Nothing’s more invigorating on a sultry afternoon than a bottomless glass of ice-cold tea. Whether you’re working hard or playing harder, it fuels your summer fun.
And homemade iced tea has benefits beyond refreshment. It’s a good-for-you beverage you can indulge in year-round.
With the right iced tea maker, you can create your favorite flavors for a fraction of the store-bought price without added sweeteners, preservatives, or dyes.
Brew like a pro with one of these top models!
Our recommendations for Best Iced Tea Makers:
- Best Electric Iced Tea Maker: Brentwood Iced Tea Maker
- Best Manual Iced Tea Maker: Takeya Ice Tea Maker
- Great for Tea & Coffee: Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Infuser
- Best Premium Option: Breville BTM800XL Tea Maker
- Best for Travel: Pure Zen Tea Tumbler with Infuser
- Electric Budget Option: HomeCraft Brewing System
- Large and Versatile: Primula Flavor-It Beverage System
If you are looking to prepare something healthy and refreshing, check out this article with 5 iced herbal tea recipes.
Best Iced Tea Makers Reviewed
Below are our top 7 picks for manual and electric iced tea makers. We have included different types of units for all budgets and needs.
All of the units reviewed here are BPA-free and safe to use.
Best Electric Iced Tea Maker: Brentwood KT-2150BK Iced Tea and Coffee Maker
Brew a pot of ice-cold refreshment in minutes with the fabulous Brentwood. Engineered for convenience, it works like a basic coffee maker, so it’s familiar to use.
You can make either iced tea or coffee in a matter of minutes with this innovative brewing machine.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric Iced Tea Maker
- Volume: 64oz (1893ml)
- Materials: Stainless Steel and Plastic (BPA Free)
- Dimensions: 9.5″ x 6.75″ x 14.5″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
The process of making iced tea is ultra-intuitive. Load water in the rear-facing reservoir. Add loose leaf tea, tea bags (or coffee) to the reusable filter basket and adjust the strength selector. Fill the removable carafe with ice and press the on button. Precision heating extracts maximum flavor. Add your favorite sweetener, and your drink is ready to be served. It’s that simple.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in the carafe, which is dishwasher-safe, so clean-up is a breeze.
Available in black or turquoise retro color, it’s aesthetically modern and looks quite nice on the table.
The only thing that could be improved is the carafe lid. It doesn’t make a complete seal so your brew could pick up off-tastes from your refrigerator. But since it makes some of the best iced tea possible, it’s doubtful it will last that long.
For taste, ease of use, and premium presentation at a value price, we give the Brentwood electric iced tea maker our highest recommendation.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Innovative design
- Affordable
- Dishwasher safe carafe
- Adjustable brew strength
- Can be used for both coffee and tea
Cons
- The pitcher lid is not airtight
Best Manual Iced Tea Maker: Takeya Ice Tea Maker with Flash Chill Technology
The Takeya is a low-tech approach for making delicious iced tea fast.
Available in 1- or 2-quart sizes, one should be a good fit for any refrigerator. Choose from four designer colors to match your style, and you’re ready for a hot summer. It’s a great value.
Specifications:
- Type: Manual Iced Tea Maker
- Volume: 64oz (1893ml) or 32 oz
- Materials: Tritan Plastic (BPA Free)
- Dimensions: 4.1″ x 6.1″ x 12.2″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Put bags or loose leaf tea in the infuser and add boiling water to start the steeping process. Fast Chill technology cools it in a flash. Just add ice, shake, and it’s ready to serve in 30 seconds. Removable infusers reach the bottom of the carafe for maximum flavor extraction.
Tritan pitchers are lightweight, durable, and BPA-free. Made in the US, they’re dishwasher-safe and won’t warp or crack under extreme temperatures. Pitcher handles are silicone-coated and slip-resistant for safety — let the kids pour. Lids are leak-proof and airtight — store tea for days.
Pros
- Brewing is simple and fast
- Great value for money
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and durable
- Made in the US
Cons
- You have to pour the tea slowly or otherwise it might spill
Great for Tea & Coffee: Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser
Can’t decide between iced tea and cold-brewed coffee? It’s no problem with Ovalware’s two-in-one Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser.
Available in 1- and 1.5-liter sizes, it’s the versatile solution you’ve been looking for.
Specifications:
- Type: Manual Iced Tea Maker
- Volume: 51oz (1500ml) or 34 oz
- Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Medical-Grade Stainless Steel, Silicon (BPA Free)
- Dimensions: 4.6″ x 4.6″ x 7.9″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Sleek, the modern, beaker-shaped carafe is made of extra-thick borosilicate glass. The exterior is measured in cups and milliliters with a clear maximum fill line. Each comes with a removable fine mesh filter for coffee, loose leaf or bags.
The stainless steel lid is airtight and preserves your brew’s flavor for up to two weeks.
