Planning to buy a iced tea maker? Enjoying a nice cup of tea is one of the most relaxing and refreshing things in the world. A number of cultures hold tea of high importance and needless to say, tea has marked its place in history as well as the present day. While a good ol’ cup of hot tea warms the body and mind on cold winter days, there’s nothing like a refreshing glass of chilled iced tea to cool the summer days down — especially when it’s so easy to make with iced tea makers.
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What is a Tea Maker?
Not only is iced tea a sweet, delicious beverage, it is also a couple times healthier compared to juices or carbonated drinks that are loaded with sugar. It also has a soothing effect on the mind, and there is no doubt that tea can act as a stress reliever. Yet it’s much easier and faster to buy a can of coke than going through a long process of making a cup of tea — let alone iced.
Well, that’s where the modern invention of iced tea makers come in! With hundreds, if not thousands, of models and designs on the market for you to choose from, you’ll be able to make large quantities of iced tea in no time!
A tea maker is an appliance that’s specifically designed to brew tea. There are some that are manually-operated, and can be used to make drinks from loose tea leaves or even freshly-grounded coffee beans. The other option is the electric-operated one, and with a click of a button, the appliance brews the tea for you and makes it easier to combine ice or sweeteners.
Benefits of Homemade Iced Tea
Homemade iced teas are always fresher as well as more budget-friendly, as it’s cheaper to make it at home with ingredients already there or bought in batches at a lower price. Being in full control of the beverage you make, you can experiment and play around with the flavours to suit your own taste.
That includes moderating the sugar level (or even skip it) to reap the full health benefits from the tea that you’re brewing — be it black, white or green tea, all of them are high in antioxidants that are extremely advantageous to our bodies.
Homemade Iced Tea vs Store-bought Iced Tea
Nothing beats the pleasure of making your own iced tea in the comfort of your own home. Sure, it takes more time and effort (which will be eliminated with the proper tools, like an iced tea maker), but it also takes effort and money to drop by a store and buy a packaged, sometimes artificial, sugar-infused tea.
From bottled ones to sachets and packets, they’re all presented to satiate the palates of the consumers, and sometimes that involves adding preservations and other ingredients to make it, well, not as fresh. Quality and freshness triumphs laziness in this area.
What to Consider in an Iced Tea Maker
Like any and every other appliance we get, we always have to weigh out the options, and we do so by comparing the factors each of them have that’s different from one another. One amazing iced tea maker for one person because of a particular trait does not make it a suitable one for another, as it’s all about personal preference. Here are the factors to consider when picking out the right iced tea maker for your home!
1. Operation
There are two types of operation for iced tea makers: manually-operated ones and automatic ones. The manually-operated ones, also known as a manual infuser, require water to be heated separately, or in need of a cold brewing process that doesn’t use hot water. The automatic ones are the electric tea makers, and they do all the work for you, basically.
2. Size & Capacity
The capacity of the model of the iced tea maker depends on the size of the pitcher. It can range from one to three quarts. The 1-Qt ones are mostly suitable for individual use or two; the 2-Qt is great for a group of three; and the 3-Qt is perfect for a big group of people or event.
It’s also important to take note that the more water poured into the pitcher, the longer it takes to brew the tea and vice versa.
3. Design
While aesthetics should not always be a deciding factor, it is important to take note of the visuals of an iced tea maker as it is going to be used in areas that are quite visible. From ultra-modern ones to fabulously mason-jar retro, an iced tea maker can double as part of a table decor.
4. Material
The material you cold brew your tea in makes a huge difference to the flavour. It can mean quicker or slower chilling when it’s placed in the fridge, as well as when it’s out in room temperature.
A general rule of thumb is that you can never go wrong with a glass carafe, as it doesn’t interfere with the flavour of the tea. The tea is also extra chilled after refrigerating or freezing it for a while.
There’s also the option of the BPA-free plastics. Not only are they less breakable, there’s always a neutrality of flavour of your tea.
