Next to water, tea is the most frequently consumed beverage on the planet. While different countries enjoy tea prepared in different ways, the practice of drinking iced tea is on the rise. In the U.S. approximately 85% of the tea consumed is in the form of iced tea. This is understandable as research has shown unsweetened iced tea is packed with antioxidants which provide benefits ranging from protection against cancer to keeping you looking younger.
Iced tea makes a refreshing summer drink which goes well with meals as well. Since tea is mostly water it keeps the body hydrated without all the calories of a soda or juice. If the tea is sweetened with a natural sweetener like honey, then the nutritional benefits increase further.
Making iced tea the old fashioned way, by boiling water and then letting tea leaves steep in the water is fairly simple. However, the process is made even easier with the introduction of iced tea makers. Iced tea makers come in a large variety of sizes, materials and price range. The more costly ones offer greater control over strength, use of tea leaves or bags whereas the more modestly prized tend to have less capacity, and employ plastic in the body. A number of iced tea makers are reviewed here so you can select one that fits your personal needs and you too can be on your way to enjoying the health benefits iced tea has to offer.
Hamilton Beach 40911
Price: $30
The Hamilton Beach iced tea maker is a smartly designed appliance. Its slim style means it takes up minimal counter space yet has a large two quart jug. The plastic jug is slim enough to glide into the inside door of the refrigerator, thus economizing on space there also. The option of using loose leaves or tea bags is available in addition to three brewing strengths. All you need to do is place the tea in the filter basket, fill the reservoir with water and select the strength. In roughly ten minutes the indicator light will inform you that brewing is complete, after which it will shut off automatically.
The Hamilton Beach is a low maintenance appliance requiring nothing more than a simple wipe down while the jug can be washed with soapy water.
Mr. Coffee Tea Cafe Iced Tea Maker BVMC-TM33
Price: $40
A very easy to use appliance that makes gourmet standard iced tea with the touch of a single button. The capacity is a gigantic 2.4 litres. It comes with a glass jug, which some claim is a bit fragile, but looks great. A permanent filter holds loose tea leaves or tea bags and the machine allows selection of strength. The water reservoir has a window so you know exactly how much water is left. Cleaning is simple, as both the jug and the filter are dishwasher safe while the rest of the unit can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The power turns off automatically thus saving on electricity. This is a moderately priced appliance and people who have reviewed found it to be a worthwhile purchase.
Capresso Iced Tea maker
Price: $58
The Capresso iced tea maker is an elegantly designed home brewing device. It measures 13.5 inches wide by 6.2inches deep and 9.7 inches high. In order to make iced tea just add between 3 – 6 tablespoons of loose tea leaves or four to eight tea bags in the detachable filter basket. The water tank is located at the back of the unit, remove it and fill with water. Next fill up the glass jug to the designated mark with ice. If you are short on ice fill up with the jug up to the other designated mark, situated lower on the jug with really cold water. Now just select the brew strength and press the power button to begin the brewing process. The iced tea will be ready in less than ten minutes. The best thing about this machine is that you can use it during the winter months for making hot tea or coffee. Add the coffee grounds to the basket instead of tea leaves and the machine does the rest!
Takeya Iced Tea Maker
Price: $30
The Takeya iced tea maker is an uncomplicated gadget that can be used to make iced tea manually. Available in a variety of colors and in one or two quart size jugs. The loose tea leaves are placed into the filter basket, which can then be attached to the lid. Add enough boiled water to half fill the jar and close the lid. Allow to infuse for around five minutes, remove the basket and fill the jug with ice. Delicious iced tea is ready.
Takeya has their own blends which come in packets. One packet is sufficient to make one quart of tea. Flavours available include mint, green, black tea, hibiscus and others. However, if you wish to use your own blends, that is not a problem either.