Parts, including the filter, are dishwasher-safe. There’s no plastic anywhere — just glass, steel and a silicone gasket. It’s good for your health and the environment.
The sole drawback is the carafe’s shape. It’s elegant but not practical. The mouth is small, so hand washing is a challenge. But for an affordable price, it’s visually pleasing and otherwise well-appointed.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials
- Stylish design
- Versatile
- Airtight lid
Cons
- Difficult to hand wash
Best Premium Option: Breville BTM800XL Tea Maker
The Breville BTM800XL is a tea maker for all seasons. Whether you like hot tea or cold, it boasts 1500 watts of power and every feature a tea enthusiast dreams about.
Specifications:
- Type: Automatic Electric Tea Kettle with Infuser
- Volume: 51oz (1500ml)
- Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Brushed Stainless Steel (BPA-free)
- Dimensions: 10.3″ x 5.9″ x 11″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
This electric tea maker is fully automated with an easy-to-read LCD panel. One touch is all it takes to start, stop or time the brewing process. Preset functions create the ideal conditions for brewing black, green, white, oolong, or herbal teas. Select your preferred strength — mild, medium, or strong. Temperature can be fine-tuned by plus or minus one degree.
For a fresh cup first thing in the morning, set the timer and fill the stainless steel infusion basket with your favorite bags or loose leaf — it lowers automatically. The brushed stainless base plate keeps your brew warm for 60 minutes.
Kettles are made of the highest-quality German-made borosilicate glass. Non-porous, they never absorb unwanted tastes or odors. Minimal plastic components are food-safe and BPA-free.
The price tag on the Breville is eye-popping, but so is its quality — few tea makers are this well-equipped. It’s engineered to perfection. For the occasional cup, it’s more than you need to spend. But for the tea connoisseur, it’s worth every dime.
Pros
- Automatic brewing functions
- Made with high-quality materials
- Easy and fast to use
- One-touch temperature control
Cons
- Pricey
Best for Travel: Pure Zen 13-Ounce Glass Tea Tumbler
Want some iced tea while on the road?
Don’t settle for bottled tea from a convenience store. Enjoy a healthier brew with the Pure Zen Tea Tumbler.
Specifications:
- Type: Tea Tumbler with Infuser
- Volume: 13oz (400ml)
- Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Stainless Steel (BPA-free)
- Dimensions: 2.75″ x 2.75″ x 9.5″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Made of shatter-resistant borosilicate, it’s double-walled and keeps tea cold for hours. Alone, glass doesn’t regulate temperature as effectively as metal or plastic, but the complimentary neoprene sleeve improves the insulation value and controls condensation.
Each tumbler holds 13-ounces and includes a removable, fine-mesh infuser that can be used with loose leaf or bags — add fruit for a punch of Vitamin C. Brushed stainless steel lids are flat and sit securely on any surface. Gaskets are silicone, not plastic.
Elegant, lightweight and leak-proof, the Pure Zen tumbler slips easily in a backpack or purse. It’s a must-have for comfortable warm-weather travel.
Pros
- Looks elegant
- Practical two-lidded design
- Made with high-quality materials
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a protective neoprene sleeve
Cons
- Quite small
Looking for more options to brew your beverage on the go? Check out this guide with our recommended tea infuser bottles.
Best Electric Budget Iced Tea Maker: HomeCraft Iced Tea And Iced Coffee Brewing System
HomeCraft’s iced tea maker is ideal for thirsty families. Party-ready with a huge 12-cup capacity, it brews enough ice-cold beverages for a crowd.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric Iced Tea Maker
- Volume: 96oz (2839ml)
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Plastic (BPA Free)
- Dimensions: 10.5″ x 7″ x 15.5″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Fill the filter basket with fresh ground coffee, loose leaf, or tea bags, and let the shower head work its magic. It’s designed for complete saturation and optimal flavor enhancement. Features include a strength selector dial for brews from mild to strong.
Bargain-priced, the HomeCraft is made of food-safe plastic parts, including the carafe. The lid has three position options and a handy ice guard. Pieces are quick to disassemble and top-rack dishwasher-safe.
The HomeCraft’s build quality is clearly inferior to models like the Breville. But for less than a fifth of the price, it’s remarkably sturdy and full-featured, proving that summer fun doesn’t have to break the bank.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Adjustable flavor strength
Cons
- Could be more sturdy
Large and Versatile: Primula Flavor-It Beverage System
Unleash your inner gourmet with Primula’s Flavor-It Beverage System. This one versatile pitcher creates a summer’s worth of extraordinary beverages, from infused iced teas to relaxing sangrias.
