Welcome coffee-lovers! If you are anything like me, you know that nothing beats a nice cold iced coffee drink on a hot summer day...or any day, for that matter. Some days you have the time to make your cold brew coffee the proper way, letting it steep overnight. Some days you realize too late that you forgot to put that cold brew in the fridge and want, nay, NEED your iced coffee right away!
Whichever way you prefer iced coffee (some people, like me, keep both options on hand, just in case), I'm thrilled to share with you the best iced coffee makers for your home enjoyment.
With low-tech favorites and some new technology electric versions, you can make your favorite cool beverage right at home and save yourself the time and money of hitting up the coffee shop.
So grab yourself an ice cube tray and let's see which machines made our list for best iced coffee makers, which are the best bargain, and which are worth investing in!
Types of Iced Coffee Makers
If you're a coffee lover and you haven't tried iced coffee yet, you're missing out on one of the many joys of life. But as it turns out, there are a lot of different ways to make iced coffee at home, and it can be tricky to know where to start.
You can certainly brew a hot pot of coffee and cool it in the fridge, but for the best tasting iced coffee, you will want to read on to see why an iced coffee maker or a cold brew coffee maker is worth the time it takes, because it provides a much better taste.
Here is a little background information and a general overview of the different types of iced coffee and cold brew coffee makers out there.
Electric Iced Coffee Makers
The electric iced coffee makers are the most popular choice for those who want to make their iced coffee quickly and easily, and get out the door and on their way. This newer technology speeds up the process by utilizing heat and / or agitation to infuse the coffee more quickly. Most models come with a heated brewing cycle that runs through a cooling cycle at the end.
The result is a cooler cup of java just perfect for pouring over ice without melting it into a watered-down and tasteless iced coffee drink. The result is a delicious iced coffee drink within about 30 minutes of brew time.
Manual Cold Brew Coffee Makers
If you are looking for a more hands-on approach to making iced coffee, look no further that the tried and true methods. If you have the time, and want the very best, smooth iced coffee, then low-tech, a manual cold brew coffee maker is the ideal choice for you.
Unlike electric models, a cold brew coffee maker requires you to manually combine ground beans and water together and let them steep overnight in the fridge before straining out the grounds and pouring over ice.
This can be achieved using a pour-over style coffee maker or a French press-style coffee maker. The result is a concentrated cup of coffee that's less acidic than hot brewed varieties. It is the perfect base for the perfect iced coffee.
Pour-over style coffee Makers
A pour-over style cold brew coffee maker is a great way to make single cups of iced coffee without the mess. All you have to do is fill the carafe with water, add coffee grounds, and let it steep before pouring over ice into your cup.
It's easy, fast, and perfect for when you want coffee made the traditional way.
To better accommodate iced coffee lovers, the pour-over style has evolved into a system using an infusion basket and pitcher. The apparatus is then placed into the refrigerator so the coffee can steep cooled for up to 24 hours.
The infusion basket containing the grounds is then removed, and the coffee can then be stored right in the pitcher. The cold coffee brewed this way can usually be stored for up to two weeks, so feel free to make enough to have iced coffee for several days.
French-press style cold brew coffee Maker
If you are looking for a more sophisticated way to make your iced coffee, French press makers are the perfect choice.
The French-press cold brew coffee maker typically involves adding hot water and coarsely ground beans together in the press, letting it steep, and pressing the grounds down and out from the coffee.
The French press can be used to make cold brew coffee by pouring cool or room temperature water over grounds in the French-press. The brewer can then be placed into the refrigerator to steep for up to 24 hours, depending on the initial heat of your water and the strength desired.
Then, you press down on the plunger to press the ground to the bottom, leaving a decent cold brew concentate, which you can then pour over ice. The result is an intensely flavorful iced coffee that will satisfy any coffee lover.
Iced Coffee Pods
The ultimate in single-serve convenience, there are now a variety of instant brewing machines that have an option of iced coffee pods available for brewing iced coffee at home. These work in the same way as regular coffee pods, but they are specifically designed for making iced coffee.
All you need to do is pop one of these pods into your single-serve coffee brewing machine and let it do its thing - no measuring or fussing required.
Some single-serve coffee machines such as the Keurig will have an iced coffee option that reduces the temperature, but typically, the pod-style coffee makers will brew a warmer cup of coffee that you will want to chill before pouring over ice, for the best-tasting iced coffee drink.
No matter which type of iced coffee maker you choose, we can guarantee that the result will be nothing short of delicious! Now all that is left is to grab your favorite beans, grind 'em up, get iced, and enjoy!
Choosing the Best Iced Coffee Maker for You
With so many options available in the market, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to choose the right iced coffee maker for you.
Fear not, we are here to help! When making your decision, there are many important considerations including your budget, how much coffee you would like to brew at once, and the features you would benefit from the most.
Some machines are electric with newer technology to speed up the process, and some are low-tech using the tried and true slow-steeping method. Some have a high capacity to brew a larger amount while others are more geared for personal-sized iced coffee drinks.
It's all about finding the perfect fit for you. With the right iced coffee maker, you can enjoy a refreshingly cool caffeine kick whenever you need it.
