There’s nothing quite like a smooth, refreshing glass of iced coffee on a warm day. While you could simply pour hot coffee over ice, the true connoisseur knows that cold brewing is the secret to a less acidic, naturally sweeter, and incredibly flavorful result. Having the right equipment makes this process simple and consistent, turning your kitchen into a personal café.
With so many options available, from simple immersion pitchers to advanced automatic machines, finding your perfect match can seem overwhelming. This roundup is designed to guide you through the top choices, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each model. Whether you prioritize convenience, capacity, or a specific brewing style, there is an ideal iced coffee maker here for your home.
Our Top Picks for Iced Coffee Makers
- Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- County Line Kitchen Glass Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother Coffee Maker
- Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
- KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Toddy Cold Brew System
- Replacement Coffee Filter Pads for Filtron
- Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker
Takeya Tritan Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a favorite for its straightforward design and excellent value. Made from durable, BPA-free Tritan plastic, this pitcher is built to last and is completely dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Its airtight, leak-free lid with a silicone handle makes it simple to shake, steep, and store your cold brew concentrate directly in the refrigerator.
This system includes a fine mesh filter that effectively keeps grounds out of your final brew. The 2-quart capacity is perfect for making a large batch that can last for several days. Its compact shape fits easily on a fridge shelf, ensuring you always have cold brew ready to pour over ice.
OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker
For those who appreciate a more guided brewing process, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker is a top-tier choice. It features a unique “Rainmaker” attachment that evenly saturates the coffee grounds with water, promoting a consistent and full extraction. This results in a smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate that you can use for both hot and cold coffee beverages.
The brewer includes an easy-to-access switch that activates the filtration process, draining the concentrate directly into the included glass carafe. The carafe is sealed with a stopper for safe and tidy pouring. OXO’s reputation for user-friendly, high-quality design is fully represented in this compact and efficient system.
County Line Kitchen Glass Cold Brew Coffee Maker
This cold brew maker from County Line Kitchen stands out with its heavy-duty, large-mouth glass construction and thoughtful design. The wide mouth makes it incredibly easy to clean and to add coffee grounds and water. It comes with a precision-engineered leak-proof lid and a flip-cap pour spout designed for smooth, drip-free pouring every time.
Included is a high-quality stainless steel mesh filter that reliably keeps coffee grounds out of your brew. The entire unit is dishwasher-safe for maximum convenience. With a generous 2-quart capacity and a versatile design that also works for sun tea, this pitcher is a multipurpose addition to any kitchen.
Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother Coffee Maker
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is for the person who wants a single machine that can do it all, including cold brew. Its dedicated Cold Brew function brews coffee or tea at a lower temperature directly over ice, delivering a smooth and naturally sweet result in just 10 to 15 minutes. This is a fantastic option when you want a single serving of iced coffee without the long steeping time.
This machine also features Smart Basket Recognition, which automatically displays coffee or tea options based on what you insert. With separate baskets for coffee and tea to keep flavors pure and a built-in fold-away milk frother, this versatile appliance goes far beyond just making cold brew.
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Bodum brings its iconic French press design to the world of cold brew with this elegant and functional model. Made with a durable plastic carafe, stainless steel, rubber, and silicone, it is both BPA-free and stylish. The brewing process is simple: add coarse grounds and water to the beaker, steep, and then press the plunger down to separate the grounds from your finished concentrate.
This brewer comes with two lids: a silicone lid to preserve freshness during the long steeping process and a plunger lid for filtration. The 51-ounce capacity is ideal for making a substantial amount of concentrate, and its classic design looks great on any countertop or in the refrigerator.
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
The Primula Burke Deluxe system offers an affordable and effective entry into homemade cold brew. This maker features a durable glass carafe with a comfortable grip handle and a removable mesh filter. Its straightforward process involves filling the filter with coffee, adding water, and letting it steep for a rich and smooth extraction.
Cleaning is simple, as the components are dishwasher-safe. The 1.6-quart (6-cup) size is perfect for smaller households or for those who like to try different coffee blends without committing to a large batch. It’s a reliable and budget-friendly tool for any coffee enthusiast.
KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
For a dedicated, high-capacity brewing station, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an excellent choice. This model can produce up to 38 ounces of coffee concentrate, which translates to about 19 servings. The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it incredibly convenient for daily iced coffee.
A key feature is the built-in stainless steel tap, which allows you to dispense your cold brew directly from the unit without lifting or pouring. The included carrying handle makes it easy to move from the counter to the fridge. This is a perfect set-and-forget system for households with high iced coffee consumption.
Toddy Cold Brew System
The Toddy Cold Brew System is widely regarded as the original and a gold standard in cold brew technology. Used by many coffee shops and serious home brewers, it is designed to produce an exceptionally smooth and low-acid concentrate. The system includes a brewing container, a glass decanter for storage, a reusable felt filter, and a brewing plug.
