The Best Iced Coffee Machines to Wake You Up
The Best Iced Coffee Machines to Wake You Up
Whether you’re after smooth cold brews or bold iced jolts, we’ve reviewed the machines that can turn your daily cup into a cafe creation.
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Our Top Picks
Classical coffees are great, but when the heat kicks in, a refreshing iced coffee is the only thing that can keep you going. We've all tried making it at home, hoping for the perfect café quality drink, only to end up disappointed with something that just doesn’t feel the same. That’s where the right iced coffee machine makes all the difference. In this guide, we’re skipping the fluff and getting straight to the point—finding the best machines that deliver the perfect iced coffee, every time. Our list of options will have you sipping on a truly refreshing iced coffee without any of the guesswork.
1 . AeroPress Original Iced Coffee Maker
Whether the AeroPress can be called a machine or not is up for debate, but one thing is for sure: this coffee maker makes the best concentrated brew you'll ever taste. The mechanism is simple: Ground coffee is steeped in hot water, then the brewed coffee is pushed through a microfilter using a plunger to make a smooth, grit-free cup of Joe. Unlike traditional coffee makers, the AeroPress also gives you full control over the brewing process and allows you to experiment with different grind sizes, brew times, and water temperatures to craft your perfect cup.
Pros
Portable design, Highly concentrated coffee, Complete control
Cons
A bit messy to work with
2 . Famiworths Iced Coffee Machine
If you're looking for something less hands-off than the Aeropress, we think this iced coffee machine is the next best thing. It's a simple, no-fuss machine with thoughtful features like self-cleaning, descaling reminders, and automatic shut-off. The machine uses deep coffee extraction technology to brew both hot and iced coffee. It can brew using K-cups or ground coffee and operates with the push of a button. Plus, unlike many other single-serve coffee makers, this one comes with a large reusable filter that holds 0.88 oz of ground and creates a stronger and bolder coffee compared to using pods.
Pros
Versatile, Self-cleaning feature, Large and reusable filter
Cons
Takes longer to heat up
3 . Keurig Iced Coffee Machine
Keurig is a name brand for all things coffee, and it's easy to see why. This iced coffee machine by Keurig automatically adjusts the brew temperature; it starts brewing at a hotter temperature to extract full flavor from the coffee and then cools down to reduce ice melt. This means that the iced coffee remains strong and flavorful without being watered down. The machine offers a "Strong Brew" feature that allows users to brew a more intense cup of hot coffee. It can also brew three different cup sizes—8, 10, and 12 oz—and allows for up to four cups of coffee before needing a refill.
Pros
Automatic brew temperature adjustment, Strong brew feature, Brews 3 different cup sizes
Cons
Coffee spout is awkwardly positioned
4 . Ninja XL Iced Coffee Machine
This is likely the most versatile coffee machine on our list; it allows you to choose from four distinct brew styles—Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew, so you never need another coffee machine again. Users can also choose from eight different brew sizes, ranging from a small cup to a full 12-cup carafe, depending on whether you want a simple cup of Joe or a larger batch for entertaining guests. The machine’s Thermal Flavor Extraction technology is designed for even saturation and precise temperature control for optimal flavor in every cup. Plus, unlike many other coffee makers, this machine doesn’t require pods and gives users the freedom to use any type of ground coffee.
Pros
Four brew styles, Eight brew sizes, Thermal Flavor Extraction technology
Cons
Loud operation
5 . Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine
Brewing time is an often overlooked but equally important feature in an iced coffee machine, especially for those who can't afford to wait around for their morning coffee. That's why this iced coffee machine ability to brew iced coffee in under 4 minutes for users who want a refreshing iced coffee without a long wait. The iced coffee machine also comes with an included scoop and a simple measuring system that ensures the perfect ratio of coffee to ice to avoid watered-down iced coffee. It's also more affordable than other machines on the market, so it's perfect for those who want a budget option that still does the job.
Pros
Super affordable, Quick brewing time, Includes 22-ounce tumbler
Cons
Requires a lot of ice
6 . Black and Decker Iced Coffee Machine
This may be a large iced coffee machine, but it's the little things that make it stand out. For starters, it allows users to brew both iced and hot coffee using the same carafe. The machine also utilizes Vortex Technology to evenly saturate the coffee grounds and produce a consistently rich and flavorful cup of coffee, whether hot or iced. It also has lots of programmable features, including Quick Touch Programming which allows users to set the clock and program the machine to brew coffee at a specific time as well as the Sneak-a-Cup feature that lets users pause the brewing process to pour a cup of coffee before the full carafe is finished. Finally, the carafe features an ergonomic handle for easy pouring,
Pros
Programmable for convenience, Iced or hot coffee, 4-hour keep warm featureCons
Difficult to refill reservoir
FAQ
Q: Can I use regular coffee grounds in an iced coffee machine?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use regular coffee grounds in an iced coffee machine. Most machines are designed to work well with your favorite coffee, whether it’s a store-bought blend or freshly ground beans. The key is to make sure you’re using the right grind size—medium grind works best for most iced coffee machines. It’s fine enough to extract flavor but not so fine that it clogs the filter.
Q: How do iced coffee machines handle brewing with different water temperatures?
A: Iced coffee machines are pretty smart when it comes to handling water temperature. They often start by heating the water to extract all the flavors from the coffee grounds, just like a regular coffee maker. Then, some machines cool the coffee down a bit before it hits the ice, which helps prevent the ice from melting too quickly and watering down your drink.
Q: Can iced coffee machines make specialty drinks like iced lattes?A: Yes, many iced coffee machines can make specialty drinks like iced lattes. While the basic function of these machines is to brew coffee that can be served over ice, some models come with additional features, like milk frothers, that allow you to create drinks like iced lattes or cappuccinos. All you need to do is brew a strong shot of coffee, add some frothed or cold milk, and you’ve got an iced latte. Even if your machine doesn’t have a frother, you can still mix brewed coffee with milk and ice for a simple, tasty iced latte at home.
Q: What’s the difference between a drip-style iced coffee machine and one that uses pods?
A: The main difference between a drip-style iced coffee machine and one that uses pods is how they brew the coffee. A drip-style machine uses ground coffee and hot water that slowly drips through a filter, giving you more control over the strength and flavor since you can choose your own coffee grounds. On the other hand, pod-based machines use pre-packaged coffee pods, which are super convenient and quick, but they might limit your flavor options since you’re tied to the pods available.
Q: Can I use regular tap water in an iced coffee machine?
A: Yes, you can use regular tap water in an iced coffee machine, but the quality of your water can affect the taste of your coffee. If your tap water has a strong taste or high mineral content, it might impact the flavor, making your coffee taste a bit off. Over time, minerals in tap water can also build up in the machine, which might require more frequent cleaning or descaling. If you want the best-tasting coffee and to keep your machine running smoothly, using filtered water is a good idea. But if tap water is all you have, it will still work just fine.
Article Contributors
Ctech Shopping Team
CTech's Shopping team brings you the latest in tech through carefully crafted reviews and guides, independent of their editorial team. As a reader-supported entity, our tech-savvy writers and editors sometimes incorporate AI in their analyses to verify the precision of product dimensions, availability, and pricing.
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