Our Top Picks for BEST Iced Coffee Makers
Are you looking for the perfect way to make amazing iced coffee at home? Look no further than our top picks for best iced coffee makers that we absolutely love!
Here at RadishRoses, we have looked over thousands of user reviews and models with various features to bring you our top picks. Whether you prefer a classic cold brew coffee or the convenience of faster technology, each of our picks has unique features that make them stand out from the crowd.
So why settle for mediocre iced coffee when you can have a perfectly crafted cup every time? Explore our top picks and see for yourself why we love them!
DASH Rapid Cold Brew Maker
The Dash Rapid Cold Brew Maker whips up your favorite cold brew coffee concentrate in less than 10 minutes using rapid infusing, vacuum technology.
- 3 strength settings: mild, regular, and bold
- 40 ounce glass carafe
- Brews quickly, in 10 minutes or less
- Space-saving size with dimensions: 8"D x 7.5"W x 16"H
The Downside:
- Some users say the Dash Rapid Cold Brew machine is very noisy when running
Presto 02937 Dorothy™ Electric Rapid Cold Brewer
Not just a French press, but also electric, to speed the infusion process! Presto's Dorothy Electric Rapid Cold Brewer infuses the coffee into the water with an electric stirrer tornado effect. This machine is not only fast, but is also very fun to watch. When the grounds are completely infused, you simply use the French press to separate the grounds and pour off the brew for a quick iced coffee drink!
- Glass carafe, can make up to 22 ounces
- Space saving size with dimensions: 5.5"D x 6.5"W x 10.5"H
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
The Downside:
- Smaller brew capacity at approximately 22 ounces, so this might be more appropriate for single-serve use.
- Glass carafe is VERY fragile, according to users, but replacements are available.
County Line Kitchen - Cold Brew Mason Jar Iced Coffee Maker
County Line Kitchen's Cold Brew Mason jar iced coffee maker is a classic infusion-style iced coffee apparatus. The Mason jar style is very sturdy and durable, not to mention cool looking, and would fit well in a country-chic kitchen style.
- 32-ounce, heavy-duty glass jar carafe (also available in a 2-quart / 64-ounce size)
- Flip-top lid with built in handle for secure storage in your refrigerator and easy pouring (a version that includes a lid with no handle is also available, but users say the handle is very nice to have)
- Compact size, dimensions: 6"D x 3.5"W x 8"H
- Dishwasher safe components. The jar reportedly hold up very well through repeated runs through the dishwasher
The Downside:
- Some users say there is some sediment left after the cold brew process. Some would recommend an additional filter step to make the cold brew coffee clearer before making your iced coffee beverage.
Bodum Bean Cold Brew Press and Iced Coffee Maker
The Bodum Bean cold brew press is a very budget-friendly, low-tech, traditional way to make your own cold brew coffee at home. It is a cold brew combined with a French-press style, so steeps overnight in your refrigerator, then you use the plunger cap to press the coffee beans out from the cold brew coffee. Includes both the plunger cap and also a storage lid.
- BPA-free carafe with a 48-ounce capacity
- Environmentally friendly, needs no paper filters
- Compact design, dimensions are 4.53"D x 8.66"W x 6.69"H
The Downside:
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Made from BPA-free plastic rather than a glass carafe
Tips For Making the Perfect Iced Coffee Every Time - Brewing Techniques to Enhance Flavor
There is nothing quite like a refreshing iced coffee on a hot summer day. But have you ever struggled to get that perfect flavor and smooth consistency? Fear not - by adjusting your brewing techniques, you can create a delicious iced coffee every time.
First of all, always use fresh ground beans. As with any coffee brewing, you will get the best result with freshly ground, high quality beans.
When using the pour-over cold brew method, be sure to evenly wet the grounds to ensure the grounds are completely saturated for maximum flavor extraction.
If using a warm brew method, make sure the coffee is completely cooled before pouring over ice. This prevents your iced coffee drink from being watered down by melted ice, and prevents any bitter flavors keeping your coffee drink smooth.
Opt for the cold brew method, where you steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight. This cold brew method releases fewer bitter compounds, resulting in a much sweeter and smoother taste.
With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect brewing technique to enhance your iced coffee's flavor and enjoy it all season long.
Get Creative with Flavors and Spices!
Are you tired of your plain old iced coffee routine? Shake it up with some creative flavors and spices! You might be surprised at how easy it is to add a twist to your iced coffee game.
By experimenting with different syrups, extracts, and spices, you can create a whole range of delicious and unique iced coffees. Try adding some vanilla or cinnamon for a sweet kick, or mix in some lavender or peppermint for a refreshing herbal flavor.
With so many possibilities to choose from, there's no limit to the creative iced coffee concoctions you can whip up. So step out of your comfort zone and get creative with your next cup of iced coffee!
Questions About BEST Iced Coffee Makers - FAQs
Why does iced coffee taste so much better?
a: Iced coffee certainly does have a taste that stands out from the regular cup of hot joe! In fact, while both hot and iced coffee are derived from the same beans, there are several factors that make iced coffee particularly delicious.
