Beat the Heat: Your Guide to the Best Iced Tea Makers

Tired of watered-down iced tea? Upgrade your summer with the best iced tea makers. We’ve compared top models, from budget-friendly to feature-packed, so that you can make refreshing iced tea effortlessly.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a tall glass of iced tea on a sweltering summer day. Whether you crave classic black tea, a burst of fruity herbal blends, or the delicate sweetness of green tea, making the perfect iced tea at home is easier than you think. The secret weapon? A dedicated iced tea maker.

We’ve consulted with a certified tea sommelier and tested numerous iced tea makers for this comprehensive guide. Get ready to discover the best options, learn expert brewing tips, and embrace the simple pleasure of homemade iced tea all summer!

Top Picks at a Glance of Best Iced Tea Makers

Before diving in, here’s a quick look at our top choices in various categories:

• Best Overall: County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Best Budget: Primula The Big Iced Tea Maker and Infuser
• Best Splurge: Breville Tea Maker BTM800XL
• Best for Large Families: Mecity Electric Glass Tea Maker With Temperature Control and Infuser
• Best for Flavored Teas: Vianté Hot Tea Maker Electric Glass Kettle with tea infuser and temperature control

Detailed Reviews

Let’s explore each of these top picks in more detail:

Best Overall: County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker

• Pros:

  • Excellent Value: Delivers delicious cold brew (and iced tea!) at a very budget-friendly price.
  • Durable Construction: Made with thick glass and a robust stainless steel filter.
  • Easy to Use and Clean: Simple assembly and dishwasher-safe components.

• Cons:

  • May Require Longer Brewing: Cold brewing generally needs more time than hot brewing.
  • Limited Capacity: It might not be the best for huge families.

• Unique Features:

  • Mason Jar Design: Offers a classic, rustic aesthetic.
  • Versatile: Works equally well for cold brew coffee and iced tea.

• Tea Sommelier’s Tip: “Cold brewing reduces the acidity and potential bitterness in tea. It’s particularly well-suited for delicate green teas and herbal blends.”

• Brewing Time:

  • Black Tea: 12-18 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Green Tea: 8-12 hours in the refrigerator (shorter steep prevents bitterness).
  • Herbal/Fruit Teas: 12-24 hours, depending on desired flavor intensity.

Important Considerations:

• While this maker excels in value and ease, those needing large quantities of iced tea consistently may prefer a higher-capacity model.
• Cold brewing naturally takes longer than hot-water methods. Plan your brewing time accordingly.
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Best Budget: Primula The Big Iced Tea Maker and Infuser

• Pros:

  • Fantastic Price Point: One of the most affordable dedicated iced tea makers.
  • Generous Capacity: Ideal for serving several people or for making tea to enjoy over a few days.
  • Easy Operation: Just add tea and water and refrigerate – no fancy features to learn.

• Cons:

  • Plastic Construction: May not be as durable as glass options over the long term.
  • Infuser Basket: While convenient, tea might not have as much space to expand compared to brewing directly in the pitcher.

• Unique Features:

  • Leak-proof Lid: Allows for brewing and storing the tea in the same container.
  • Fine Mesh Infuser: Keeps loose-leaf tea and teabag contents out of your drink.

• Tea Sommelier’s Tip: “For the best flavor, remove the infuser basket once your tea has reached the desired strength. This helps prevent overstepping and bitterness.”

• Brewing Time:

  • Black Tea: 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Green Tea: 6-8 hours (start checking earlier to avoid bitterness)
  • Herbal/Fruit Teas: 8-12 hours, but experiment for your ideal intensity.

Important Considerations:

• This is an excellent choice if you prioritize affordability and a larger-capacity pitcher.
• If a premium aesthetic or glass construction is important, a slightly higher-priced model might be a better fit.

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Best Splurge: Breville Tea Maker BTM800XL

• Pros:

  • Precision Brewing: Offers customizable temperature and steeping time settings for different tea types.
  • Automated Tea Basket: Gently lowers and raises tea leaves, ensuring optimal infusion.
  • Keep Warm Function: Maintains your tea at the perfect temperature for up to 60 minutes.

• Cons:

  • Significant Investment: The price is considerably higher than most iced tea makers.
  • More Complex: Features and settings might have a slight learning curve.

• Unique Features:

  • One-Touch Functionality: Pre-programmed settings for common tea types make brewing a breeze.
  • Strength Control: Customize your brew from mild to strong with a simple button.
  • Hot Water Option: Makes it versatile for other hot beverages as well.

• Tea Sommelier’s Tip: “The precision controls on this machine are fantastic for exploring the nuances of high-quality teas. Experiment with different temperatures and steep times to find your perfect cup.”

• Brewing Time:

  • The Breville BTM800XL lets you adjust steep times precisely, but here’s a general idea:
    • Black Tea: 3-5 minutes
    • Green Tea: 2-3 minutes
    • Herbal/Fruit Teas: 5-6 minutes (or longer, to taste)

Important Considerations:

• This is the choice for serious tea enthusiasts who crave both precision and convenience.
• If the more straightforward operation of manual or primary electric tea makers is sufficient, this level of features may not be necessary.