Stainless steel is also an option, as it’s used for most travel mugs thus making it more portable while keeping the beverage cool longer. On top of that, it’s extremely durable and guarantee of no rust.
What’s popular among buyers is a combo piece, where they opt to get different materials for filter basket and jug so as to retain flavour and durability and at the same time save a bit on cost.
5. Cost
Speaking of cost, prices of iced tea makers can range from extremely affordable to extremely…not-as-affordable. Price alone doesn’t define an item’s value in terms of quality and performance. An expensive one doesn’t mean it’s the best, and a cheap one doesn’t mean it’s bad. Consider other factors that are reasonable when put side by side with its price.
6. Preparation Options & Usability
There are a couple of ways to make iced tea, and it’s the same concept when it comes to iced tea makers. Some models can only brew bagged tea while others can brew both bagged and loose tea leaves too. From providing different ways to bring ingredients like sweetener and ice together to different levels of automation and choices for tea strength on the tea maker itself, decide on the best iced tea maker that suits your tea-making preference.
7. Warranty
Always make sure the appliance you buy has a guarantee or warranty. Even the highest-quality iced tea maker brand can suffer a little hiccup sometimes, be it from manufacturing defects and whatnot. Some warranties can be a year while others are two.
8. Maintenance
Keep in mind that you’ll have to wash the appliance after each use, or at least parts of it. Because of this reason alone, it’s best to look for an iced tea maker that has detachable components and are easy to wash. Check if they’re dishwasher safe and sturdy to withstand types of washing long term, even harsh ones.
9. Additional Features
An iced tea maker with multiple additional features doesn’t make it better than one that has the basic ones, but it does add to its value for money. Some iced tea makers also have coffee-brewing capability so it can be considered a two-in-one appliance!
A feature that is more of importance includes the automatic shut-off, where tea makers that boil water with a hot plate or drip automatically turns off when it’s done.
NO.1 Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker
One of the most top-rated iced tea makers are often by the brand Takeya, and the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker surpasses its reputation. Designed to make chilled, tasty iced tea almost instantly, this two quarts iced tea maker makes up to eight servings with just one prep! It’s made to accommodate both loose tea and teabags, so you’re not limited to just one type.
Its flash chill feature instantly cools the brewed hot tea as soon as ice is mixed into it with just a few shakes. With an airtight lid as well as elegant design, you can even chuck it in your bag and bring it out to a picnic. This model also has a limited one year warranty, so if there are any hiccups with the product due to manufacturing, you’ll be covered!
NO.2 Mr. Coffee BVMC-TM33 2-In-1 Iced Tea Brewing System
Considered to be a full-on brewing system that is similar to today’s coffee makers for brewing iced tea, this Mr. Coffee 2-in-1 Iced Tea Maker has a stylish glass pitcher that holds up to 2.5 quarts.
With the ability to brew from both tea bags and loose tea leaves, this iced tea maker brews tea within minutes and slowly drips it through its own filter. Add ice into the pitcher and in advance and you’ll have a pitcher of iced tea ready in a matter of minutes.
With a built-in brew strength selector, you’re able to control the flavour of the tea more accurately from a weaker brew to one that is bolder in its flavour. Its parts like the filter are easy to take out for washing purposes. Extremely durable and made from high quality materials, the appliance has an auto turn-off function that comes in handy so you don’t have to stand by it the whole time.
NO.3 Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker
Covered with a one year warranty, this ingenious Hamilton Beach Iced Tea Maker comes in a sleek and modern aesthetics that is suitable to fit any kitchen theme. Its compact yet fully-equipped design works best for those who are looking to save up on countertop space. The BPA-free sturdy two quart plastic pitcher has a slim design that can fit snugly in the fridge without taking up too much space.
