Best Iced Coffee Makers: Our Top 6 Picks in 2024 (+ Buyer Guide)
While you may initially think of coffee as a scalding drink to warm yourself up, it is just as good in its iced state during the humid summer days. If you like your coffee cold, you may have wondered if you can make iced coffee at home and what the best iced coffee maker is. We will show you the best products on the market, so you never have to go out for iced coffee again.
We tested several coffee makers to see their aptitude for making iced coffee. These are the six best iced coffee makers we found during our testing. Whether it is a French press, drip, or pour-over, we will direct you to the best products on the market.
1. Our Top Pick: Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Coffeemaker
- ENJOY HOTTER COFFEE: Expert coffee-making technology will allow you to ensure your coffee temperature is perfect without sacrificing flavor or quality
- BREW STRENGTH CONTROL: Select regular or bold coffee flavor to perfectly match your coffee taste preference
- FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE BREWER: 24-hour programmability with 1–4 cup settings, auto-off functionality—0-4 hours—and optional ready alert tone
- 14-CUP GLASS CARAFE: Includes decorative stainless-steel handle with matching stainless-steel body to perfectly pair with your kitchen appliances
- FILL WITH EASE: Easy-to-view water window for accurate filling and Cuisinart’s trademarked Brew Pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle has finished
- DURABLE FILTERS: Reusable gold-tone coffee filter included and built-in charcoal water filter
This model from Cuisinart is our top choice for those wishing to make iced coffee at home. This machine gives you control, unlike most other models on the market. The amount of programmability allows you to get the precise cup of coffee you want down to the acidity and when the machine automatically brews it.
With all the programmability comes the option for experimentation. You can get the most mileage out of this coffee maker by shifting your settings until you find something that speaks to you. If you grind your beans, try dialing in the grind with each brew to find the perfect sweet spot.
If you have many members of the family who enjoy coffee, this is most likely the best model you can buy. The sizable carafe lets you have multiple cups of coffee ready instantly, making it perfect for an office or AirBnB rental.
So what makes this device so apt for creating iced coffee? Well, we believe the programmability sets the DCC-3200 apart from other machines. You can adjust the hotplate to turn off after a threshold of time has passed.
If you program the machine to brew your coffee a few hours before waking up to turn the hotplate off, the coffee will be lukewarm and perfect for adding ice by the time you wake up for work. If you forget to program it, you can remove the carafe and position it on a cooling rack to hasten the chilling process.
This model from Cuisinart is our pick for the best combination of value and features.
2. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- Brew multiple brew sizes, ranging from a pod free single cup or travel mug, all the way up to a full Carafe
- Hot brewing lets you enjoy a bold, flavorful cup of hot coffee or tea; Or brew over ice to create full flavored, refreshing iced beverages
- Brew your favorite style of tea, whether you use tea bags or loose leaf, with the specially designed tea brew basket
- Auto IQ one touch intelligence technology
- Built in frother turns hot or cold milk into silky smooth froth in seconds, with nothing more than the press of a button; The thermal Carafe is not dishwasher safe
- Cord length (ft.): 2.5
While Ninja may be more famous for its blenders, the company does produce a fine coffee maker. This model has more bells and whistles than others on the list, and it is an all-in-one solution for making fancier iced drinks.
This machine from Ninja is about double the cost of the Cuisinart model, but you receive a premium product for a higher price. Ninja’s product is ready to brew iced coffee straight out of the box, and you can make a cold brew with the machine as well. All you need to do is fill the machine with ice and let it work its magic.
Where this product shines is in its bonus features, most importantly, the built-in milk frother. You do not need another piece of equipment to make your favorite iced lattes, as you can concoct them on the machine. If you enjoy lattes and other iced coffee drinks made with milk, then we think you will love this machine.
The carafe is only 50 ounces, which is a little on the small side, but it should provide a cup of coffee for a few people. You will need to perform multiple brews to get the same volume of coffee as the Cuisinart model, which is a bit of a drawback considering the price.
Regardless of the few flaws, if you are only making coffee for yourself or if you want an all-in-one platform, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is one of the best iced coffee makers available.
3. Bodum Chambord French Press
- included components: Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, 12 Espresso Cup, 51oz, Chrome
Many coffee aficionados swear by the French press as the apex of brewing. This model from Bodum gives you all the advantages of French press coffee while being the perfect vessel for creating iced coffee.
What makes French press coffee so special? Well, there are no paper filters involved in the brewing process, meaning you get a more pure coffee experience. The oils from coffee grounds have more of a chance to make it into the final cup with the French press compared to other brewing methods. This increase in the oil gives the coffee a more complex taste.
