Best Iced Tea Makers to Refresh Yourself in Summer Heat

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 18, 2023
On a hot day, nothing can be better than a sip of chilling ice-cold tea. Instead of paying for every cup, why not buy an iced tea maker and enjoy your favorite drink at any moment? And our 5 best iced tea makers review will help you make the choice! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
CAPACITY
BREWING TIME
BEVERAGES
TEA STRENGTH
OPERATION
FUNCTIONS
CONVENIENCE AND CARE
PACKAGE
WARRANTY
 
PROS

For hassle-free long-term use, this model comes complete with a permanent reusable filter. Meanwhile, the boiler compartment features steam vents to prevent overheating. 

CONS

A manual selector might seem inconvenient.

OUR VERDICT

A stylish and easy-to-use automatic iced tea maker from Mr. Coffee will find its place in any kitchen. Delivered with a number of additional recipes, in mere minutes, it will make a full pitcher of fruit iced tea lemonade or any other brew to your liking to enjoy with your family and friends.

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

2.5 Qt

BREWING TIME

Up to 10 minutes 

BEVERAGES

Loose tea, Tea bags

TEA STRENGTH

Manual brew strength selector 

OPERATION

Electric 

FUNCTIONS

Auto switch-off, Power On Indicator

CONVENIENCE AND CARE

Removable water tank, Pitcher fill lines, Water reservoir window, Dishwasher safe pitcher and lid

PACKAGE

1 Removable brew basket, 1 Removable reusable filter, Pitcher lid, Recipe book with 20 refreshing tea recipes

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

A fine mesh filter in the brewing basket is perfectly suitable for all types of tea and coffee grind sizes. You can be sure no tea leaves or coffee grains will get into the pitcher.

CONS

There is no light indicator. 

OUR VERDICT

This high capacity model from Nostalgia Products will become a real find for all iced tea and coffee lovers who drink those cooling beverages on a daily basis and want to be able to make them at home. A sleek unit design will add a touch of style to any kitchen, while a 3Qt carafe makes it a great choice for large families.

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

3 Qt

BREWING TIME

Up to 10 minutes

BEVERAGES

Loose tea, Tea bags, Coffee

TEA STRENGTH

Manual brew strength selector

OPERATION

Electric 

FUNCTIONS

Auto switch-off

CONVENIENCE AND CARE

Pitcher fill lines, Manual wash

PACKAGE

1 Removable brew basket, 1 Removable cleanable filter, Pitcher lid

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

A large steeping basket of the Mr. Coffee iced tea maker is especially convenient for making large-leaf herbal tea.

CONS
You will need to use paper filters for loose tea.
OUR VERDICT

At a reasonable price, the Mr. Coffee iced tea maker offers pretty much the same functionality as more expensive models. A unit with a simple design and high capacity is good for a family of 2 or 3 to enjoy delicious refreshing tea or energizing coffee drinks.

detailed parameters
CAPACITY
2 Qt
BREWING TIME
Up to 10 minutes
BEVERAGES

Loose tea, Tea bags, Coffee

TEA STRENGTH
Depends on the amount of tea
OPERATION
Electric
FUNCTIONS
On/off indicator light, Auto switch-off
CONVENIENCE AND CARE
Pitcher fill lines, Manual wash only
PACKAGE
1 Removable steeping basket, Pitcher lid, Recipe book
WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

A unique 3-position lid turns and locks in place, allowing you to pour liquids and iced beverages without spillage. 

CONS

According to some users, the lid is hard to close.

OUR VERDICT
The HomeCraft HCIT3BS is a stylish kitchen tool that you would love to have on your countertop. It is also very convenient to use thanks to the large handle with a comfy grip. The combination of attractive design, convenience, and large capacity makes it the perfect choice for all herbal teas and brewed coffee lovers.
detailed parameters
CAPACITY

3 Qt

BREWING TIME

Up to 10 minutes

BEVERAGES

Loose tea, Tea bags, Coffee

TEA STRENGTH

Manual brew strength selector

OPERATION

Electric

FUNCTIONS

Auto switch-off, Power Button/Indicator Light

CONVENIENCE AND CARE

Three-position lid, Large handle, Cord hideaway for tidy storage, Drip tray

PACKAGE

Removable brew basket, 1 Removable filter basket, Pitcher lid

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

A manual tea strength selector allows getting an individual tea taste while an infusion tube will also let you add fruits and herbs while brewing to give your drink some specific taste and flavor. 

