On hot, humid days, buying a cup of iced coffee can be expensive, especially if you have family members who also love the beverage. So why not brew it at home with the best ice coffee maker? If you want to save money, you can purchase an affordable device and do it yourself. Besides, making your iced coffee is not only inexpensive, but it's also fast.
What’s an Iced Coffee Maker?
An iced coffee maker usually makes cafe-style iced coffee by dripping a hot, concentrated brew directly into an ice-filled carafe. So, if you love your coffee cold and find it hard to stop at a coffee shop daily, this version of a coffee maker is all you need. With the device, you can make your iced coffee at home in only a few minutes.
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Iced coffee makers have a three-step preparation process. First, fill the base tank with filtered water according to the instructions or the water level sign on the carafe. Next, the water will go through a tube and get into contact with a heating element that raises the temperature of the water, ensuring that the hot water extracts all of the exquisite coffee flavors from the ground coffee beans.
Then, fill the reusable filter halfway with fresh coffee grounds. The manual guide for an iced coffee maker will help you add coffee to prevent dilution as the ice melts in the later stages. Finally, fill the carafe with ice cubes and press the start button. (This is the step that distinguishes cold brew coffee makers from standard coffee makers).
Now that we know what an iced coffee maker is and how it works let's check out the best models on the market.
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1. Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
- REFRESHING ICED COFFEE AT HOME, IN MINUTES. The Mr. Coffee Iced...
- THE MAGIC IS IN THE MEASUREMENTS: The simple measuring system...
- BREW AT HOME, SAVE MONEY: By making your own iced coffee at home,...
- EASY TO MAKE, EASY TO CUSTOMIZE: Make refreshing iced coffee at...
- CONSISTENTLY GREAT TASTE: Easy-to-use measuring scoop and tumbler...
Mr. Coffee Maker has been my favorite purchase so far. I usually brew iced coffee in less than four minutes with this device. In addition, the unit uses RapidChill brewing, which ensures that the coffee made is as strong as it would be hot and is not diluted down.
Image Source: ralphs.com
The coffee maker comes with a go-to tumbler with "Ice" and "Water" fill lines to help measure water and ice cubes when brewing. Besides, measuring the exact amount of coffee is easy since the coffee maker comes with a dual-sided scoop. We recommend using the tumbler or a comparable reusable cup to minimize your carbon footprint by eliminating single-use plastic waste.
After experimenting with grind settings and water-to-coffee ratios, you can consistently make good iced coffee. On the other hand, it's worth mentioning that I usually have an easy time cleaning the unit since it's dishwasher-safe.
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2. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, With Iced Coffee Capability
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: 1 water filter handle, and 1 filter to help...
- BREWS MULTIPLE CUP SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12oz, enjoy the most...
- STRONG BREW BUTTON: Increases the strength and bold taste of your...
- ICED SETTING: Brew hot over ice at the touch of a button for...
- HOT WATER ON DEMAND BUTTON: Perfect for instant soups or oatmeal....
The Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker is ideal for making iced and hot coffee. It comes with the brew Over Ice function, which brews the coffee at a hotter temperature to extract the flavor before cooling down, resulting in less ice melt and a vibrant flavor that isn't diluted.
Image Source: usatoday.com
This coffee machine can brew a variety of cup sizes ranging from 4 to 12 ounces. Besides, it features an Iced mode for making delicious iced coffee. Also, the coffee maker features a Strong Brew option for a stronger hot cup of coffee and silent brew technology to reduce noise.
I usually make enough iced coffee for my family thanks to the huge water reservoir, which allows brewing up to 8 cups before refilling, which is handy, especially when I have a busy schedule. Also, cleaning up after an accidental spill is easy, as the unit comes with a detachable drip tray.
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3. Ninja Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker, CM401
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from one of the four, versatile brew...
- SPECIALTY BREWS: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you...
- MAKE ICED COFFEE: Brew fresh over ice for flavorful iced coffee...
- 6 BREW SIZES: Brew anything from a single cup or travel size to a...
- NO PODS REQUIRED: Use your favorite grounds to create a...
Ninja Specialty CM401 is highly elegant and can conveniently brew hot and cold beverages. I must say that I'm impressed by this coffee maker. I can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and other coffeehouse-style drinks with it.
Image Source: roastycoffee.com
This specialty coffee maker has six brew sizes, ranging from a single cup to a 10-cup carafe. There is also a foldaway frother built in for making milk foam. Besides, when it comes to iced coffee, the unit offers an "Over Ice" preset that allows you to make double-strength hot coffee over a cup of ice.