Another gigantic benefit of a French press is the amount of space it takes up. Drip machines can quickly clutter your counters, while a French press is compact enough to reside on your counter or store in a cupboard.
Not all French press coffee makers are the same, and Bodum’s model has many benefits over cheaper variations. This French press is easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher if you opt for the chrome model. The company also manufactured this product well, and you can rest assured you will not have to worry about damage or breakdowns.
What is the best way to make iced coffee with a French press? We prefer to brew the coffee as you would in the French press, although you may want to make it stronger than you normally would. Once the coffee gets brewed, you will simply pour it over ice to get a classic cup of iced coffee.
4. OXO Good Grips
- Perforated Rainmaker evenly distributes water over coffee grounds for optimal flavor extraction
- Simple Brew Release switch controls filtration process with one flick
- Brews smooth, low acid concentrate for cold or hot coffee anytime
- Ultra fine, stainless steel mesh filter is reusable and easy to clean
- Borosilicate glass carafe includes measurement markings, pairs with stopper to keep coffee fresh in refrigerator
- Small countertop footprint, easy disassembly for cleanup and compact storage
- 4 Cup (32 Ounce) capacity
- Includes 10 Paper Filters
- The OXO Better Guarantee: If you experience an issue with your OXO product, get in touch with us for a repair or replacement. We're grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experience, and we'll make it better
If you enjoy cold brew coffee or long-term planning, we recommend observing the OXO Good Grips. This machine is simple to use, and you will consistently get a strong and rich cup of cold-brew coffee when you brew with it.
So what sets the Good Grips apart from other cold brew machines? Well, OXO has equipped this product with its rainmaker top that helps perform an even extraction of the coffee. The rainmaker distributes water as evenly as possible, so you do not have grounds that are over or under-extracted.
In terms of design, this is one of the best iced coffee makers: we think the product is quite stylish and fits within any modern kitchen. It is minuscule, so you can easily store it on the countertop or in a cabinet when not in use.
Brewing with the Good Grips is straightforward for beginners in coffee making. You will fill the top reservoir with grounds and water and let the machine do the rest. Once the brew has steeped for long enough (we recommend at least 12 hours, but more will produce a better taste), you flick the switch and pour it into the carafe.
There are a few drawbacks, including the small 32-ounce carafe. You will likely only have enough coffee for one or two people. And, of course, having to wait at least half a day to enjoy the coffee means you need to have long-term planning when using this device. The Good Grips is not a machine for those who want cold brew on a whim.
5. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: 1 water filter handle, and 1 filter to help ensure your beverages taste their absolute best
- 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. Temperature: Adjust the brew temperature between 187° and 192°
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Coffee made in minutes
- LARGE 75oz WATER RESERVOIR: Allows you to brew 8 cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. Removable reservoir makes refilling easy
- REMOVABLE DRIP TRAY: Accommodates travel mugs up to 7.2 inches tall and holds a full accidental brew for easy cleanup
- BREWER MAINTENANCE REMINDER: Alerts you when it is time to descale your coffee maker. Descaling is an important process that removes built-up calcium deposits, ensuring the best-tasting brew possible
- QUIET BREW TECHNOLOGY: Minimizes noise when the coffee maker is in use
If you do not enjoy the hassle of measuring out grounds and grinding your beans, Keurig is the best iced coffee maker for you. You will have a nearly limitless variety of K-Cups to try, and you will have iced coffee with the push of a single button.
Making iced coffee with a Keurig is an effortless affair. You fill your coffee mug with ice cubes and select the Over Ice option on the machine. You can step into another room and let the Keurig handle the rest. In a few minutes, you will have an iced coffee with minimal exertion.
While the convenience and undemanding nature of a Keurig makes it a popular choice, it has several issues. Keurig devices are more expensive to use over time due to needing K-Cups. They are also not environmentally friendly, and you can only make one cup of coffee at a time with them.
If you are only making one cup of coffee for yourself at a time, this is a worthy purchase. Those wishing to brew iced coffee for the whole family may want to turn to other methods.
6. Hario V60 Pour Over
- Classic Ceramic Dripper: Specially designed to produce an evenly brewed cup of coffee. Durable Japanese ceramic retains heat to help ensure retain temperature throughout the brewing cycle. Minimalist look to suit any kitchen design or style
- Pour Over Excellence: Specialty cone shape and unique spiral ridges allow for deeper layering of the coffee grounds, producing a deep, rich umami flavor
- Pour Control: The V60 features a single large hole, improving pour flow and providing users the ultimate freedom-- Pour water quickly for a light flavor or slower for a rich, deep taste. Better accentuates coffees with floral or fruit flavor notes
- Traditional Meets Modern: Our ceramic drippers are made from Arita-yaki, a traditional style of Japanese ceramics with a rich 400-year history. Each Hario pour over dripper is handmade by a local craftsperson in Japan
- Product Details: Size 2; 1-4 cup brewing capacity. W140×D120×H102mm. White color
Pour-over coffee has increased in popularity over the years, and it remains a perfect way to brew Japanese-style iced coffee. The Hario V60 is incredibly inexpensive as far as coffee makers are concerned, and those with the desire to work to create coffee will find this a fun investment.
