April 17, 2025
Best Iced Tea Makers 2025

A well-brewed glass of tea tastes smooth, refreshing and full of flavor. Tea brewed with the wrong temperature or duration, on the other hand, can turn out bitter or weak. If you’re looking to take the guesswork out the brewing process, the best iced tea makers ensure consistency, whether you’re making a strong black tea or a delicate herbal infusion. Our top pick overall is the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker because it’s simple to use, works for both hot and cold brew methods and chills tea instantly for a quick and refreshing pour.

“When it comes to making great iced tea, the method and equipment you use can make all the difference,” says chef and recipe developer Dennis Littley. “A chef’s approach to iced tea is much like cooking—understanding temperature, steeping time and ingredient quality is key to getting the best flavor.” Some iced tea makers automate the process, such as the Breville Tea Maker, which adjusts steeping time and temperature for different tea types. Others, like the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker, have a sleek glass design that’s perfect for slow steeping in the fridge. If you need something portable, the Primula Press & Go Iced Tea Brewer lets you steep and strain straight into a travel cup. Whether you want an electric machine that brews at the push of a button or a simple pitcher for cold brewing overnight, there’s a model that fits your routine and makes the process easier. These are the very best iced tea makers worth considering.

  • Best Iced Tea Maker Overall: Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker
  • Best Splurge Iced Tea Maker: Breville Tea Maker
  • Best Automatic Iced Tea Maker: Capresso Electric Iced Tea Maker
  • Best Large-Capacity Iced Tea Maker: Primula The Big Iced Tea Maker
  • Best Single-Serve Iced Tea Maker: Primula Press & Go Iced Tea Brewer
  • Best Glass Iced Tea Maker: Ovalware Cold Brew Maker

Capacity: 2 quarts | Material: Tritan plastic | Type: Manual hot and cold brew | Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 4.1 inches | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What you’ll love:

  • Works for both hot and cold brewing
  • Fine-mesh infuser works with loose-leaf and bagged tea
  • Airtight, leakproof lid prevents spills and keeps tea fresh
  • Lightweight, shatterproof Tritan plastic 

Keep in mind:

  • The filter can be tricky to clean
  • Tall design might not fit every fridge shelf

If you want a straightforward, reliable way to make iced tea, the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker is the pick we recommend first. To start, it works for both hot and cold brewing, and whether you prefer a strong black tea steeped the traditional way or a delicate green tea brewed overnight in the fridge, it’s capable of bringing out great flavor without much effort. What’s more, the fine-mesh infuser is compatible with both loose-leaf and bagged tea, which gives you the flexibility to use whatever you have on hand.

To brew, just fill the pitcher with water and tea, let it steep, then remove the infuser and add ice. The airtight lid makes a big difference; according to the brand, it keeps your tea fresh for up to two weeks and prevents leaks, even if you store the pitcher on its side in a packed fridge. It also lets you shake the tea to chill it quickly without making a mess. The Tritan plastic construction is lightweight but durable, so you don’t have to worry about cracks or shattering. And its slim design even fits in most fridge doors, so it won’t take up too much valuable space. 

Now, if you want precise temperature control and automated brewing, an electric model like the Breville Tea Maker might be the better choice. But if you prefer something more affordable and straightforward, the Takeya is our favorite all-around pick.


Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Material: Glass, stainless steel | Type: Automatic hot brew | Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.4 x 10.1 inches | Dishwasher safe: Only the tea basket and scoop

What you’ll love:

  • Automatically controls steeping
  • Adjustable temperature and strength settings
  • Programmable auto-start
  • Doubles as a hot water kettle

Keep in mind:

  • You’ll need to cool tea before icing
  • Larger size takes up more counter space

Do you take your tea seriously? Well, this machine does, too. The Tea Maker is an automated, high-tech brewer that delivers incredibly consistent results by controlling every variable of the process. Instead of guessing when to remove your tea bag or worrying about over-steeping, this model does the work for you. The infuser basket automatically lowers and lifts at just the right time, gently agitating the leaves to give your tea an even and full-bodied flavor. You can also fine-tune the temperature and strength with pre-set options or custom controls, making it ideal for more delicate teas that require precise brewing conditions.

While this machine is technically designed for hot tea, many people use it for iced tea as well—just brew a strong batch, let it cool slightly and add ice before storing it in the fridge. The 51-ounce glass carafe holds enough tea for multiple servings, and the programmable auto-start means you can wake up to a fresh brew waiting for you. It’s not the most compact or budget-friendly option, but if you like your tea brewed just right every time, this model is hard to beat.