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4. Ninja Hot & Cold Coffee Maker-Brewed System, (CP301)
- Brew multiple brew sizes, ranging from a pod free single cup or...
- Hot brewing lets you enjoy a bold, flavorful cup of hot coffee or...
- Brew your favorite style of tea, whether you use tea bags or...
- Auto IQ one touch intelligence technology
- Built in frother turns hot or cold milk into silky smooth froth...
For the best ice coffee maker, you can use to brew tea and coffee, count on the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System. The unit features two different tea and coffee filters, making it easy to brew coffee or tea without mixing flavors. Besides, you can make a single cup of coffee or a whole carafe of coffee.
Image Source: walmart.com
This Hot and Cold Brew Coffee Maker has a built-in frother for those who enjoy specialty beverages. Additionally, the Over Ice option produces a richer coffee concentrate ideal for a regular iced coffee. Conversely, the Cold Brew option usually brews coffee without heat to produce a tasty, smoother cup.
I find making cold foam for an iced latte quite easy. To make the cold foam, you only need to press a button. On the other hand, though I have a small kitchen space, I have no issues storing this brewing system.
Furthermore, this drip coffee maker comes with several tea and coffee recipes to get you started. For example, the machine offers an iced London Fog and a toasted coconut mocha cold brew.
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5. Ovalware Airtight (RJ3-02) Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
- ➤ SMOOTHER COFFEE, EVERY TIME – Cold brewing is 70% less...
- ➤ LOCKS IN FRESHNESS AND FLAVOR FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS – Airtight...
- ➤ QUALITY YOU WON’T REGRET – 18/8 rust-free superfine laser...
- ➤ ICED AND HOT TEA COMPATIBLE – Great for loose-leaf tea. Or...
- ➤ WE WANT YOU! TO BE HAPPY – Choose OVALWARE if you care...
If you're looking for the best iced coffee makers that will give you an easy time using, count on the Ovalware Airtight RJ3-02 model. This coffee maker comes with fill lines on both the carafe and cups, making it easy to make accurate measurements.
Image Source: ovalware.com
The coffee maker's lid cap is made of a laser-cut 18/8 medical-grade stainless steel filter. In addition, the coffee maker has a non-slip rubber cushion base for added protection to the carafe.
However, the coffee maker doesn't make concentrated coffee, so it's a deal breaker for me. But if that's not a concern for you, this coffee machine is a perfect option.
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6. Brentwood Iced Tea and Coffee Maker, KT-2150BK
- ICE TEA & COFFEE IN MINUTES: Enjoy a delicious, iced beverage...
- BREW 8 SERVINGS: Brew 8 servings of tea or coffee at a time in...
- REUSABLE FILTER BASKET: Reusable filter basket helps save money...
- CUSTOMIZE DRINK STRENGTH: Strength selector dial lets you...
- AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF: Features automatic shutoff for your...
Brentwood Iced Coffee Maker, KT-2150BK, can make iced or hot coffee. Additionally, the coffee machine features a strength selector dial which allows you to customize the strength of your coffee or tea. Additionally, it features a 64-ounce pitcher and a reusable filter basket which helps save money and reduce waste from paper filters.
Image Source: wdmws.com
The coffee maker comes with automatic shutoff, so you will have peace of mind making hot or iced coffee even when you are busy. Personally, my main issue with this coffee maker is the too much plastic involved. This material choice weakens the machine, making me question durability, especially when used daily.
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7. Cafe Du Chateau Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
- Avoid Expensive Coffee Shops, Become Your Own Cold Coffee Brewer:...
- You've Tried Cold Brew Before, But Not Like This: Our laser cut...
- Nothing Gets Past This Iced Coffee Maker's Airtight Seals: Made...
- Safety First: The materials in our cold brew machine and iced tea...
- Lifetime Replacement Policy: At Cafe Du Chateau, we care about...
If you love barista-style beverages, we recommend buying Cafe Du Chateau Iced Coffee Maker. You can use this coffee maker to make delicious cold brews anytime. And if someone in your home does not love coffee, you can use it to make iced tea.
Image Source: cafeduchateau.net
The coffee maker features a grade laser-cut filter that effortlessly keeps grounds out of your pour, delivering a smooth cup of coffee or tea every time. Besides, the lid has a silicone dual-sealing mechanism. Therefore, the lid is firmly pushed against the carafe creating an airtight seal. One seal usually embraces the carafe, while the other is at the top of the filter assembly.
The main drawback I find with the unit is that it comes with a large filtration system which takes up a lot of space considering I have a small kitchen counter space. However, those with spacious kitchen counter space have nothing to complain about.
