As the temperature rises, the appeal of a perfectly chilled, refreshing iced coffee becomes undeniable. While coffee shops offer a convenient fix, making your own at home is a game-changer for both your wallet and your taste buds. The right iced coffee maker allows you to craft a customized beverage exactly to your liking, whether you prefer a quick-brewed iced coffee or a slow-steeped cold brew concentrate.
Navigating the different types of machines can be challenging. From single-serve brewers that work in minutes to elegant immersion systems that extract maximum flavor over hours, there is an ideal option for every coffee enthusiast. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best iced coffee makers available, designed to help you create barista-level cold coffee beverages with ease and consistency.
Our Top Picks for Iced Coffee Makers
- Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Machine
- Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
- Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
- Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Toddy® Cold Brew System
- Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Black
- KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 1000ml
- County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Machine
For those who want iced coffee in a hurry, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is an excellent solution. This single-serve machine brews a hot, concentrated coffee directly over a full tumbler of ice in under four minutes. The specialized brewing process is designed to use the right ratio of coffee to ice, preventing a watered-down result and ensuring a bold, flavorful cup every time.
It includes a reusable coffee filter and a convenient 22-ounce tumbler, making it simple to prepare your coffee and take it with you. This system is a fantastic way to skip the coffee shop line and save money while enjoying a consistently good iced coffee at home.
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
The Primula Burke Deluxe offers a classic and effective method for making cold brew. Its design features a durable glass carafe with a comfortable grip handle and a fine mesh filter that is removable for easy cleaning. This system is built for simplicity, allowing you to combine coffee grounds and cold water before steeping in the refrigerator.
The result is an incredibly rich and smooth coffee concentrate that is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. With a 1.6-quart capacity, it’s perfect for making several servings to enjoy throughout the week. The entire unit is dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward.
Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
If you already love the convenience of a Keurig, the K-Elite model makes it simple to add iced coffee to your routine. This machine includes a dedicated Iced button that brews a stronger, more concentrated coffee over ice to prevent dilution. It offers multiple cup sizes and a Strength Control setting for further customization.
Beyond iced coffee, its programmability and temperature control allow you to fine-tune your hot beverages as well. For households that enjoy both hot and cold coffee drinks, the K-Elite provides impressive versatility and speed.
Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a bestseller for its straightforward, efficient design and durability. Made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, it functions as both a brewer and a serving pitcher. The airtight lid with a leak-proof seal makes it safe for shaking and storing in the refrigerator.
Its fine-mesh filter is designed to keep all grounds out of your finished coffee, resulting in a clean, smooth concentrate. The compact size fits easily in most refrigerator doors, and the entire unit is dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning.
OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker brings a thoughtful, user-friendly design to the countertop. It features a “Rainmaker” attachment that evenly saturates the coffee grounds for a consistent extraction. When brewing is complete, a simple switch activates the filtration process, draining the concentrate into the included glass carafe.
This system produces a low-acid coffee concentrate that can be used for both iced and hot coffee. The entire setup is designed with the OXO hallmark of quality and ergonomics, making the brewing process clean and simple.
Toddy® Cold Brew System
Often considered the original cold brew system, the Toddy® Cold Brew System is a favorite for its proven and reliable method. It uses a simple two-part design with a brewing container and a glass decanter. The process involves a slow steeping time that results in an exceptionally smooth and low-acid coffee concentrate.
The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing you to prepare a single batch of coffee for many days. Its straightforward, no-fuss approach has made it a trusted choice for coffee aficionados for years.
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Bodum’s Cold Brew Coffee Maker combines stylish design with practical function. It features a durable beaker made from BPA-free plastic and a unique two-lid system. One lid is used with a plunger for the brewing and filtering process, while the other is a simple silicone lid for storage.
This method is similar to a French press but uses cold water and a much longer steeping time. The result is a full-bodied and refreshing coffee. Its generous 51-ounce capacity is ideal for sharing or for ensuring you have plenty of cold brew ready for the week ahead.
KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
For a premium and convenient cold brew experience, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a standout. It brews up to 38 ounces of concentrate and features a built-in stainless steel tap for easy dispensing directly from your refrigerator. This eliminates the need to lift and pour a heavy carafe.
The concentrate it produces is rich and full-bodied, perfect for mixing with milk or water. With a carrying handle and a sleek design, it is as functional as it is good-looking, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Hario, a brand respected in the coffee world, brings its expertise to cold brew with the Mizudashi. This maker features a slender, space-saving design and a fine mesh filter that requires no paper replacements. Simply add coffee and water, steep, and enjoy.
