Finding the perfect iced coffee maker for you can be daunting. We have created a list of the top 10 options for you this year. Make sure to acquire yours before they sell out. The supply chain issues are causing difficulties in acquiring many products.
The demand for iced coffee is high, with sales of cold coffee beverages on the rise, not just during summer. Many people have a constant craving for iced coffee which results in spending too much money on it, instead of brewing it at home. Hence, investing in an iced coffee maker can help offset the cost of this habitual addiction.
This article reveals a truth that your local Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts do not want you to know; that making iced coffee at home is incredibly simple!
Making iced coffee at home is also more cost-efficient and quick. We will guide you to find the best-iced coffee maker that fits your preferences. Additionally, the article will clear up the distinction between iced coffee and cold brew. Let’s begin!
Iced Coffee: A Wonderful Addiction
Do you recall the times when iced coffee was only consumed during hot summer afternoons? Life was uncomplicated then. Nonetheless, in case you haven’t noticed, things have evolved.
Iced coffee has gained immense popularity and its trend continues to rise, it’s not showing signs of slowing down. Now, people don’t bat an eye to enjoy iced coffee even on the coldest days of winter, something that would’ve been considered eccentric a decade ago.
Perhaps, it could be debatable, but that is a discussion for another occasion.
As time goes on, people are beginning to experiment with making iced coffee at home. In an article we have written previously, we provide some techniques and some of my preferred recipes for iced coffee.
Reminding you of the guidelines of Coffeeness Manifesto for an excellent iced coffee for the context of this article:
- Coffee served cold, but fresh always
- Use premium beans and freshly ground ones
- Achieve mastery in your brewing method
What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
When searching for the top iced coffee maker, it’s essential to comprehend the difference between iced coffee and cold brew. After all, you want to be aware of what you’re getting into, don’t you?
Iced coffee is made by mixing ice and hot or concentrated coffee, while cold brew uses coarsely ground coffee steeped in room temperature water for around 24 hours, although some people prefer to brew it in the refrigerator. The flavors and aromas are quite dissimilar. Iced coffee maintains the taste of chilled coffee, while cold brew brings new flavors and aromas. You can gain more information in my comprehensive guide to cold brew coffee.
Cold brew coffee also contains more caffeine as a result of the immersion brewing technique.
Most Effective Electric Iced Coffee Makers
We know what you’re wondering, can’t you just use a standard coffee maker to make iced coffee? The answer is that it’s possible to brew double-strength coffee and add ice, but the outcome may not be satisfactory.
In this article, we have compiled a list of electric coffee makers that specialize in making iced coffee that won’t taste diluted.
Jura Z10 Automatic Espresso Maker
We have to include the Jura Z10 in my selection because it’s an impressive machine. Although it’s quite an expensive option at $3,895.00, this super-automatic espresso machine is worth it if you’re in search of a premium automatic coffee maker that also makes excellent iced coffee. That’s why I’ve labeled it as the “best-performing iced coffee maker.”
However, you may have to wait to purchase one, due to the current supply chain problems, Jura Z10 is scarce in the market.
In essence, the Z10 brews iced coffee by reducing the brewing temperature and pressure and then allowing the water to slowly drip through the coffee grounds.
The outcome is mouthwateringly delicious, particularly when you add some milk or a scoop of ice cream.
Advantages
- Capable of producing delicious iced coffee
- Outstanding espresso and milk foam
- Features a stainless steel burr grinder
Disadvantages
- Availability is limited
- A significant financial commitment
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
For the “best overall iced coffee maker,” the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is the top pick. At an affordable price of $24.99 on Amazon, it’s specifically designed for one task, and it excels in it- making iced coffee. However, don’t expect cold brew coffee from it, as Mr. Coffee brews concentrated hot coffee over ice into a double-wall insulated tumbler.
For the “best overall iced coffee maker,” the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is the top pick. At an affordable price of $24.99 on Amazon, it’s specifically designed for one task, and it excels in it- making iced coffee. However, don’t expect cold brew coffee from it, as Mr. Coffee brews concentrated hot coffee over ice into a double-wall insulated tumbler.
The included tumbler of the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker features measurements to assist in determining the right amount of water to use while brewing. By using this cup or a similar reusable one, you can make a significant reduction in your carbon footprint by minimizing the amount of single-use plastic waste.
Advantages
- Affordable
- Focuses on a single purpose, brewing iced coffee effectively
- Equipped with a reusable nylon filter
Disadvantages
- Not exactly creating something new
- Constructed primarily of plastic
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
This machine has left a great impression on me, we consider it the best option for a specialized iced coffee maker.
We tend to be skeptical of coffee makers that advertise their ability to make specialty coffees, but the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker has impressed me.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker boasts a range of brew sizes from a single cup to a 10-cup carafe and comes with a built-in foldable frother for creating milk foam.
