Iced coffee is a great way to start the day – or to take the edge off during a hectic afternoon. But if you’re like most people, you don’t have time to manually make iced coffee from scratch every time you want a cup. That’s where an excellent iced coffee maker comes in.
Which one is the greatest among all of them? We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of the best iced coffee makers on the market today. And we’ve thrown in a bonus pick for good measure.
In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about iced coffee makers, including what to look for when purchasing one and some quick recipes to get you started.
Iced Coffee Vs Cold Brew
Cold coffee is cold coffee, right? Not quite. When making iced coffee, you brew it hot and then poured over ice, whereas to make cold brew you steep grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time. The resulting brew is a smoother and less acidic cup of joe that’s perfect for cold coffee lovers.
Iced coffee is a quicker process and yields a more acidic and somewhat sweeter cup of coffee. If you’re looking for a more robust cup of coffee, go with a cold brew. Because you are going to be brewing over ice, it’s essential the brewed java is strong enough to withstand being diluted a bit in the process.
You can use regular brewed coffee and pour it over ice, but it’s not going to taste as good as if you use one of the following machines.
Of course, you can always make cold brew using our more traditional methods and our favorite organic coffee beans.
The Best Iced Coffee Makers
Our top choices for the best iced coffee makers on the market are below. We’ve considered price, function, and overall user satisfaction when compiling this list, to ensure you’re getting the best iced coffee machine available.
1. Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System
Benefits
- Offers a variety of coffee options
- Independent coffee and tea baskets to keep flavors separate
- Brews directly into a cup or carafe
- 50-ounce thermal carafe that keeps your iced coffee chilled for hours
If you’re an iced coffee lover, the Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System is the perfect iced coffee maker for you. With its many features, including brewing technology that offers a variety of coffee and tea options. The separate coffee and tea baskets to keep flavors from blending together, and a 50-ounce thermal carafe that keeps your brew hot for up to 2 hours or chilled for even longer
This system makes it easy to enjoy your favorite blend of ground coffee, no pods required. Plus, it has a fold-away hot and cold milk frother that lets you easily transform milk into silky, rich microfoam to top off your iced coffee drinks.
Of course, because this system is so versatile, you won’t have to exile others in your household to use a separate machine. It has six brew sizes that accommodate anything from a single cup or travel size to a half-carafe or full-carafe.
Plus, the smart basket recognition system knows what you’re brewing and offers coffee or tea drink options accordingly. Whether you’re craving a cold iced brew or a classic cup of joe, this machine has you covered. So, if you’re looking for an iced coffee maker that does it all, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is a perfect choice.
Check out our review of all Ninja Coffee Bars.
2. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Iced and strong brew settings
- Fast & fresh brewed
- Large water reservoir
- Quiet brew technology
The Keurig K-Elite is a fantastic coffee maker for making both iced and hot coffee. This machine can brew multiple cup sizes, from 4 to 12 ounces, and it obviously has an Iced setting to make delicious cold coffee. The K-Elite also comes with a Strong Brew button to create a bolder hot cup of coffee, and it has quiet brew technology to minimize noise.
The large water reservoir allows you to brew up to 8 cups before having to refill, which is great for busy mornings or long nights. And if you need to clean up after an accidental spill, the removable drip tray makes it easy.
Since it’s a Keurig system, you also get the advantage of a huge selection of k-cups and pod varieties, so you can find the perfect drink to suit your taste.
3. Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Easy to brew thanks to simple measuring system
- Tiny footprint is designed to save valuable counter space.
- Easy-to-use and easy-to-clean.
- Included tumbler and nylon filter means you’re ready to brew out of the box
The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker makes delicious, refreshing iced coffee just the way you like it (at home or on the road). If you have at least 4 minutes, you can make a batch of iced coffee that will rival anything you could buy from a coffee shop.
A unique, triple-wall construction and a quick measuring system with included scoop make it simple to brew the ideal ratio of hot, concentrated coffee over a full tumbler of ice, ensuring rich, robust coffee that’s never watered down. You may save money by skipping the lines by making your own iced coffee at home!
Due to this being a specialist brewer, the tiny footprint is designed to save valuable counter space. The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is easy-to-use and easy-to-clean, with a drip-stop function that prevents messes on your counter. Best of all, the included BPA-free tumbler is double-wall insulated to keep your coffee colder longer and reduce sweating, plus it comes with a lid and straw.
The reusable nylon coffee filter also eliminates the need for pesky paper filters. With its easy measurements and consistently incredible taste, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is a must-have for any at-home barista.
4. Hamilton Beach (47950) Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Internal coffee reservoir keeps coffee fresh and hot, ready for being poured over ice
- Brews up to 12 cups of strong coffee to drink all morning long
- No carafe means no spilling, no breaking, and no burnt coffee flavor
The multi-purpose Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker is great, especially for iced coffee lovers. It can brew a full 12 cups of coffee or dispenses one fresh cup at a time – directly into a cup or travel mug.
