If you're always spending a fortune on frappés every time you leave the house, the best iced coffee machines are sure to save you money in the long run. Just think about it, no more ordering in on food delivery apps or waiting in the drive-through of your go-to coffeehouse for an overpriced beverage.
Nothing quite hits the spot like an ice-cold coffee on a hot summer's day, this much is certain. And, with summer finally in full swing, the idea of turning to a piping hot cuppa for your daily caffeine boost might not be all that appealing. So, why not indulge in a refreshing cold brew instead?
Closer's best iced coffee machines at a glance:
Best luxury iced coffee machine
The best thing about it isn't just the saving money side of things. It's the satisfaction of creating your own barista-quality iced coffees from the comfort of your own home. All in all, the best iced coffee machines at home are an easy, quick and convenient way to satisfy those iced coffee cravings.
Whether you fancy one to-go for your morning commute, a midday pick-me-up over lunch or an after-meal digestif, you'll be able to get your iced coffee fix in no time. Bonus points if you're one to host guests, as we're sure they'll be impressed by your latest high-end appliance.
Ready to get started? Here are the best iced coffee machines as chosen by us at Closer.
SHOP: 7 best iced coffee machines 2024
Best iced coffee machine overall
AmazonFor the smoothest, silkiest cold brew, why not consider the Hario Cold Brew Jug? Fill this highly-rated contraption with coffee and enjoy your favourite ice-cold beverage. After eight hours, the coffee will have passed through into the permanent filter for a rich, cold brew. Thousands of reviewers have said this is a 'marvellous' cold brew coffee machine that they would 'highly recommend', and loved treating themselves to a delicious cold coffee first thing in the morning on a hot day.
Pros
- Makes smooth and silky cold brew
- An easy and intuitive method to follow
- Dishwasher-safe and high-quality glass
Cons
- Takes at least eight hours to brew
| Dimensions: | Unspecified |
| Power: | N/A |
| Water Capacity: | 600ml |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
Best iced coffee machine for beginners
AmazonRecreate your coffee shop order in minutes with the Breville Iced Coffee Maker. Our writer, Piper Huxley, put this machine to the test and found it was 'nothing short of a dream', and said that 'all in all, it's simple and straightforward to use'. Reviewers can only agree, saying that this machine is brilliant and only takes a few minutes to create their dream cup of coffee.
Pros
- User-friendly three-step method
- Straightforward cleaning process
- Comes with a tumbler, straw and coffee scoop
Cons
- Requires a decent amount of ice
| Dimensions: | H32.9 x W15.6 x D21 cm |
| Weight: | 1.08kg |
| Water Capacity: | 350ml |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Coffee filter and brew basket |
| Power: | 700W |
Best luxury iced coffee machine
AmazonHot or cold, the De'Longhi Eletta has you covered when it comes to all your coffee needs. Whether it's ice-cold coffees or a piping hot cappuccino, this machine can truly do it all., delivering your own personalised, high-quality barista-style beverages every single time. Fans of the machine were delighted, saying it's a 'high performance, one-stop coffee machine' that's easy to use, and perfect for picking your preferences.
Pros
- Can prepare hot or cold coffees at the click of a button
- Features a user-friendly intuitive touch panel
- Automatic cleaning with descaling included
Cons
- The capacity of the water tank may be smaller than what some might like
| Dimensions: | 45D x 26W x 38.5H centimetres |
| Weight: | 11.3 kg |
| Water Capacity: | 0.3 kg |
| Dishwasher Safe: | No |
| Power: | 1450W |
Best compact iced coffee machine
Compact, sleek and sophisticated, the Hario Cold Brew Filter makes creating your own iced beverages effortless. It hardly takes up any space on your kitchen counter, and looks minimalist to fit with most kitchen designs. Reviewers loved how effortless it is to use, with one fan of the product dubbing it a 'fantastic, all-in-one cold brew kit'. Simply add your coffee of choice to the filter, pour in cold filter water, and put it in the fridge.