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Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew Coffee
Iced coffee is hot coffee that has been cooled. Most people prefer iced coffee during summer for its chilly, brighter, and vibrant taste. Iced coffee is prepared by combining ice with hot, concentrated coffee.
Conversely, cold brew coffee, as the name implies, is a coffee preparation that involves no heat. Instead, you usually leave coarse coffee grounds in water for about 24 to 48 hours to make a cold brew. And the end product is a sweet, extremely concentrated mixture with little acidity.
Since this procedure is slow, some notes would remain on the grounds or be drowned out by harsher, more astringent notes extracted. That's why cold brew has a smoother, more chocolate-like flavor.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Iced Coffee Maker?
1. Sizing
Size is important when buying the best coffee machine. For instance, you don't want to buy a small-sized unit, whereas your entire family loves taking iced coffee often. Conversely, it can be a major issue if an iced coffee maker doesn't fit on your kitchen counter space.
Therefore, before buying the best ice coffee maker, ensure you measure precisely and account for the ratios if you require to open the machine's top to add water and grounds. Also, consider your mug sizes when purchasing a single-serve cold brew coffee maker. Most larger cups won't fit beneath the brewer.
2. Versatility
Some models combine standard and cold brew coffee makers, while others are dedicated, iced coffee makers. Though a dedicated iced coffee maker and a combined one are similar in producing delicious iced coffee, they are worlds apart in terms of size, price, and additional capabilities.
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Combined coffee makers make iced coffee, hot coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes. They include a variety of settings, including a built-in milk frother, over-ice brew mode, brew size adjustment, and brew-strength control.
Therefore, combined coffee makers are the best option for a family with diverse coffee interests. However, they are often larger and more expensive than standard iced coffee makers.
3. Convenience
Do you want a practically hands-off iced coffee-making experience in the morning, or do you enjoy the routine of brewing coffee daily? Well, it all depends on your preference.
A programmable iced coffee maker can have your coffee ready whenever needed. In contrast, less automated electric cold brew coffee maker functions at the push of a few buttons. Besides, pour-over iced coffee makers require your undivided attention to prepare the ideal cup of cold brew coffee.
4. Heating capability
When shopping for the best ice coffee maker, ensure it has excellent heat capability to perfectly brew coffee with hot water. The high heat usually leads to faster extraction and particularly powerful flavor, so the aromatic components get sealed within the carafe when chilled with ice.
However, remember that even a small increase in heat might result in burned coffee beans and an excessively bitter cup of coffee. Conversely, a lower temperature will not result in proper extraction.
For great results, look for an iced coffee maker that maintains the brewing temperature between 195°F and 205°F. Besides, to ensure a high-quality unit, check the temperature claims on the iced coffee makers.
5. Budget
Before buying the best ice coffee maker, consider your budget. Your pocket will determine the quality as well as the features that come with an iced coffee maker. Premium iced coffee makers often cost more than $200, while others go for as low as $50. That said, when it comes to pricing, you need to choose well so that you don't end up with a cheaply made coffee maker that won't last long.
You will get better coffee and other top-notch features as you go up in price. The features include; an in-built frother, a coffee grinder, several brew size settings, and even the ability to create a variety of drinks.
6. Extra features
When shopping for the best ice coffee maker, it's wise to check out additional features. For example, some iced coffee makers incorporate timed brewing, auto-shutoff, and a thermal carafe to keep your coffee warm—additionally, some feature audible alerts when your coffee maker is brewing.
On the other hand, higher-end iced coffee makers come with additional features such as bean grinding, milk frothing, and notifications when the machine needs cleaning. However, these models are very expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Ice Coffee Maker
1. Can I make iced coffee by pouring hot coffee over ice?
Yes, making iced coffee at home is as easy as pouring hot coffee over ice. However, you risk getting a soft, watery beverage. Iced coffee makers usually brew lesser volumes of double-strength coffee. You can then add ice to get a vibrant and refreshing beverage.
2. What makes iced coffee taste bland?
Bland coffee is due to ice cubes melting and washing down your coffee while in the carafe. There are two options for resolving this. One, add one extra scoop of coffee to the filter. Option two, ensure you make coffee ice cubes for a constant supply and put them in the carafe instead of plain ice. An iced coffee maker has precise proportions for ice, water, and coffee grounds.
3. Do cold brew coffees have more caffeine?
When making cold brew coffee, we are actually making a coffee concentrate. Since we are using a 1:5 ratio rather than a 1:16 ratio, the drink created is substantially stronger. Besides, cold brew is usually diluted, so the intensity levels out, and the caffeine amount is about the same as regular filtered coffee.
Featured Image Source: gadgetflow.com