CONS

A glass pitcher is a bit fragile and needs more delicate care.

OUR VERDICT

Thanks to stainless steel body elements, this iced tea maker has an amazing design. You'll be surprised how easy you can make a glass of refreshing iced tea. West Bend Fresh Iced Tea maker is an ultimate choice for a family of 3-4 persons or a small party

detailed parameters
CAPACITY

2.75 Qt

BREWING TIME

Up to 10 minutes

BEVERAGES

Loose tea, Tea bags, Coffee

TEA STRENGTH

Manual brew strength selector

OPERATION

Electric

FUNCTIONS

Auto switch-off, Power on Indicator

CONVENIENCE AND CARE

Pitcher fill lines, Dishwasher safe

PACKAGE

1 Removable brew basket, 1 Removable cleanable filter, Infusion tube, Pitcher lid

WARRANTY

1 year

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Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33

Professional-grade Design for Customizable Brewing Experience

At a glance, you might think that this iced tea machine is a piece of professional equipment for cafés and coffee houses, and it will take you time to get the hang of it. However, you'll be surprised how easy it is to operate. The unit consists of a boiler tank and a pitcher and has very simple controls. All you need is to fill the water tank, put loose tea or several tea bags into the brew basket, adjust the brew strength with a selector switch and the machine will do the rest for you.

The removable brew basket comes complete with a permanent reusable filter, which will save you the hassle of having to buy extra paper filters. Cleaning the filter is hassle-free, too. When used with hard water, cleaning will be required every forty cycles; and when used with soft water, you will need to clean it only after about eighty brewing cycles.

Thanks to a special window in the water reservoir, you will always pour just the right amount of water without overfills. The auto switch function will eliminate the worry of having to turn the unit off after use, as it will shut off automatically when the tea is ready, which is very convenient. The only thing to keep in mind is a glass pitcher. Avoid cleaning it with abrasive detergents. It's better to clean it in a dishwashing machine, since it is dishwasher-safe.

The adjustable brewing strength will be highly appreciated by all iced tea lovers. With its help, you will be able to make custom-brew fresh gourmet iced tea all your own way. To create a unique drink, you can use fine tea leaves with a clear bold taste or flavored-infused tea sachets. Besides, you can experiment with ingredients by adding various syrups or fresh berries to your tea after brewing, as well as customizing the brewing time and the amount of ice or sugar to get a bolder or milder tea drink. As a nice bonus, the unit is delivered with a recipe book, offering 20 delicious recipes to enjoy coffeehouse-style teas at home.

Review of Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33 2-in-1 Iced Tea Brewing System

Drip-free Brewing and Spill-free Pouring

Something we can't overlook in this iced tea maker from Mr. Coffee is a smartly designed construction that is not only convenient in use but also ensures mess-free unit operation.

A pivoting brew head perfectly aligns with a pitcher, ensuring that all tea will get into the pitcher and there will be no spots on the countertop. The glass pitcher looks nice enough to use it for serving and it also comes with a lid. More than that, a pointy spout is perfect for precise pouring without any spills and splashes over the table while an ergonomic pitcher handle provides a convenient grip for secure handling.

To resume, distinguished by professional design and quality build, the Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33 2-in-1 iced tea maker will make your home tea brewing to a new level and help you get the most out of your favorite tea blends. 

Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33 2-in-1 Iced Tea Brewing System in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $63.25
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CEILY9W

What customers say about this product

Features

All removable parts wash up great in the dishwasher

Details

There is a 'max' water level marker on the appliance's water reservoir -- so you can add water directly to the reservoir without using the pitcher if you are inclined to do so. I found this useful, as it saves a step.

Key Specs

We decided to try this model, based on the fact that it at least has a 2.5 qt the capacity.

Power

I like how this model shuts itself off (before I had to watch it and then let the remaining tea out)

Size & Weight

The carafe is a nice weight. Not to heavy for my kids to use, but doesn't feel flimsy.
 

Nostalgia CI3BK

Brewing in Style

If you live in the region where the temperature is far above zero most part of the year, a glass of refreshing iced tea or coffee can become a real savior on a dazzlingly hot day. And a quality home brewer like the one from Nostalgia will definitely add to your kitchen arsenal.

