Picture this: It’s a hot, sweaty afternoon; you’re only halfway through your workday, and you’re already on empty. But with one taste of a crisp glass of iced coffee, you feel completely recharged and ready to conquer the rest of the day. Did you get that iced coffee from your favorite coffee shop? Not necessarily.
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to make a premier cup of iced coffee from the comfort of your own home. Luckily for you, we’ve already done the heavy-lifting and narrowed down our favorite iced coffee makers. Keep reading to learn about the best iced coffee makers to add to your at-home coffee collection.
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At a Glance: Best Iced Coffee Makers
About Iced Coffee and Cold Brew
Long has the serious coffee drinker been obsessed with this fresh, crisp, caffeinated iced coffee drink. The be-all and end-all of caffeinated beverages, iced coffee is perfect for hot weather or just as a refreshing mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
If you know anything about coffee, you know that the cousin of iced coffee, cold brew coffee, recently dominated the coffee industry when it gained popularity in 2015 due to a rather aggressive Starbucks campaign. Since then, it seems every serious coffee drinker can’t get enough cold brew.
And it’s no wonder. Less acidic, more flavorful, and typically more caffeinated, cold brew is often viewed as a more superior drink than regular iced coffee.
Luckily, most iced coffee makers have the option to brew both iced coffee and cold brew, giving their customers variety when it comes to their iced coffee drinks.
The History of Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
With over 150 million Americans enjoying a cup of joe every day, it’s no exaggeration to say we’re a coffee-obsessed country. But, our infatuation with coffee is nothing new.
In fact, coffee drinkers have enjoyed cold brew dating back over four hundred years. Once called Kyoto coffee (for its popularity and origin in Kyoto, Japan), cold brew has been admired, appreciated, and enjoyed in Japan for hundreds of years.
You may wonder how they came up with such a wonderful invention. The truth is, no one really knows. One possible theory is that the Japanese learned how to soak coffee this way from the Dutch, although that is simply a theory.
But don’t forget about iced coffee, which has also had origins dating back hundreds of years. That’s right: people enjoyed the fresh taste of iced coffee going back to the 1800s, where the first reports of this drink popped up in France during their take over of Algeria.
The Benefits of Brewing From Home
When you brew coffee from home, not only do you have complete control over the quality of your coffee, but you also save a lot of money. A couple of dollars here and there may not seem like much to you. But, studies have shown that you could save as much as $1,500 per year.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the best iced coffee makers so that you can start making quality coffee from home while saving money.
Quick Summary: Best Iced Coffee Makers
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Our Top Choice
Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System |
Check on Amazon → |
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Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser | Check on Amazon → |
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Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker with Reusable Tumbler | Check on Amazon → |
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Mueller QuickBrew Smooth Cold Brew Coffee and Tea Maker | Check on Amazon → |
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Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker | Check on Amazon → |
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Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer | Check on Amazon → |
Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System
Behold the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System: a powerful machine that can easily handle any iced coffee drink you’d like to make.
There’s no way around it: the Ninja is a powerful cold brew coffee maker. Say goodbye to long wait times while you steep batches of cold brew: Ninja boasts the ability to craft the perfect cup of cold brew iced coffee in a mere ten minutes.
Iced coffee is all about those brew times and temperatures. The Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System create perfect drinks with its high-tech thermal flavor extraction, which delivers precise temperatures, even saturation, and variable blooming and steeping.
The Ninja also offers six different brew sizes, making this a knockout for households with large families or multiple roommates who prefer different drinks. Plus, the Ninja has a removable water reservoir, easily removable brew baskets, and an integrated smart scoop that makes prep easy and clean up hassle-free.
Though it falls in the pricier range, this is a remarkable machine that most customers are thrilled with if you have the budget. However, some people have complained of some manufacturing issues. The machine begins to leak after a while, or sometimes the coffee has a faint metallic or chemical aftertaste.
All in all, most customers seem exceptionally pleased with this machine. If you want the perfect cold brew in ten minutes, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System may be the best iced coffee maker for you.
Pros
- Convenient features
- Quick iced coffee
Cons
- Expensive
- Some manufacturing issues
Ovalware Cold Brew Maker
There’s something to be said about simplicity, and sometimes the most basic machines are the ones that produce the best results. If you’re looking for an iced coffee maker without all of those bells and whistles, this simple glass carafe may be the perfect fit for you.
This minimalist cold brew machine from Ovalware has two easy steps: mix and pour. A modest glass coffee pot, this aesthetically appealing iced coffee maker fits conveniently in any fridge. The hand-blown, quality glass is built with the most care.
The biggest drawback? It’s fragile. Because the carafe is glass, many customers have reported it breaking very quickly, so if you purchase this cold brew maker, handle it with extreme care. The plus side is that Ovalware offers a full one-year limited warranty.
Also, if for any reason you’re displeased with the product, you have 90 days to ship it back to get a full refund.
Pros
- Simple
- Conveniently built
- Makes excellent coffee
- Affordable
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Very fragile
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
If you’re always on the go and you need your iced coffee as soon as possible, the quick, efficient Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker may be the right tool for you.
This mighty little machine can produce a flavorful, robust cup of coffee within minutes: four minutes, to be exact. And it never compromises flavor. Using RapidChill technology, Mr. Coffee quickly cools down hot coffee without watering down the taste, which is a problem in many other coffee makers.
Not only does it make iced coffee in minutes, but it also gives you an option to craft quality cold brew by allowing the coffee to steep for twelve to twenty-four hours. Its diversity makes this iced coffee maker a hit for any iced coffee fan.