The 1000ml capacity brews about four to five cups of smooth, low-acid coffee. The slender spout allows for controlled pouring, making it easy to serve without spills. It’s a simple, effective, and reusable system for daily cold brew.
County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker
For those who prefer an all-glass brewing vessel, the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an excellent choice. It typically features a large glass jar with a secure lid and a stainless steel filter. This straightforward setup allows you to see the brewing process and ensures no plastic comes into contact with your coffee.
The simplicity of the design makes it easy to use and clean. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a pure, uncomplicated method to make a large batch of cold brew coffee concentrate at home.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Iced Coffee Maker
Choosing the right iced coffee maker can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve spent a lot of time testing different methods, and I can tell you that the best choice really depends on your personal habits and how much patience you have. Let’s break down the key things I look for when picking a machine for my own kitchen.
First, consider the brewing method. The two main camps are cold brew systems and iced coffee machines. A classic cold brew maker, like a Toddy or a large mason jar system, involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. The result is a super smooth, low-acidity concentrate that you dilute with water or milk. It’s my go-to for making a big batch that lasts all week. On the other hand, an iced coffee machine, like those from Ninja or Mr. Coffee, brews hot coffee directly over ice. This method is much faster, giving you a fresh glass in just a few minutes, but the flavor profile is brighter and more similar to hot coffee that’s been cooled down.
Next, think about capacity and size. If you’re the only one in your household who drinks iced coffee, a compact, single-serving maker might be perfect. But if you’re feeding a family of caffeine lovers or you just like to have a ready-to-go supply, a larger pitcher-style cold brew maker is a better investment. Also, check the dimensions of the machine. Some countertop iced coffee makers can be surprisingly bulky, so make sure you have the space for it.
Materials matter for both taste and durability. For any part that touches coffee, like the filter or the brew basket, I prefer stainless steel or permanent mesh filters over paper. They don’t impart any papery taste and are more sustainable. The carafe or pitcher is another key component. Glass carafes are classic and don’t hold onto flavors, but they can break. Plastic is lightweight and durable, but I always make sure it’s BPA-free to avoid any weird flavors leaching into my brew.
Finally, don’t forget about cleaning. The easiest iced coffee makers to maintain are the ones with the fewest parts and those that are dishwasher safe. A complex machine with tiny nooks and crannies can be a real pain to clean, which might discourage you from using it as often as you’d like. A simple immersion brewer or a machine with a removable, washable filter basket will make your daily routine much simpler. By weighing these factors—brewing style, capacity, materials, and clean-up—you can find the perfect appliance to make your own refreshing cold brews at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
This is a really common question, and the difference is all in the process. Iced coffee is essentially hot-brewed coffee that is then chilled and poured over ice. It’s quick to make but can sometimes taste a bit watered-down or acidic. Cold brew, on the other hand, is never heated. It’s made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for a long time, usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction creates a much smoother, less acidic, and sweeter tasting coffee concentrate. So, while both are served cold, their flavor profiles are quite distinct.
How fine should I grind my coffee for a cold brew maker?
For almost any cold brew maker, you want a coarse grind, similar to what you’d use for a French press. I can’t stress this enough. If the grind is too fine, you’ll end up with a muddy, over-extracted, and bitter concentrate. The coarse grounds allow the water to flow through slowly without pulling out the harsh flavors. If you don’t have a grinder at home, most coffee shops will be happy to grind your beans to a coarse setting if you tell them it’s for cold brew.
How long does homemade cold brew concentrate last in the refrigerator?
When I make a batch, I always store the concentrate in a sealed container in the fridge. It typically stays fresh and tasty for about one to two weeks. Once you dilute it with water or milk, however, you should try to drink it within a day or two for the best flavor. I always keep my concentrate and my ready-to-drink coffee separate for this reason.
Can I use regular pre-ground coffee from the supermarket?
You absolutely can, and I’ve done it many times in a pinch. Just try to find a pre-ground coffee labeled for French press or cold brew, as it will be a coarser grind. Using a standard medium grind meant for drip coffee makers might work, but it will likely result in more sediment in your final brew and could taste a bit more bitter. For the best results with your iced coffee makers for refreshing cold brews, freshly grinding whole beans right before brewing is the way to go.
Do I need a special machine, or can I use something I already own?
You don’t necessarily need a special machine! Before I bought a dedicated brewer, I made cold brew for years using a large mason jar and a fine-mesh sieve lined with a cheesecloth or a paper filter. It’s a simple, low-cost method that works perfectly well. The main advantage of a dedicated maker is convenience—they often have built-in filters for easy steeping and decanting, which can be less messy.