You will get an automated complete brewing system that will let you make both iced tea and iced coffee at home whenever you want, using either loose leaf tea, bagged tea or ground coffee. And all is at the touch of a button, with minimum effort required on your part. The unit will heat the water, drip it through a brewing basket, and pour the freshly brewed drink onto the ice in a carafe, the whole process taking just about 10 minutes.

Along with the up to par functionality, this model stands out for a sleek and elegant design that will blend with any kitchen interior and accentuate its style. A glossy black body with silver liners on the sides and a metal plate on the front panel has a modern look with a touch of a vintage vibe at the same time. The unit will fit both classic and traditional interior designs and contemporary styles. Paired with an exquisite glass pitcher, it can even become a focal point of your kitchen interior.

Suitable for brewing all sorts of tea and ground coffee blends, the Nostalgia brewer comes complete with an efficient flavor extraction chamber consisting of a filter basket and a special showerhead. The filter basket is removable and reusable saving you the need to buy paper filters. Besides, a fine mesh in the basket will perfectly retain both large and small leaf teas and all coffee grind sizes. So, you can be sure no tea leaves and coffee grains will get into the pitcher. Meanwhile, a shower head installed right over the basket will dispense water in intervals for optimal tea or coffee saturation and maximum flavor extraction.

With an 8-position dial strength selector, you can precisely customize the tea strength and coffee boldness to brew your favorite tea or coffee drink your way. Whether you like a strong and rich taste or mild and delicate flavor, the Nostalgia will deliver it each time. More than that, to enhance the aroma and experiment with tastes, you can also add some sweeteners, berries, citrus slices, cinnamon or vanilla sticks, mint and other herbs right to the brewing basket.

Review of Nostalgia CI3BK Tea Brewing System

A Well-thought Pitcher Design

As we’ve already mentioned, the Nostalgia comes with a carafe made of glass, unlike many other iced tea maker models fitted with plastic pitchers. Complete with a sophisticated glass handle and moderate black lid, this pitcher can be used not only for brewing but also for serving iced drinks. It will look great both on a small coffee table on the terrace and on a large dining table laid for some festive occasion. Besides, glass is absolutely safe for food and exudes no toxins or harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. Moreover, the Nostalgia pitcher is produced from highly durable glass resistant to temperature changes. Just wash it manually to prolong the item service life to the maximum. Finally, the capacity of 3 Qt is a great choice for large families as well as parties and gatherings.

To sum up, the Nostalgia brewing system is a complete and functional solution for all iced tea and coffee lovers who drink those cooling beverages on a daily basis and want to be able to make them at home and no worse than in a restaurant.

Nostalgia CI3BK Tea Brewing System in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B09N4Q3XTH

 

Mr. Coffee TM-75

Great Bang for the Buck

Are you an iced tea fan drinking a few glasses of this chilly drink a day? Yet, still fiddle with a carafe and a teapot to first brew and then cool down the tea? If so, it’s time to get an iced tea maker. And if you want to have your refreshing beverage ready in close to no time but are not eager to invest in a premium appliance, the Mr. Coffee TM-75 will suit you just right.

At almost half the price of more expensive high-rated models, you’ll get the same automated machine with the functionality very similar to that of top-liners. Same as in more expensive models, the Mr. Coffee TM-75's system consists of an electric brewing unit and a pitcher that you can use for brewing your drink as well as for serving it and storing in the fridge. Although the pitcher is made of plastic, it's very strong, durable, and highly resistant to temperature changes so you can be sure that it won't crack easily even if you fill it with hot tea. Meanwhile, handy fill marks will give you a hint om the right amount of water and ice to get a balanced flavor-packed drink in the end.

The Mr. Coffee TM-75 features a mid-sized 2-Qt carafe that will let you make 8 cups of a refreshing cold drink in one go. This capacity will suffice for a family of 2 or 3 and will even cover the needs of a small party. What's more, it will take the unit about 10 minutes to heat the water and steep the tea. Of course, this isn't the shortest preparation time we've seen, yet, it's still fast enough, especially as compared to traditional brewing.

Speaking of brewing options, the model can accommodate not only loose and bagged tea varieties but also various ground coffee blends. So, whether you want a sip of herbal delicacy or need a caffeine boost, you are good to go. To avoid sediments, it is recommended to use paper filters for loose tea and ground coffee. With coffee, medium and dark roasts best work for this type of brewing to achieve a fragrant flavor-infused drink. As for the tea strength, although the model doesn’t have a special strength selector, you can easily adjust it by the amount of loose tea you put in the steeping basket.

