Iced coffee is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy your favorite beverage, especially on hot summer days. But how do you make iced coffee at home? Do you need a special machine for it, or can you just use your regular coffee maker and add some ice?
In this post, I will answer these questions and help you find the answer to the question “Are Iced Coffee Makers Worth It?” Another day I will make a new post on how to make iced coffee manually.
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In this blog post we will look at the following:
What is an Iced Coffee Maker and Are Iced Coffee Makers Worth It??
How many times have you been at a cafe and asked for an iced coffee? Might have been several times, right? So how about making it at home for more easy access and not giving away all your bucks to the cafe owners? So, what can you do?
An iced coffee maker is a device that brews coffee specifically for making iced coffee. There are different types of iced coffee makers, but they all have one thing in common: they brew coffee at a lower temperature than normal, or they use cold water instead of hot water. This prevents the coffee from becoming bitter or diluted when it comes in contact with ice.
Some iced coffee makers also have features that allow you to customize the strength, flavor, and size of your iced coffee. For example, some machines have a “strong brew” button that increases the amount of coffee grounds used, or a “cold foam” option that creates a creamy layer of froth on top of your drink.
Now, say you are in a setting where there is no electricity. How can you make coffee then? Read my battery-operated coffee maker for camping article and find out.
What are the Benefits of Iced Coffee Makers?
Iced coffee makers have several advantages over other methods of making iced coffee at home. Here are some of them:
- They save you time and money. You don’t have to go to a coffee shop or buy pre-made iced coffee from the store. You can make your own iced coffee in minutes with fresh ingredients and your preferred taste. Like me, I do to like too much sugar in my coffee.
- They give you more control and variety. You can choose the type of coffee beans, the grind size, the brew method, the amount of ice, and the additives (such as milk, sugar, or flavorings) that you want for your iced coffee. You can also experiment with different recipes and combinations to suit your mood and occasion.
- They produce better quality and taste. Iced coffee makers are designed to extract the best flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds without burning or over-extracting them. They also prevent the ice from melting too fast and watering down your drink.
What are the Best Iced Coffee Makers?
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There are many iced coffee makers available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. To help you choose the best one for your needs, I have compiled a list of the top five iced coffee makers based on their features, performance, and customer reviews. You can also read about a good option here in my De Longhi Coffee Machine Magnifica Review.
Now, here is the list of some of the best iced coffee makers :
| Brand | Review Rating (1-5) | Special Features | Other Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Iced+Hot Coffee Maker | 4.5 | Brews hot or cold coffee in under 4 minutes; has a “cold brew” mode that steeps grounds for up to 24 hours; has a “my brew” setting that lets you adjust the temperature, bloom time, and flow rate; has a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot or cold for hours | Can brew up to 12 cups; compatible with pre-ground or whole bean coffee; has an LCD display and a dial interface |
| Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System | 4.4 | Brews hot or cold coffee or tea in various sizes and styles; has a built-in frother that makes hot or cold foam; has an Auto-iQ technology that optimizes the brew based on the type and quantity of grounds or tea leaves; has a removable water reservoir that doubles as a hot water dispenser | Can brew up to 10 cups; compatible with K-cups or loose tea; has a glass carafe and a warming plate. See my Ninja Hot And Cold Brewed System CP307 Review for more details. |
| KitchenAid KCM4212SX Cold Brew Coffee Maker | 4.3 | Brews cold brew coffee or tea with a smooth and rich flavor; has a stainless steel tap that dispenses the brew easily; has a reusable stainless steel steeper with fill level indicators; has a compact design that fits in most refrigerator doors | Can brew up to 14 servings; compatible with coarse ground coffee or loose tea; has a glass and stainless steel body |
| Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker | 4.2 | Brews cold brew coffee or tea with an airtight seal that locks in freshness and flavor for up to two weeks; has a removable stainless steel filter that prevents grounds or leaves from escaping; has a non-slip rubber base that prevents spills or accidents; has a dishwasher-safe body that can withstand hot or cold temperatures | Can brew up to six cups; compatible with medium-fine ground coffee or loose tea; has a glass and stainless steel body |
| Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker | 4.1 | Brews cold brew coffee or tea with a leak-proof and airtight lid that preserves the taste and quality of the brew; has a fine mesh filter that keeps grounds or leaves separate from the coffee; has a non-slip handle for easy pouring; has a dishwasher-safe body that resists stains and odors | Can brew up to eight cups; compatible with any ground coffee or tea; has a BPA-free Tritan plastic body. See my Guide To Finding The Best Coffee Beans For Cold Brew here |
Get your dose of fun fact coffee to read while you brew your iced coffee.
Summary – Are Iced Coffee Makers Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences, budget, and space.
Iced coffee makers are worth it if you:
- Love iced coffee and drink it regularly
- Want to save time and money by making your own iced coffee at home
- Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and recipes of iced coffee
- Care about the quality and taste of your iced coffee
- Have enough room for an extra appliance in your kitchen
However, iced coffee makers may not be worth it if you:
- Prefer hot coffee or other beverages
- Don’t mind buying iced coffee from a coffee shop or a store
- Don’t like the hassle of cleaning and maintaining an iced coffee maker
- Don’t have much space or money to spare for an iced coffee maker
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Iced coffee makers are great devices that can enhance your coffee experience, but they are not essential. You can still make iced coffee at home using other methods, such as using a French press, a pour-over, or even a regular drip coffee maker. The most important thing is to enjoy your coffee however you like it.
I hope this post has helped you decide if iced coffee makers are worth it for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!