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Best Electric Iced Tea Makers 2023

January 5, 2023 By Shawna Leave a Comment

making iced tea with best iced tea machinesWhen it is hot outside and you are really thirsty, then nothing beats a refreshing glass of iced tea. And if you’re from the South like me, then when that tea hits your lips it will be of the sugary-sweet variety. I tell ya, we make a LOT of iced tea in my house. If I had to guess, I’d say that we go through a pitcher of tea every 1.5 days. But when we all get together at my mama’s for a holiday or other family gathering, then you better believe that we need more tea than that! I swear one Fourth of July that we went through five pitchers of iced tea on that one day.

When it comes to making good iced tea, I honestly think that the old school way of just boiling some water in a sauce pan on the stove and then letting some tea bags steep in it is the very best ways to make your tea. It’s how my grandma still makes it. And when I have time on my hands, that is how I make it. But, when you’re working full-time, trying to raise a family and keep the house somewhat clean, you ain’t got all that time to deal with steeping tea. Right? Well, that is why I started using an iced tea machine a while back. I kept seeing them at my local Wal-Mart and wondered what all the fuss was about. So, I decided to learn a bit more about ’em.

Before You Buy A Tea Maker

Since I know that my Wal-Mart doesn’t always carry the best stuff, I decided to look online and compare the different iced tea makers to see what I could learn about them. After a bit of comparing, I learned that for the most part, they all work in the same basic way.

Of course, there are some differences between the machines. That means that some of them are better for my needs while others might be better for your needs. It’s all about what you need from your iced tea making machine.

Things that you will want to consider when comparing electric iced tea makers:

  • capacity of tea pitcher
  • amount of space tea maker will take up on counter
  • does it spill water when making?
  • is clean-up easy after you make tea?
  • is the tea pitcher dishwasher safe?
  • what type of tea does it take – loose, bagged or both?
  • is there a sugar compartment?
  • does it have an auto shut-off switch for safety?
  • is there a re-usable filter?
  • can I use my own pitcher with it?
  • is there a brew-strength setting?
  • how fast is the brew time?

As you can see, I take my iced tea making very seriously and I have a long list of needs and wants when it comes to an electric iced tea maker. Armed with my list of things to consider, I narrowed it down to just three different models of electric tea makers. Then, I tried each of them to see which best meets my needs.

Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker Review

Hamilton Beach 40911 2-Quart Electric Iced Tea Maker reviewI found this electric iced tea machine online and thought it would look nice next to the Brita pitcher in my fridge since they have a similar look. Normally, I prefer something in a stainless steel to match my coffee maker, but this is a decent second choice.

I already own a Hamilton Beach blender, so I knew that this was going to be a decent quality machine. Though I wasn’t sure if 2-quarts would be a large enough pitcher. You see, my ideal scenario is to be able to run one of these on holidays to keep everyone stocked in iced tea.

This tea maker is priced higher than I would prefer to pay. Still, I decided to give it a try in my quest for the best electric iced tea maker machine.

Where to buy:

  • Amazon
  • Hamilton Beach
  • Sears
  • WalMart
  • Target

What I did not like about this one is that the pitcher is not dishwasher safe. Also, the pitcher gives off a strong plastic smell right out of the box and it does not go away. As a result, it left the tea that I made tasting a little bit like plastic. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best tea, but any tea is better than none at all, right?

This one also got some water on the counter each time it is run, which means taking time out to clean it up. It doesn’t take long but that starts to add up over time. And, if you prefer loose tea, I heard from another owner that you can end up with the loose tea actually in your pitcher.

There are a lot of things that I like about this one though. The design is slim, which means it doesn’t take up a lot of space and that’s nice. It also meets my requirements of having an auto shut-off, a brew strength selector setting and a paperless filter. And probably best of all, a full pitcher of tea is done in under 10 minutes!