The machine weighs just under four pounds, so it’s lightweight and easy to store. Plus, it’s plastic, so it’s as durable as it is efficient. The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker also comes with a measuring spoon to get consistent flavors to brew after brew.
Easy to clean, easy to use, and able to produce an excellent cup of iced coffee, many customers are delighted with their purchase of this little iced coffee machine.
Some customers complain that the machine doesn’t work as well after four weeks of consistent use. But, this isn’t too surprising because it’s so affordable and so small.
Pros
- Plastic-build makes this durable
- Fast brews
- Effective (doesn’t melt ice cubes)
Cons
- Routine use makes this not hold up for extended periods
Mueller QuickBrew Smooth Cold Brew Coffee and Tea Maker
Mueller exemplifies perfect cold brewing techniques with their filter, which maximizes extraction and minimizes sediment, bitterness, and other unpleasant effects resulting from a typical cold brew method.
The brewer is also optimized for continual use as each piece is detachable and machine-washable (minus the carafe). This is an essential feature as coffee residue can impact coffee flavor and your coffee maker’s functionality.
The biggest drawback is that the pitcher does leak a bit at the top and handle. Another glaring flaw is that the grounds can quickly overflow if you pour in the water too fast. As a result of these issues, you’ll have better luck crafting coffee over your sink to minimize spillage and leaks.
Pros
- Affordable
- Produces good-tasting cold brew
Cons
- Issues with leaks and spills
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
The Primula Burke Deluxe Iced Coffee Maker is a serious tool for the serious coffee drinker. This compact but powerful iced coffee maker excels in its simple design, aiming to be as convenient, easy-to-use, and hassle-free as possible.
The non-slip silicone base works to prevent spills and slips, and the fine mesh coffee filter prevents those pesky coffee grounds from escaping into your coffee.
Additionally, the entire coffee maker is dishwasher safe, saving you time and effort to keep your iced coffee maker happy and healthy for a long-performing life.
The downside is that this cold brew coffee maker has only one function – and that’s to give you the perfect cup of cold brew coffee. Unlike other types of cold brewers, the Primula does not have an iced coffee feature, which means you will always have to make cold brew coffee and steep your grounds overnight.
So, if you’re someone who wants instant iced coffee, you may want to skip this model.
Pros
- Fine mesh prevents grounds from slipping into your coffee
- Produces a bold, strong coffee with robust, full flavor
Cons
- Weaker glass (easily breaks)
- No instant iced coffee feature
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for your next significant coffee investment, look no further than the K-Elite by Keurig. This kitchen appliance is excellent because it gives you a wide range of options, including the ability to brew both pipings hot and iced coffee beverages.
Following the same idea of versatility, the K-Elite gives you the option to brew whatever size cup you want. Are you making an iced drink for you and you alone? No problem.
You can brew 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces of coffee with the K-Elite. You can also change the brew strength with one simple press of a button, easily altering the strength and taste of your cup.
This makes the K-Elite is a worthwhile investment for a big house with lots of different coffee drinkers.
However, Keurig is notorious for producing machines that break easily, especially after several months of consistent use. Unfortunately, it seems as though many K-Elite customers have this problem as well.
Pros
- Lots of drink variety
- Quick brew times
Cons
- Large, bulky machine
- Breaks easily
- Little help from customer service
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions.
What Is The Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
Cold-brew is cold coffee brewed without heat. Instead, the grounds steep in cold water for an extended time. Iced coffee is brewed with hot water and then cooled. While this is a faster process, sometimes it can taste a little more watered down or flavorless than a cold brew batch.
Can I Buy A Machine That Can Make Both?
Yes! The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is an excellent example of an iced coffee maker that can make both iced coffee and cold brew. There are also plenty of other iced coffee makers that can do this, too. A simple internet search should provide you with plenty of options.
What Beans Should I Use?
With any coffee, fresh coffee beans will consistently deliver the best-tasting coffee. Additionally, try using medium or dark roast beans for iced coffee since a stronger roast will provide a more decadent, flavorful iced drink with less chance of it tasting watered down.
How Long Should You Steep Cold Brew?
Aim to steep your cold brew for around 16 hours. You need to steep your coffee for at least eight hours as that’s when the caffeine is extracted. The more you let it sit, the more flavor will be extracted from the ground coffee.
What Happens If You Steep Cold Brew Too Long?
Short answer? It gets gross. When you oversteep cold brew, you basically over-extract the grounds, producing an overly bitter, foul taste. That’s why it’s crucial that you keep track of when you put the carafe of coffee in your fridge, as it won’t stop steeping on its own like with automated iced coffee makers.
What Is A Good Cold Brew Ratio?
You should aim for a coffee to water ratio of about one to eight. Of course, part of the fun is experimenting with what flavors and strengths work for you.
Final Thoughts
Buying an iced coffee maker is an excellent investment for every coffee lover. The freedom an iced coffee maker gives you is great as it allows you to make a quality cup of at-home iced coffee whenever you’d like. Plus, you no longer need to spend tons of money to craft your perfect afternoon boost.
When searching for the best iced coffee maker online, you’ll be inundated by literally hundreds of different iced coffee makers, all (of course) boasting that their coffee makers have the best features that produce the best coffee.
When choosing your iced coffee maker, make sure to find features that work with your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, you may want to purchase the K-Elite Keurig or the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker, as they will give you a great cup of coffee fast.
If you don’t mind waiting around for the quality, try purchasing the Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, as you’ll get a robust, wonderful cold-brewed coffee beverage in the comfort of your own home.
Happy Caffeinating!
