price, as it's an iced latte machine as well as one of the few cold brew coffee makers out there.

De’Longhi has been in the coffee world for many decades, with their experience obvious when we take a closer look at the Eletta Explore. Specificity is everything with this espresso machine, as you can customize your coffee grinder based on the types of coffee beans you put into it. Not only that, but De’Longhi has perfected their cold extraction technology as well as the option to brew your espresso over ice, adding delicious cold foam over top.

Stylish and Substantive: Terra Kaffe TK-01

Another fully automatic espresso machine, the Terra Kaffe TK-01 crafts multiple espresso drinks with ease. Under $1,000, this espresso machine is ideal for anyone seeking a hands-off device that has an integrated coffee grinder as well as a pre-ground coffee bypass chute. Plus, this machine is stylish and simple to clean after you're through making your iced lattes.

If your household has a mixed level of coffee experience, the Terra Kaffe TK-01 may suit you well. While it's advertised as a super-automatic machine, any home barista has full control over the volumetric options involved in any espresso extraction. You can adjust your ground coffee dose, temperatures, and much more to achieve a double shot ideal for iced beverages.

All-in-One and Automatic: De'Longhi Magnifica Evo

With the option to customize your very own morning latte and input it into the machine, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo is the perfect middle ground between the more expensive De’Longhi products on this list. Priced under $1,000, the Magnifica Evo is all about ease of use and sleek simplicity.

Utilizing its proprietary LatteCrema system, the Magnifica Evo ensures smooth, foamy milk for any drink you craft. There are seven included recipes for you to pre-select in this machine, or you can craft your own and save it for daily use. Regardless of your preferences, De’Longhi ensures that your espresso shots are consistent and full of crema with the integrated grinder and innovative pressure system.

Find the Best Espresso Machine for Iced Lattes for You

Questions about any of the iced latte makers we’ve discussed today? Send your queries to any one of our capable Curated Espresso and Coffee Experts and get the answers you need!