This machine doesn’t use a carafe. Instead, it relies on an internal heater to keep coffee hot and fresh for up to 4 hours. This prevents any burnt coffee flavor, and the coffee maker is able to dispense bold, hot coffee whenever you’re ready. It’s easy to use with programmable clock settings and brewing options so that you can get the perfect cup of coffee every time.
Whether you’re making a quick cup of iced coffee or want to make a full pot for a large gathering, this machine has you covered. Thanks, Hamilton Beach!
5. HomeCraft Stainless Steel Café Iced Coffee Brewing System
Benefits
- Large capacity – can hold up to 12 cups
- Strength selector dial
- Flavor enhancer chamber
This system is designed to make brewing your own gourmet iced coffee drinks a breeze. Simply drop fresh ground coffee, loose leaf tea or tea bags into the detachable filter basket, then modify and personalize the tastes with additions like sweeteners, citrus slices and spices.
Choose your brew strength using the dial selector, then press the Power button to turn on and let the shower head fully saturate your ingredients for optimum flavor extraction. The pitcher has a large handle and holds up to 12 cups of liquid, making it perfect for sharing with friends or storing the extra in the fridge for later. Plus, when the brewing is done, the unit is programmed to shut off automatically, so you don’t have to worry about it.
You’ll save by making your own iced coffee at home – and it’ll taste a whole lot better too!
6. Hamilton Beach 42501 Convenient Craft Rapid Cold Brew
Benefits
- Smooth cold brew coffee in minutes
- Slim design takes up less counter space
- Brew with your favorite ground coffee
If you love iced coffee and want something specialized, the Hamilton Beach convenient craft Rapid cold brew makers have you covered. With this machine, you can brew smooth, cold brew coffee in less than 6 minutes without the usual 12 to 24-hour wait. Plus, it’s designed for brewing with your favorite ground coffee and eliminates the need to use expensive pods.
This machine is perfect for iced coffee lovers who want convenience and quality all in one. The Hamilton Beach Rapid cold brew coffee maker is also space-saving. With its slim design, this coffee maker takes up less counter space. The Hamilton Beach convenient craft Rapid cold brew will satisfy your coffee cravings, whether you enjoy it black or with cream and sugar.
Who has time for 12 to 24 hours? Not me! With the Hamilton Beach Rapid Cold Brew, I can have smooth cold brew coffee in minutes.
7. Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine
Benefits
- Automatically calculates the precise water flow temperature and speed for every coffee option
- Customize coffee to your liking (hot or cold brew) with the over ice bold setting
- Specialty Coffee Association Golden Cup: SCA certification ensures optimal brewing performance
Everyone loves iced coffee, but the problem is that it’s challenging to get a perfect cup of cold brew. The best way to make a great iced coffee is by brewing hot coffee and then adding ice cubes or ice milk. But there’s an easier way than this! You can buy the Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine for your kitchen.
This machine is perfect for iced coffee lovers because it has a custom over ice bold setting. Yu can make your coffee however you like it (hot or cold) with the touch of a button. The Fast brew exclusive heating technology delivers a full pot of coffee in under 8 minutes without sacrificing taste, so you can quickly and easily make an iced cup of coffee. And the SCA certification ensures optimal brewing performance to great-tasting drip coffee with every brew.
Plus, with its unique carafe design, the Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine traps moisture preventing a bitter coffee taste from developing. This machine is also very easy to use – just turn the dial to choose your ideal brewing size from 7 different options. The hot surface indicator below the hot plate will remain lit until the hot plate cools down, so you’ll always know your brewed coffee is fresh. And the best part? This machine is affordable and perfect for any iced-coffee lover.
Iced coffee is the best. And with the Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine, it’s easier than ever to make a perfect cup.
BONUS
Maxi-Matic HyperChiller
Benefits
- Rapid chilling without dilution
- Compatibility with most brewing methods
- Dishwasher safe
Alright, this technically isn’t an iced coffee maker, but I had to include it in our list. This fantastic device is the HyperChiller, an oversized ice cube that quickly chills any hot beverage without dilution in under 60 seconds. The HyperChiller works with all types of coffee makers, and I’ve even used it to chill juices at brunch before serving. This is a must-have for anyone who loves iced coffee but hates diluting it with a bunch of ice cubes.
You do have to plan ahead a bit because the HyperChiller needs at least 8 hours to freeze, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze!
Types of iced coffee makers
Iced coffee is not a new concept, but the rise in people drinking cold coffee has caused many different types of iced coffee makers to hit the market. While most people think of an iced coffee maker as a device that makes regular hot coffee and then chills it, there are many different types of machines on the market.
Traditional iced coffee maker
This is the most common type of machine and the one that most people think of when they hear the term “iced coffee maker.” It is a device that brews coffee like a regular coffee maker but then chills it so it can be served cold.
Frozen coffee maker
This type of machine actually freezes coffee instead of chilling it. The frozen coffee is then blended with milk and other ingredients to create a frozen drink.
Iced tea maker
An iced tea maker is a machine specifically designed to make iced tea. It usually has two chambers: one for hot water and one for cold water. This allows you to make tea at different temperatures so you can have either hot or cold tea.
