Sipping on a cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day just hits different. The slightly sweet, refreshing flavor is the perfect way to cool off and quench your thirst. But did you know that buying pre-made bottled iced tea is not only expensive but can contain unnecessary additives? Luckily, there are plenty of iced tea makers on the market that allow you to easily brew delicious iced tea at home.
Benefits of Brewing Your Own Iced Tea
Brewing homemade iced tea has many advantages over store-bought varieties:
- It’s more cost effective – Homebrewed tea costs just pennies per cup compared to $2-3 for a pre-made bottle.
- You control the ingredients – No need to worry about artificial sweeteners or preservatives when you choose your own ingredients.
- Fresher taste – Nothing beats the crisp, refreshing flavor of newly brewed iced tea.
- Fun flavors – Experiment with different tea blends and fresh fruit combinations.
- Healthier – Homebrewed teas have less sugar and calories compared to many bottled options.
Choosing an Iced Tea Maker
When selecting an iced tea maker for your home, there are a few key features to consider:
Brew Strength
Look for a machine that allows you to control tea concentration and dilute with water to taste. Strong brews stand up well to ice without getting watery.
Brew Time
Faster is better when it comes to chilling tea. Prioritize an iced tea maker with a brew time of 5 minutes or less.
Auto Shutoff
Models with auto shutoff give you peace of mind if you get distracted and walk away while brewing.
Pitcher Size
Consider how much tea you typically drink and choose a size accordingly. Larger pitchers allow you to brew batches for a crowd.
Dishwasher Safe
For easy cleanup, select a machine with removable, dishwasher safe parts.
5 Best Iced Tea Makers
Here are our top recommendations for reliable iced tea brewers to beat the summer heat:
Mr. Coffee 2-in-1 Iced Tea and Coffee Brewer
This versatile machine effortlessly switches from coffee to iced tea at the push of a button. It quickly brews full-flavored tea concentrates for custom mixing over ice.
Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker
The Takeya Flash Chill uses proprietary technology to chill piping hot tea in 30 seconds flat. It includes a fine mesh infuser basket for loose leaf or bagged tea.
Nostalgia CI3BK Aqua Series Tea Kettle
Boil water quickly to steep your preferred loose leaf or bagged tea with this electric glass kettle. An auto shutoff function prevents overheating if left unattended.
Mueller Austria Ultra Tea Maker
This extra large iced tea maker churns out 1.8 liters of refreshing tea in under 7 minutes. The Tritan plastic construction is shatterproof and BPA-free.
Back to Basics Iced Tea Maker
Brew up to a half gallon of sweet or unsweet tea with this no-frills manual machine. The 2-piece lid allows you to add tea, sugar and fruits while brewing.
Iced Tea Recipes to Try
Once you select an iced tea maker, it’s time for the fun part – experimenting with unique flavor combinations! Here are some delicious recipes to try:
Berry Hibiscus Tea
Steep hibiscus flowers and mixed berries for a refreshing, crimson-hued fruity tea.
Sparkling Green Tea
Brew earthy, antioxidant-rich green tea, then mix with sparkling water and fresh citrus slices.
Chai Black Iced Tea
Simmer black tea with classic chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon and cloves for a flavorful caffeine boost.
Arnold Palmer
Channel your inner golfer with this classic combo of black tea sweetened with lemonade.
Rose Iced Tea
Floating dried rose buds in delicate white or green tea makes for an elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tea to use for iced tea?
Black tea makes an excellent base for iced tea due to its robust flavor that isn’t diluted once chilled. Varieties like English Breakfast, Assam and Ceylon work well. Herbal and green teas are nice too but may have more subtle flavors.
How long does brewed tea last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, brewed iced tea will last 5-7 days in the fridge. Be sure to use a clean container with an airtight lid. Give the tea a sniff or taste test before drinking to check freshness after a few days.
Should you boil water for iced tea?
It’s best to boil water then let it sit for a minute or two before pouring over tea leaves or bags. Boiling water helps fully extract flavors and antioxidants. Allowing it to slightly cool down prevents the tea from tasting bitter or astringent.
What sweeteners go well in iced tea?
Simple syrup, honey, agave and stevia are all great options for sweetening iced tea without overpowering its flavor. For a Southern-inspired twist, dissolving brown sugar in the hot tea creates a delicious caramel-like sweet tea.
How do you make iced tea taste less bitter?
To mellow bitterness, don’t over-steep the tea. Three to five minutes is ideal for most types. Also be sure to dilute very strong concentrates with more water and sweetener until the bitterness fades into the background.
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