Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: Do You Need a Different Machine?

Iced coffee and cold brew both end up cold, but they don’t have to start the same way. Iced coffee is often brewed hot and served over ice. Traditional cold brew steeps coffee in cool or cold water for much longer.

Can You Make Iced Coffee with Your Usual Brewer?

Often, yes. The thing to remember is that melting ice adds water. A normal cup poured over lots of ice can taste watered down.

Some machines have an iced setting that changes the brewing recipe. You still need to add the ice yourself. The machine isn’t a refrigerator.

What’s Different About Cold Brew?

You add coffee and water, leave them to steep, then separate the coffee from the grounds. Some recipes make a concentrate you dilute when you pour a drink.

The OXO Cold Brew coffee maker is an example of a brewer for that plan-ahead approach. Make a batch, refrigerate it, and pour when you’re ready.

What Does Rapid Cold Brew Mean?

Some electric machines offer a faster process. That can be convenient, but it isn’t the same method as overnight immersion. Check how the machine makes the drink and what serving size it produces.

Which Option Should You Buy?

If you mostly drink hot coffee and occasionally want an iced mug, a flexible brewer such as the Ninja Hot & Iced XL CM371 may cover both.

If you want cold concentrate waiting in the fridge, a dedicated cold-brew maker is worth comparing. If your favorite is an iced espresso drink, look at espresso machines instead.

Buy for the coffee you’ll make most often. The Luxe Café Premier ES601 offers several drink styles, but you don’t need all those options just to put a regular coffee over ice.

Coffee Machines You Might Want to Look At

Still deciding? Have a look at our coffee maker reviews, espresso machine reviews, or cappuccino machines to see what else might suit you.