An iced coffee maker can be your best ally during hot summer months or even all year round if you’re a true iced coffee enthusiast. These devices are specifically designed to brew coffee that’s perfect for cooling, with minimal acidity and full-bodied flavor.
In this blog, we’ll explore the eight best-iced coffee makers that you need to try today, each guaranteeing a refreshing, delicious cup every time. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a casual coffee aficionado, there’s an iced coffee maker here that will elevate your iced coffee experience.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is a popular type of cold coffee drink made by brewing coffee in the usual way and then cooling it down, often by pouring it over ice or refrigerating it. It’s a refreshing, chilled version of your traditional coffee, perfect for hot summer days. Different regions have unique variations of iced coffee, and it can be customized with various flavors, spices, milk types, and sweeteners to suit personal preferences.
What is an Iced Coffee Maker?
An iced coffee maker is a specially designed appliance for brewing the perfect iced coffee at home. It typically includes a brewing mechanism and a way to quickly cool down the coffee to retain its flavors and prevent it from becoming diluted. Some iced coffee makers brew directly over ice for quick cooling, while others have a built-in cooling system. These devices offer a convenient, cost-effective way to enjoy delicious iced coffee anytime without needing to visit a coffee shop.
What Makes a Top-Quality Iced Coffee Maker?
When shopping for the best-iced coffee maker, there are specific markers of quality to consider. A top-notch iced coffee maker should have a robust and efficient brewing system that can extract the rich flavors of the coffee. In terms of cooling, it should either brew directly over ice or feature a built-in rapid cooling system to prevent dilution and maintain the coffee’s robust flavor.
High-quality iced coffee makers also offer customization options, allowing you to adjust the brew strength to match your preference. They should also be durable, easy to clean, and user-friendly.
Some models may include extra features like a built-in grinder or a programmable timer for added convenience. Lastly, consider the capacity of the iced coffee maker; if you frequently entertain guests or have a large family of coffee lovers, a larger capacity machine may be more suitable.
Top 8 Iced Coffee Makers of 2023
Now that we’ve discussed what an iced coffee and its maker are, it’s time to dive into our top picks. The following section presents a carefully curated list of the top eight iced coffee makers of 2023.
From luxury models to budget-friendly options, each product on this list has been rigorously tested and reviewed, ensuring it meets our strict quality standards and delivers the promise of a perfect iced coffee.
Whether you’re looking for something simple to use or a machine with a myriad of customizable features, you’re bound to find an iced coffee maker that fits your needs and budget. So without further ado, let’s explore the best iced coffee makers of 2023.
Breville Precision Brewer
The Breville Precision Brewer is a fantastic choice for those who seek precision and versatility in their coffee brewing experience. This top-notch coffee maker accommodates any brew size and allows you to customize every detail of your coffee brew, making it a standout amongst its peers. Notably, it has six different brewing modes, including Gold, Fast, Strong Brew, Iced, Cold Brew, and My Brew. The ‘My Brew’ feature lets you adjust bloom time, water temperature, and flow rate to suit the specific coffee you’re using, whether it’s more delicate or robust.
- Automatic Pour Over: Each Precision Brewer includes an adapter and restricted spray head for your Kalita or Hario pour over cone.
- Gold Cup Rated: The Precision Brewer's 'Gold Cup' setting comes with endorsement from the SCAA for ideal time and temperature for drip coffee brewing.
- Brew Methods: Other brew methods include settings for quick or custom brewing, cold brewing, and ice brewing.
- Brew Sizes: Included basket and filter options make it easy to brew smaller batches as well as full 60-oz. pots.
- Auto Programming: The Precision Brewer is one of the few SCAA-rated machines to come with auto-on programming for brewing on those early mornings.
Key Features
- Customizable Brewing: Offers six brewing modes, including a customizable ‘My Brew’ setting
- Precision Control: Allows you to adjust bloom time, water temperature, and flow rate
- Any Brew Size: Accommodates single cups, carafes, and everything in between
- High Capacity: The water tank holds up to 60oz, suitable for entertaining or brewing multiple cups
- Auto ‘Steep and Release’: The feature ensures that your coffee is brewed and released only when the carafe or cup is in place
Pros
- Offers unparalleled precision with customizable brewing features
- Versatile, catering to both single-cup and carafe brewing
- High-capacity water tank reduces the need for frequent refills
- The ‘Steep and Release’ function ensures a mess-free brewing experience
Cons
- The complexity of features may be overwhelming for some users
- The higher price point may not suit all budgets
De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore
The De’Longhi ECAM45055S Eletta Explore brings a touch of luxury to your coffee experience. This coffee machine is renowned for its elegant design and advanced technology, including an automatic cappuccino system and an integrated coffee grinder. The machine offers a variety of brewing options, giving you the ability to create espresso, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and more, each with a touch of a button. The Eletta Explore is also equipped with a memory function, allowing you to program your preferred settings for a personalized coffee experience.