Pros
- User-friendly three-step method
- Compact, sleek design takes up little space
- The rubber lid makes it easy to use on the go
Cons
- Screen filter may be a bit fragile according to one reviewer
| Dimensions: | 3D x 3W x 12H mm |
| Weight: | 435g |
| Water Capacity: | 750ml |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Unspecified |
| Power: | N/A |
Best budget iced coffee machine
AmazonFor an affordable take, the Willow & Everett Cold Brew Maker delivers reliable, fresh cold coffees for your daily routine, on a budget. It can take up to four litres of coffee, so you'll easily get your money's worth. Forming an airtight seal, coffee stays fresh for up to two weeks and the cold premium glass keeps drinks cold. One reviewer commented, 'it makes a strong coffee', so we're sure your 'fantastic' cold brew maker will make a silky smooth iced coffee, full of flavour.
Pros
- Makes smooth and silky cold brew
- Airtight seal keeps coffee fresh for two weeks
- High-quality glass keeps drinks cold
Cons
- The flow on the tap could be stronger
| Dimensions: | 31.8L x 24.9W x 20.3H centimetres |
| Weight: | 1.68kg |
| Water Capacity: | 4 litres |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Unspecified |
| Power: | N/A |
Best versatile iced coffee machine
www.johnlewis.com
From true cold brew coffee to bubble tea and fruit tea infusions, the options are endless with the Instant Cold Breer & Iced Tea Maker. Boasting an easy setup, easy use and easy clean design, one customer revealed it creates the 'perfect iced lattes for the summer', which is something we're looking forward to. It comes with customisable brew strength, so no more waiting around for your coffees. Refreshing iced cold beverages at just the click of a button, in just a matter of minutes.
Pros
- Brews coffee or tea in just 20 minutes
- Features user-friendly intuitive controls
- FlashExtract™ technology for maximum flavour
Cons
- May not be tricky to find ideal ground size
| Dimensions: | H18 x W25 x D19cm |
| Weight: | 1.3kg |
| Water Capacity: | 950ml |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Glass pitcher, brew basket and lid |
| Power: | 15W |
Best portable iced coffee machine
Debenhamswww.debenhams.com
Need a travel coffee maker that will endure bumps and everything life throws at it? Well, your search is over with the asobu Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker. We love that this iced coffee machine is both practical and portable, giving you coffee within a few hours. An Amazon reviewer described this machine as a 'great product', and being 'easy to use and to clean'. This portable machine allows you to get your coffee fix, no matter where you are.
Pros
- Airtight and leakproof BPA-free container
- Reliable tea or coffee filter for brewing
- Complete with detachable travel carafe
Cons
- Brewing can take up to 16 hours
| Dimensions: | 13.7 x 35.6 cm |
| Weight: | 1.13 kg |
| Capacity: | 1 Litre |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Unspecified. |
| Power: | N/A |
FAQs
Who made iced coffee popular?
Iced coffees are absolutely everywhere lately, and we bet you can't go to your local supermarket without spotting one. But, when did iced coffee become a thing? And who made it popular? According to our research, iced coffee has been going for years.
The earliest recorded iced coffee was as early as the 1800s, with a drink called 'mazagran' originating in Algeria, made up of coffee syrup and cold water. Frozen coffee beverages have been documented in the 1900s, with similar recipes appearing across the world ever since.
However, the iced coffee boom saw some popularity in the 1920s when a marketing campaign of the Joint Coffee Trade Publicity Committee of the United States made it the beverage we know and love today. Who'd have thought?
What to consider when looking for an iced coffee machine?
Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Keep in mind if it needs constant upkeep with ground coffee or needs additional accessories.
Lifestyle: How often are you likely to use this maker or machine? If you like an occasional hit, limit your choices to brew jugs. If you're a serial coffee drinker, a machine or pitcher-style brew jug is best.
Capacity: Think about how much you tend to drink in one day or a week. Some of our picks will make copious amounts of coffee at the press of a button, whereas others are a little more limited.
How to use an iced coffee machine?
This will differ from machine to machine, and, obviously, we'd recommend reading the instructions thoroughly while setting it up. If you're more of a visual learner, we'd recommend taking to YouTube to find video tutorials of the machine you have in mind to familiarise yourself with your new bit of kit.
Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for Closer. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on several projects, from championing the Closer newsletters to writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.