The Rohnson R-98013 espresso machine was released to answer the question "Can I easily make freddo at home?"

From the phrase "Hot and Cold" in its name, it is not difficult to understand that something is going on with the cold. Well, this particular espresso machine, in addition to the hot coffee as usual, also has a function for cold coffee extraction in order to theoretically make the preparation of cold drinks based on espresso easier and more immediate.

First Impressions
Before we go to the tests, let's take a look at it. Inside the package, there is obviously the device, in a slim design and a beautiful inox casing. On the front, there are 4 operation buttons with blue LED lighting. On the side, there is the steam control wheel and the nozzle for frothing milk.

Of course, the package includes the portafilter, the 2 baskets for single and double shots, the dosing spoon/tamper, and the user manual.

At the base, there is a removable liquid collection container with a metal lid, and at the back, there is a removable water tank with a capacity of 1.2 liters. On the top, you will find the heated cup warmer.

The pump pressure is 20 bar and the machine power is 1350W.

Tests

With the Rohnson R-98013 espresso machine, I had to do two different types of tests. The performance in making hot coffee and frothed milk, as well as for its selling point, which is the extraction of cold coffee. Here, it should be noted that the coffee in the Cold setting does not come out frozen, just less hot, as it could not be otherwise, especially in a machine of this cost.

As always, I tried both pre-ground coffee from the market and freshly ground coffee from a coffee shop.

In terms of espresso, its performance is what one would expect from a machine of this category. Nice crema, nice aroma, and generally no complaints, whether in a double or single shot.

The frothed milk production with the nozzle was smooth and without problems, with a velvety result. This always depends on the user's skills and practice.

In any case, as I always say, with every purchase of such an espresso machine, I recommend buying a milk frother machine. It will be easier and faster, and you will be able to have cold frothed milk, especially with the Rohnson R-98013 where you have (to some extent) solved the issue of freddo. As an average user, I don't see the reason to bother so much to always achieve the hot frothed milk as I want using the nozzle.

Some may be bothered by the lack of automatic stop of the extraction, which is stopped by pressing the button again. It is definitely something that helps, although I personally prefer to have control. It allows you to determine the extraction according to the coffee variety, quantity, etc. This is something that even more expensive espresso machines do not have, for exactly this reason. I would like it to exist for the convenience of most consumers who will go for such a level of machine, but I do not consider it a negative.

And now let's move on to the selling point of the Rohnson R-98013 espresso machine, the preparation of cold espresso for freddo. Here, things work in a similar way, that is, the coffee (usually a double shot) goes into the portafilter, we press the button with the snowflake, and the coffee comes out. Not hot. Obviously not frozen, but at a lukewarm temperature so that the ice cubes do not melt quickly but also cools down faster with the addition of more.

The manufacturer suggests using cold water from the refrigerator in the container. I tried all 3 cases, tap water, cold from the fridge, and frozen with ice cubes. I did not see any significant difference in the final result with the 3 methods, but obviously the colder it is, the less lukewarm it will be.

Here the convenience is that you put the glass directly and the coffee falls on the ice cubes and you have your freddo espresso ready. Now, for adding sugar, and for it to melt, Rohnson suggests using the steam nozzle for a few seconds.

Of course, we must see the elephant in the room to calm down both the espresso enthusiasts. One of the basic principles in making espresso is the correct water temperature during extraction, to get it right with all the aroma and elements of the coffee. Here, with the lower temperature, some necessary compromises are obviously made. It's 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 closure so that it can easily accommodate taller glasses, as we are talking about freddo. Obviously not 15cm glasses, but the way it is, a relatively low glass at X cm barely fits. More so that there is no need to transfer to another desired glass after extraction.

Final verdict

At €100 and something that currently costs in the market, the Rohnson R-98013 is definitely an espresso machine for beginners that if you are looking for, you should consider. It is beautiful, with a nice design and size, and the result of the espresso is satisfactory for its level. I could recommend it just for these reasons, but also with the option for cold espresso that will slightly make your life easier with the way it operates, with all that entails, it is definitely another plus, for not very demanding users.