When the summer heat arrives or you simply want a refreshing beverage, a reliable iced tea maker is an essential kitchen companion. The right machine or pitcher can streamline the process, turning the simple act of brewing into a quick and effortless ritual. From large batches for a family gathering to a single pitcher for your daily enjoyment, the options are plentiful.
This roundup cuts through the clutter to bring you expert-tested reviews of the ten best iced tea makers available. We have evaluated a range of products, from simple infusion pitchers to fully automated brewers, to help you find the perfect match for your taste and routine. Prepare to find the ideal tool to keep your glass filled with cool, flavorful tea all season long.
Our Top Picks for the Best Iced Tea Makers
- Komax Large Ice Tea Maker Pitcher
- Capresso Stainless Steel Iced Tea Maker
- Mr. Coffee TM75 Iced Tea Maker
- Brentwood KT-2150BL Iced Tea Maker
- Mr. Coffee 3-Quart Iced Tea Maker
- Primula The Big Iced Tea Maker
- Homecraft Electric Iced Tea Maker
- OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Cold Brew Mason Coffee Maker
- Takeya Premium Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
Komax Large Ice Tea Maker Pitcher
The Komax pitcher is a versatile and durable solution for making iced tea and infused beverages. Its unique “pour over technology” allows you to add water through the lid directly over your tea leaves or bags, which can result in a more robust flavor extraction. The infuser basket is designed to be temperature resistant, safely handling boiling water for hot brewing methods before you chill the pitcher.
Constructed from BPA-free Tritan plastic, this 2.1-quart pitcher is both dishwasher and microwave safe, adding significant convenience to your cleanup and reheating process. The square design helps it fit neatly on most refrigerator door shelves, and the airtight lid ensures your tea stays fresh. It’s a straightforward, multi-functional tool for anyone who prefers a manual brewing process.
Capresso Stainless Steel Iced Tea Maker
For those who appreciate an automated system, the Capresso Iced Tea Maker offers one-button simplicity. Its large 80-ounce (2.5-quart) glass pitcher is perfect for making tea for a crowd or for having a supply that lasts several days. The unit includes a removable permanent filter that accommodates both loose tea and tea bags with ease.
A standout feature is the flavor enhancer, which gives you control over the brew strength, allowing you to customize your tea from mild to strong. The stainless steel housing gives the appliance a modern and durable finish. This machine takes the guesswork out of brewing, providing a consistent and hands-free experience from start to finish.
Mr. Coffee TM75 Iced Tea Maker
The Mr. Coffee TM75 is a classic and trusted model known for its reliability and straightforward operation. With a 2-quart capacity, it is an ideal size for smaller households or for making a fresh batch to enjoy throughout the day. It features a removable brew basket for easy filling and cleaning, and it works with both tea bags and loose tea.
This machine is designed for convenience, featuring an automatic shut-off that activates once the brewing cycle is complete. The 700-watt power ensures a relatively quick brewing process. For anyone seeking a no-fuss, affordable electric iced tea maker from a reputable brand, the TM75 remains a top contender.
Brentwood KT-2150BL Iced Tea and Coffee Maker
The Brentwood KT-2150BL is a versatile 2-in-1 appliance that efficiently brews both iced tea and iced coffee. It comes with a 64-ounce pitcher and a 3-position lid that makes pouring and storing simple. This capacity is perfect for preparing up to eight servings at once, making it suitable for family meals or entertaining.
This model is designed to be user-friendly, offering a simple brewing process that yields consistent results. Its ability to handle both tea and coffee grounds adds significant value, effectively replacing two separate appliances. The compact blue design is both functional and visually appealing for any kitchen countertop.
Mr. Coffee 3-Quart Iced Tea and Coffee Maker
For those who need to make larger quantities, the Mr. Coffee 3-Quart Iced Tea Maker is an excellent choice. Its generous capacity is ideal for big families, offices, or anyone who doesn’t want to brew too frequently. Like its smaller counterpart, it can brew using either tea bags or loose tea.
A key feature is the brew strength selector, which allows you to customize the intensity of your tea or coffee to match your preference. This level of control ensures that whether you enjoy a mild refreshment or a strong, brisk tea, you can achieve the perfect result every time. It’s a workhorse machine built for volume and customization.
Primula The Big Iced Tea Maker and Infuser
If you’re looking for immense capacity, the Primula “Big” Iced Tea Maker stands out with its ability to brew up to a full gallon of tea. This pitcher is designed for the serious tea drinker or for hosting large groups. The process is simple: brew, infuse, serve, and store all in the same container.
Made from durable, BPA-free plastic, this pitcher is shatterproof and resistant to odors and stains. The airtight lid helps keep your tea fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. Despite its large volume, the clever design is still narrow enough to fit in most refrigerator doors, solving a common storage problem for big pitchers.
Homecraft Electric Iced Tea Maker
The Homecraft Electric Iced Tea Maker is built for speed and convenience, promising a finished brew in less than ten minutes. It brews directly into a double-insulated 2-quart pitcher, which helps maintain the temperature of your beverage for longer periods. The two-position lid is designed for easy pouring and secure closing.
This system is versatile, capable of making a variety of iced teas and cold brew coffees with café-quality results. The combination of fast brewing and a thermally insulated pitcher makes it a great option for those who want their tea ready quickly and kept cool without immediate refrigeration.
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
While marketed for coffee, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker is equally effective for creating smooth, low-acid cold brew tea concentrates. Its patented Rainmaker feature evenly saturates the tea leaves for a consistent and full-flavored extraction. The process is simple and yields a concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk.
