Five tips for finding the best iced coffee maker.
As you probably already know, getting iced coffee drinks at a coffee shop can be really expensive. But did you know that there are a number of options to make that perfect iced coffee drink at home?
It’s true.
You have seen the baristas make your iced coffee at the coffee shop, thinking it looks complicated, when really it is not that difficult to make one yourself right in the comfort of your own home.
In this article, I will discuss my top five tips for finding the best iced coffee maker.
By Andrew.
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#1: Make Sure to Match Up the Features of Your Choice of Iced Coffee Maker with Your Needs and Preferences
There are a number of features to choose from when picking out the right iced coffee maker that is best for you.
Pick a coffee maker that has all of the features that meet your needs and preferences.
The following features often are (and should be) included with iced coffee makers.
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Controlling brew strength: Why Does That Matter?
Iced coffee makers with brew strength control can make iced coffee according to your strength preferences.
Perhaps you like more caffeine in your coffee drink. Then, you should use the strong setting control on the coffee’s display panel.
Without these types of control settings, you will only be able to make iced coffee at one strength according to the manufacturer’s preference.
Self-cleaning: Makes a Hated Chore So Easy!
The self-cleaning feature is important if you find cleaning your iced coffee maker yourself a hassle. This feature cleans the lingering coffee inside your coffee maker.
Getting out those pesky grounds and grime can be quite frustrating.
If you want peace of mind knowing that your iced coffee maker will be free of mold so that you can thoroughly enjoy a tasty cup, then look for this feature.
Single serve
Afraid of making too much coffee?
The single serve feature is great if you don’t want to waste coffee and just want to make one serving.
Making the right amount of iced coffee for you has never been so quick and simple. Some are cone shaped, while others are a basket style.
Reusable Coffee Filter
Many iced coffee makers come with a reusable filter.
This type of filter is handy when you don’t want to buy throw away filters.
They are easy to pull out of the machine, easy to fill and easy to clean.
Includes grinder
Some iced coffee makers may include a grinder so that if you have whole coffee beans you can conveniently grind them then make your delicious iced coffee drink with fresh coffee grounds.
Simple to use control panel
There are several different iced coffee maker options if you want one with an easy-to-use control panel.
With this type of LCD control panel, scroll through options with ease and make your coffee according to the setting on the screen with the touch of a button.
Ability to choose different drink sizes
While there are some makers that are single serve, there are also some that come with a carafe, or the option to choose different drink sizes.
This can come in handy when you are serving your group of friends and want to make a larger amount of iced coffee.
#2: When Shopping for Your Iced Coffee Maker, Do Your Research
You now have the features you want picked out.
You can then start shopping for an iced coffee maker either at an appliance store or online.
But I think the best way to shop for one is to go to the manufacturers’ websites, instead of scrolling through hundreds of options.
What you can do is go to the makers’ websites, such as Keurig, Cuisinart, or Mr. Coffee and read about the options they have for iced coffee makers and their features.
After finding a specific model that you like, try to find that model on shopping websites like Amazon.
Read Consumer Report’s Buying Guide for coffee makers here.
#3: Find the Best Price
Once you have narrowed down the brand that you like and some possible options, it is wise to look for the best price.
You can search for a particular brand of iced coffee makers on websites like Amazon, Kohl’s, Walmart, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, though this is not an exhaustive list.
Prices vary from company to company so make sure to look everywhere you can think of in order to find the price that fits your budget.
#4: Look at the Model You Want in Person
To find the best iced coffee maker for you, you might want to find where the model you want is sold, and look at the model in person.
That way you can find out what the actual size is.
Maybe you don’t want it to take up too much counter space. With so many different appliances in your kitchen, saving space might be an important thing for you so that your kitchen does not feel or look cluttered.
Or perhaps you want a bigger model that is sturdier and more durable , which will last for a longer amount of time.
In fact, this might be the most important feature so that you get the most value out of your iced coffee maker.
Also, buying in-store might be the best choice as they might offer a discount.
#5: Check Out the Warranty Information
If you are worried that your iced coffee maker won’t last a long time, most brands offer at least a one-year warranty, and some offer up to a three-year warranty.
The warranty means that if your coffee maker breaks or stops working, they will replace the same maker or one that is of equal value free of charge.
Conclusion
Iced coffee is a great way to cool down and get some energy and flavor.
However, buying iced coffee at a coffee shop can be expensive.
But making iced coffee at home is easy and is less expensive than going to the coffee shop.
Now that you read my top five tips for buying an iced coffee maker, you can start shopping and find the best one for you!
Photo by saeed
