If you are in a hurry and want to find out which is the best iced coffee maker, I’d recommend the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System as the best one.

Iced coffee is the go-to beverage for many coffee lovers, especially in warmer months. But with so many shopping options available, finding the perfect one for you can be challenging. To help you out, we’ve researched, analyzed, and compiled a list of the eight best iced coffee makers to shop for in 2023.

If you’re curious about foamy cold coffee, check our review of the best nitro cold brew coffee makers.

Top 3 Best Iced Coffee Makers in 2023

7 Best Iced Coffee Makers in 2023

After personally assessing dozens of coffee makers, our research team found the most reliable, durable, best looking, and performing options.

Find below our selection of the top iced coffee makers:

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System (8.5/10) – Best Overall

The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is our pick for the best overall iced coffee maker in 2023. This machine allows you to choose between a classic hot brewed coffee or an intense brew over ice, giving you more choices and making it easier to enjoy your favorite beverage any time of day.

Pros

• The ability to make both hot and cold drinks with one machine.
• A built-in frother for making creamy lattes, cappuccinos, and caffès mistos.
• An adjustable brew basket allows you to customize the strength of your coffee.
• A reusable filter that eliminates the need for disposable paper filters.
• An easy-to-use digital display with preprogrammed settings for different types of drinks.
• It can produce hot water for hot coffee drinks.
• 1-year limited warranty.

Cons

• It’s overcomplicated for non-regular coffee drinkers.
• Reusable filters don’t fit perfectly.

Toddy Cold Brew System (8.45/10) – Runner-Up

The Toddy Cold Brew System has been around for quite some time, and the brand is popular amongst coffee shop owners for its durability. The system has several reusable felt filters and a glass decanter.

Pros

• Excellent capacity – up to 48 fl oz (1400 ml) of cold brew concentrate at a time.
• A BPA-free system that is safe, easy to set up and use.
• Two felt filters for a smooth, rich liquid cold brew coffee concentrate.
• Glass carafe with lid keeps your concentrate fresh and flavorful.

Cons

• Relatively pricey for a cold-brew coffee maker.
• It’s prone to spills.
• It doesn’t look good.

Hario Cold Brew Wine Bottle (8.43/10) – Best Value

Pros

• Durable and easy to clean cold brew coffee maker.
• Ultra-fine filter for clear, sediment-free cold brew coffee.
• Reasonable capacity for multiple servings at 22 fl oz (650ml).
• Easy to use – just add the coffee grinds to the filter, pour cold water slowly into the canister, and let steep for 8 hours or more
• Beautiful design that embellishes any countertop or coffee bar

Cons

• Little versatility.
• Although it’s made in high-quality glass, it must still be handled with extra care.

Mr. Coffee Hot And Iced Coffee Maker – Best Affordable Iced Coffee Maker

Pros

• It brews in under 4 minutes.
• Can brew 6, 8, 12, or 16 oz. of bold, hot coffee and 22 oz. of refreshing iced coffee.
• Includes a reusable filter for single-serve brewing.
• Easy to use and customize drinks.
• Hot water capability for hot coffee drinks.
• Cost-effective compared to buying pre-made iced coffees.
• One-year warranty.

Cons

• Completely made of plastic, which goes against its aesthetic appeal.

Yama Glass Cold Brew Drip Tower – Best splurge-worthy

The Yama Glass Cold Brew Drip Tower is a must-have for those who appreciate a visually pleasing brewing device that works well. It can produce up to eight cups of coffee, has a ceramic filter, and its glass design is perfect for showcasing your brewing process.

Pros

• Made from premium hand-blown borosilicate glass, ensuring the highest quality and craftsmanship.
• Features a wooden frame in different high-quality finishes. 
• Specialty glass is perfect for cold brew brewing.
• 4-stage filtration system to ensure maximum flavor extraction.
• Reusable ceramic filter for easy cleanup.
• Holds up to 1 pound of ground coffee.
• Brass valves for precise control over the water flow rate.
• Unique 3-hour process using pure gravity to extract flavors from coffee grounds slowly.

Cons

• Expensive. It’s the priciest on our list.
• Extremely fragile.
• Tall and unpractical for a small counter space.

Aeropress + Puck Puck Attachment – Affordable and Versatile Cold Drip Coffee Maker

Pros

• Controlled slow dripping of water over a bed of coffee, creating a uniquely versatile brew.
• Adjustable drip rate with a simple twist.
• Easy to use and install.
• Makes delicious drip cold brew coffee that can be enjoyed over ice or with milk.
• Compact and portable, perfect for small countertops or on the go.
• Faster than immersion cold brewing methods.

Cons

• It works better with a clear Aeropress -which is pricier- to measure drip rate accurately.