Capacity: 2.5 quarts | Material: Glass, plastic, stainless steel | Type: Hot brew (brews over ice) | Dimensions: 13.5 x 6.3 x 9.7 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (pitcher, filter, and filter basket)

What you’ll love:

  • Adjustable brew strength
  • Large 80-ounce glass pitcher
  • Built-in reusable filter 

Keep in mind:

  • Glass pitcher is more fragile than plastic options
  • Requires filling the pitcher with ice before brewing

The Capresso Electric Iced Tea Maker makes brewing iced tea as simple as filling the machine and pressing start. It has an adjustable brew strength selector, so instead of manually timing the steep, you can adjust the brew strength with a simple slider. This is especially useful if you like experimenting with different teas. The 80-ounce glass pitcher is large enough to make multiple servings at once, and because it’s designed to brew directly over ice, the tea begins cooling as it steeps.

While borosilicate glass resists thermal shock, it’s still more fragile than plastic, so the pitcher does require careful handling. (That said, dishwasher safe for convenience.) The removable water reservoir makes filling and cleaning easier, and the built-in reusable filter works with both loose-leaf and bagged tea. Just keep in mind that the tea brews hot; the ice helps cool it down, but you may still need extra chilling time depending on how much you use.


Capacity: 1 gallon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Type: Manual hot and cold brew | Dimensions: 9 x 11 inches | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What you’ll love:

  • Ideal for families or entertaining
  • Airtight lid keeps tea fresh for up to a week
  • Fine-mesh filter works with loose-leaf and bagged tea
  • Lightweight, shatterproof BPA-free plastic

Keep in mind:

  • Plastic may warp if exposed to very hot water
  • Large size may not fit in some fridge doors

Some iced tea makers are great for a quick single glass. This one, on the other hand, is made for people who drink iced tea by the pitcher. The Primula Big Iced Tea Maker holds a full gallon, making it a great choice for families, frequent iced tea drinkers or anyone who regularly entertains. And despite its size, it’s lightweight and shatterproof.

The fine-mesh infuser works for loose-leaf and bagged tea, and once your tea is ready, you can remove the filter and store the pitcher directly in the fridge. The airtight lid helps keep tea fresh for up to a week, and it also prevents leaks if you need to carry it to the table or outside. Just keep in mind that hot water can warp the plastic if it’s too hot, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And while the pitcher fits on most fridge shelves, it may not work with every fridge door. The Big Iced Tea Maker holds twice as much as the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker, making the former ideal for anyone who goes through iced tea quickly. But if you prefer something more compact, the Takeya might be the better fit—literally.


Capacity: 16 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Type: Manual cold brew | Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.6 x 8.6 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

What you’ll love:

  • Brews and drinks from the same bottle
  • Leakproof lid with flip-top
  • Built-in filter
  • Lightweight, shatterproof and dishwasher-safe

Keep in mind:

  • Not insulated, so ice melts faster
  • Only holds 16 ounces

The Primula Press & Go Iced Tea Brewer lets you brew and drink from the same bottle, whether you’re at home, at work or on the go. Just steep tea in the outer chamber, add ice to the inner chamber and press—it’s that simple to make iced tea anywhere.

The 16-ounce bottle is lightweight and durable, with a leakproof flip-top lid that’s easy to drink from and won’t spill in your bag. What’s more, the built-in filter keeps loose leaves or tea bag sediment out of your iced tea, so you don’t have to worry about stray bits. And since it’s made from BPA-free, shatterproof plastic, it holds up well to daily use and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Just keep in mind that it’s not insulated, so your tea will only stay cold as long as the ice lasts.


Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel | Type: Manual hot and cold brew | Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 9.2 inches | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What you’ll love:

  • Borosilicate glass won’t absorb flavors over time
  • Works for both hot and cold brewing
  • Airtight, leakproof lid helps keep tea fresh
  • Fine-mesh stainless steel filter works with loose-leaf and bagged tea

Keep in mind:

  • Glass is more fragile than plastic
  • Manual brewing process requires steeping time

Some people prefer to brew iced tea in glass rather than plastic, whether for taste, longevity or health reasons. If that’s you, the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker is a great option. Made from thick borosilicate glass with a stainless steel infuser and a silicone-sealed lid, it’s designed for both hot and cold brewing. You can steep loose-leaf tea or tea bags overnight in the fridge, or brew hot and pour over ice when you’re ready to drink.