The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker is a versatile machine that can brew a variety of coffee styles, including iced coffee. It has a range of brew sizes, a built-in frother, and an “Over Ice” setting that brews double-strength hot coffee over a cup of ice. Priced at $169.99 on Amazon, it’s a great value for the features it offers.
Advantages
- The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker produces great iced coffee
- It comes with a built-in milk frother for creating foam
- Offers various brew sizes for convenience.
- Cleaning is easy
Disadvantages
- The water reservoir has been known to leak
3-in-1 Specialty Coffee Brewer from DeLonghi
The DeLonghi 3-in-1 Specialty Coffee Brewer is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as a Golden Cup-certified coffee maker, which guarantees that this coffee maker brews coffee according to the standards of brewing time and temperature.
The unique design of the brewer combines elements of traditional coffee makers and pour-over methods, featuring a pulsating showerhead that distributes water evenly over the coffee grounds.
Additionally, the machine is equipped with a specialized iced coffee brewing function that uses less water and a lower temperature to produce the perfect cup.
The 3-in-1 Specialty Brewer is an intriguing design that blends elements of a coffee maker and a Chemex. The unique feature of this machine is its pulsating showerhead that ensures even water distribution over the coffee grounds.
Despite its ability to brew iced coffee at a lower temperature with less water, it is a pricey option at $169.95 on Amazon. However, it’s a solid choice for those who are willing to invest in a versatile, high-quality machine from DeLonghi.
Advantages
- Design recognized by Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) with Golden Cup certification
- Can make various styles of coffee including Drip, pour-over, and iced
- High-quality brewing process
Disadvantages
- Higher cost
- Brew basket placement within the carafe may be less convenient
KT-2150BK Iced Tea and Coffee Maker by Brentwood
The Brentwood Iced Coffee Maker is an unassuming machine that can brew both hot and cold coffee. It functions similarly to the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker by brewing hot coffee over ice.
An attractive feature of the Brentwood is the dial that allows you to adjust the brew strength. Priced at $48.02 on Amazon, it is reasonably priced, comes with a large pitcher, and features a reusable filter basket.
One downside to the Brentwood iced coffee maker is its heavy reliance on plastic materials, which may affect its durability with daily use.
Advantages
- Affordable iced coffee maker
- Adjustable brew strength feature
- Includes reusable filter basket
Disadvantages
- Pitcher is not insulated
- High use of plastic material raises durability concerns
Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine 7 Programmable Brew Sizes
The Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine is another SCA Golden Cup-certified coffee machine that delivers iced coffee as well as several brew methods for hot coffee.
The Braun looks a lot like a Ninja coffee maker. The company is certainly attempting to promote this gadget to the same demographic.
The Braun MultiServe has cool features including a charcoal water filter and the opportunity to enter your current elevation and water hardness. These guys have designed a smart coffee maker.
The Braun Coffee Machine, like the Ninja, includes an Over Ice function that lets you make double-strength coffee over ice. You can also select from numerous brew sizes.
Amazon has the Braun MultiServe for $199.95. You get what you pay for with this machine!
Advantages
- Offers 7 brew sizes
- Includes a charcoal water filter
- Allows for input of elevation and water hardness
Disadvantages
- No function to keep coffee warm
- No built-in milk frother
DeLonghi Dinamica Plus: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is a highly-rated machine, praised by both myself and Brad Pitt for its ability to make delicious iced coffee specialties. Although it comes with a steep price tag of $1,649.99 on Amazon, it’s worth considering for those in the market for a super-automatic espresso machine.
Its TrueBrew Over Ice function is noteworthy, it adjusts pressure, brewing temperature, and dose to extract coffee that’s perfect for iced coffee. The only downside is its availability as it may be hard to find due to global supply chain issues.
Advantages
- Produces delicious iced coffee
- Known for its dependability
- Equipped with LatteCrema milk frothing technology
Disadvantages
- Availability issues
Top-rated Iced Coffee Makers: Manual Preparation Method
Manual preparation methods, such as a French press, Aeropress, or a pour-over dripper, can be used to make delicious iced coffee with some experimentation. If you’re looking for a manual iced coffee maker that can help you keep the summer vibes going all year long, here are a few options to consider.
AMT 9.5 OZ Vietnamese Coffee Maker
Vietnam is known for its love of iced coffee, and the go-to brewing method is using a phin or Vietnamese Coffee Filter. Sweetened condensed milk made Vietnamese iced coffee delicious. You’ll remember the caffeine high. Though it might raise the dead, this drink isn’t for the weak!
An easy-to-use Vietnamese coffee filter drops a small amount of super-concentrated coffee over five minutes.
These inexpensive iced coffee makers come in several sizes. Amazon sells medium Vietnamese coffee filters for $11.89. The Vietnamese Coffee Filter is the “best cheap iced coffee maker” because of its great outcomes.