Review of Mr. Coffee TM-75 2-Quart Iced Tea & Iced Coffee Maker

Easy to Use and a Breeze to Clean

Thanks to a very simple design and intuitive controls, this iced team maker is very easy to operate, even if you’ve never used this type of appliance before. You just need to pour water into the brewer, fill the pitcher with ice, place a steeping basket with some tea or coffee over the pitcher, install it into the brewer, and let the machine do the rest. A handy power button with an indicator light will let you know when the brewing process is over and the unit will turn off automatically, so, there is no risk of overheat.

Though the heating unit is all white, it is not prone to stains since the carafe neatly suits the brewer and the lid snugly fits the pitcher to keep spills and splashes at bay. Besides, you can easily wipe off any minor stains with a damp cloth. The pitcher itself is a cinch to clean under the running water using some mild soap or detergent to remove spots from strong tea or coffee.

Overall, the Mr.Coffee TM75 is a simple yet functional automated iced tea maker that offers good value for the money, will suit any budget and can find a place in any kitchen.

Mr. Coffee TM-75 2-Quart Iced Tea & Iced Coffee Maker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.21
Stock In stock
ASIN B00005OTXI

VIDEO
Mr.Coffee Ice Tea Maker, Series T1
 

Homecraft HCIT3BS

A Friend of All Summer Parties

A true friend of all summer parties and feasts, an ice tea maker is the best thing to have in every home. It's also a healthier way to rehydrate your body, so there's absolutely no excuse for not owning one, especially with summer being just around the corner. So, if you're ready to buy one but don't know which one to choose from a slew of options available, consider the Homecraft HCIT3BS.

Ideal for making iced tea, coffee, lattes, and many other drinks, this device will allow you to have a glass ready in mere minutes. Furthermore, with a capacity of 3Qt, which is equivalent to 12 cups of beverage, it will also be a great choice for large families and parties.

Besides its large capacity, the HCIT3BS is known for the convenience of use. The large handle has a comfy grip for easy pouring, and there's also a lid that turns and locks in place, allowing you to pour your drinks spills-free. Not to be left out is a filter basket and a shower head. The former is designed to work with ground coffee and loose tea, while the latter helps with extracting the most out of the beverage's taste, ensuring complete saturation.

Should you want to brew iced drinks your own way, the Homecraft HCIT3BS has a special flavor extraction chamber. Simply add herbs, lemon, lime, berries, orange slices or any other sweetener of your choice for a customized flavor. Plus, there's a strength selector dial on the front of the device, which lets you adjust the flavor strength from mild to strong.

Review of Homecraft HCIT3BS Iced Tea Brewing System

A Good Fit for Any Kitchen

Although we don't usually buy kitchen appliances based on their looks alone, it never hurts when the device looks great. In this regard, the Homecraft iced tea maker is a real beauty. Encased in a sleek stainless design with a black finish, it looks elegant and smart, making it a good addition to any modern kitchen. It is also well-built and sturdy. With a weight of about 4.34 pounds, it looks and feels much better than most plastic units and is sure to last you a long while.

When it comes to the safety features, the device is featured with special pitcher fill lines to prevent overfilling and also has an auto shut-off, which turns the device off when the drink is ready. Thanks to this, you don't have to be around the appliance all the time. Also included are power indicators that show you when the unit is powered on.

The clean-up is easy and hassle-free. All parts, including the filter and the glass pitcher itself, are removable and dishwasher-safe, so you won't have trouble scrubbing and hand-washing it after each use.

To wrap up, if you're searching for a great-quality iced tea maker that can make lots of iced drinks, the Homecraft HCIT3BS can be your best choice. It will also be a good choice for those who prefer to make drinks their own way.

Homecraft HCIT3BS Iced Tea Brewing System in the use

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08MSMJFR6

 

West Bend Fresh

A Real Find for Iced Drink Lovers

Are you one of those crisp and ice cold tea and coffee lovers who find themselves spending too much on bottles of it because you are too lazy or too busy to make this chilling drink by yourself? If so, you’ll definitely appreciate all the benefits of a fully automated iced tea making machine that will do all the work for you. And the only thing that's left for you to do is to pour it into the glass and drink it. The West Bend iced tea maker is just that kind of machine.

