Finding the perfect kitchen gadget can sometimes feel impossible. Do you love drinking iced coffee in the morning and want a Keurig to make this easier? Can you use a regular Keurig to make iced coffee? Well, we've done plenty of digging and have all the answers below. Let's get right into it.
Technically, any Keurig will make a shot of espresso, which you can mix into a cup of ice and the milk of your choice. However, Keurig offers a specialty "K-Elite" coffee machine with an ice-making option.
This is the brand's only ice-capable coffee maker, so you may want to check this system out if you're not a fan of hot coffee.
As we begin, we will cover all things Keurig and discuss how to make iced coffee with your appliance. Whether you are new to this brand or want to switch things up with your coffee routine, we've got plenty of great information to share. With that said, let's dive right into this post!
Can Any Keurig Make Iced Coffee?
For those with a Keurig wanting to make iced coffee, you can technically make one for yourself. As we mentioned, all you need to do is pull a shot (or many) and then fill your cup with ice and the milk of your choice.
Typically, this is what happens if you order an iced latte at your local coffee shop, so you're not missing out. On the other hand, besides the "K-Elite" option, Keurig's won't make ice, so you'll need to go into the freezer.
So although your Keurig won't pull ice for you, it will create a shot you can use for your iced coffee. Furthermore, you can also try making a full cup of coffee and then putting it in the fridge/freezer.
This will take more time than simply running espresso over ice, but it is truer to a classic "iced" recipe.
How Do You Make Iced Coffee With A Keurig?
If you want to try making iced coffee with a Keurig, you'll first need to see which machine you have. As we covered above, the K-Elite Keurig has an ice setting, which is self-explanatory.
However, if you have a non-elite Kuerig model, you'll need a few things:
- One full-sized glass (fridge and freezer friendly).
- A K-Cup pod of your choice.
- An ice tray or freezer that makes ice.
- Milk/creamer of your choice.
Once you have these items, you will need to pull a shot from your Keurig into your glass. Ideally, you will add ice after your shot is made, as running espresso over it can dilute its strength.
Next, you can place your glass into the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes. Once your coffee cools, take it out of the refrigerator/freezer and add a milk of your choice.
Considering your milk will be cold already, this will help keep your coffee cool. Lastly, mix in creamer or sugar, and you're ready to drink your iced coffee!
Of course, you can also add sugar into the hot espresso shot at the beginning of your recipe, so that depends on your preference.
For anyone wanting an easier option, you can also purchase a K-Elite model:
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
This coffee maker has an iced coffee setting, brews multiple cup sizes, has a 75-ounce water reservoir, and comes in various colors.
Can A Keurig Make Cold Brew?
For those who prefer the texture of cold brew, you can make it using a Keurig. To do this, you'll need to purchase specialty cold brew K-Cups, so make sure to find ones that state they make cold brew coffee.
Java House is one brand that makes them, so that is an option to consider. Furthermore, once you have your cold brew pods, you'll need to follow a slightly different process.
To start:
- Pour the cold brew pod over ice.
- Add eight ounces of water to your cup.
- Mix creamer or sweetener into the cold brew.
- Place your glass into the fridge or drink right away!
One thing to note, cold brew K-Cups will be liquid, so you'll know by shaking them that they are the right one for your cold brew recipe.
You can also use powdered cold brew if you don't have a Keurig yet, so there are other ways to do this.
Java House Cold Brew Coffee Pods
These cold brew K-Cups are 1.35 fluid ounces each, dark roast, 100% Arabica cold brew coffee, and come in various bundle options.
Follow this link to view them on Amazon.
Can You Make Iced Coffee In A Keurig Overnight?
When it comes to making iced coffee in a Keurig overnight, this is possible. You will need to chill your espresso shot(s) after you make them in a Keurig.
For that reason, it is a good idea to store your cup or container in the refrigerator for a while before finishing your iced beverage. An easy way to ensure your coffee is cold in the morning is to make it before going to bed, place it in a fridge, and top it off with milk/creamer the next day.
Again, you don't necessarily "need" to let your coffee cool overnight, but this is a great way to save time if you're in a hurry before school or work.
On the other hand, if you have Keurig's K-Elite machine, you can have it make your iced coffee with the press of a button, hence why so many people have one.
Is Keurig Iced Coffee Good?
The overall consensus for Keurig iced coffee is that it does taste good. Although nothing ever seems to top a freshly made, small coffee shop flavoring, having an iced beverage at home is convenient and more affordable.
In general, it's not the Keurig machine that makes the difference; it's the brand of K-Cups you use. For example, Starbucks offers countless pods with their "signature" flavors, which will taste better than an off-brand, generic option.
Furthermore, how often you clean and descale a Keurig can affect how well your iced and hot coffee will taste. We recommend regularly running a hot water cycle through your machine and descaling every few months.
Moreover, you can try organic coffee pods for your machine or even flavors from local, small brands, so your options are endless. The same goes for liquid cold brew, so don't be afraid to venture into a different recipe/company.
Is Keurig The Best At-Home Coffee Maker?
For anyone stuck between Keurig and another brand, this comes down to your price point and coffee needs. Considering that Keurig espresso machines are some of the most user-friendly on the market, we recommend them for newer coffee makers.
In addition, Keurig makes endless K-Cup flavorings for their systems, so they're a one-stop-shop. However, if you prefer authentic Italian espresso each morning, you may want to upgrade to a nicer brand, like Nespresso.
However, with that fancier taste comes a hefty price tag. To put this in perspective, the cheapest Keurig retails at roughly $75, while Nespresso's budget-friendly machines start at $125.
You can also expect a Keurig to offer more for your money with their budget options, which is a large part of their appeal. So if you don't want to spend hundreds on a coffee maker and want something reliable and easy to maneuver, we recommend Keurig.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Keurig For Iced Coffee?
If you don't have a Keurig or want to try another brand, there are plenty of alternatives for iced coffee. A few good brands that offer iced coffee makers include Mr. Coffee, De'Longhi, Terra Kaffe, and Ninja, so you've got options.
With that said, some ice coffee makers will only make cold drinks, so that can be a problem. Considering that many people also use their Keurigs for hot tea, you may want to reconsider switching to an ice-only machine.
Luckily, big brands tend to have their iced coffee/cold brew makers be hot and cold friendly, similar to the Keurig K-Elite.
Mr. Coffee's 'Iced + Hot Coffee Maker is an excellent alternative that we recommend and retails at around $60, making it perfect for all types of budgets.
Mr. Coffee Iced™ + Hot Coffee Maker
This coffee machine makes hot and iced beverages, has a 16-ounce capacity, brews in under four minutes, doesn't require pods, and comes with a reusable tumbler, lid and straw, a reusable coffee filter, and a dual-sided scoop.
View this coffee machine on Amazon.
To Tie Everything Together
Whether you love iced coffee or want to get into it, having an appliance that makes this process easier is a must. From what we found, Keurig does work for making iced coffee and even offers a specialty ice beverage machine, their K-Elite model.
You can also pull a shot and run it over ice/add ice afterward if you want iced coffee from your Keurig, so you don't need to purchase a specific system. We recommend letting your drink cool in the refrigerator and adding creamer/milk when you're ready for your coffee.
Regardless, don't be afraid to try specialty flavored K-Cups in your machine or even cold brew pods!
Made it to the end? Check out these super helpful related posts below!
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