When it comes to iced coffee lovers, one thing is certain – the enjoyment of the delicious, cooled beverage is not limited to any particular time of year.
Whether we’re in the height of British summertime or have been plunged into depths of our island’s coldest winter, there’s always a time and a place for a nice tall glass of iced coffee.
We understand, of course, the flipside of this argument. The undeniable appeal of sipping on an almost scoldingly hot coffee, even in 30-degree heat. Caffeinated or not, the ritual itself has a power to wake us up from the inside out. There’s a reason even the southernmost Italian residents drink a perfectly brewed espresso day in, day out.
Nevertheless, we can all agree on the fact that the old wives’ tale which dictates the concept of eating or drinking hot things on the hottest of days somehow has the power to cool us down is…well, a whole lot of rubbish. Let’s just agree that some people like it hot, and others need a hefty serving of ice to quench that inner fire.
If you belong to the latter camp, you’re in the right place. You’ve probably already got a budding collection of reusable Stanley Quenchers and tumblers to house your favourite ice coffee brew. If you’re well and truly on #BeverageTok, you might even have a smart assortment of reusable ice trays and Starbucks-approved sweet syrups for that afternoon pick-me-up.
However, you’re only human. Fiddling with that luxurious espresso machine every morning can be a pain, even for the most experienced baristas. You don’t like to admit it, but you’ll often forgo your morning beverage routine to stop by your local coffee shop when you’re in a pinch – even if that extra shot of espresso brings your total up to a whole fiver.
What if we told you there was a wonderfully simple mechanic solution to all your ice coffee needs? We’ve rounded up a selection of the best iced coffee machines on the market, so that you can create a cool morning brew with Instagram appeal.
What makes an iced coffee maker different?
The difference between a machine designed specifically for iced coffee and your standard espresso machine is simple. Iced coffee machines brew at a lower temperature with less water. This ensures a strong espresso taste carries through for a full-bodied, cooling beverage.
Cold brew or iced coffee?
This depends on your taste buds. Cold brew is essentially coffee grounds that have been left to steep in water, whereas iced coffee is traditionally a standard espresso shot or two poured over ice. Cold brew is full-bodied, stronger and more concentrated. On the flipside, iced coffee is milder and often sweeter. Either can be adapted to suit your tastes, though you can expect a thicker coffee even without added milk when it comes to cold brew.
Keep scrolling for the goods.
Shop now.
Best water filter jugs you can keep in the fridge
Best home coffee makers 2023: filter, pod and bean to cup machines
Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to kickstart your day in style
Best coffee subscription services to try in the UK for 2023
Best mushroom coffee brands reviewed and why everyone’s drinking it
Best manual coffee machines for a truly top notch brew tried and tested
Best budget coffee machines: Get a great coffee without breaking the bank
Traditional iced coffee machines
Breville Iced Coffee Maker
This little machine might not look like much, but it’ll certainly fill your mornings with more high-quality iced coffee than ever before. What makes the Breville Iced Coffee Maker different to pouring espresso to an ice-filled cup, we hear you ask? The handy device quickly cools concentrated, hot-brewed coffee over ice, and uses exact measurements to ensure you create the perfect brew every time. The result is wonderfully flavourful iced coffee that never tastes watered down.
We’re big fans of the fact that the machine also comes with a reusable coffee filter which, alongside the fact that you’re already making your coffee at home, ensures you’re able to prevent unnecessary waste wherever possible. What’s more, that sleek and durable-looking 625ml insulated plastic tumbler? It’s also included in the value-for-money price.
Take the guesswork out of creating your perfect iced coffee – simply pour in water, measure a scoop of coffee, press start, et voilà – it’s an iced coffee dream come true.
Buy now £39.00, Amazon
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Coffee lovers around the globe have likely come across this cult-favourite classic. Thanks to its incredibly portable nature, it’s a go-to choice for espresso maniacs who are constantly on the move – whether that be in the form of walking, hiking, trekking or general travelling.
Though used by many to make hot coffee, the AeroPress’ ability to produce a full-bodied brew in record time without it being watered down makes it a fantastic option for iced coffee enthusiasts. The device forgoes the use of a filter to ensure the coffee remains an appropriate strength even with the addition of ice.
If you’re into the idea of making an AeroPress-approved iced coffee in under four minutes, world-class barista James Hoffman has the recipe for you.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Cold brew makers
OXO Brew Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The OXO Brew looks strangely similar to the Breville Ice Coffee Machine – just with an open bottom, and a design which prioritises cold brews rather than your classic iced coffee. Celebrated for its ability to produce ultra-smooth, low-acidity coffee, the OXO Brew achieves this by ensuring the coffee grounds never come into contact with hot water. Rather, the grounds are steeped in cold water which is evenly distributed thanks to the ‘RainMaker’ lid.
All you need to is steep your favourite coffee grounds, wait 12-15 hours, and flip the easy Brew-Release switch to start the draining process. The concentrated brew produces around 12-14 cups of coffee and will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks (if you can go that long without finishing it).
Buy now £62.10, Amazon
Asobu Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker
You might not have thought it possible, but this portable coffee maker provides freshly made cold brew on-the-go. Whether you travel long distances for work every morning or are simply the kind of person that’s constantly on the move – this is the cold brew device for you.
Add your coarsely ground coffee, swirl in cold filtered water and wait up to 12 hours for the full steeping process to be complete. Once that’s done, press the release button to drain your brew into the attached, insulated carafe, which can be removed and sealed for immediate use.
Buy now £36.99, Amazon
Presto 02937 Dorothy Electric Rapid Cold Brewer
Can’t wait up to 12 hours for that sweet, sweet cold brew? The Presto 02937 Dorothy will have your daily nectar ready in a record-breaking 15 minutes. Another machine that ensures your coffee grounds will never come into contact with hot water, this rapid cold brew machine works by mixing grounds with cold water into a rapidly circulating whirlpool for complete flavour extraction with none of the pesky waiting.
Despite the fact that the machine looks bizarrely like a French Press, it’ll have your coffee ready quicker than you can say presto. You will still need to press the plunger to filter the coffee grounds, though. You win some, you lose some.
Buy now £81.91, Amazon
Iced lattes
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser
Did you know that the cult favourite, winter hot choc maker can also be used to make cold brews? Us neither. Made by Dualit, Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser comes in at just shy of £100 for the machine alone. The device comes in three colours; rose gold is the chicest. The machine also comes with a wide whisk, a kettle-like power base and spouted jug with a handle, plus two white ceramic cups in which to pour your velvety elixir.
To use, simply plug in the base to a socket and fill with regular milk or plant-based milk to the measurement etched inside the pot. The next step is what sets this recipe apart from your classic hot chocolate. Rather than using one of the many hot chocolate sachets on offer, pick up a dedicated Caffè Latte Sachet, or even a Chocolate Latte Sachet, and watch as your silky smooth and perfectly sweet latte falls into your tall cup of choice, crackling wonderfully over fresh ice.
Buy now £99.95, Hotel Chocolat