HyperChiller HC2 Patented Iced Coffee – Simplest Iced Coffee Maker

Pros

• Rapidly chills coffee without watering it down.
• Easy to use.
• Versatile. It can chill all kinds of beverages, not only coffee.
• 12.5 oz capacity and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Cons

• It needs to refreeze for hours after each use.
• Durability issues.

What is an Iced Coffee Maker?

An iced coffee maker is designed to brew coffee to be consumed cold or iced. Unlike traditional hot coffee makers, most iced coffee makers use different methods that optimize the extraction of coffee flavors and aromas while minimizing the bitterness and acidity that can form in hot-brewed coffee.

Depending on the model and desired result, iced coffee makers can use different techniques, such as cold brewing, slow dripping, flash-chilling, or pouring over ice. Some are manual and require specific skills, while others are automatic and use programmable settings or single-serve capsules.

Common features of iced coffee makers include a brewing container, mesh filters, a strainer, a glass carafe or dispenser, and a cooling or heating system. Most are easy to clean and maintain, and some have reusable or biodegradable filters that reduce waste. Overall, they are versatile and convenient appliances that can transform your coffee-drinking experience, and satisfy the cravings of any coffee lover, regardless of their taste and preferences.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

The main differences between cold brew and iced coffee depend on the brewing method, resulting in very different coffee cups.

To make cold-brew coffee, you use an immersion method, steeping coffee grounds in cold water for hours. On the other hand, iced coffee can be obtained by pouring strong coffee over ice.

As you’ve noticed, besides steeping coffee grounds in cold water, some coffeemakers use a cold drip method, enabling a faster brew, with some differences in taste and body.

Read our in-depth article for a complete discussion about the differences between cold brew and iced coffee.

Benefits of Making Your Own Cold Brew Coffee

You’ve probably heard of cold brew coffee if you’re a coffee lover. This trendy way of making coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. Cold brew coffee has a smoother and less acidic taste than hot brewed coffee, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less intense coffee flavor.

One of the biggest benefits of making your cold brew coffee is the amount of control you have over the brewing process. Unlike traditional hot-brewed coffee, cold brew requires a longer steeping period and coarse coffee grounds. When making your cold brew, you can adjust the steeping time and grind size to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.

Another advantage of making your cold brew coffee is its cost-effectiveness. Purchasing a cup of cold brew coffee daily at your local coffee shop can add up quickly, but making it at home can save you significant money over time. Plus, you’ll avoid using disposable cups and reduce waste by storing your homemade cold brew in a reusable container.

Making your cold brew coffee also allows for experimentation with different types of coffee beans and brewing processes to find the perfect flavor profile. Whether you prefer a light or dark roast, choose the coffee bean that best suits your taste. And with the option to experiment with different brewing methods, you can customize your cold brew.

In summary, making your cold brew coffee is an excellent choice for people who want greater control over their coffee-making process. Not only is it cost-effective and reduces waste, it also allows for experimentation and a tailored flavor profile. So brew up a batch and enjoy your homemade cold-brew coffee!

Types of Iced Coffee Makers

Iced coffee is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy your caffeine fix during hot weather. While you can always order one at a coffee shop, making your own allows for more personalization and cost-effectiveness. But with so many types available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Keep reading to explore the different types of iced coffee makers and their benefits to help you make an informed decision.

1. Cold Brew Coffee Maker

The cold brew coffee maker is the most popular and simple way to make iced coffee. They work by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually overnight, to produce a concentrated coffee that can be diluted to taste with water or milk. They come in various sizes, ranging from small to large, and can produce anywhere from a single cup to a whole pitcher.

Compared with cold drip brewing, immersion brewing is the more common method for cold brew makers. It’s relatively easy to do and requires only a few pieces of equipment, such as a brewing container, a reusable filter, and coffee grounds.

We picked a couple of cold-brew coffee makers in our selection. The Hario Cold Brew Wine Bottle and the Toddy Cold Brew System. Both are excellent options to get a delicious homemade cold brew coffee concentrate.

2. Cold Drip Coffee Maker

The cold drip coffee makers are less known, yet they tend to become the center of attraction of any home or café. These brewing devices use a slow drip system to wet the coffee grounds and delicately extract the aromas and flavors.

A cold drip brewer works on the principle of slow, steady dripping of cold water over finely ground coffee beans. This process can take several hours, depending on the desired strength of the brew. The result is a smooth and flavorful coffee concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk to create a refreshing iced coffee.

Surprisingly, the slow-drip cold brew method is faster than steeping coffee grounds and produces a smooth yet tasty cup of cold coffee.

One of our favorites, the Yama Glass Cold Brew and Iced Coffee Maker, is a good example of this coffee brewing device.