Pour-over coffee is similar to drip machines, except you physically pour the water over the grounds yourself. This process allows you to extract as little or as much from parts of the grounds as you want, and you feel a connection with every cup of coffee you brew.
Brewing iced coffee with a V60 is not too difficult. You will fill your carafe or mug with ice and make a stronger brew. The hot coffee will mix with the ice, melt it to get more water into the equation, and leave you with a delicious cup of iced coffee. The details are in the proportions, and you will need to tinker with the amount of ice versus water over time.
A V60 or any pour-over vessel is not for everyone, as they take time to master and require you to perform calculations and measurements. If you like to tinker with ratios and physically make the coffee yourself, the V60 is an inexpensive way to get a delicious iced coffee.
Iced Coffee Maker Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know the best iced coffee makers, we will look at some of the most critical factors in picking the machine for you. The most crucial factors are:
- Cold brew versus iced coffee
- Size
- Construction
- Customization
Deciding Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
Deciding between making a cold brew or iced coffee is the first step you will need to make when choosing between machines. While the results of the brewing method will be subtle, you will have a very different process when preparing cold brew coffee than iced coffee.
Cold brew coffee does not use hot water at any point in the creation process. It is comparable to making iced tea by allowing the leaves to steep in the refrigerator overnight. You make cold brew coffee by allowing grounds to float in the water for over half a day. The longer it brews, the deeper the flavor becomes. Add some ice to your cold brew to create iced coffee.
The more conventional method of making iced coffee is to brew it normally and then add ice after the brew has cooled. You can also brew the coffee directly over ice for a Japanese-style iced coffee. Whichever method you prefer, you will have iced coffee much faster and with a different flavor profile than a cold brew.
Cold brew coffees often contain notes of chocolate and nuts and have a milder taste. Conventionally brewed coffee is higher in acidity but has a more complex and mature taste. One method is not better than another, and it is up to the drinker to decide which is best.
Brewer Size
You should keep in mind how much coffee you drink and how many people you will be making coffee for when choosing your iced coffee maker. If you do not drink much coffee or only make coffee for yourself, buying a smaller brewer or single-cup brewer will be more cost-effective for you in the long run.
If you want to buy a coffee maker for your whole family or an office, you should opt for a model with a large reservoir and carafe. It takes too long to make coffee for each person when brewing with a smaller machine.
Brewer Construction
Coffee makers can get expensive as you look for more upscale models with more features and options. If you make such a big purchase, you should ensure you get a high-quality product in return.
Look for models that are durable and have more metal parts than plastic parts. Check reviews for mentions of weak points in the construction, and if you can, test the product yourself before making the purchase.
Customization and Additional Features
For the uninitiated, coffee may seem straightforward. For those who obsess over getting the perfect taste, you will need a machine that allows you to make all the necessary adjustments. If you are not as worried about getting the perfect brew, you can skimp on the customization options and opt for a cheaper and easier-to-use machine.
Some coffee makers have add-ons that make brewing easier or allow you to create other drinks. Some machines can brew tea, and others have milk frothers to facilitate latte creation. No matter how you make your iced coffee, you should find a product that will allow you to brew to your specifications.
Conclusion: The Best Iced Coffee Maker
When you crave iced coffee, nothing can satisfy like the taste of a delicious brew over ice. If you’re looking for our #1 recommendation for the best iced coffee maker, our top pick was the Cuisinart Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Coffeemaker. But no matter which machine you use, enjoy your iced coffee (and use this iced coffee recipe for inspiration).
Happy brewing!
- ENJOY HOTTER COFFEE: Expert coffee-making technology will allow you to ensure your coffee temperature is perfect without sacrificing flavor or quality
- BREW STRENGTH CONTROL: Select regular or bold coffee flavor to perfectly match your coffee taste preference
- FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE BREWER: 24-hour programmability with 1–4 cup settings, auto-off functionality—0-4 hours—and optional ready alert tone
- 14-CUP GLASS CARAFE: Includes decorative stainless-steel handle with matching stainless-steel body to perfectly pair with your kitchen appliances
- FILL WITH EASE: Easy-to-view water window for accurate filling and Cuisinart’s trademarked Brew Pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle has finished
- DURABLE FILTERS: Reusable gold-tone coffee filter included and built-in charcoal water filter