Iced coffee is a year-round obsession for many, and with the right machine, you can skip the coffee shop and craft barista-quality drinks at home. In 2025, iced coffee makers have evolved to offer versatility, ease, and bold flavors, whether you crave a quick iced latte or a smooth cold brew. We’ve scoured expert reviews and tested insights to bring you the top seven iced coffee machines, complete with their strengths, weaknesses, and a buying guide to help you choose.
1. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker (CM401)
This specialty coffee maker allows for six brew sizes, ranging from a single cup to a 10-cup carafe. There’s even a built-in foldaway frother for creating milk foam. As for iced coffee, the Ninja CM401 has an “Over Ice” setting that allows you to brew double-strength hot coffee over a cup of ice. During testing, the Ninja iced coffee was pleasantly surprising in its tastiness. Available for $169.99 on Amazon, this Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker really delivers!
Pros:
- Versatile with six brew sizes, from single cup to full carafe.
- Built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
- “Over Ice” setting brews strong coffee to maintain flavor over ice.
- SCA-certified for quality brewing.
Cons:
- No pod option, limiting convenience for some users.
- Frother doesn’t heat milk, requiring an extra step for hot drinks.
- Cleaning can be tricky due to multiple components.
2. Jura Z10
The Jura Z10 is a total game-changer. It’s not just any espresso maker – it’s built to make iced drinks perfectly. We’re talking about smooth, rich espresso plus frothy milk foam that really elevates the whole experience. It’s one of those machines that does it all – hot coffee, cold coffee, lattes, and more – and it always comes out tasting incredible. Essentially, the Z10 creates iced coffee by reducing the temperature and pressure during the brewing process, allowing the water to slowly drip through the coffee puck. The results are simply delicious, especially if you throw some milk or a scoop of ice cream into the mix, making this the best coffee maker for iced lattes! It retails for around $3,970.00, a premium price for a premium experience.
Pros:
- Exceptional iced coffee with “coldpresso” brewing method.
- Automatic grinder adjusts for drink type, enhancing flavor.
- Sleek design and user-friendly touchscreen.
- Versatile for hot and cold drinks, including 32 drink options.
Cons:
- Extremely expensive, not suitable for budget buyers.
- Large footprint may not suit small kitchens.
- High maintenance with regular cleaning required.
3. Breville Iced Coffee Maker
This single-serve Breville gadget produces solid results for a reasonable price. It’s a little plasticky, but its simple controls are a doddle to master, with just two buttons to press before the coffee can start brewing (an on-off switch and a start button). A reusable filter basket, plastic scoop, 600ml tumbler, and reusable hard-plastic straw are included, all of which are robust, though none are dishwasher-safe. The first batch of coffee took around four minutes to brew but was too watery as average-sized ice cubes quickly melted. For the second batch, extra-large ice cubes worked much better: the coffee tasted pleasant with just a touch of bitterness. The machine continued to drip after brewing, even when switched off, leaving a mess on the counter as there’s no tray underneath. If you’re a frequent iced coffee drinker and want a machine with basic functionality, it offers good value in the long run. It’s priced at around £24.99.
Pros:
- Affordable and simple to use.
- Includes tumbler, straw, and reusable filter.
- Compact design saves counter space.
- Decent iced coffee with large ice cubes.
Cons:
- Plasticky build feels less durable.
- No drip tray, leading to counter messes.
- Non-dishwasher-safe components.
- Requires large ice cubes for best results.
4. De’Longhi Eletta Explore
There’s a lot to love about this coffee machine. Using it is incredibly easy, and it comes with two milk canisters – one for cold milk drinks and one for hot. Select which drink you want from the touchscreen – there are more than 50 to choose from – and it will then advise you how to set up the machine, how much milk to put in the canister, and then get on with brewing your coffee. The iced Americanos and iced lattes were some of the best, even compared to café standards. The specialty of these coffees lies in their flavors. Each one had the gentle, distinctively acidic notes of iced coffee, balanced delicately with the coffee’s earthy, nutty tones. It’s priced around £999.99.
Pros:
- Over 50 drink options, including excellent iced lattes.
- Dual milk canisters for hot and cold drinks.
- Intuitive touchscreen with setup guidance.
- Professional-grade flavor and build.
Cons:
- Pricey for casual coffee drinkers.
- Complex cleaning process for milk system.
- Bulky design requires ample counter space.
5. Ninja DualBrew Pro
How it works: You can pop in a coffee pod for single servings of iced coffee or slide the top portion up and insert a paper filter and coffee grounds for multiple servings. A scoop secured alongside the machine helps measure grounds. Turn the dial to select coffee size and tap the touchscreen commands to select coffee style (classic, rich, over ice, or specialty). There’s a drip-stop toggle to ensure nothing leaks when the pour is in motion and a self-cleaning function that takes care of the dirty work post-brewing. As with some other machines on our list, you can also brew hot coffee, whether you want a single serving or a carafe. The fact that the Ninja DualBrew accommodates pods is convenient, especially for those who like the ease of being able to whip up a cup quickly or switch up their coffee strengths and flavors throughout the day. It’s priced at around $179.99.
Pros:
- Supports both pods and ground coffee.
- Customizable brew sizes and styles.
- Self-cleaning function simplifies maintenance.
- Built-in frother for versatile drink options.
Cons:
- No reusable filter basket included.
- Switching between pod and ground brewing can be awkward.