This model comes with a generously-sized 2.75Qt pitcher where you can make up to 10 servings of refreshing cold tea. This capacity is enough for a family of 3-4 persons or even for a group of friends or a small party. Meanwhile, it will take you no more than 5 to 10 minutes to make tea. The brewing time mostly depends on the amount of drink you prepare and on the desired tea strength. Traditional tea making and cooling processes are much more labor-taking and time-consuming.

To proceed, like many other models in this class, the West Bend can brew not only bagged and loose tea but also amazing iced coffee. You only need to place the necessary amount of aromatic ground coffee into the filter and turn the device on. The machine will brew coffee in a way similar to a drip coffee maker, giving you a delicious and refreshing drink infused with coffee goodness and smooth coffee flavor.

A strength lever on the front panel will let you select the desired tea strength, from the light and delicate to more strong and intensive. Besides, a little bonus you'll appreciate is an infuser tube that will let you create flavored drinks by adding fresh fruit and herbs. You can also add some sugar or syrups on top of the ice for extra sweetness. In fact, you are free to experiment with coffee and tea flavors to your taste.

Review of West Bend Fresh Iced Tea and Coffee Maker

With User Convenience in the Focus

Featuring exceptional functional versatility, this model is very easy and convenient to operate. It has a removable water tank with fill indicators allowing you to simply fill the West Bend iced tea maker with tap water. When brewing is complete, the unit will automatically switch off saving you the need to watch the whole process.

A glass pitcher is dishwasher safe and has convenient ice fill indicators. In addition, the West Bend comes with a removable reusable filter for tea and coffee. Meanwhile, the manufacturer recommends purchasing an additional reusable filter for coffee to avoid coffee flavor and taste in your tea. There is also a pitcher lid in the package to keep a nice fresh drink in a refrigerator. Finally, in a recipe book, you can find ideas for new blends and flavors for your refreshing beverages.

To cut to the chase, as functional and easy-to-use as it is, the West Bend machine will become a real find both for true tea lovers and for coffee aficionados.

West Bend Fresh Iced Tea and Coffee Maker in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $44.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B077B7YX7S

 

What Is an Iced Tea Maker?

Today, tea is considered one of the most popular beverages in the world after water. The biggest tea lovers live in India, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Asian countries. Yet, all of them traditionally drink hot tea. Meanwhile, Americans are real fans of the so-called “tea on the rocks”. On a hot summer day, when you suffer from thirst there is hardly anything that can compare to a glass of refreshing and chilling iced tea. However, it will take you a lot of time to constantly heat water, brew tea and cool it to an ice-cold temperature. This is where an iced tea maker will come in handy. With this simple unit, you will need only several minutes to make a cup of reviving iced cold tea. Just put some tea into the filter, fill in the water tank, and put some ice into the pitcher. Then turn it on and in several minutes you will enjoy a nice cooling beverage! Besides, you are free to experiment with tea types and add flavors to your liking.

If you are a big fan of coffee, some models of cappuccino makers will please your taste with an iced cappuccino. Or you can refresh yourself with a glass of soda from a soda maker.

What Features to Compare

Capacity

The amount of tea you can make at a time depends on a pitcher capacity. Pitcher capacities range from 1 to 3 Quarts. Compact 1-Qt carafes are suitable for individual use or maximum for 2 persons. The bigger 2-Qt iced tea maker models will be a convenient solution for a family of 2-3 persons. Large 2-3-Qt iced tea makers will be perfect for a big family as well as for a party or a picnic, to cheer your guests with wonderful cold beverages. Another important aspect is preparation time, since when you turn the iced tea maker on, you are longing to get a refreshing drink as soon as possible. Usually, the preparation time ranges from 3 to 10 minutes. The more water you pour into the water tank, the longer it will take to brew your tea or coffee, and vice versa.

Preparation Options

Iced tea makers differ by a number of beverages they can make, and by a tea strength adjustment feature. Some models brew only bagged tea while other can brew loose tea too. It will allow you to choose your favorite tea among a large variety of flavors offered by different manufacturers. There are even models of some best iced tea makers that can also brew coffee for you to enjoy a nice iced coffee drink. Many iced tea makers feature tea strength adjusting between a strong and rich flavor and a mild and delicate one. However, for units without this feature, you can get the desired strength by adjusting the amount of water.

