Are you tired of spending so much money at your local coffee shop on iced coffee? Skip the lines and the expense with an iced coffee maker. Use my guide below to help you pick the perfect one for yourself.
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What Is The Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?
Let's start out with the one thing these two kinds of coffee have in common. They're both incredibly delicious and will give you that extra boost you need to get through the day.
However, they are brewed and served in completely different ways. Here's how you make and serve these two caffeinated (or decaffeinated if you're into that) treats.
Cold Brew Coffee
This type of coffee is simply brewed without using heat. This is done by steeping coffee grounds in water for extended periods of time until you get the perfect cup of java.
But why would you want to wait even longer to get your morning cup? Brewing coffee in this manner is preferred because of the lower acidity levels. If you're someone trying to cut down on the amount of sugar or cream you add to your coffee, cold brew has a much more mild and creamy taste.
Iced Coffee
I like to think of iced coffee as the busy person's way of salvaging a forgotten cup of coffee. While this isn't truly accurate, it is a good solution for that cup of joe you forgot.
Iced coffee is just regular brewed coffee that is allowed to cool and then served over ice. It's the perfect treat for a hot day or if you're just not in the mood to sip a piping hot mug.
One other thing that is different between the two different types of coffee is the caffeine content. Since the coffee is allowed to sit in the water longer while brewing with cold brew coffee, the caffeine content does tend to be slightly higher.
How To Use An Iced Coffee Maker
Using an iced coffee maker is as simple as using a traditional coffee maker. For most of these iced coffee makers, you will find that they brew coffee at a lower temperature than a standard coffee maker.
The coffee is generally brewed into a pitcher or carafe that you add ice to. Some, but not all, have a mechanism that blends the coffee and ice to cool it to the perfect temperature without it being watery or diluted.
What Kind Of Coffee Is Best For Iced Coffee?
Unlike cold brew coffee, the quality of the coffee you use simply needs to meet your usual coffee standards. If you're satisfied with your regular red can coffee in the mornings, it will still be just as tasty in an iced coffee maker.
If you want to kick your coffee flavor up a notch, try grinding your own coffee.
To take the flavor to yet another level, try adding your iced coffee to this Keto Iced Caramel Macchiato recipe. It's full of flavor without all of the carbs.
How Long Does Iced Coffee Last?
Iced coffee lasts as long as the ice does. The longer you let it sit (or if you attempt to pop it in the fridge to save it until you can finish it) it will gradually start to become watered down and less desirable. Do yourself a favor and drink this iced coffee while it's fresh for the best results.
What Are The Best Iced Coffee Makers?
Iced Coffee Makers
This KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a super convenient shape and size to fit perfectly on your countertop or in your refrigerator for the perfect iced coffee. It makes up to 14 servings at a time and comes with a convenient easy to carry handle.
If you're an iced coffee fanatic, you're going to LOVE this iced coffee maker. It's perfect for single servings on the go. If you're not the best at preplanning for iced coffee, this will have it ready for you in no time flat. While it doesn't actually brew the coffee for you, it's great for turning that coffee from your traditional coffee maker into a tasty treat.
Want the convenience of being able to brew hot and cold coffee all in one easy to use coffee maker? The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System will do just that. It even comes with easy one-touch technology, can brew tea, and has a built-in frother for the days you just need a little bit extra fancy with your coffee. Brew anything from a single cup to an entire carafe of coffee.
A coffee maker that brews straight in to a mixing bowl? Yep, that's what this Hamilton Beach Iced Coffee/Tea Maker is. No more waiting for your coffee to cool or mixing it with ice in a separate bowl by hand. This iced coffee (or tea) maker does it all for you. The best part? The mixing bowl is totally dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
This Mr. Coffee Coffee and Tea maker is incredibly easy to use and brews like a dream. Fill the pitcher with ice and brew away. It's incredibly durable and people have been using this same model for years.
The De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine is truly an investment piece, but if you love coffee and espresso, this is a splurge you will gladly make. You can make coffee or espresso in no time with the 40-second heat up time.
Get the freshest brew when grinding your own coffee beans straight in the built-in coffee bean grinder.
The HyperChiller Coffee/Beverage Cooler doesn't brew your coffee for you, but it might be the most efficient way to chill your traditional brew after the fact.
If you're worried about diluting your favorite coffee blend with melting ice cubes, you don't have to worry about it with this coffee maker.
Like more than just your coffee chilled? This is great for juices, smoothies, and margaritas.
With the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker you can brew anything from a single cup to a half a carafe of coffee with this iced coffee maker. It has a foldaway frother for the times you want a hot coffee drink that rivals your favorite coffee shop.
It comes with a generous 50oz carafe for coffee that is ready at the push of a button without worrying about filling with water each time.
Can You Make Iced Coffee With A Regular Coffee Maker?
Not sure you will drink enough iced coffee to splurge on an iced coffee maker? Here's how you can make iced coffee with a regular coffee maker:
- Brew coffee as you normally would
- Put into a heat-safe container
- Place the container into your refrigerator until it cools to room temperature or below
- Fill your favorite cup with ice
- Pour the chilled coffee over ice
- Enjoy!
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If you found this iced coffee maker list helpful, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can choose the perfect iced coffee maker for themselves too.
Originally Published October22, 2020
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