Specifications:
- Type: Manual Iced Tea Maker
- Volume: 92.8oz (2744ml)
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Tritan Plastic (BPA Free)
- Dimensions: 11.61″ x 4.41″ x 11.73″ (L x W x H)
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Carafes are made of tough, non-toxic Tritan plastic. Independently certified, they’re guaranteed to be BPA- and BPS-free. Unlike other plastics, they’re crystal-clear and shatter-resistant.
Three interchangeable lid-mounted cores create the flavor. You get a stainless steel infuser for tea or coffee grounds, a plastic infuser for fruit and a chill core — a permanently sealed, freezable insert that quickly lowers the temperature in your favorite cold beverage. Lids are airtight and secure.
The generous 2.9-quart size makes plenty for family and friends. Freeze small quantities of leftovers in Popsicle molds for an anytime treat. All parts are dishwasher safe except for the lid, the only drawback to this otherwise smartly designed pitcher.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Made with durable materials
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons
- Screwing the lid on and off takes could be easier
Choosing the Best Iced Tea Maker
There’s an iced tea maker for every budget and lifestyle. Let’s explore the features that help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Manual or Electric
Iced tea makers come in manual and electric models.
Manual versions are pitchers designed to make a faster, more flavorful brew — they’re an upgrade from the garden-variety jugs you can buy at a big box store.
Just add hot water to your favorite ingredients and refrigerate. They have an old-fashioned, minimalist feel, but each batch usually takes a few hours to steep and chill, so you’ll have to think ahead. There are also more advanced manual versions designed to get your dose of iced tea ready in minutes.
Electric iced tea makers brew on demand. You can have fresh iced tea in minutes anytime, anywhere.
Size
How much iced tea do you usually drink? Are you serving yourself or a family plus guests?
Iced tea makers come in sizes from a quart to a gallon. Unless the space it takes in the refrigerator is a huge concern, size up. You’ll brew less often and always be entertainment-ready.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Brewing iced tea isn’t rocket science, so you don’t want an appliance that makes it more complex. But if you’ve ever made sweet tea in a glass jar, you know it’s challenging to pour without a handle.
Visualizing the process from start to clean-up helps you identify features that can make or break your experience.
Do you need an infuser? How about a leak-proof lid? Are dishwasher-safe materials a must?
Think before you buy.
Materials and Durability
Pitchers come in plastic and glass. If you’re moving away from petroleum products, borosilicate glass carafes are beautiful and nearly as durable. They’re heavier than plastic but will never absorb tastes and odors. Tomorrow’s green tea won’t taste like yesterday’s black brew.
Better plastics, however, are both environmentally friendly and toxin-free. Lightweight, they’re safer for kids to pour. Look for models that are BPS- and BPA-free.
Versatility
Iced tea makers should be as versatile as you are. If a model doesn’t brew the beverages you want most, it’ll do little more than collect dust on your kitchen counter.
Consider — does it work with both loose leaf and tea bags? Can it make both hot and cold tea? How about coffee and cocoa?
A word of caution, however. Multi-function appliances are space savers, but they can only perform one function at a time — you can’t brew hot coffee and iced tea simultaneously. So while they’re an excellent choice for some homes, they’re not practical for everyone.
Style
Iced tea makers won’t change the entire vibe of your kitchen, but they should fit the décor. Materials, lines, and colors that match your existing appliances are a plus. Pitchers that look amazing on the table are a bonus.
3 Ways to Make Iced Tea or Coffee
Below are the 3 common ways for making iced tea:
Hot Brewing: Brew your tea (or coffee) normally. Let it cool down for a while and then refrigerate until it’s cool.
Quick Chill: Brew your beverage double strength compared to normal. Add a generous amount of ice to chill it fast so you can enjoy it right away. Note that this method varies according to your iced tea maker as some units allow you to do this without diluting the tea.
Cold Brew: Steep your drink in cold water in the refrigerator for about 6 to 12 hours.
Iced Tea Maker FAQ
Should I buy a manual or electric iced tea maker?
The choice between manual and electric iced tea maker is a matter of personal preference and how much you want to spend.
Electric iced tea makers are very convenient to use because you don’t need to boil water separately. They are a bit more expensive than manual ones but there are also affordable options available — like our top recommendation, the Brentwood electric iced tea maker, and the budget option HomeCraft Brewing System.
Manual iced tea makers are often very affordable and don’t need any electricity. Some are also great for taking along when you go for a picnic or hiking.
How long does is take to make iced tea with an iced tea maker?
Making a pitcher full of refreshing iced tea can be done in a few minutes if you have plenty of ice available. Just brew some hot tea and chill it with ice.
However, if you chill the tea in a refrigerator it takes at least a few hours.
Making cold brew iced tea takes a minimum of 6 hours.
Wha is the best electric iced tea maker?
Our recommendation for the best electric iced tea maker is the Brentwood Iced Tea Maker. It’s very well designed and easy to use and clean. One great thing is that you can use it for both tea and coffee.
Enjoy your refreshing iced tea!
-Joonas
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