Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew (what’s the difference and how to make it at home)

This post is sponsored by Hamilton Beach. All opinions are my own.

Fact about me: my favorite moment of the day is in the early morning when I have my first cup of coffee. It’s not only the fuel I need to get the day started, but it’s also a quiet, peaceful moment before the hustle and bustle of getting the kids out the door for school and starting my workday. I truly relish this little moment, so when I say I love my Hamilton Beach® Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker, I am not exaggerating. The fact that I can have my hot cup in just 3 minutes or a cold brew in 6 minutes (when I’m feeling fancy) starts my morning off just the way I like it. For you cold brew lovers, you NEED this in your life. Let me repeat – it makes cold brew coffee in only 6 minutes (other cold brew coffee makers can take 12 to 24 hours to make it), not to mention all the money you can save by making it at home instead of the coffee shop. For those of you not into cold brew, it makes regular piping-hot coffee as well, and in even less time.

In addition to sharing more about my new BFF (AKA the Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker), I wanted to share more information about cold brew coffee. It’s all the rage these days, so naturally, as the foodie and coffee lover than I am, I was curious to learn more about the process. I’m sharing more about it here for you. The first question many people wonder is “what is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?” Keep reading to learn the differences between iced coffee vs. cold brew.

What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

Cold brew coffee

• The word “cold” makes one think of temperature. However, cold brew coffee is not a temperature, but rather a process. Cold brew is prepared with room-temperature water (as opposed to hot water).
• You can use ice in cold brew coffee (it works deliciously, especially when using the Bold setting on your coffee maker since ice will dilute coffee), but it is not the same as just coffee that has been cooled down.
• Cold brew coffee tends to have a better taste than iced coffee or other coffee brewing methods as the result of its brewing process. The results are a smoother coffee with a less acidic taste. It’s mellow and sweet without being any less strong than regularly brewed coffee.
• Cold brewed coffee has a high level of caffeine compared to iced coffee.
• Due to its brewing process, cold brew coffee stores easily in the fridge and maintains a fresh taste for far longer than regular coffee.

Iced coffee

• Iced coffee is simply traditionally brewed coffee and then chilled with ice.
• Iced coffee has a more acidic taste than cold brew (which is sweeter and milder in flavor due to the brewing process).
• Since ice will water coffee down, iced coffees can have a lower level of caffeine (and sometimes less volume in general to allow room for the ice) once diluted.
• You can make iced coffee with cold brewed coffee. Just be sure to use the Bold function when brewing and add more coffee to the brewing basket to balance the watering down from the ice. Or, as an alternative, you can use coffee ice cubes like my iced coffee hack.

Learn more, plus how to make barista-quality cold brew coffee at home on the Hamilton Beach blog here.

Why I love the Hamilton Beach® Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker

Whether you want to save money and make your own cold brew coffee at home, or you’re in the market for a quick, 1-2 serving coffee maker, the Hamilton Beach® Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker is the perfect option. Here are the reasons I love it:

• It has a sleek, counterspace-saving size (smaller and slimmer than regular coffee makers or single-cup coffee pod machines).

• You can brew either cold brew coffee or hot coffee in the same slim, 2-in-1 unit.

• Cold brew coffee is ready in only 6 minutes (as opposed to the 12 to 24-hour time of other home cold brew coffee makers).

• Hot coffee is ready in just 3 minutes! I also love this feature for entertaining friends. I can whip up two fresh, hot cups quickly.
• There are options to brew in regular or bold strength.

• You can save money and reduce plastic waste by using your favorite ground coffee instead of pods for quick, single serving beverages.

• You can brew either a single 8-ounce cup or remove the base stand to accommodate a travel mug for a 16-ounce brew.
• I love the white and silver color as it matches my kitchen perfectly, but there is also a sleek black and silver option if that works best for your décor.

Don’t just take my word for it, get yourself the Hamilton Beach® Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker now at Target! Then if you want another delicious way to enjoy your coffee, check out my super yummy Coffee Float recipe.