- Iced coffee may taste slightly diluted compared to dedicated machines.
6. Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
This cold brew maker has been reviewed by our team. Our reviewer Alyssa said that the reusable nylon coffee filter was a delightful surprise as she doesn’t usually keep paper filters in the house and didn’t have one on hand. It’s also more environmentally friendly. However, compared to the other iced coffee makers tested, this product produced a less bold coffee flavor and was more of a true medium roast rather than a bold dark roast. One of our favorite features of this machine is how slimline it is — it takes up barely any countertop space. Good to know: If you already have a hot coffee maker, then this isn’t the machine for you. The included tumbler is not dishwasher-safe, which was disappointing. It’s priced at around $39.99.
Pros:
- Slim design ideal for small kitchens.
- Reusable nylon filter is eco-friendly.
- Affordable for budget-conscious buyers.
- Easy to use with minimal setup.
Cons:
- Produces milder coffee flavor.
- Non-dishwasher-safe tumbler.
- Not versatile for hot coffee brewing.
- May drip after brewing, causing minor messes.
7. Sage Oracle Jet
Released in 2024, the Oracle Jet is the latest coffee machine from Sage. It is also the brand’s first bean-to-cup coffee machine with cold brewing capabilities. This machine is more compact and lightweight than many of Sage’s other machines and is quick to heat up. There’s wifi connectivity too, so the machine will be automatically updated with new drink recipes without you needing to do anything. Brewing your iced drink is simple thanks to the easy-to-use touchscreen – we’d suggest adding ice to your glass as the coffee brews at room temperature. Fellow describes the cold brew function as a “hot bloom, slow drip cold brew,” and it’s easy to follow thanks to the Guided Brew setting. It takes 90 minutes to make this cold brew, but you can program the machine to come on first thing in the morning. Available for £1,699.95.
Pros:
- Innovative cold brew with hot bloom and slow drip.
- Wifi-enabled for automatic recipe updates.
- Compact and fast-heating design.
- Guided Brew setting simplifies operation.
Cons:
- High price point for advanced features.
- Cold brew takes 90 minutes, not ideal for instant needs.
- Room-temperature brewing requires ice addition.
- Limited to bean-to-cup, no pod option.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Iced Coffee Machine
When selecting an iced coffee machine, consider these key factors to match your needs and preferences:
- Brew Type: Decide between iced coffee (hot coffee brewed strong and poured over ice) or cold brew (coffee steeped in cold water for hours). Iced coffee is quicker but more acidic; cold brew is smoother but takes longer. Machines like the Jura Z10 excel at both, while the Breville Iced Coffee Maker focuses on quick iced coffee.
- Versatility: If you enjoy both hot and cold drinks, opt for a machine like the Ninja DualBrew Pro or De’Longhi Eletta Explore, which handle multiple drink types. Dedicated iced coffee makers like the Mr. Coffee are best for cold drinks only.
- Ease of Use: Look for intuitive controls, such as touchscreens (Sage Oracle Jet) or simple buttons (Breville Iced Coffee Maker). Features like self-cleaning (Ninja DualBrew) or guided brewing (Sage) save time.
- Size and Design: Compact models like the Mr. Coffee fit small kitchens, while premium machines like the Jura Z10 demand more space. Consider counter space and aesthetic appeal.
- Budget: Prices range from $39.99 (Mr. Coffee) to $3,970 (Jura Z10). Budget-friendly options like the Breville Iced Coffee Maker deliver value, while high-end models offer advanced features.
- Additional Features: Frothers (Ninja Specialty), reusable filters (Mr. Coffee), or wifi connectivity (Sage Oracle Jet) enhance functionality. Ensure these align with your drink preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?
A: Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee cooled and served over ice, offering a bold, slightly acidic flavor. Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours, resulting in a smoother, sweeter taste with less acidity. Machines like the Ninja Specialty focus on iced coffee, while the Sage Oracle Jet handles cold brew.
Q: Can I use regular coffee grounds in an iced coffee maker?
A: Yes, most iced coffee makers, like the Breville Iced Coffee Maker and Ninja DualBrew, use standard ground coffee. For best results, choose medium to dark roasts and follow the machine’s recommended coffee-to-water ratio to avoid weak flavors.
Q: How do I prevent my iced coffee from tasting watery?
A: Use large ice cubes to slow melting, as recommended for the Breville Iced Coffee Maker. Machines with “Over Ice” settings, like the Ninja Specialty, brew stronger coffee to maintain flavor. Avoid overfilling with ice before brewing.
Q: Are iced coffee makers easy to clean?
A: Cleaning varies by model. The Ninja DualBrew’s self-cleaning function simplifies maintenance, while the Breville Iced Coffee Maker’s non-dishwasher-safe parts require handwashing. Check for removable components and drip trays to ease cleanup.
Q: Do I need a separate machine for hot coffee?
A: Not always. Versatile machines like the De’Longhi Eletta Explore and Ninja DualBrew Pro brew both hot and cold drinks. However, dedicated iced coffee makers like the Mr. Coffee are designed for cold drinks only.
Conclusion
The best iced coffee machine depends on your budget, space, and drink preferences. For versatility, the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker and De’Longhi Eletta Explore shine. Budget buyers will appreciate the Breville Iced Coffee Maker’s simplicity, while premium seekers can’t go wrong with the Jura Z10’s barista-grade results. Use our buying guide to find your perfect match and elevate your at-home coffee game in 2025.