The Verdict: The Breville Tea Maker BTM800XL is undoubtedly a luxurious option. If you appreciate the finer points of tea, want complete control over your brew, and value automated features, this splurge might be well worth it.

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Best for Large Families: Mecity Electric Glass Tea Maker With Temperature Control and Infuser

• Pros:

  • Generous Capacity: Boasts a 1.7L (or larger) capacity, perfect for brewing enough tea for a crowd.
  • Temperature Control: Ideal for brewing different tea types optimally, a bonus for families with diverse tastes.
  • Keep Warm Function: Maintains tea at the ideal temperature for serving multiple people over time.

• Cons:

  • May Occupy Counter Space: Larger capacity can mean a larger footprint on your countertop.
  • Potentially More Fragile: Glass construction may need careful handling, especially in busy households.

• Unique Features:

  • Preset Programs: Often includes convenient one-touch settings for common tea varieties.
  • Removable Infuser: For steeping loose-leaf or bagged teas with easy cleanup.

• Tea Sommelier’s Tip: “For a big batch of iced tea, consider doubling your usual loose-leaf amount. This makes sure the flavor stands up to the dilution of being poured over ice.”

• Brewing Time:

  • Due to the larger water volume, adjust brewing times slightly longer than for individual cups.
    • Black Tea: 4-6 minutes
    • Green Tea: 3-4 minutes
    • Herbal/Fruit Teas: 6-8 minutes (or longer, depending on intensity)

Important Considerations:

• This is a great pick for households that regularly serve iced tea to several people.
• If you have limited counter space or prefer plastic for durability, consider a different model.

The Verdict: The Mecity Electric Glass Tea Maker is a reliable choice for large families who love iced tea. Its capacity, customizable brewing, and keep-warm function make it a practical and versatile addition to your kitchen.

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Best for Flavored Teas: Vianté Hot Tea Maker Electric Glass Kettle with tea infuser and temperature control

• Pros:

  • Precision Temperature Control: Ensures ideal brewing conditions for everything from delicate green teas to robust herbal blends, maximizing flavor extraction.
  • Spacious Infuser Basket: Allows ample room for loose-leaf tea, fruits, herbs, and spices to infuse your tea fully.
  • Glass Construction: Won’t impart any unwanted flavors and offers a clear view of your tea as it brews.

• Cons:

  • Can Be Pricey: Specialty features and premium materials might come at a higher cost.
  • Might Need Extra Counter Space: Depending on the model’s size.

• Unique Features:

  • Pre-Programmed Tea Settings: Simplifies brewing common tea types with the touch of a button.
  • Keep-Warm Function: Maintains serving temperature, great for enjoying your flavored teas over time.

• Tea Sommelier’s Tip: “Experiment with your Vianté! Use the precise temperature settings to try steeping herbs and spices for unique iced tea blends. Think ginger and mint, or hibiscus and citrus.”

• Brewing Time:

  • Use the temperature control to follow recommendations for your specific ingredients:
    • Delicate Herbs: Steep at lower temperatures (170-180°F) for shorter times.
    • Robust Spices: Can handle higher temperatures (190-212°F) for longer steeping.
    • Fruit: Simmer on the stovetop with water, then cool and add to your brewed tea.

Important Considerations:

• This type of tea maker is ideal for anyone who loves experimenting with homemade flavored teas.
• If you primarily stick to basic black or green iced tea, the extensive features might be more than you need.

The Verdict: The Vianté Hot Tea Maker is an excellent choice for flavored tea enthusiasts. Its precise temperature settings, generous infuser, and premium build quality encourage creativity and delicious flavor combinations.

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Iced Tea Maker Buying Guide

Choosing the right iced tea maker starts with understanding your needs. Here’s what to consider:

Capacity

• • Do you typically brew for yourself, a few people, or a crowd?
  • Consider countertop space, as some makers are larger than others.

Operation Type

• • • Electric: Faster brewing, potential for additional features.
    • Manual: More budget-friendly, often simpler to clean.
    • Material: Glass is classic, plastic is durable.

Additional Functions

• • Can it also make hot tea? Brew coffee? Versatility adds value.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Iced Tea

Our resident tea sommelier shares a few secrets for delicious iced tea:

• Tea Quality Matters: “Opt for loose-leaf tea or high-quality tea bags for the best flavor.”
• Water Temperature: “Avoid boiling water for green or white teas to prevent bitterness.”
• Sweeten to Taste: “Simple syrup blends easily into cold tea. Experiment with honey or agave nectar.”
• Flavor Boost: “Add fresh fruit, herbs like mint, or a splash of citrus juice.”

Maintenance for a Long-Lasting Tea Maker

• Regular Cleaning: Wash after each use to prevent residue.
• Deep Cleaning: Occasionally disassemble and clean thoroughly.
• Follow Instructions: Refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning guide.

Conclusion

With the right iced tea maker, refreshing iced tea is always right at your fingertips. Consider your preferences, choose one of our recommended picks, and get ready to savor the simple joys of this classic summer drink.

Ready to Chill Out?

We hope this guide has helped you find your perfect iced tea maker. Check out our top picks for a hassle-free, delicious iced tea experience!

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Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API