Usability

There are manual and electric iced tea makers. Electric units heat up the water, pass it through a tea filter, and then pour tea into the pitcher. You only need to fill the water tank, plug the unit in, and turn it on. Meanwhile, manual models come without water heating option and you will need a kettle to boil the water. Besides, iced tea makers usually feature a number of specific functions. Some units have an option of automatic switch-off when brewing is done, and you don't have to monitor the process. An indicator light shows when the process is over. A removable water tank will simplify the filling process, and the indicator lines will show the maximum water level to prevent pitcher overfill when you add more ice. Some models come with a glass pitcher that requires delicate care, while the others have a lightweight and more durable plastic jar. A dishwasher-safe feature is another convenient option that will make operation of your iced tea maker easier. The standard package for different models also varies. For example, a brew basket is more convenient to prepare bagged tea, while a removable reusable filter is better suited for loose tea. An additional coffee filter will allow avoiding residual coffee flavor when you make tea. A sweetener chamber will ensure sweetness of your tea without extra stirring. With a pitcher lid, you can easily store brewed tea in a fridge. And a recipe book gives you a chance to play with flavors of your refreshing drinks.

If you pay attention to the above-mentioned aspects, we believe you will easily pick the right iced tea maker for yourself. Enjoy the taste of freshly brewed and chilled tea while putting in a minimum effort in the process of brewing. 

Did you know?

Many iced tea lovers often drink bottled tea beverages that are available in any store. Of course, it’s a convenient way to get that exhilarating sip of freshness quickly and in a handy form. Yet, ready-to-drink iced brews contain a lot of sugar, sweeteners, and preservatives and skimp health-boosting polyphenols. Isn’t that enough to quit drinking sweetened bottle beverages and start making iced tea at home from all-natural ingredients free from toxins and harmful chemicals and full of healthy elements?

Homemade Iced Tea Health Benefits

Iced tea, so much loved by every second American, is not only about a refreshing boost and tangy tart flavor. A homemade iced tea also offers a number of health benefits you had no idea about.

  1. Due to tea natural taste and aroma, you can drink it without any sugar and cream that makes unsweetened iced tea a perfect low-calorie drink that will quench your thirst and delight your taste buds. This makes iced tea an ideal alternative to sweet soda allowing you to reduce sugar intake and even lose weight.

  2. No matter whether you use black, green, or iced tea for your chilling drink, each tea type is rich in antioxidants that strengthen bones, prevent fractures, and provide protection against breast, skin, prostate and lung cancer.

  3. Iced tea can also help prevent heart diseases. Thanks to anti-inflammatory properties of tea antioxidants, tea reduces the risk of arteries hardening and heart attacks.

  4. Tea is a rich source of manganese which is an essential element for the human body. For the record, an 8-oz glass of brewed tea contains up to 30% of daily intake.

  5. Tea is a good mental performance booster. Containing some amount of caffeine, it delivers a mild stimulating effect allowing you to perform tasks more efficiently.

  6. Though having a refreshing and energizing effect, all types of teas help chill and soothe your nerves. It was proven that people regularly drinking tea are able to de-stress more quickly.

  7. Finally, iced tea will keep you hydrated since, after water, tea is one of the best sources of hydration, and surely one of the most delicious sources. You can experiment with tea types and toss it with a number of additional ingredients such as citrus, fruit, herbs, and spices to create lip-smacking mixes and enhance unique tea flavors.

With a good manual or electric iced tea maker at hand, like one of those reviewed above, you can enjoy a delicious taste of freshly brewed iced tea with a myriad of flavors and treat your family and friends with a healthy homemade drink any time of the year.

Iced Tea Making Tips:

If you are new to the iced tea making process, below, we provide several simple yet handy tips that will let you get a perfect drink each time you make the iced tea at home.

  1. The very first recommendation is always using fresh tea. Of course, it’s better to opt for loose tea but if you still like tea bags, select larger ones, preferably pyramid-shaped, giving tea leaves the room to expand.

  2. Pay attention to water quality. Make sure you use clean filtered water both for brewing tea and for freezing ice since low-quality water will make poor tea.