3. Drip Over Ice Coffee Maker

A drip-over-ice coffee maker brews coffee directly over ice. This method of brewing results in a smooth, cold cup of coffee that can be enjoyed without additional ice or refrigeration.

The process begins with water pouring into the machine’s reservoir, then heated and passed through a filter containing freshly ground coffee beans. As the hot (or warm) water passes through the grounds, it extracts flavor and aroma from them before dripping onto a bed of ice below. The resulting beverage is chilled quickly and ready to enjoy immediately.

Our top pick, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, uses warm water instead of hot water, like conventional drip coffee makers like the Mr. Coffee Hot and Iced Coffee Maker.

The HyperChiller HC2 applies a flash chilling process, which does not dilute the coffee. It’s pretty much like dripping freshly brewed coffee over ice for the rest of it.

Finally, some drip coffee makers have an iced coffee setting, which adjusts the brewing process to produce a stronger coffee that can hold up to being iced.

4. French Press

The French press is versatile and can be used to make both hot and cold coffee. Since it’s an immersion brewing device, the French press can be easily used for cold brew coffee.

Like other cold brew coffee makers, add coarse ground coffee beans to the French press, then some cold water, and stick it in the fridge overnight. Next morning, press the plunger down and pour the coffee over the ice.

Et voilá! Cold brew a la cafetiere! 😉

5. Aeropress

I love the Aeropress. It’s the brewing device that seduced me into specialty coffee.

The Aeropress coffee maker is a compact, portable brewer that combines pressure and immersion to make coffee. Follow the regular Aeropress method, but pour the brewed coffee over ice.

I recommend using a strong cup of coffee so that melted ice doesn’t water down the taste and body of the coffee.

6. Espresso Machine

If you’re a fan of espresso-based drinks, an espresso machine can make delicious and refreshing iced coffee drinks. Simply brew a double espresso over ice, adding milk or water to taste.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, a Moka pot produces a similar cup of coffee. The main issue with using a Moka pot to make iced coffee is that it produces a steaming hot cup of joe. As a result, it can easily melt most ice cubes.

In this regard, I recommend letting Moka pot coffee cool down a bit before pouring it over ice.

Things to Consider When Buying an Iced Coffee Maker

Listening to your heart may work for many things. But when it comes to coffee gear, it’s better to drill down what are the key features and prioritize accordingly.

After analyzing hundreds of iced coffee makers, interviewing customers, and talking with coffee experts, we found some key features that make it easier to decide.

Iced Coffee Maker Type and Brewing Time

As explained above, there are four types of iced coffee makers: immersion cold brew method, slow cold drip, brew over ice, and flash chill. If you like to get iced coffee whenever you want, without planning, then a pour-over ice coffee maker or a flash chill device would be your best option.

Immersion cold brew and slow-drip coffee makers require patience and planning. They usually take hours to brew, so it’s better to brew in advance a good batch to enjoy a cup and save some for later.

Design

I prefer good-looking appliances whenever possible. And easy to use. Aesthetics and functionality are often related; the same applies to iced coffee makers.

Look for an appliance with an attractive design that’s easy to operate. I scored higher on the coffee makers with a more sleek appearance and the most straightforward user interface. In many cases, immersion cold brew coffee makers scored pretty high on functionality because it’s super easy to steep coffee grounds. Yet, some compromise on looks or are bulky, so they had an overall medium score.

Design-wise, I chose the best three iced coffee makers because they look good, are practical, and are easy to use. Perhaps the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System can be daunting for some coffee lovers, but it’s definitely the best choice for people looking for versatility and high quality.

Durability

Although plastic can take hundreds of years to be reabsorbed by Mother Nature, it isn’t the most durable material for coffee makers. Moreover, some moving parts can become more rigid and prone to break over time.

That’s why I usually prefer stainless steel, high-quality borosilicate glass, or resistant hard plastic.

I chose only plastic iced coffee makers with good quality materials because I hate wasteful disposable appliances.

At some point, the HyperChiller HC2 had negative comments about its durability because it cracked easily. Yet, I double-checked, and it seems they have solved the issue by now. Still, if durability is a deal breaker for you, I’d definitely be more inclined to choose one of the top three best-iced coffee makers.

Space Requirements

Yes, the Yama Glass Cold Drip Tower is a huge coffee maker. Yet, it isn’t the only case that needs some consideration. It’s crucial to check product dimensions before pulling the trigger on any iced coffee maker because countertops can be tricky, especially under cabinets.

That’s why the Yama Glass Cold Drip Tower is an exception in our selection. Most coffee makers we picked are compact and can easily adjust to most kitchens and coffee bars.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Simple cleaning and maintenance have become a design priority for high-quality coffee maker manufacturers. The best brands constantly look for ways to make cleaning as straightforward as possible.