Bottom line: this is a nice machine, but not the best iced tea maker for my budget or my tea making needs

Mr. Coffee TM70 3-Quart Iced Tea Maker Review

big electric iced tea makerProbably my favorite thing about this electric iced tea maker is the pitcher size. It’s like making a vat of iced tea, which is pretty great if you ask me. It is seriously a big electric iced tea maker. In fact, it’s got the largest pitcher that I’ve been able to find.

But, it’s really ugly, right? I mean, this is not something that you would want to leave sitting out on your counter. At least not me, but I was super tempted by the 3-quart capacity of that pitcher, so I picked it up at my Wal-Mart. You can also find it online at places like Amazon.

Where to buy:

  • Amazon
  • Mr Coffee
  • Walmart
  • Bed Bath & Beyond

What I did not like about this one, other than the way that it looks, is that it leaks quite a bit. I also learned that if you do not remember to put ice in it before you brew the tea, then the pitcher is so flimsy that it will actually warp from the heat of the water! I could not believe that when it happened.

Though it does have a filter basket, it doesn’t work all that well and results in needing to use a paper coffee filter. That kind of defeats the purpose of the filter, right?

And when I was learning about this tea maker, I came across several people who mentioned that the pitcher actually cracks so that you can’t use it after a few months time. This seems to be a common problem. So, I returned this one pretty much immediately.

That being said, I did like that it has a cheap price and makes a large amount of tea at once. It also meets my requirements of an auto shut-off, being dishwasher safe and brew strength selector. But, it also takes up a lot of space thanks to that super size pitcher.

Bottom line: In my opinion and experience, it’s the cheapest option, but you also get what you pay for, though I do enjoy the large tea pitcher – but it’s not for me in the end.

West Bend 68305T Iced Tea Maker Review

West Bend electric Iced Tea Maker reviewI have to admit, when I first saw this one online I got a little bit giddy about how nice it looks when it has such a low price. I was secretly hoping that it would be the best choice for me just based on its design.

This electric tea maker meets so many of my requirements, so let me first tell you what I don’t like about it.

Sometimes, the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve when you make the tea. This isn’t really a big deal as long as I remember to stir it before pouring it. It has a drip tray, which is a nice feature, but it’s also just something else that needs to be cleaned and I am notoriously lazy! Also, the size is a bit large for my cabinets – it is quite tall so it can’t be placed where you have short cabinets above the counter.

What I do like is that it comes with a 2.75 quart pitcher, which is almost as big as the Mr. Coffee one. It is also easy to use your own pitcher with this machine. It features a dedicated sugar compartment, as well as a brew strength setting, auto shut-off and reusable filter. It also works well with loose leaf teas and it fills the pitcher quickly.

Where to buy:

  • Amazon
  • West Bend
  • Walmart

Bottom line: this the best electric iced tea maker for the money – it’s the one that I use and that I recommend to all my friends. Plus, it looks great on the counter.

There are plenty of other electric iced tea makers that you can choose from if you do not like any of these, but I do highly suggest that you consider the West Bend model and it truly does make a good pitcher of iced tea in a hurry.

 

Filed Under: Gadgets, Teas

Review: Organic YogiTea Ginger Orange Vanilla

October 22, 2014 By Shawna Leave a Comment

yogitea organic ginger orange vanillaRecently, I was looking for a nice tea that I could drink at night that would have a good flavor without a lot of caffeine that would keep me up at night. Since I am a big fan of ginger tea, I decided to give this organic YogiTea a try.

This blend is Ginger Orange with Vanilla. And the ingredients are ginger, orange peel and vanilla. Overall, this was an excellent tea.

An important thing to note is that if you let it steep as long as the packaging recommends, you will get a very hot ginger flavor. But, if you leave it in the hot water for a shorter period, the ginger is milder and not as overpowering.

The orange and vanilla are a nice compliment to the stronger ginger. However, if you are not a fan of vanilla drinks (like cream soda) then you will not really enjoy this blend as the vanilla flavor is definitely noticeable.

