As the weather heats up, my morning coffee routine shifts dramatically from steaming mugs to frosty glasses. Finding the perfect iced coffee maker isn’t just about convenience; it’s about achieving that crisp, smooth, and never-watery brew that makes summer mornings bearable. I’ve spent countless hours testing various machines, from simple cold brew systems to high-tech coffee makers with built-in iced settings, all to find the ones that truly deliver. The right machine can be the difference between a bitter, diluted disappointment and a refreshing, café-quality drink.
This guide compiles my hands-on experience with the top contenders on the market. I’ve focused on key factors like brew strength, ease of cleaning, capacity, and overall value. Whether you’re a cold brew purist, a fan of quick-brewed iced coffee, or someone who wants a machine that does it all, there’s an option here for you. My goal is to help you cut through the noise and find one of the best iced coffee makers to keep you cool and caffeinated all season long.
Our Top Picks for the Best Iced Coffee Makers
- Toddy Cold Brew Coffee System
- OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer
- Takeya Deluxe Household Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
- Breville The Oracle Touch Espresso Machine
- Cuisinart Precision Brew Coffee Maker
Toddy Cold Brew Coffee System
If you’re serious about smooth, low-acidity cold brew, the Toddy is practically the industry standard for a reason. This system is beautifully simple, using a manual process that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. The result is a highly concentrated coffee that you dilute with water or milk. I find the flavor profile to be incredibly smooth and chocolatey, with almost none of the bitterness that can come from hot brewing methods. The large capacity means you can make enough concentrate to last nearly a full week, which is perfect for busy households.
The design is straightforward but effective. It consists of a brewing container, a glass decanter, a special felt filter, and a rubber stopper. The felt filter is key here, as it traps sediment and oils to produce an exceptionally clean cup. Cleanup is a bit more involved than with a paper filter, but the results are worth it. My only note is that you need to plan ahead, as this isn’t for immediate gratification. However, having a ready-to-go pitcher of concentrate in the fridge is a game-changer for quick iced coffees any time of day.
Pros
- Produces exceptionally smooth, low-acidity cold brew concentrate
- Large capacity is perfect for making a week’s worth of coffee
- Simple, reliable design with no moving parts to break
Cons
- Requires significant planning ahead (12-24 hour brew time)
- Cleaning the felt filter can be slightly messy
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker strikes a perfect balance between the simplicity of the Toddy and the sleek design of a modern kitchen gadget. What I like most about this model is its compact, all-in-one design. The brewer sits right on top of the included glass carafe, making the entire process neat and contained. The brewing mechanism is clever: you add water, and a rainmaker showerhead distributes it evenly over the grounds. When it’s time, you simply turn a switch on the front to release the concentrate into the carafe below.
This system is much cleaner and more streamlined than many others I’ve tried. The stainless steel mesh filter is fine enough to produce a very clean brew without any grit, and it’s reusable, which is a nice touch. The carafe is also airtight, so your concentrate stays fresh in the fridge. The capacity is a bit smaller than the Toddy, making it better for individuals or couples who go through coffee a little more slowly. It’s a well-thought-out, user-friendly option that looks great on the counter.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design with an integrated glass carafe
- Easy-to-use switch mechanism for a clean, drip-free transfer
- Reusable stainless steel filter eliminates the need for paper filters
Cons
- Smaller capacity may not be sufficient for large families
- The glass carafe, while nice, requires careful handling
Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBT is the pinnacle of hot coffee brewing, and its unique “Brew-Through-Ice” function makes it a top-tier choice for iced coffee as well. This isn’t a cold brew system; instead, it brews a small, highly concentrated batch of hot coffee directly onto a full carafe of ice. The result is an instantly chilled coffee that retains the bright, complex flavors of a hot brew that are often lost in the slow cold brew process. The speed is a major advantage—you get a fantastic iced coffee in just a few minutes.