- 40+ Hot & Cold Recipes including Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, and now Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte, and more at the touch of a button.
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 13 settings for freshly ground coffee with any beans of your choice.
- Two LatteCrema Systems with Hot and Cold Foam Technology. The LatteCrema Hot System textures milk or your favorite milk alternatives to perfection for your favorite classic espresso beverages: Latte, Cappuccino, etc. The LatteCrema Cool System delivers velvety milk cold foam at the ideal temperature for cold drinks.
- 3.5” TFT full-touch, colorful display and soft-touch control icons to quickly filter between recipes for simple and intuitive selection.
- Fully customizable recipes giving you the freedom to explore and personalize to your tastes.
Key Features
- Variety of Brewing Options: Provides a wide range of coffee drinks at the touch of a button
- Integrated Coffee Grinder: Comes with an adjustable silent grinder with 13 settings
- Automatic Cappuccino System: Produces perfectly layered espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam
- Memory Function: Allows you to program your favorite settings to create a customized coffee experience
- High Capacity: The water tank holds up to 67 ounces, and the bean container holds 8.8 ounces
Pros
- Provides a wide variety of coffee beverages
- Comes with a built-in coffee grinder and an automatic cappuccino system
- The memory function allows for the customization of coffee settings
- High-capacity water tank and bean container allow for multiple brewings
Cons
- The machine’s high-end features come with a higher price tag
- Its large size may not be suitable for kitchens with limited space
Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for the discerning coffee lover who values both quality and convenience. This machine outshines its competitors with its range of brew size options, strength control, and Iced setting. The “Strong Brew” button is a standout feature, increasing the strength and taste of your coffee, and the Iced setting allows you to brew hot coffee over ice for a full-flavored, refreshing iced coffee.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: One water filter handle, and one filter to help ensure your beverages taste their absolute best.Filter type:Reusable.Temperature Control : Allows you to adjust the temperature from 187° – 192°
- BREWS MULTIPLE CUP SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12oz Enjoy the most popular cup sizes.
- STRONG BREW BUTTON: Increases the strength and bold taste of your coffee’s flavor.
- ICED SETTING: Brew hot over ice at the touch of a button for full-flavored, delicious iced coffee.
- HOT WATER ON DEMAND BUTTON: Perfect for instant soups or oatmeal.
Key Features
- Variety of Brew Sizes: Offers five brew sizes, enabling you to brew anything from 4 oz. to 12 oz.
- Strength Control: This lets you brew a stronger cup of coffee if you desire a more robust flavor
- Iced Setting: Brews hot coffee over ice for a flavorful, refreshing iced coffee
- Hot Water On Demand: The machine can instantly provide hot water for other uses, such as tea or instant soup
- Large Water Reservoir: The machine has a 75oz water reservoir, allowing you to brew 8 cups before needing a refill
Pros
- Offers the ability to customize your brew size and strength
- The Iced setting allows for easy brewing of iced coffee
- Large water reservoir reduces the frequency of refills
- Versatile with hot water on demand function
Cons
- It’s pricier than some other single-serve coffee makers
- Its size may take up considerable counter space
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is a top choice for iced coffee enthusiasts thanks to its simplicity and efficiency. It’s designed to brew rich, flavorful coffee that’s never watered down, making use of its RapidChill™ brewing process. This process ensures that your coffee is brewed hot and flash-chilled in a few minutes to lock in the full-bodied flavor. The unit is compact and sleek, fitting perfectly on any countertop.
Check out our full review of Mr.Coffee Iced Coffee Maker here!
- REFRESHING ICED COFFEE AT HOME, IN MINUTES! The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker lets you enjoy delicious, refreshing iced coffee at home or on the go, just the way you like it—brews in under 4 minutes.Filter type:Reusable
- THE MAGIC IS IN THE MEASUREMENTS: The simple measuring system with included scoop makes it easy to brew the perfect ratio of hot, concentrated coffee over a full tumbler of ice, ensuring bold, flavorful coffee that’s never watered down
- BREW AT HOME, SAVE MONEY: By making your own iced coffee at home, you can skip the lines, and save big, too!
