As the sun shines brighter and the days get longer, nothing feels more refreshing than sipping on a chilled glass of iced coffee. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect iced coffee maker for your kitchen? If you’re imagining a coffee maker that fits just right in your kitchen and whips up heavenly iced brews, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the essential features to consider and includes some delightful iced coffee recipes you can try at home.
What is an iced coffee maker
An iced coffee maker is a device that makes coffee meant to be enjoyed cold. These machines vary from simple ones that make a stronger brew to prevent the coffee from becoming watery when ice is added, to advanced ones that use special methods to enhance the coffee’s taste when it is cold.
While iced coffee makers are built for cold beverages, many espresso machines also offer the versatility to produce cold coffee drinks. Espresso machines can brew a concentrated coffee that is perfect as a base for a variety of chilled beverages. By adding ice, milk, or cold water to a freshly pulled espresso, you can make an array of cold beverages like iced lattes, frappes, or iced Americanos.
For example, the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo automatic espresso machine is great for quickly making espresso or a cool iced coffee. This machine has special settings for iced coffee that help keep the flavor strong, even when ice is added. Plus, its stylish design looks good in your kitchen and helps keep the coffee at the perfect temperature.
Alternatively, the Keurig K-Iced coffee maker is designed to brew strong, full-flavoured coffee that complements the addition of ice without tasting watered down. Like its counterparts, it integrates seamlessly into your kitchen with a contemporary aesthetic and occupies minimal counter space, making it a practical choice for smaller spaces or minimalistic setups.
These iced coffee machines are great for coffee lovers. They can make a hot espresso to warm you up in winter or a cool iced coffee to refresh you in summer.
Types of iced coffee makers
When choosing an iced coffee maker, it’s important to understand the different types available. The most common categories you’ll come across are cold brew coffee makers and iced coffee makers.
Cold brew coffee makers
Cold brew coffee makers work by steeping coffee grounds in cold water over several hours. This method produces a coffee concentrate that is smoother and less acidic, which many coffee enthusiasts prefer. Most cold brew machines are manual, but there are automatic options as well. It typically takes hours to get a fabulous cup with these machines though there are rapid cold brew coffee machines that use agitation through a vortex or water recirculator. Such machines can output a cup of cold brew as quickly as 10-20 minutes.
To make a flavourful concentrate, use coarsely ground coffee beans, which you can then dilute with your choice of liquid, such as water, milk, or a milk alternative. Baristas often prefer coffees from the South and Central America regions for cold brew due to their heavy, chocolaty flavours that are well-suited for cold brews. If you plan to drink it with less liquid, opt for a lighter coffee. However, if you plan to mix it with half (or more) water, milk, or milk alternative, choose a stronger coffee. For the best possible result, consider using filtered water instead of tap water.
Iced coffee makers
Iced coffee makers brew hot coffee over ice, rapidly cooling it. This process is much quicker than cold brewing and is ideal if you prefer the traditional coffee flavour served cold. Some advanced models feature settings that adjust the brewing strength to compensate for dilution due to ice. Additionally, Best Buy offers summer special Nespresso packages that include iced coffee kits. These packages empower you to enjoy a myriad of cold coffee beverages at home. Choices range from espressos and lattes to iced or nutrition-enhanced coffees.
As noted, some espresso machines have an option for iced coffee among various other hot drinks, so you get the benefit of both hot and cold in one. With a model like the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo automatic espresso machine, the cold brew button brews coffee at a lower temperature so that you’ll get the best coffee extraction that can offset dilution from ice once you pour it inside. Most iced coffee makers work in a similar matter, brewing hot at first to ensure proper flavour extraction then switching to cooler water so the coffee doesn’t instantly melt the ice. If you want to offset as much dilution as possible, consider using stronger coffee beans or grounds when making an iced coffee than you would with hot.
Key features to consider
To find the best iced coffee maker, consider the following key features:
- Capacity: Think about how much coffee you consume. If you frequently host gatherings, a larger capacity maker would be beneficial. For personal use, a smaller one might suffice, including single-serve pod-based machines like Keurig iced coffee makers.
- Brew time: If you want your coffee ready quickly, check the brew time. Iced coffee makers are generally faster than cold brew systems which can take up to 24 hours.
- Ease of use: Consider how easy the equipment is to set up, operate, and clean. Devices with fewer parts and straightforward instructions score high on user-friendliness.
- Versatility: Some coffee makers offer multiple functions, such as the ability to prepare tea, hot coffee, or other beverages. Opting for a versatile machine can provide more value for money.
Try these simple iced coffee recipes
Once you have your iced coffee maker, why not experiment with some homemade iced coffee recipes? Here are two simple ones to get you started:
Classic iced coffee:
- Brew a strong coffee using your iced coffee maker.
- Pour the coffee over a glass filled with ice.
- Add milk, cream, or milk alternative and sweeten with sugar or a sugar substitute according to taste.
- Stir well and enjoy!
Vanilla cinnamon iced coffee:
- Prepare a regular brew from your coffee maker.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a small pinch of cinnamon to the brew.
- Pour over ice, add a splash of cream, milk, or milk alternative, and sweeten as desired.
- Mix well for an aromatic twist on your cold beverage.
Enhance your coffee experience at Best Buy
Now that you know how to choose the perfect iced coffee maker and even whip up a couple of delicious recipes, why not explore the selection available at Best Buy? With a variety of models from top brands, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. Whether you are a cold brew aficionado or a lover of quick and easy iced coffee, Best Buy has the options to enhance your coffee experience. Explore our selection of iced coffee machines to find the right coffee maker for your kitchen and start enjoying refreshing iced coffee every day!
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