The build quality is what sets the Moccamaster apart. It’s a certified brewer that maintains the perfect water temperature throughout the entire brewing cycle, ensuring optimal extraction. This attention to detail is evident in the final cup. The thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot if you’re using it for a regular brew, and for the iced function, it’s simply the vessel for your ice. This machine is an investment, for sure, but for coffee enthusiasts who want the absolute best quality and speed for both hot and iced coffee, it’s worth every penny.
Pros
- Brews incredibly flavorful iced coffee in minutes using the Brew-Through-Ice method
- Superior build quality and temperature control for perfect extraction
- Thermal carafe is excellent for keeping hot coffee warm
Cons
- Very high price point compared to other options
- Only makes a half-batch (approx. 20 oz) when using the iced coffee function
Takeya Deluxe Household Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and effective cold brew maker, the Takeya is a fantastic choice. This system is my go-to recommendation for beginners or anyone who wants minimal fuss. It’s essentially a large pitcher with a fine-mesh filter basket that you fill with coffee grounds, add water, and let steep in your refrigerator. The airtight lid is a great feature, as it prevents any odors from the fridge from getting into your brew. After steeping, you just lift out the filter basket, and your concentrate is ready.
I appreciate how easy it is to clean. The parts are dishwasher safe, and the wide mouth makes it simple to add coffee and water. The pitcher itself is durable and easy to store. While it doesn’t have the fancy features of the OXO or the capacity of the Toddy, it does one job and does it very well. It’s perfect for a single person or a couple. You can also find it in several sizes and colors to fit your kitchen style. For the price, it’s an incredibly reliable and convenient way to make great cold brew at home.
Pros
- Extremely affordable and easy to use, great for beginners
- Airtight lid and compact design make it easy to store in the fridge
- Dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup
Cons
- The plastic construction may not feel as premium as glass or ceramic
- Smaller capacity than dedicated countertop systems
Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
For sheer versatility, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is hard to beat. This single machine truly does it all, offering settings for classic hot coffee, rich cold brew, and even specialty drinks like iced tea and nitro-style coffee. The “Cold Brew” function is what makes it a star for iced coffee lovers; it brews a concentrated coffee directly over ice in about 10 minutes. While it’s not a true slow-steeped cold brew, the Over-Ice setting uses a specialized brew strength to account for dilution, resulting in a robust and flavorful iced coffee without the wait.
I was genuinely impressed with the speed and quality. The machine is packed with smart features, including different brew sizes and a “Sweet Cold Brew” option designed to extract more nuanced flavors. It’s a fantastic solution for someone who wants both hot and iced coffee options without needing two separate appliances. The carafe is sturdy and easy to pour from. The main drawback is its footprint; it’s a larger machine that will take up a decent amount of counter space. If you have the room, however, it’s an incredible all-in-one workhorse.
Pros
- Extremely versatile, making both hot coffee and quick iced coffee
- Fast Over-Ice brew setting produces coffee in minutes, not hours
- Multiple brew strength and size options for customization
Cons
- Larger size requires significant counter space
- More complex than a dedicated cold brew system
Breville The Oracle Touch Espresso Machine
For the ultimate at-home café experience, the Breville Oracle Touch is in a league of its own. While it’s primarily an espresso machine, its ability to create phenomenal iced lattes and americanos is why it’s on this list. This machine is almost fully automated; it grinds the beans, tamps the puck, and froths the milk at the touch of a screen. To make an iced drink, you simply pull a shot of espresso directly over a glass full of ice and add cold milk or water. The intensity and quality of the espresso are outstanding.
The dual boiler system means you can steam milk and pull a shot simultaneously, which is a huge time-saver. The automated tamping takes the guesswork out of achieving the perfect extraction. This is obviously a significant investment and is meant for someone who is truly passionate about espresso-based drinks. It has a large counter footprint and a steep learning curve despite its automation. But if your idea of perfect iced coffee is a sharp, flavorful iced latte, no other machine on this list can compete with the Oracle Touch.