- EASY TO MAKE, EASY TO CUSTOMIZE: Make refreshing iced coffee at home—just add water and coffee grounds to the machine, ice to the tumbler, and brew; customize with your favorite flavorings and milks, for a perfect, flavorful iced coffee just how you like it
- CONSISTENTLY GREAT TASTE: Easy-to-use measuring scoop and tumbler markings for consistently great taste
Key Features
- RapidChill™ Brewing: Brews hot coffee over ice for full-flavor extraction
- Reusable Filter Basket: Reduces waste and allows the use of your favorite coffee grounds
- Auto Shut-Off: Shuts off automatically after brewing for safety and energy efficiency
- Convenient Measuring Scoop: Included scoop measures coffee grounds and water precisely for consistency in every brew
- Easy to Clean: The pitcher and lid are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning
Pros
- Quick and efficient brewing process
- Compact design ideal for small kitchens
- Environmentally friendly with a reusable filter
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- The capacity may not be sufficient for larger households
- Does not have a built-in grinder for fresh coffee beans
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System
The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System is more than just an iced coffee maker – it’s an all-in-one espresso and cappuccino machine with integrated iced coffee functionality. It sets itself apart with its advanced LatteCrema System, which ensures a creamy iced coffee experience. The machine allows you to customize your coffee strength, size, and temperature, and the integrated grinder provides the freshest coffee for every brew.
- 7 ONE-TOUCH RECIPES: 7 one-touch or customized coffee drinks: espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, iced coffee, coffee, hot water, and My Latte
- PERFECT GRINDING: 13 grind settings means all of your bean varieties are optimally prepared for extraction. The conical burr grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favorite espresso beverages.
- LATTECREMA SYSTEM: De'Longhi's proprietary technology textures both milk and milk alternatives and can be stored in the fridge to keep milk fresh when not in use
- ENJOY ICED COFFEE: Over Ice recipe automatically adjusts the dose and brew to create a refreshingly bold & balanced iced coffee.
- PERSONALIZE WITH MY LATTE: Allows you to personalize and save your own recipes
Key Features
- LatteCrema System: This unique system delivers a perfect layered espresso beverage with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup
- Customizable Settings: Adjust the coffee strength, size, and temperature to your preference
- Integrated Grinder: The built-in, adjustable grinder ensures fresh coffee for every brew
- Dual Thermoblock System: Guarantees the optimal brewing temperature for both coffee and milk
- Easy to Clean: Features a removable brewing unit and dishwasher-safe drip tray for easy cleaning
Pros
- Versatile, offering a variety of coffee beverages including iced coffee
- Allows for high customization of coffee strength, size, and temperature
- Built-in grinder ensures the freshest coffee
- User-friendly with an intuitive control pane
Cons
- Higher price point than most standard iced coffee makers
- May take up a significant amount of counter space
Keurig K-Iced Single-Serve Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker stands out due to its convenience and simplicity. As a single-serve coffee maker, it’s perfect for those mornings when you need a quick, refreshing brew. This machine delivers both hot and cold brews with the push of a button, letting you enjoy a variety of K-cup pods. It also features a strong brew button that increases the strength and bold taste of your coffee’s flavor.
- BREW OVER ICE: Automatically adjusts brew temperature — starting hotter to help extract full flavor, then cooling down for less ice melt.
- STRONG BREW: Brew a stronger, more intense hot coffee.
- 3 CUP SIZES: 8, 10, and 12oz (for iced coffee, includes ice).
- 42oz REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: Allows you to brew up to 4 cups between refills.
- FAST & FRESH-BREWED: Delicious iced coffee and hot coffee made in minutes.