When researching, analyzing the products’ specifications, and checking customers’ experience, the best iced coffee makers on our list are easy to clean and don’t require any complicated maintenance steps.

Overall, some electric coffee makers, like the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System and the Mr. Coffee Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, require descaling every six months, like any drip coffee maker.

Price Point

It’s pretty different to pick a product with deep pockets instead of a tight budget. In any case, the best in our selection has a decent range to pick from, between the Hario Cold Brew Wine Bottle, which is quite affordable, and the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, which has lots of features but can be over the budget for many.

Tips For Making The Best Cold Coffee

Picking the best iced coffee maker doesn’t make sense if you don’t know how to use it fully.

If you’re new to the world of cold coffee or looking to take your game to the next level, we’re here to help. I’ve compiled some tips to help you make the perfect cold brew, iced coffee, or frappuccino from your home.

1. Invest in High-Quality Coffee Beans

The foundation of any good coffee is the quality of the beans you use. Invest in high-quality coffee beans, giving your cold coffee a richer, deeper flavor. Try to find roasted beans specifically for cold or iced coffee. These tend to have a smoother, less acidic taste, making a more enjoyable drinking experience.

2. Brew with the Cold in Mind

When brewing cold coffee, you must brew it with the cold in mind. Start by grinding your beans appropriately. If you prepare immersion cold brew coffee, use a medium to coarse coffee grounds. For slow drip, pour over ice and flash chilling; use a medium grind, just like for drip coffee.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

One of the best things about cold coffee is its versatility. You can add various flavors and ingredients to create your perfect cup of cold coffee. Add vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or cinnamon for an extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of milk – almond, oat, or soy – to create a creamier, silkier texture.

4. Presentation Matters

Like with hot coffee, presentation matters when it comes to cold coffee. Try serving your cold coffee in a mason jar with a cute straw or adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a delicious and visually stunning drink.

5. Get Creative with Ice

The last tip we have for you is to get creative with ice. Instead of using regular ice cubes, try freezing coffee in an ice tray to prevent your cold coffee from becoming too watered as the ice melts.

You can also try making coffee cubes by pouring cold coffee into an ice tray and freezing it for an hour or two. These cubes will cool your coffee and add a stronger flavor to your drink.

Another cool way of using ice is to crush it and blend your coffee to make a stunning frappuccino.

6. Timing is crucial

Timing is everything, especially when you are making a perfect cold coffee. If you’re making iced coffee using hot-brewed coffee, chill the beverage long enough so it’s not lukewarm.

For cold-brewed coffee, the timing is a little bit different. Depending on how strong or light you like your coffee, the brewing time could be 12 to 24 hours. So, ensure you time it correctly so it’s perfect every time!

7. Get the brew ratio right

Getting the brew ratio right is critical to making a perfect cup of cold coffee. A ratio of one part coffee to eight parts water is recommended for optimum flavor. You can adjust this according to your personal preference, but be sure to maintain the balance. Also, remember to use filtered water for the brew, as tap water often contains chemicals that can affect the taste of the coffee.

8. Store it right

Once you’ve brewed your cold coffee, it’s important to store it correctly.

This is especially important for cold brew coffee. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Avoid storing it for longer than this, as it can develop a stale taste. Whenever you’re ready for a cup, pour it over ice and dilute it or mix it to your liking.

Ready to make iced coffee at home?

These tips will help you make the perfect cold coffee every time. Whether you prefer your coffee strong and black or you like to add a little bit of sweetness and creaminess, there is a cold coffee recipe out there for everyone. With creativity, experimentation, and quality ingredients, you’ll be a cold coffee connoisseur in no time. So, grab your coffee beans, and let’s get brewing!

The Verdict: Best Iced Coffee Makers to Buy in 2023

The verdict is in: the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is the best iced coffee maker of 2023. With its large 50-ounce glass carafe, you can make enough for a single person or group. The Ninja system also has a hot and cold brewing system, allowing you to make hot and cold drinks with one machine. Its adjustable brew strength selector ensures you get the perfect cup every time, and it has a milk frother, a unique feature even among the top.

The runner-up is the Toddy Cold Brew System. This system makes it easy to create smooth, delicious cold-brew coffee at home with minimal effort. It uses an innovative cold water steeping process that extracts flavor from your favorite coffee without bitterness or acidity. The Toddy Cold Brew System also has a reusable filter and a glass decanter for easy storage and serving.

Finally, if you’re looking for the best value iced coffee maker, look no further than the Hario Cold Brew Wine Bottle. This unique brewer allows you to make cold-brew coffee easily. It’s made from durable borosilicate glass to last for years. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable compared to other models today!

Overall, if you’re looking for an iced coffee maker that will deliver consistently delicious results every time, then the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is your best bet! It offers great features at an unbeatable price point, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite iced beverage in style.