This was a nice pre-bedtime tea for me. And I also found that it was nice to drink along with a slice of carrot cake. I imagine it would be good with any similar type of spiced baked good or gingerbread cookies.

After emptying this box of tea, I can definitely say that is is something that I would buy again.

Filed Under: Teas

Review: Clipper Organic English Breakfast Tea

October 15, 2014 By Shawna Leave a Comment

clipper organic english breakfast teaAfter spending some time in England and Scotland this summer, I have developed quite a taste for black tea with a bit of milk and sugar. And since English Breakfast is what was normally served over there, that is the exact tea that I want to drink at home.

Though I have tried other English Breakfast brands, this one from Clipper just might be my favorite.

It is organic with the only ingredient being the black tea, which is just how I like it. The tea bags are not bleached white, which is also something that is important to me.

As with most black teas, the flavor of this one is quite strong and robust. And when you add in just a little milk and sugar, it really shines. Don’t get me wrong though, it also tastes great just plain with nothing added to it at all.

One important thing that you should know is that when you buy the larger box like I did (see the photo), then the tea bags are not individually packaged. Instead, they are all in a type of plastic together in the box. So when you open it the first time, there is no real way to seal it back up other than to fold over the top of the bag. I’m not certain if air exposure does any harm to the flavor of the tea, but if you drink it rather quickly like me, then it might not matter as much to you.

Filed Under: Teas

Method and Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

October 3, 2014 By Shawna Leave a Comment

cup of tea in ScotlandTurkey. England. China.

Tea is such an integral part of so many cultures, it’s no surprise that there’s some debate over how the drink is best served. Turkish tea is brewed up strong, no milk allowed. English tea just wouldn’t be English tea without the milk. In China, tea is so sacred, it has its own ceremony.

If there is one thing all tea cultures agree upon, it’s that the brew process is vital. So, no matter how you take it, follow these tips to brew up a perfect cup of tea every time.

Selecting the Right Tea and Proper Tea Storage

The perfect cup of tea begins long before you put the water on to boil. True tea enthusiasts would never be caught with bagged tea in their cupboards, but tea bags are a perfectly acceptable tea option for busy tea lovers.

The downside of bagged tea is that using pre-measured bags takes away your control over how much tea you use in your brew, making it more difficult to get it “just right”.

Whether you use lose or bagged tea, though, storage is important. Store in airtight, non-clear containers in a cool, dry place to prevent smells from being absorbed and changing the tea’s flavor.

The Right Water for Tea

If you have quality tap water, there’s no reason not to use cold water straight from the tap. If you have hard water in your home, though, or funny-flavored water you don’t drink by itself, don’t use it for your tea. It will annihilate the flavor. Instead, use filtered water if you drink filtered tap water, or bottled water.

Water Temperatures by Tea Type

Different teas brew best at different temperatures. Brewing at the proper temp ensures that tea gets maximum extraction for fullest flavor without a bitter taste. For best results, follow the following rules for brewing:

  • Black and Herbal –boiling water
  • Oolong –water just below a boil (approximately 195 degrees)
  • Green and White – water between 160 and 185 degrees

Tea Amounts & Steep Times by Tea Type

Using the proper amount of tea per cup is key to a perfect brew. When using bagged tea, this is simple. Stick to one tea bag per cup.

For loose leaf tea, one teaspoon per cup is the general rule. For strong tea, increase the amount to one tablespoon per cup.

Steep tea according to type:

  • Black – 3-5 minutes
  • Oolong – 3-5 minutes
  • Herbal – 5-7 minutes
  • Green – 2-3 minutes
  • White – 1-3 minutes

Make Tea Your Own

Once you know the general rules for tea-making, throw them out the window. The perfect cup of tea is the one that best suits your taste, so don’t hesitate to increase or decrease the amount of tea you use per cup.