The process is simple but effective, using a slow-drip filtration method that results in a clean and complex flavor profile. The concentrate made in the Toddy system is known for its stability, staying fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This is the tool for the true cold brew purist.
Replacement Coffee Filter Pads for Filtron
This product is an essential accessory for owners of the Filtron Cold Brewing System. These replacement filter pads are made in the USA and are crucial for achieving the clean, sediment-free concentrate that the Filtron system is known for. Each pack contains two filters, ensuring you always have a spare on hand.
Using a fresh filter pad for each brew guarantees the best possible flavor and clarity in your cold brew. For those who already own and love their Filtron brewer, keeping a supply of these genuine replacement parts is key to maintaining the quality of their homemade concentrate.
Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker
For the ultimate in convenience, the Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker takes the effort out of the process. This fully automated machine handles the steeping and filtering for you at the push of a button. You simply add coffee and water, select your brew strength, and the machine does the rest, delivering ready-to-drink cold brew directly into a carafe.
This type of machine eliminates the guesswork and waiting time associated with traditional cold brew methods. It’s an ideal solution for those who want the perfect taste and quality of cold brew without any manual steps. The resulting coffee is smooth and ready to enjoy immediately over ice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Iced Coffee Maker
Finding the right iced coffee maker can feel a little overwhelming with all the choices out there. I have tested a lot of them, and the best one for you really depends on your personal habits and how much counter space you are willing to give up. Let’s break down the main things I consider before making a purchase.
First, think about the brewing method. The two big categories are dedicated cold brew systems and iced coffee makers that use hot brewing. A dedicated cold brew maker, like a large mason jar system or a Toddy, steeps coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. The result is a super smooth, low-acidity concentrate that you dilute with water or milk. This is my go-to method for making a big batch that lasts all week. On the other hand, an iced coffee maker that uses hot water, like some from Ninja or Oxo, brews a pot directly over ice. This is much faster, giving you a fresh batch in just a few minutes, but the flavor profile is brighter and more like a traditionally brewed coffee that’s been cooled down.
Next, consider the capacity and size. If you are the only one in your household who drinks iced coffee, a compact, single-serving maker might be perfect. But if you have a family of caffeine lovers or you like to prepare for the whole week, a larger pitcher or dispenser-style model is the way to go. Remember, a full-gallon cold brew tower is fantastic for volume but make sure you have enough space in your refrigerator for it.
The material and filter type are also important for taste and cleanup. Most systems use a fine mesh filter, which is good, but some use a thick felt filter that produces an incredibly sediment-free brew. Glass carafes are beautiful and don’t hold onto flavors, but they can be fragile. Durable BPA-free plastic is lightweight and less likely to break, which is a big plus for a daily-use item. Stainless steel is great for insulation and durability. I always look for a model that is easy to clean; complicated parts with hard-to-reach nooks can make the process a chore.
Finally, think about your budget and any extra features. You can get a simple, effective cold brew coffee maker for under $30, or you can invest over $100 in a programmable machine with multiple functions. Some features I appreciate are built-in taps on larger dispensers for easy serving, airtight lids for better storage, and machines that are dishwasher-safe for simple cleanup. By weighing these factors—brewing style, capacity, materials, and features—you can find the perfect machine to make your ideal glass of iced coffee.
FAQ
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
This is a common question! Iced coffee is typically just regular hot-brewed coffee that has been cooled down and poured over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is never heated. It’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for a long time, usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a much smoother, less acidic, and slightly sweeter tasting coffee compared to iced coffee. It’s why many people, including myself, prefer it.
How long does homemade cold brew concentrate last?
When I make a batch of cold brew concentrate at home, I always store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and taste great for about one to two weeks. After that, the flavor can start to become a bit stale and muted. It’s a good idea to write the date you brewed it on the container with a marker so you don’t forget.
What kind of coffee grind should I use for cold brew?
For the best results, you want to use a coarse grind, similar to what you would use for a French press. A fine grind, like for espresso, will over-extract and can make the cold brew taste bitter and muddy. It can also clog the filter and make a mess when you are separating the grounds from the water. If you buy pre-ground coffee, look for a bag labeled specifically for cold brew or French press.
Do I need a special machine to make cold brew?
Not at all! While the 10 best iced coffee makers for cold brew certainly make the process easier and tidier, you can make a perfectly good batch with items you probably already have in your kitchen. All you really need is a large jar or pitcher, coarsely ground coffee, cold water, and a way to filter it, like a fine-mesh sieve lined with a cheesecloth or a clean paper filter. A dedicated maker just streamlines the process and often includes a built-in filter.
Can I use any type of coffee bean for cold brew?
Yes, you can use any coffee bean you like. This is part of the fun of making it yourself. I like to experiment with different beans to see how the flavors change. Because the cold brewing process highlights different notes than hot brewing, you might find you prefer a different roast. Many people enjoy using a medium or dark roast for a stronger, chocolatey flavor, but a light roast can produce a very interesting and complex cup. It’s all about your personal preference.