The airtight lid helps keep tea fresh longer, and because glass doesn’t retain flavors, you don’t have to worry about your green tea tasting like the hibiscus you brewed last time. The pitcher is also dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy. Just keep in mind that this pitcher is more fragile than other options; though the borosilicate glass is heat-resistant, it still needs careful handling.

While the Capresso Electric Iced Tea Maker is another glass option, it’s an automatic brewer, so it’s better suited for those who want a more hands-off process. The Ovalware is for anyone who prefers a more simple and manual approach. (And as a bonus, it doubles as a cold brew coffee maker.) 


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team has extensively researched, tested and reviewed dozens of small appliances, from the best coffee makers to toasters to blenders.

  • For expert insights on brewing iced tea, we consulted chef Spike Mendelsohn, co-founder of Just Ice Tea, and Chef Dennis Littley, recipe expert at Ask Chef Dennis. They shared tips on manual vs. automatic brewing, optimal steeping times and why loose-leaf tea enhances flavor.
  • This article was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan, who has nearly a decade of experience reviewing home and lifestyle products. It was overseen by senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold.
  • We regularly update our articles to ensure we recommend only the best and most current models. This guide was last refreshed in March 2025.

How We Chose The Best Iced Tea Makers

  • We researched top-rated iced tea makers from brands like Breville, Takeya, Capresso and Primula, focusing on models that make brewing easy and enjoyable.
  • For each iced tea maker, we first considered manual vs. automatic functionality. We selected models that work for different preferences, whether you want to control every step of the process or just press a button and let the machine handle it. Features like brew strength control, capacity and materials also played a big role in our decisions.
  • We consulted two chefs and beverage experts to understand how brew time, water temperature and steeping method impact flavor.
  • We prioritized iced tea makers with strong customer feedback, focusing on models with at least a 4-star rating and consistently positive reviews.

What To Look For In The Best Iced Tea Makers

If you regularly drink iced tea at home, investing in a dedicated brewer is worth it. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.

Manual vs. Automatic

One of the first decisions you need to make when shopping is whether you want a manual or electric iced tea maker. The best option depends on two factors: how much control you want over the brewing process and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

“Electric iced tea makers can be great for convenience, offering consistent steeping times and temperatures,” says Littley. “Many allow you to brew a fresh batch in just minutes, and some even have built-in chilling features.” If you like the idea of pressing a button and getting a perfectly brewed pitcher every time, an automatic model like the Breville Tea Maker takes the guesswork out of the process.

Manual iced tea makers, on the other hand, let you control the steeping process from start to finish. “When you’re choosing between the two, I think it’s about convenience, preference and, of course, execution,” says Mendelsohn. “If you think electric iced tea makers make a better brew than you can by hand, or you simply don’t have time, then that’s what’s right for you.” If you like experimenting with different steep times or want something simpler, manual options like the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker or Ovalware Cold Brew Maker are reliable and affordable.

Capacity

Iced tea makers come in a range of sizes, from single-serve tumblers to gallon-sized pitchers. The right one depends on how much tea you drink and how often you want to make it.

“If you’re looking for the most flavorful, high-quality tea, a glass pitcher or cold brew infuser allows for slow steeping without any risk of overheating or bitterness,” says Littley. This makes models like the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker a great choice for anyone who prefers glass over plastic.

If you go through iced tea quickly or want to make enough for a group, a large-capacity option like the Primula Big Iced Tea Maker is worth considering. It holds a full gallon, making it ideal for families or frequent tea drinkers. But as Littley points out, larger brewers need more storage space, so be sure to check if your fridge can accommodate the pitcher before buying.

Brew Strength

Some people like their iced tea light and refreshing, while others want it bold and full-bodied. The strength of your tea depends on steeping time, water temperature and the type of tea you use.

“Steeping time and water temperature are crucial for iced tea, just as they are for cooking,” says Littley. “Over-steeping black tea at high heat can make it taste overly tannic and astringent, while under-steeping herbal teas might leave them tasting weak and watery.”

Some electric models—like the Capresso Electric Iced Tea Maker—have adjustable brew strength settings, so you can tweak the steep time to get the flavor just right. But Mendelsohn believes the best way to control your tea strength is, simply, “taste and practice.” He also reminds us that fresh tea leaves tend to have minor characteristic differences depending on the season.

Speaking of fresh tea leaves, Mendelsohn says they make a big impact on flavor: “I think loose leaves deliver more tea notes and character in the brewing process compared to tea bags.” If you prefer loose-leaf tea, look for an iced tea maker with a built-in fine mesh filter to help extract as much flavor as possible.

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