Coffee pod machine
A coffee pod machine is a device that uses coffee pods instead of ground coffee. The machine brews the coffee and then ejects the pod so it can be discarded. This type of machine is popular because it is easy to use, and there is a wide variety of coffee pod flavors available.
Keurig iced coffee maker
A Keurig iced coffee maker is a type of pod machine that specifically makes iced coffee. It uses Keurig pods that are designed to work with cold water, and it produces a thick and creamy iced coffee drink.
French press
A French press is a manual device that uses pressure to extract flavor from ground coffee. It has a glass or metal carafe and a plunger that pushes the grounds to the bottom of the carafe. This type of coffee maker is popular because it produces a high-quality cup of coffee.
Cold brew coffee maker
A cold brew maker is a device that specifically makes cold brew coffee. It uses ground coffee and cold water to create a smooth and creamy iced coffee drink.
Gravity drip coffee maker
A gravity drip coffee maker is a manual device that uses gravity to pull the hot water through the grounds and into the carafe below. This type of machine is popular because it is inexpensive and produces a high-quality cup of coffee.
Siphon coffee maker
A siphon coffee maker is an expensive, manual device that uses pressure and heat to make a cup of iced coffee. It has two chambers: one for the coffee grounds and one for the hot water. The coffee is brewed in the top chamber, and then the bottom chamber is heated, causing the water to rise and extract flavor from the grounds. When the bottom chamber is heated enough, it causes a vacuum to form, and the coffee is forced into the top chamber, where it is cooled and served.
What makes a good iced coffee maker
Sure, you can probably pick up an inexpensive machine at your local department store, but not all coffee machines are created equal. When looking for the best iced coffee maker, there are a few things you should consider:
Ease of use
If you’re not a coffee expert, you’ll want to find a machine that is easy to use. Machines that use pods or K-cups are generally easy to use, as they only require you to insert a pod and hit a button. Manual machines can be more difficult to use, but they often produce a higher quality cup of coffee.
Brew strength
Not all machines brew coffee at the same strength, so you’ll want to find one that brews it at the strength you prefer. If you like your coffee strong, look for a machine that has a high brew strength setting.
Volume
Some machines make more iced coffee than others. If you like to make large batches, you’ll want to find a machine that has a large carafe or brewing capacity.
Temperature control
If you want to be able to make both hot and cold coffee, look for a machine that has temperature control. This will allow you to adjust the temperature so you can get the perfect cup of coffee, regardless of whether you want it hot or cold.
Build Materials
The best iced coffee makers are made from high-quality materials that will last for years. If you plan on using your machine frequently, you’ll want to find one that is built from durable materials.
Price
Of course, price is always a consideration when purchasing any appliance. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good quality iced coffee maker, but you do need to consider your budget and what
Quick Iced coffee recipe ideas
With a great cup of iced coffee, you should be able to enjoy it au natural (black). However, the fun with coffee is that there are many different ways to enjoy it. If you’re looking for a bit of variety in your iced coffee, here are a few quick and easy recipes:
Vanilla Iced Coffee
Add a little vanilla extract to your coffee grounds before brewing for a sweet and creamy iced coffee.
Caramel Iced Coffee
Add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce to your brewed coffee for a delicious and decadent iced coffee.
Chocolate Iced Coffee
Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee grounds before brewing for a rich and chocolaty iced coffee.
Cinnamon Iced Coffee
For a wintertime treat, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your coffee grounds before brewing. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious iced coffee treat.
Give tips on how to make your iced coffee even better
There are a few ways to make your iced coffee even better when using a cold brew machine:
Add milk or cream
Adding milk or cream will add flavor and sweetness to your coffee. It will also help to cool it down and make it creamier.
Add flavored syrups
If you want to change up the flavor of your iced coffee, try adding some flavored syrups. There are many different flavors to choose from, so you’re sure to find one you like.
Top your iced coffee with whipped cream for a decadent treat. Not only does it taste good, but it also looks pretty.
Add ice cream
If you’re looking for a real treat, add some ice cream to your iced coffee. It will add sweetness and creaminess, making it the perfect dessert.
Why everyone should drink iced coffee
There are many reasons why everyone should drink iced coffee:
It’s delicious
Who doesn’t love a cold and refreshing cup of iced coffee on a hot day? Iced coffee is the perfect drink to cool you down and satisfy your thirst.
It’s healthy
Iced coffee is an excellent source of caffeine, which can help to improve your focus and energy levels. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your body from free radicals.
It’s affordable
You can get a great cup of iced coffee for a fraction of the price you would pay for a latte or cappuccino.
It’s versatile
There are numerous ways to drink iced coffee, so you’re sure to discover one that works best for you. You can drink it black, add milk and sugar, or add any number of flavored syrups.
It’s convenient
Iced coffee is a great on-the-go drink. All you need is a cup, some ice cubes, and your favorite coffee beans. You can make it at home or buy it at your favorite café.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start enjoying some delicious iced coffee today!