Key Features
- Single-Serve Brewing: Brews one cup at a time, perfect for solo coffee drinkers
- Hot and Cold Brewing: Capable of brewing both hot and iced coffee
- Strong Brew Button: Increases the strength and boldness of your coffee’s flavor
- Large Water Reservoir: Allows you to brew 7 cups before having to refill, saving you time
- Easy to Use: Simple button controls make brewing fast and easy
Pros
- Quick and convenient single-serve brewing
- Versatile with the ability to brew both hot and iced coffee
- Features a large water reservoir for less frequent refills
- Simple controls make it user-friendly
Cons
- Single-serve design may not be suitable for households with multiple coffee drinkers
- Limited customization options compared to other models
Famiworths Iced Coffee Maker
The Famiworths Iced Coffee Maker is a reliable choice for those seeking affordable, quality, and convenience in their iced coffee routine. This appliance boasts a compact design and a straightforward brewing process, making it a suitable addition to any kitchen. The Famiworths model stands out for its cold brew method, which allows the coffee grounds to steep in cold water for up to 24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic brew that’s perfect for iced coffee.
- All-in-one iced and hot coffee maker: Built with deep coffee extraction technology, this ice coffee maker brews extra strong hot coffee over ice and delivers the perfect cup of fresh, flavorful iced coffee. Simply press the "REGULAR" button to enjoy your delicious hot coffee in just 4 minutes. Both hot and iced coffee can be made using a k pod or with your favorite ground coffee in this single serve coffee maker. Only 6 oz of water is used for best flavor if using pods to make iced coffee.
- Equipped with resuable big ground filter: You can use reusable filter to brew ground coffee and the filter is big enough to hold 0.88 oz grounds, giving you a bolder coffee compared with using capsules. The Filter is added a lid to prevent the grounds from flowing into the cup, thus your coffee tastes more smooth.
- Fits in any small space and is also compatible with travel mugs: This single cup coffee maker is compact and slim, it does not take up much space on the counter, while it fits a 6.7-inch tall travel mug . You can take your coffee out of the house with the travel mug to enjoy delicious coffee everywhere and anytime.
- Self-cleaning and descaling reminder for hassle-free cleaning: No need to be on the lookout when it's time to clean your iced coffee maker, the built-in descaling reminder will notify you by displaying an alternate red light on the 2 brew buttons. When that time comes, just add some descaling solution and press the 2 buttons for 2 seconds at the same time and this coffee brewer will start cleaning itself.
- Healthy and safe: this one cup coffee maker is made from BPA-free materials and does not have a large water tank, which means that each brew uses the full amount of water that is put in. This ensures that the water is always clean so that the coffee comes out fresher and of better quality. After brewing the coffee, the pod coffee maker will automatically turn off, making it safer to use even when you are in a hurry.
Key Features
- Cold Brew Method: Steep coffee grounds in cold water for up to 24 hours for a smooth, less acidic brew
- Reusable Filter: Comes with a reusable filter, reducing waste and offering an environmentally friendly option
- Compact Design: Its small footprint makes it ideal for any kitchen, even those with limited counter space
- Easy to Use: Simple design and instructions make brewing iced coffee a breeze
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Pros
- Offers a smooth, less acidic coffee due to the cold brew method
- A compact and convenient design idea for small kitchens
- Comes with an environmentally friendly reusable filter
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- The brewing process can be time-consuming compared to other models
- The capacity may not be sufficient for larger households or events
Cuisinart SS-16 Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart Coffee Maker SS-16 brings sophistication and efficiency to your coffee brewing process. This coffee maker is a 3-in-1 solution that serves single cups, a carafe, and an espresso all in one. It stands out with its premium features such as its automatic activation and temperature control, delivering a perfect brew each time. Furthermore, the SS-16 model offers a lightning-fast brewing process, which is ideal for those busy mornings.
- SINGLE-SERVE: Enjoy five serving sizes – 4 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces or 12 ounces – compatible with any brand of single cup pod including Keurig K-Cup pods with an optional reusable filter cup so you can use your own coffee through our HomeBarista elite Cuisinart features - pour it over ice for a cool coffee treat.Filter type:Reusable
- SUPERIOR FUNCTIONALITY: The Extreme Brew features delivers coffee up to 25% faster and our single-serve brewer has a 42oz removable water reservoir and flip down shelf for shorter mugs - No need for paper filters as it comes with our reusable gold tone, commercial-style filter
- CARAFE BREWER: Serve up to 12 cups of coffee at once with our glass carafe coffee maker featuring a stainless-steel handle and body with fully automatic features – 24-hour brew start, self-clean, auto-off, and ready alert system
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Our 12-cup coffee brewer allows you to control your brew strength so you can boast light to strong coffee flavor as well as adjust your carafe water temperature that runs through its charcoal water filter
- SIMPLIFY YOUR MORNING: Fill your tank with ease featuring our easy-view water window and pour a cup before your brew cycle ends with our Brew Pause feature
Key Features
- 3-in-1 Brewing: Capable of brewing a single cup, a full carafe, or a rich, bold espresso
- Automatic Activation: Auto-on feature and adjustable auto-off ensure your coffee is ready when you are and conserves energy when not in use
- Temperature Control: Hot water button lets you enjoy instant coffee, soup, tea, and hot cocoa
- Fast Brewing: Can deliver a single cup in less than a minute
- Easy to Clean: The removable drip tray and reusable filter cup make cleaning effortless
Pros
- Offers versatility with 3-in-1 brewing
- Automatic activation and auto-off features add convenience
- Provides quick brewing for a single-cup
- Easy to clean with a removable drip tray and reusable filter cup
Cons
- The price point may be higher compared to simpler models
- The large size may not be ideal for those with limited countertop space
Why are Iced Coffee Makers Ideal for Your Home Kitchen?