  3. To avoid cloudiness and seal in tea flavors and aromas cool down the brewed tea before adding ice.

  4. Avoid using sugar and sweeteners. You can add some juice, fruit or lemonade instead.

  5. Go beyond traditional green and black teas. Use Rooibos, herbal teas or flowery mixes with roses, jasmine, and hibiscus. Toss in some fruit like peach, lime, strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, raspberry, or even dried fruit like figs. They will add sweetness and flavor. To intensify tea aroma, you can also put some mint or ginger, basil or chamomile. Experiment with flavors! Options are numerous.

FAQ:

Q: Do I really need an iced tea maker?
A: No need to say that homemade iced tea is times better, healthier, and tastier than its store-bought analogs. But the main reason some people continue drinking bottled iced brews is the iced tea making process that might appear pretty time-consuming. And this is where an iced tea maker will come to help. You can take a simple pitcher type model if you are tight on budget or need a portable unit or choose a more sophisticated automatic machine that will make all the job for you and will let you get a perfect brew strength to your liking. Anyway, with an iced tea maker, you can make your favorite chilling drink in mere minutes and reap all the benefits it can bring to your health, to say nothing of unforgettable taste.

Q: Glass pitcher vs plastic jar
A: Well, it depends. Though for most of us, the benefits of glass over plastic are obvious, there are some specific aspects when it comes to iced tea making. It’s a common knowledge that plastic items, even those made of top-quality BPA free food-grade plastic, are best suited for cold beverages and you’d better skip heating plastic. For hot beverages, and namely for brewing tea or coffee, it’s recommended using glass or ceramic dishes. Yet, the main problem related to most glass pitchers and jars when it comes to iced tea is that they can crack due to thermal shock when you put ice cubes into hot tea. If you simply use a glass jar, you’d better add ice when the tea is cooled to avoid glass cracking. However, today, modern manufactures resolved this issue and most iced tea makers come with thick-wall glass pitchers which can endure that temperature difference. Moreover, most of them are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Q: How do I know what amount of loose tea or how many tea bags I should use?
A: Normally, all measurements should be specified in the instruction manual or receipt book included in the iced tea maker set. The amount of tea greatly depends on what final tea strength you seek and what is your pitcher capacity. Thus, some basic recommendations on tea measurements for different pitcher volumes are the following:

  • 3 Quarts - 5-7 bags or 2-3 tablespoons of loose tea
  • 2 Quarts - 3-5 bags or 1-2 tablespoons of loose tea
  • 1 Quart - 1-3 bags or 1/2-1 tablespoons of loose tea

Q: Why does my iced tea come out too strong?
A: The main reason your iced tea is too strong and has a bitter taste is that you use the incorrect amount of tea or steep it for too long. This is where you will definitely appreciate one of the biggest advantages of electric iced tea makers that is an automatic brewing strength adjustment. Meanwhile, with a manual model, you should strictly follow the receipt and brewing instructions to get the right strength.

Q: Why does my tea look cloudy or milky?
A: Since tea is a blend rich in solid tannins, the main reason for tea looking cloudy or milky is the precipitation of tannins caused by quick cooling of hot tea. Strong brews are more prone to cloudiness than weak ones and high-quality teas cloud faster. In fact, it in no way affects the tea flavor. But if you want to dissipate that milky look, simply add ¼ cup of boiling water into the brewed tea.

Q: How should I clean my iced tea maker?
A: Most iced tea maker models are pretty simple to maintain. Regularly wash a pitcher, baskets, and lids with warm water and a mild detergent after every use to prevent malfunction and avoid tea stains. Besides, electric models need to be de-limed from time to time. Usually, suggested cleaning intervals are specified in the manual but the cleaning frequency also depends on the hardness of water you use.

Sources:

1. Iced tea, Wikipedia. June 29, 2017.

2. How to Make Iced Tea, wikiHow.

3. 9 Thirst-Quenching Iced Tea Recipes, Health.

4. Rochelle Bilow Brew a Better Batch of Iced Tea: Don't Make These Mistakes, Bon Appetit. June 10, 2015.

5. Iced Tea Recipes, Allrecipes.

6. Lisa Landers Iced Tea: How To Get More Health Benefits From Your Brew, KQED Food. August 3, 2015.

7. Karen Ahn HOT VS COLD BREW TEA & COFFEE Which Ones Are Better for You? WONDERHOWTO. July 8, 2014.

8. Pamela Nisevich Bede The Health Benefits of Tea, Runner's World. July 30, 2014.

9. Jenna Birch 5 Healthy and Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes, Women'sHealth. May 29, 2014.

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