Advantages
- Very budget-friendly
- Produces highly concentrated coffee
- Simple to operate
Disadvantages
- The intense strength of the coffee might not be for everyone
- The novelty may wear off over time
HyperChiller Beverage Cooler
The HyperChiller is a cost-effective and straightforward way of making a single serving of iced coffee in the comfort of your home. It can be found for $24.99 on Amazon, which may seem a bit pricey for some. However, it also has the added benefit of being able to quickly cool a warm beer, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Using it is simple, you need to fill the separate chambers inside the device with water, then freeze it for a few hours. Once it’s ready, you can use it to brew directly from a single-serve coffee maker. The swirling motion inside the HyperChiller creates a perfect chilled coffee that doesn’t get diluted by the melting ice, which is a common problem with iced coffee.
Advantages
- Can quickly cool down hot coffee
- Reasonably priced
- Innovative design
Disadvantages
- Must be placed in the freezer before each use
- Prone to cracking or breaking easily.
Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker: Reusable Beverage Chiller
The Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker, which appears to be a travel mug with an insulated plastic straw, has more to it than meets the eye. The device includes an inner cup with a “rapid chill solution” that you need to freeze for a few hours.
After inserting it back into the Zoku, it can chill hot coffee within a few minutes. It can be used with a pour-over or a single-serve coffee maker, but its capacity is limited, it can only hold about 12 ounces of liquid, with not much room for ice. The device costs $29.99 which is a bit steep for such a simple device, but it’s on par with the prices of most chain coffee shops.
Simple and user-friendly
Quickly makes iced coffee
Comes with a built-in straw
CONS
Considerably high-priced for its features
Has a limited capacity.
Advantages
- Simple and user-friendly
- Quickly makes iced coffee
- Comes with a built-in straw
Disadvantages
- Considerably high-priced for its features
- Has a limited capacity.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Iced Coffee Maker
We fully support the popularity of iced coffee and enjoy experimenting with various methods of brewing, exploring the unique characteristics of different coffee beans, and creating unique iced coffee drinks.
But we completely understand if you aren’t as obsessed with it. In light of this, the following are some factors to think about when choosing the best-iced coffee maker:
When looking for the best-iced coffee maker, budget, size, materials, filter, and type of brew are some of the important factors to consider.
- Budget: Many iced coffee makers are affordable, but you should take into account how often you plan to use them.
- Size: Consider how much-iced coffee you plan to drink in a day to determine the appropriate size.
- Materials: Some people may prefer glass carafes while others may prefer plastic, but glass is more prone to breaking.
- Filter: Not all filters are the same, some mesh filters may let in fine coffee grounds which can affect the taste of your iced coffee.
- Type of brew: Some people prefer iced coffee while others prefer cold brew, and some machines allow you to make both.
Ultimately, the process of selecting the best-iced coffee maker for your home should be an enjoyable one. Remember, the key benefit of making your iced coffee or cold brew is the money you’ll save in the long run.
Some people prefer to have a few different devices, but it ultimately depends on your preference and how much you want to spend on it. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, owning multiple devices might be more appealing. But if you’re a casual drinker, a simple device that gets the job done might be all you need.
FAQs: Iced Coffee Maker
Do iced coffee makers exist?
Many different types of coffee makers can make delicious iced coffee, some of them even have the option to make hot coffee as well, which makes them a versatile choice.
Which is the top-rated iced coffee maker?
Selecting the ideal iced coffee maker for home use depends on various factors such as budget, frequency of use, and whether you want to make hot coffee as well. Currently, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is one of the most well-known options available in the market.
Is there a difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee?
Even though they are often used interchangeably, iced coffee and cold brew are distinct brewing methods. Iced coffee is made by brewing coffee hot and then adding ice, while the cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for up to 24 hours.
Is pouring hot coffee over ice a valid method to make iced coffee?
Pouring hot coffee over ice can be a simple way to make iced coffee at home, but it may result in a weak and diluted drink. Devices such as the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker, brew a small amount of double-strength coffee, which can be mixed with ice to make a delicious and refreshing beverage.
What are some budget-friendly iced coffee maker options that cost less than $50?
The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is a great budget-friendly option for under $50. It can be found for $24.99 on Amazon and currently is the most sought-after electric iced coffee maker in the market.
What type of coffee beans are suitable for use in an iced coffee maker?
When making iced coffee with a coffee maker, you can use any type of coffee beans. However, for the best results, use freshly roasted and high-quality beans, and grind them right before brewing.
What is the ideal size for coffee grinds when using an iced coffee maker?
The ideal grind size depends on the type of iced coffee maker you are using. A medium-fine grind is generally a good starting point for most iced coffee makers. However, if using a super-automatic espresso machine, a finer grind is required.
We hope you found this information useful! If you have any favorite iced coffee makers that were not mentioned, please let us know. We are always happy to hear your questions and feedback!