Pros
- Creates barista-quality iced lattes and americanos with ease
- Extremely automated with a touchscreen interface for consistency
- Dual boiler allows for simultaneous brewing and milk texturing
Cons
- Extremely high price point
- Very large and requires significant counter space and maintenance
Cuisinart Precision Brew Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart Precision Brew is a fantastic drip coffee maker that earns its spot here thanks to its dedicated “Over Ice” brewing setting. Similar to the Ninja and Moccamaster, this function brews a stronger, more concentrated batch of hot coffee directly into a carafe filled with ice. I found the resulting iced coffee to be well-balanced and robust, without becoming watery. It’s a great option for those who prefer the flavor profile of hot-brewed coffee but want it iced immediately.
What I like about the Cuisinart is its range of customization options. You can adjust the brew strength, temperature, and even the bloom time, giving you a lot of control over your final cup. It’s more affordable than the Moccamaster while still offering professional-style features. The glass carafe includes a thermal sleeve to keep coffee hot, which is a nice bonus. It’s a solid, reliable machine that makes excellent hot coffee and very good iced coffee, making it a great all-around choice for a household that enjoys both.
Pros
- Specialized Over-Ice setting produces great iced coffee quickly
- Highly customizable with adjustable brew strength and temperature
- Excellent value for a feature-rich coffee maker
Cons
- The glass carafe is less insulated than a full thermal model
- Can be somewhat noisy during the brewing process
Ease of cleaning is a huge factor for me. Machines with complex parts or fine mesh filters can be a pain to maintain. I prefer models with dishwasher-safe components or simple designs. For example, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker has a sleek design that’s straightforward to disassemble and clean. Don’t underestimate this—a difficult-to-clean machine will likely end up collecting dust in the cupboard.
Finally, consider your budget and desired features. You can find excellent, simple cold brew makers for under $30. More advanced machines that can make both hot and iced coffee will cost more, but they offer greater versatility. Think about whether you want programmable settings, a built-in water filter, or the ability to make other drinks like tea or specialty coffees. By focusing on how you actually make coffee at home, you can choose the best iced coffee maker from our 2025 reviews that fits your life perfectly.
FAQ
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
This is the most common question I get. Iced coffee is generally brewed hot and then cooled down quickly by pouring it over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is never heated. Coarse coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for a long time (usually 12-24 hours). The result is a much smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweeter concentrate. When you look at the 7 best iced coffee makers, you’ll see that some are designed specifically for the cold brew method, while others make traditional iced coffee quickly.
Can I use regular coffee grounds in an iced coffee maker?
You can use any coffee you like, but the grind size is important. For cold brew makers, you absolutely need a coarse grind. A fine grind, like what you’d use for a drip machine, will slip through the filter and create a muddy, gritty coffee. For machines with an iced setting that brew hot, a medium grind is usually fine. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality beans for the best flavor.
How long does cold brew concentrate last in the refrigerator?
When stored in a sealed container like a mason jar or the pitcher that comes with your maker, cold brew concentrate stays fresh for about one to two weeks. I find it tastes best within the first 5-7 days. Once you dilute it with water or milk, you should drink it within a day or two for optimal taste.
Why does my homemade iced coffee taste weak and watery?
This usually happens when hot-brewed coffee is poured directly over ice, melting it and diluting the coffee. The solution is to use a stronger brew. Either use a machine with an iced coffee setting that makes a concentrate, or brew your regular coffee at double strength. You can also try cooling the hot coffee in the refrigerator first before adding ice, or even using coffee ice cubes so they don’t water down your drink as they melt.
Are iced coffee makers easy to clean?
It really depends on the model. Most cold brew makers with a simple immersion design, like a jar with a filter, are very easy to clean—often dishwasher safe. Machines with more complex plumbing and internal parts, like some multi-function coffee centers, require more effort. I always check the cleaning instructions in the product manual before I buy.
Is it cheaper to make iced coffee at home?
Without a doubt, yes. Buying a daily iced coffee from a cafe adds up quickly. Making it at home with one of the best iced coffee makers is significantly more cost-effective over time. You have full control over the beans and the strength, and the initial investment in the machine pays for itself after just a few weeks of skipping the coffee shop line.