With an automated turn-off feature, a handy brew strength selector, this electric iced tea maker is one of the easiest ones to use out there. It’s able to brew both bagged teas and loose tea leaves, so you won’t be constrained to just one type with this model. Take note that this model is not as dishwasher safe as the others, and it’s recommended to only be handwashes.
NO.4 Capresso 624.02 Iced Tea Maker
Featuring a removable water tank that’s convenient to clean, the Capresso Iced Tea Maker is one of the handiest iced tea makers out there. Its adjustable brew strength feature allows control over the flavour, and it’s multi-functional as this model is suitable for coffee beverages as well — a separate filter for coffee would be advised, however.
Fully equipped with a detachable lid and an easy-to-pour spout, its detachable filter allows preparation for both loose tea leaves and tea bags. Being dishwasher safe and has a capacity of up to 2.5 quart, the Capresso Iced Tea Maker is perfect for any kitchen.
NO.5 Breville BTM800XL One-Touch Tea Maker
Just as the name suggests, the Breville One-Touch Tea Maker is an automatic tea brewer that’s easy to use and convenient in brewing iced tea. Within minutes, you’ll get the best flavoured tea with the strength you desired. Brewing from only loose tea leaves, the tea basket lowers itself into the glass carafe and automatically rises back up once the infusion is complete.
With the ability to program the time and temperature desired, the Breville One-Touch Tea Maker can also be programmed to auto-start at specific times of the day. With that function, it makes it even more convenient as you’ll be able to come home to a pitcher of perfectly brewed tea. All you need is to dump some ice into it and you’ll be all set!
NO.6 Ovalware RJ3 34-oz Brewing Glass Carafe
Take your tea making experience to the next level with the Ovalware Brewing Glass Carafe! Doubling up as both a coffee and tea maker, this appliance is designed to give the best cold brewing experience ever, reducing the acidic taste of it all.
With the glass carafe made from extra thick, durable and heat-safe borosilicate glass, it will keep your liquid colder for longer. The super fine, dual-mesh laser-cut filter will unlock the flavours of the brew while still keeping the tea leaves in place.
With the option of brewing it hot and then dumping some ice into it or brewing it cold and popping it in the fridge overnight, both ways give you the freshest and most flavourful brewed tea. With a 30-day money back guarantee and also dishwasher safe, Ovalware Brewing Glass Carafe is definitely a great value for money!
NO.7 Back to Basics Iced Tea Maker
Stylish, sleek and compact, the innovative Back to Basics Iced Tea Maker has a set of amazing functions that caters to all. From automatic shut-off functions and brewing strength options to a sweetener tray that brews your tea with sugar (or without) automatically, this iced tea maker can also brew from both tea bags and loose tea leaves.
Not only does it make a 2.5 quart glass pitcher full of great tasting tea within minutes, the appliance parts can easily be detached to clean. It’s dishwasher-safe and also keeps the mess off the your kitchen countertop with its drip tray.
NO.8 West Bend 68305T Iced Tea Maker
West Bend Iced Tea Maker comes in a stylish and uniquely-designed appearance that not only looks good on the countertop, but functions just as well at making iced tea.
With the option to make tea with or without sugar automatically as it has its own baskets for sugar, this iced tea maker can be used with both loose tea leaves and tea bags. It also features an automatic shut-off function and timed brewing and steeping settings that allows more convenience to making iced tea.
The durable 2.75 quarts plastic pitcher and its other removable parts are easily washed, and are also dishwasher safe. From its convenience and easy usage to a great addition to the countertop, the West Bend Iced Tea Maker is an all-in-one choice.
From traditionally brewing tea using hot, boiling water and adding ice afterwards to brewing cold iced tea directly, there are many iced tea makers out there that caters to all sorts of methods.
Be it a well-known, highly-reputed brand to the best-reviewed appliance, every iced tea maker has something different to offer from the other. Depending on personal preference and other factors, one of these top-listed iced tea makers will surely fit the perfect iced tea maker for you!
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