The brewer includes an easy-to-access switch that activates the filtration process, seamlessly transferring the finished brew into the included glass carafe. The entire system is designed with the user-friendly, high-quality ergonomics that OXO is known for. It’s an excellent choice for purists who want maximum control over their cold brew tea.
Cold Brew Mason Coffee Maker
This Cold Brew Mason Jar Maker combines classic style with modern functionality. The 64-ounce capacity glass jar is accompanied by a super-dense filter and a stainless steel mixing spoon, providing everything you need for a simple three-step brewing process. It’s an economical and effective way to make cold brew tea at home.
The jar is made from strong soda-lime glass and features a BPA-free plastic lid. All components are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup very straightforward. For those who appreciate the rustic aesthetic of a mason jar and want a simple, manual method for cold brewing, this pitcher is a charming and practical option.
Takeya Premium Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
The Takeya Premium Deluxe Cold Brew Maker is a bestseller for a reason. It is engineered for effortless cold brewing, featuring a fine-mesh filter that keeps even small tea leaf particles out of your beverage. The airtight lid includes a clever pour spout for easy serving and also allows you to shake the container to mix your concentrate.
Constructed with BPA-free, shatter-resistant materials, it is built to last. The pitcher is designed to be compact for easy refrigerator storage. Its reputation for durability, ease of use, and excellent filtration makes it a consistently recommended choice for anyone interested in the cold brew method for tea.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Iced Tea Maker
So, you’re thinking about getting an iced tea maker. It’s a fantastic way to have a constant supply of your favorite cold brew, but with a few options on the market, how do you pick the right one? I’ve spent a lot of time with these machines, and I can tell you it comes down to a few key things that will make or break your iced tea experience.
First, consider the capacity. How much tea do you typically drink? If you’re making it just for yourself, a smaller, one-gallon pitcher-style brewer might be perfect. But if you have a family, host gatherings often, or just really love having a big jug in the fridge, you’ll want to look at the larger two-gallon models. Remember, a full pitcher doesn’t last as long as you think when everyone helps themselves.
Next, let’s talk about the brewing process itself. The main types are automatic drip brewers and manual cold brew systems. Automatic brewers, like the ones from Mr. Coffee, are super convenient. You add water and tea to the machine, press a button, and it drips hot water over the tea leaves or bags directly onto a pitcher full of ice. This method brews a concentrate quickly. On the other hand, cold brew systems require you to steep the tea in cold water for several hours, usually in the fridge. This results in a smoother, less bitter tea, but it requires patience. I prefer the speed of an automatic brewer for everyday use, but the cold brew taste is hard to beat.
Material is another big one. The carafe or pitcher is what you’ll be handling and storing your tea in. I always look for BPA-free plastic that is durable, or better yet, glass. Glass doesn’t hold onto flavors from previous batches, so your tea always tastes fresh. Also, check if the pitcher is dishwasher safe – it makes cleanup a breeze.
Finally, think about the little extras. Does it have a removable brew basket for easy cleaning? Is there a lid for the pitcher to keep your tea fresh in the fridge? Some models even have strength settings or programmable timers. While these aren’t essential, a good lid and an easy-to-clean filter basket are features I consider non-negotiable. By focusing on capacity, brewing style, materials, and key features, you can find the perfect machine for your kitchen. This buying guide for the 10 best iced tea makers should help you narrow down your choices based on what really matters for your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an iced tea maker and just brewing it in a pitcher?
The main difference is control and convenience. An automatic iced tea maker heats water to the ideal temperature and drips it over your tea, creating a consistent brew every time. It then filters this concentrate directly over ice for immediate cooling. When you brew in a pitcher, you’re often either sun-brewing (which can be inconsistent) or making hot tea and waiting for it to cool down, which can take hours and sometimes results in a cloudy, bitter tea. The machine streamlines the process and gives you a ready-to-drink product in about 10 minutes.
Can I use loose-leaf tea in an iced tea maker?
Yes, in most models you absolutely can! Many iced tea makers come with a brew basket that is designed to hold either multiple tea bags or a few tablespoons of loose-leaf tea. If you’re a loose-leaf enthusiast, just check the product description to ensure the filter basket is fine enough to prevent sediment from getting into your pitcher. Using loose-leaf gives you a much wider world of flavor to explore compared to pre-bagged tea.
How do I clean and maintain my iced tea maker?
Cleaning is pretty straightforward and crucial for preventing old tea oils from affecting the taste of your new batch. For daily cleaning, just wash the pitcher and the brew basket in warm, soapy water or on the top rack of the dishwasher if they are labeled as dishwasher-safe. Every few weeks, you should run a cleaning cycle through the machine itself. To do this, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of half water and half white vinegar, then run a brew cycle without any tea. Follow this with one or two cycles of clean water to rinse out any vinegar taste. Always check your manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions.
Why is my homemade iced tea sometimes cloudy?
Cloudiness is usually a sign of tannins, which are natural compounds in tea, solidifying as the tea cools. This is often caused by the tea cooling down too slowly. This is one area where an iced tea maker really shines, as it brews the tea directly over ice, cooling it instantly and preventing cloudiness. If you’re brewing without a machine, make sure you pour your hot tea over a full glass of ice immediately after brewing. The cloudiness doesn’t affect the safety or the fundamental taste, but a clear glass of tea just looks more appealing.
Are iced tea makers only for tea, or can I make other drinks?
This is a fun one! While they are designed for tea, many people get creative. You can use the hot water drip function to make coffee, though it won’t be as strong as from a dedicated coffee maker. Some folks use them to brew fruit-infused waters by placing chopped fruit in the brew basket. You can even make lemonade or other drink concentrates. Just be sure to clean the machine thoroughly afterward to avoid flavor transfer. When looking at reviews for the 10 best iced tea makers, you might see some users mention these alternative uses.