Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker: Is It Worth the Investment?
Quick answer
- This maker is a solid option for budget-conscious iced coffee lovers.
- It brews directly over ice, making a strong, flavorful concentrate.
- Cleanup is generally straightforward.
- It’s compact and doesn’t take up much counter space.
- If you crave quick, easy iced coffee at home without a huge price tag, it’s worth a look.
- But if you’re a pour-over purist or need advanced temperature control, look elsewhere.
If you crave quick, easy iced coffee at home without a huge price tag, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is worth a look.
Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker, MultiStream Technology, 72oz Reservoir (Gen 2)
- BREW BY THE CUP OR CARAFE: Brews both K-Cup pods and coffee grounds.
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Saturates the grounds evenly to extract full flavor and aroma in every cup, hot or cold.
- BREW OVER ICE: Adjusts temperature for maximum flavor and less ice melt for single-cup iced coffees and teas.
- STRONG BREW & EXTRA HOT FUNCTIONALITY: Brews a stronger, more intense-flavored cup and the extra hot feature brews a hotter single cup.
- MULTIPLE BREW SIZES: Brew 6, 8, 10, or 12oz single cups or 6, 8, 10, or 12-cup carafes. 12-cup glass carafe specially designed to limit dripping.
Buying priorities for your Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
- Budget: This is where the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker shines. It’s significantly cheaper than many other specialized iced coffee machines.
- Simplicity: If you want to hit a button and get iced coffee, this is your jam. No fuss, no complicated steps.
- Speed: It brews a pot in minutes, perfect for those rushed mornings.
- Concentration: The design focuses on brewing a strong coffee concentrate that won’t get watered down by melting ice.
- Space: It’s got a small footprint, ideal for kitchens with limited counter real estate. I don’t have a huge kitchen, so this is a big plus for me.
- Ease of Cleaning: Most parts are dishwasher safe or easy to rinse out. Nobody likes a machine that’s a pain to clean.
- Durability: While not a high-end appliance, it’s built to last for regular home use. Check reviews for long-term feedback.
- Ice Compatibility: It’s designed to brew over ice, so make sure you have a good ice maker or bag of ice ready.
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker Feature Comparison
- Brew Method: Drip brewing, optimized for iced coffee.
- Capacity: Brews up to a 3-quart (96 oz) pitcher of iced coffee.
- Temperature Control: Brews at an optimal temperature for iced coffee concentrate. No user-adjustable settings here.
- Filter Type: Uses standard basket-style coffee filters. Reusable filters are also an option.
- Brew Strength: Offers a “regular” and “strong” setting.
- Brew Over Ice: Specifically designed to brew coffee directly over ice.
- Carafe/Pitcher: Comes with a reusable BPA-free plastic pitcher.
- Cleaning: Removable parts are generally easy to wash. Some are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Footprint: Relatively compact, designed for countertop use.
- Power: Standard electrical plug. Always check the manual for specific wattage.
- Material: Primarily BPA-free plastic construction.
- Special Features: Includes a measuring scoop for coffee grounds.
How to choose step-by-step with the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
1. Assess your iced coffee habits.
- What to do: Think about how often you make iced coffee and how much you typically drink.
- What “good” looks like: If you’re making iced coffee a few times a week, this machine fits the bill. If you’re a daily, multi-pot drinker, you might need something more robust.
- Common mistake: Assuming you’ll only make it occasionally. Life happens, and you might find yourself reaching for it more than you think.
2. Consider your budget.
- What to do: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on an iced coffee maker.
- What “good” looks like: The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is a budget-friendly option, often under $50. If you’re looking to spend less than $100, this is a strong contender.
- Common mistake: Overspending on a fancy machine you’ll rarely use. Stick to your budget; there are good options at every price point.
The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is a budget-friendly option, often under $50, making it a strong contender if you’re looking to spend less than $100 on a coffee maker.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, Programmable, Washable Basket Filter, Sneak-A-Cup, Auto Brew, Water Window, Keep Hot Plate, Black
- 12-CUP DURALIFE GLASS CARAFE: The sturdy 12-cup* carafe has measurement markings for accurate filling and an easy-grip handle for comfortable pouring.*Cup equals approximately 5 ounces (varies by brewing technique).
- SNEAK-A-CUP FEATURE TO PREVENT DRIPS: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee so you can pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess.
- EASY-VIEW WATER WINDOW: The front-facing window shows you the exact amount of water that will turn into coffee.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS WITH RUBBERIZED FEEL: Large, rubberized buttons give you full control of the coffeemaker, and the easy-read screen displays the clock, brew time, and programming options.
- QUICKTOUCH PROGRAMMING WITH AUTO SHUTOFF: Easily program the 24-hour auto brew feature so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or whenever you desire. 2-Hour Auto Shutoff for added safety and peace of mind with every use.
3. Evaluate your counter space.
- What to do: Measure the available space where you plan to keep the coffee maker.
- What “good” looks like: This machine has a relatively small footprint, usually around 10-12 inches tall. It should fit comfortably under most cabinets.
- Common mistake: Buying a machine that’s too big and ends up cluttering your kitchen or having to be stored away.
4. Decide on brew strength preference.
- What to do: Do you like your iced coffee bold or more mellow?