Iced coffee makers are a fantastic addition to any home kitchen for several reasons. First and foremost, they offer the convenience of making your very own refreshing iced coffee in the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for frequent coffee shop visits. Secondly, they can lead to significant cost savings over time, as the expense of buying a single iced coffee from a coffee shop can quickly accumulate.
In addition, these appliances allow for a high level of customization. You can tweak the brew strength, the type of coffee, and the additives to create your perfect iced coffee, tailoring each cup to your taste preference. It also gives you the chance to experiment with different flavors and coffee variations, which might not be available at your local coffee shop.
Also, these coffee makers are often sleek and compact, easily fitting on your kitchen countertop without taking up much space. They’re designed to be user-friendly, with many models featuring simple, one-touch operation. Lastly, unlike traditional coffee makers, iced coffee makers are versatile and can be used to make other cold beverages, adding value to your purchase and enhancing your summer refreshment options. Therefore, it’s clear that an iced coffee maker is a smart, convenient, and versatile investment for any coffee lover’s home kitchen.
Different Uses Of An Iced Coffee Maker…
Beyond making traditional iced coffee, an iced coffee maker is a versatile appliance that can be employed for various uses in your kitchen. You can harness its cooling capabilities to make a wide range of chilled beverages. For example, you can brew iced tea using the same process as you would for iced coffee, simply substituting tea leaves or bags for coffee grounds.
Similarly, you can create refreshing iced herbal infusions by brewing your favorite herbs. An iced coffee maker is also handy for making cold brew coffee, a popular variant of iced coffee that is brewed with cold water over a longer period. Some iced coffee makers come with a milk frother, which you can use to make a variety of chilled, frothy milk beverages.
Moreover, you can experiment with flavored iced coffees by adding various syrups or spices to your brew. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can even use your iced coffee maker to make a decadent iced mocha. In essence, an iced coffee maker can be your ticket to exploring a wide world of cold beverages, proving its versatility beyond the standard iced coffee.
FAQs
How does an iced coffee maker work?
An iced coffee maker brews hot coffee and cools it quickly to maintain flavor and prevent dilution, usually by brewing directly onto ice or through a built-in cooling system.
What makes a good iced coffee maker?
A good iced coffee maker has a robust brewing system, efficient cooling functionality, and options to customize brew strength, durability, and user-friendliness. Added features such as a built-in grinder or programmable timer can be beneficial.
Can I make other beverages with an iced coffee maker?
Yes, you can use an iced coffee maker to prepare other cold beverages like iced tea, iced herbal infusions, cold brew coffee, and frothy milk drinks if the maker includes a milk frother.
Are iced coffee makers expensive?
The cost of an iced coffee maker can vary based on its features, brand, and quality. However, owning an iced coffee maker can lead to significant savings over time compared to frequently buying iced coffee from a coffee shop.
Is it hard to clean an iced coffee maker?
Most iced coffee makers are designed to be easy to clean, with many components being dishwasher-safe. However, you should always check the cleaning instructions for the specific model.
What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?
Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down, often by pouring over ice. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a longer period, resulting in a different taste profile.
Conclusion
Having the perfect iced coffee at home is now possible with the above-listed coffee makers. Whether you prefer a classic cold brew or a customized one, there’s a coffee maker for everyone. But before you make your purchase, make sure to evaluate your needs and preferences, so you can invest in the best iced coffee maker that suits your needs. So, go ahead and buy one of these coffee makers to elevate your coffee experience at home. Happy brewing!