When working out your perfect tea amount/brew time, make alterations to the amount of tea you use, not the time you steep it.

Since ideal steep time and water temperature for teas are designed to bring about maximum extraction and flavor, its best to hold to those rules first.

Of course, in the end, the taste of the tea is all that matters, so steep as you see fit. Maybe you like a slightly bitter tang to your tea, and that’s quite all right. Don’t let anyone quash your personal tea pride.

Ultimate Tea Brewing Tips

A proper tea brewing method will bring your tea close to perfection. If you’re ready to take it to the next level, incorporate these tips into your process –

Tip 1: Get several small canisters, and mark them.

Keep one canister for each tea type, and don’t mix it up. Protect tea from moisture, air and light to retain its original flavor.

Tip 2: Use a thermometer.

Oh, yeah, it’s anal. Are you worried about OCD, or do you want perfect tea?

If you’re a full-time black tea drinker, you can do without it. If you drink green or white, a thermometer is the best way to get it just right.

Tip 3: Use a timer.

Stop trusting your own clock-watching. Get your steep time just right every time by setting a timer and staying by your brewing tea’s side. It’s only 3 to 5 minutes. Isn’t it worth the time?

Once you’ve got your perfect brewing technique down, it’s time to apply it to iced tea as well. Instead of making a full pitcher of tea and letting it sit in your refrigerator, start flash chilling tea for a freshly-brewed iced tea taste.

 

Filed Under: Teas

You Should Be Drinking Flash Chilled Iced Tea

September 27, 2014 By Shawna Leave a Comment

Tea tastes best when it’s brewed up fresh. While the majority of us brew our hot tea one cup at a time, though, many of use turn around and brew our iced tea in bulk, letting it steep in a pan and then pouring it into a pitcher to sit in the refrigerator.

The good news for those who like to brew up a pot of tea and keep it cold in the refrigerator is that you’re not losing those precious antioxidants. A study by Prevention Magazine found that tea that sits in the refrigerator overnight actually retains the same antioxidant levels as drinking it fresh-brewed.

When it comes to letting tea sit, it’s the taste that suffers, at least if tea purists are to be believed.  Flash chilling is a way to turn just-steeped tea into iced tea to lock in that freshly-brewed flavor.

How to Flash Chill Iced Tea

Before you start the brewing process, you need to gather a few supplies. For flash chilling, you’ll need –

Typical teaware:

  • Kettle
  • Heat-resistant mug or measuring cup
  • Measuring spoon
  • Filter

Non-typical tea tool:

  • Drink shaker

1 – Place two heaping teaspoons of tea (and any extra spices or flavorings) in a heat-resistant mug or cup. Make sure you have a cup with a handle to make pouring easier.

2 – Pour roughly 1 ¼ cup of boiling water over tea. Let steep for 2 minutes.

3 – Fill a drink shaker with 5 to 6 large ice cubes.

4 – Add the brewed tea to the shaker, pouring through a filter to catch the tea leaves.

5 – Place the lid on the shaker, and shake until all the ice inside has fully melted.

6 – Fix up a glass with a few ice cubes and your favorite tea garnishments, such as mint or lemon. Pour the chilled tea into the glass, and quiver with the delicious ecstasy of drinking fresh iced tea.

TIPS

Play with the flavor. Adjust the amount of tea to your taste. Keep in mind, you’ll need a strong brew to compensate for the ice. Alternately, add time onto the steep time for a stronger flavor. Just don’t go over the recommended time on the tea packaging, or your tea might turn out bitter.

Increase steeping time if the tea tastes too weak, but don’t go over the recommended time on the tea’s packaging to avoid over-extraction.

Add sweeteners, such as honey or sugar, to the tea as it brews to ensure proper distribution.

Buy bagged ice or make ice cubes with filtered water to ensure your flash-chilled iced tea tastes its very best.

Filed Under: Teas

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