- What “good” looks like: This machine offers a “strong” setting that brews a more concentrated coffee, perfect for iced drinks.
- Common mistake: Not realizing that brewing hot coffee directly over ice without a concentrate function will result in weak, watery coffee.
5. Think about cleaning ease.
- What to do: Look at the machine’s design and check if parts are removable and dishwasher safe.
- What “good” looks like: The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker’s pitcher and brew basket are usually easy to rinse or pop in the dishwasher.
- Common mistake: Underestimating how much you’ll dread cleaning a complex machine. Simple is often better for daily use.
6. Check for filter type compatibility.
- What to do: Confirm what kind of filters the machine uses.
- What “good” looks like: This model uses standard basket-style paper filters, which are readily available. You can also use a reusable filter.
- Common mistake: Buying a machine that requires proprietary or hard-to-find filters.
7. Confirm ice brewing capability.
- What to do: Ensure the machine is designed to brew directly over ice.
- What “good” looks like: This machine’s entire purpose is brewing over ice, so it’s built for it.
- Common mistake: Trying to brew hot coffee and then pour it over ice – it just dilutes the flavor.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using hot coffee grounds | Weak, watery iced coffee | Use the correct amount of coffee grounds as recommended for the “strong” setting. |
| Not filling the pitcher with ice | Overly strong, syrupy coffee concentrate | Fill the pitcher to the designated ice line before brewing. |
| Using regular hot coffee settings | Diluted, unappealing taste | Always use the iced coffee setting and brew directly over ice. |
| Not cleaning the machine regularly | Stale coffee taste, potential mold growth | Rinse the pitcher and brew basket after each use. Run a descaling cycle periodically. |
| Using too much coffee | Bitter, undrinkable coffee | Follow the scoop guide provided with the machine. Start there and adjust to your taste. |
| Forgetting to add ice first | Coffee brews too fast, doesn’t concentrate properly | Always add ice to the pitcher <em>before</em> starting the brew cycle. |
| Using stale coffee beans/grounds | Flat, uninspired coffee flavor | Use fresh, quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for the best results. |
| Not checking the water level | Under-extracted or over-extracted coffee | Ensure the water reservoir is filled to the appropriate line for the amount of coffee you want. |
| Overfilling the coffee basket | Coffee grounds can clog the filter and overflow | Stick to the recommended amount of coffee grounds per the machine’s instructions. |
| Assuming it’s a high-end brewer | Disappointment with nuanced features | Understand its limitations; it’s a great budget iced coffee maker, not a pro-level machine. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If you primarily drink iced coffee at home and want an affordable solution, then buy the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker because it’s designed for this purpose and won’t break the bank.
- If counter space is tight, then consider the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker because it has a compact design.
- If you prefer a super-strong, bold iced coffee, then use the “strong” setting on the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker because it brews a concentrate.
- If you want a machine that’s easy to clean after each use, then the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is a good choice because its pitcher and basket are usually simple to wash.
- If you’re on a tight budget and want decent iced coffee, then the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is worth it because it’s one of the most affordable options available.
- If you don’t want to fuss with complex settings, then the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker is for you because it’s straightforward to operate.
- If you are a pour-over or cold brew purist, then this machine is likely not for you because it uses a drip method optimized for speed, not nuanced extraction.
- If you need precise temperature control for brewing hot coffee, then look elsewhere because this machine is specifically for iced coffee and doesn’t offer that feature.
- If you want to brew large batches for a crowd regularly, then you might outgrow this machine’s capacity, though it’s good for personal use or small gatherings.
- If you’re okay with using standard paper filters, then the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker works well because it uses readily available ones.
- If you want to experiment with different brewing methods beyond drip, then this machine won’t satisfy that need.
FAQ
Q: Can I use this to make hot coffee?
A: While it brews hot coffee that then goes over ice, it’s not designed for making regular hot coffee. The brewing temperature and method are optimized for iced coffee concentrate.
Q: How much coffee grounds should I use?
A: Always refer to the scoop guide that comes with your Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker. It usually recommends a specific amount for the “regular” and “strong” settings.
Q: Is the pitcher dishwasher safe?
A: Typically, yes. The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker’s pitcher and brew basket are usually designed to be top-rack dishwasher safe, but always check your specific model’s manual.
Q: Does it come with a reusable filter?
A: Some models might, but it primarily uses standard basket-style paper filters. You can often purchase a reusable filter separately if you prefer.
Q: How long does it take to brew?
A: It’s quite fast. You can expect a full pitcher of iced coffee in about 4 minutes, once the water is heated.
Q: What kind of ice should I use?
A: Standard ice cubes work best. Avoid crushed ice as it can melt too quickly and dilute the coffee.
Q: Is the “strong” setting really that much stronger?
A: Yes, the “strong” setting brews a more concentrated coffee designed to withstand the melting ice without becoming watery. It’s a noticeable difference.
Q: Can I adjust the brew temperature?
A: No, this machine is designed to brew at an optimal temperature for iced coffee. There are no user-adjustable temperature controls.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Detailed comparison with high-end iced coffee makers.
- Specific troubleshooting guides for every possible error.
- In-depth reviews of specific coffee bean types for iced coffee.
- Maintenance schedules beyond basic cleaning.
- Comparisons with cold brew methods or other brewing techniques.
- Specific warranty information for all models.