First of all, cold brew has become increasingly popular in recent years leading to a higher-quality product as specialty cafes perfect their recipes.
The cold brew method generally uses a higher ratio of ground beans to liquid than standard hot brewed methods. This means more flavor and complexity making for an overall tastier beverage.
For those not familiar with cold brew, it is made by allowing coarsely-ground beans to steep at room temperature or slightly below for anywhere between 12 - 24 hours. The result is concentrate which goes into making incredibly smooth and sweet cups of the best iced coffee unlike anything you can get with hot brewed methods alone.
Cold brew also means less acidity compared to traditional brewed versions which may be too acidic for some people's taste buds.
All in all, when done right, using the cold brew method results in much lower acidity levels coupled with bolder flavors than what you would typically get from the traditional hot brewing methods. This results in an incredibly smooth cup of joe – no wonder it is so tasty!
What's the difference between cold brew and iced coffee makers?
a: Great question! The difference between a cold brew and an iced coffee maker lies in the way they are made. Cold brew is a slow-steeped method of making coffee, where ground coffee beans are steeped in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time (usually 12-24 hours).
When done properly, this cold brew process produces a unique cup of concentrated coffee that's smooth, sweet, and low on acidity.
On the other hand, an iced coffee maker typically uses hot water to brew a strong cup of regular brewed coffee over ice - capturing all those delicious aromas and flavors produced when hot water meets fresh grounds, then cooled to keep your ice from melting right away.
This method results in a lighter drink with more acidity and bitterness than your typical cold brew but also keeps more of the original characteristics from your favorite roast.
When it comes down to choosing between cold brew versus using an iced coffee maker – it really depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer not to (or simply do not have time to) wait the time it takes for cold brew for their java fix and will find that an iced beverage can be much easier to make at home with an iced coffee maker, without sacrificing taste.
Others may appreciate the smoother flavor profile from the cold brew method that takes a bit longer but is ultimately worth the wait if you enjoy its unique characteristics!
Many people will use the cold brew method, but keep an iced coffee maker on hand for those times when they simply forget to prep their cold brew the day before.
Do you need special coffee for iced coffee maker?
a: Absolutely! When it comes to making iced coffee, the quality of the coffee used makes all the difference.
The right type of high-grade, fresh ground coffee beans will produce a much better taste when compared to cheaper, pre-ground varieties.
Depending on what kind of iced coffee maker you use, you may need to grind your beans differently. For example, if you're using a manual cold brew method like a French press or pour over filter then you'll want more coarse coffee grounds for optimal flavor extraction. If you have an automatic iced coffee machine with paper filtration, then look for a deeper roast and grind your beans a little more fine.
It's important to note that while some people prefer instant or regular drip coffees over fresh grounds for their convenience factor, they aren't going to make as tasty an iced beverage as freshly ground cold brew due to loss in flavor with age and inferior extraction techniques employed by these machines.
In addition, due to their lower caffeine content than fresh brews overall flavor will suffer from this lack of intensity so keep that in mind when shopping around for your grounds! Finally don't forget about cold brew options either; many enjoy its unique smoothness which is achieved through steeping instead of heat extracted flavors found in hot water based drinks so experiment and find what works best for your palate!
Is iced coffee just cold hot coffee?
a: Absolutely not! Iced coffee is far more than just cold hot coffee.
Iced coffee is a type of coffee beverage made with either a cold brew process, or by brewing hot, strong espresso-style coffee and then cooling it.
Cold brew has a much smoother taste and texture compared to regular hot brewed, then chilled coffee because the whole process is completed at cooler temps thus "cold brew" without diluting its flavor or richness.
Cold brew takes longer but offers a bit more smoothness and flavor since all the flavors are extracted from the beans instead of simply cooling down pre-brewed hot coffee. Therefore, after the cold brew process is completed, you will end up with a cold brew coffee concentrate that is closer to an espresso shot that’s been poured over ice cubes rather than just bitter black liquid that doesn’t really taste like anything else.
Also unlike traditional cold brew, iced coffee makers don’t require overnight preparation so you can enjoy these delicious beverages almost instantly after brewing them yourself at home or buying them off-the-shelf from your local coffee house.
Iced coffee drinks have become increasingly popular due to their refreshing appeal and easy accessibility as well as their delicious taste and comforting aroma – perfect for anyone looking for a cool pick me up throughout those long summer days, or anytime!
So next time someone asks if iced coffees is ‘just cold hot coffee’ be sure to correct them; let everyone know why this drink isn't what it seems!
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong when it comes to creating your own iced coffee with an iced coffee maker or cold brew process. Whether you opt for a manual brewer, an automatic machine, or a combination of tools to brew, the possibilities are endless! Planning in advance for cold brewing and allocating a few extra minutes for preparing your own traditional iced coffee not only lets you craft your favorite unique blends from delicious ingredients and spices, but it also saves money in the long-run by helping reduce trips to the coffeehouse.
Finally, if you’re looking for ideas or inspiration about how to get creative with iced coffees – look no further – there are a wide range of recipes that will impress and amaze. So, what are you waiting for? Invest in a quality iced coffee maker today and brew up something deliciously good!