Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Karen
Discover the best iced coffee K-Cups for your Keurig brewer, from bold and rich blends to smooth and refreshing options.
If you’re an iced coffee drinker, the thought of brewing your favorite cold coffee at home with the press of a button sounds like a dream come true. Fortunately, Keurig has made this possible with their Iced Coffee Button feature. This simple yet innovative function promises a fast and convenient way to enjoy your iced coffee without sacrificing flavor. But what makes the Keurig iced coffee button so special, and how does it compare to traditional iced coffee methods?
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 4 Keurig models with the iced coffee button feature, explain how the feature works, how the coffee turns out, and why these models are perfect for iced coffee lovers. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, this post will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on the best Keurig coffee makers for your needs.
What Are the Best Keurig Models for Iced Coffee?
While most Keurig machines can technically brew iced coffee, certain models are designed with advanced features that make them particularly suited for brewing a refreshing iced cup of coffee. These models offer different brew sizes, customizable options for brew temperature, and most importantly, an iced coffee setting that ensures your coffee doesn’t get watered down too quickly. Below are our top picks for the best Keurig brewers for iced coffee:
Keurig K-Elite
The Keurig K-Elite is one of the best options for making iced coffee at home. This model offers a strong brew mode, multiple brew sizes, and a convenient iced coffee button. The strong brew mode is perfect for creating a more robust coffee that won’t lose its flavor when poured over ice cubes. It also features precise temperature control, which is essential for keeping your ice cubes from melting too fast. The K-Elite is one of the best coffee makers for anyone who loves a bold, full-bodied iced coffee without the dilution.
Additionally, it comes with a water reservoir that holds enough water for multiple cups of coffee, which means you won’t have to refill it as often. It’s a great option for anyone who enjoys multiple servings of iced coffee in the morning or throughout the day. If you’re looking for a versatile machine that can brew a range of beverages, the K-Elite has a strong brew setting and different brew sizes, making it a good choice for any coffee lover.
Keurig K-Slim + ICED
The Keurig K-Slim + ICED is a compact machine designed for people with limited space, such as dorm rooms or small apartments. This single-serve machine brews an excellent cup of iced coffee, thanks to its Iced Coffee Button, which ensures a brew strong enough to handle ice without losing its flavor. If you’re working with much counter space, the K-Slim + ICED is an excellent choice. Despite its small size, it has a removable reservoir for easy refills and cleaning.
While it doesn’t come with as many features as larger models like the K-Supreme Smart, the K-Slim’s ease of use and simple brewing process make it an ideal choice for people who don’t need extra features but want a quick and reliable cup of iced coffee.
Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart
The Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart is the top pick for coffee drinkers who want complete control over their brewing process. This machine offers advanced brew-strength control, allowing you to adjust the strength of your coffee for the perfect iced coffee. The water tank holds a significant amount of water, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make multiple servings of iced coffee without constantly refilling. The K-Supreme Plus Smart offers the most customization options with precise brew temperature and strength, perfect for the iced coffee drinker who enjoys experimenting with their morning brew.
Additionally, it can be connected to the Keurig app, allowing you to adjust your brewing settings remotely. The K-Supreme Plus Smart’s self-cleaning function makes it easy to maintain, and the removable drip tray allows for larger cups or travel mugs. It’s one of the most advanced machines for iced coffee drinkers who need more from their Keurig brewer.
Keurig K-Café
For those who enjoy both iced coffee and hot drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the Keurig K-Café is a versatile option. This machine offers the Iced Coffee Button, but also allows you to brew hot coffee and create specialty drinks like lattes with the included built-in milk frother. While it’s not as customizable as the Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart, it delivers a great iced coffee experience and can be used for other coffee beverages, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for more variety in their kitchen appliances.
The K-Café also has a removable reservoir that can hold enough water to make multiple servings of your favorite drinks. Whether you’re brewing hot coffee or making an iced drink, this machine offers a flexible solution for a variety of needs.
Testing the Iced Coffee Button Feature
As an iced coffee drinker, the idea of brewing a perfect cup of iced coffee with the press of a button is incredibly appealing. Traditional iced coffee can sometimes be a bit of a hassle—brewing hot coffee, letting it cool, and then pouring it over ice. Not only does this take time, but it often results in a watered-down coffee flavor because the ice melts too quickly. The Iced Coffee Button on select Keurig models aims to solve this problem by brewing the coffee at a lower temperature, creating a more robust flavor that holds up against the ice.
To test the iced coffee feature, we brewed coffee with the Keurig K-Slim, Keurig K-Elite, Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart, and Keurig K-Café, evaluating each machine on key factors like temperature control, brew strength, taste, and overall ease of use.
What Makes the Keurig Iced Coffee Button Feature Different?
The Iced Coffee Button feature is designed to solve a common problem many iced coffee drinkers face: watered-down coffee. When brewing traditional iced coffee, the hot coffee poured over ice can cause the ice to melt quickly, resulting in a diluted cup. The Keurig iced coffee feature eliminates this issue by brewing at a lower temperature, so the ice doesn’t melt as quickly. It also brews at a higher strength to make sure the coffee’s flavor remains strong even after the ice begins to melt.
By brewing at a slightly lower temperature, the Iced Coffee Button ensures that the coffee retains its integrity, offering a rich, bold flavor that doesn’t get watered down. The resulting coffee is stronger, richer, and full-bodied, making it perfect for those who love a good iced coffee without the usual dilution from melted ice.
Can You Make Iced Coffee Without the Iced Coffee Button?
Yes, you can make iced coffee without the Iced Coffee Button by simply brewing hot coffee and pouring it over ice. However, the result won’t be as ideal. The ice will melt quickly and dilute the flavor, leaving you with a watered-down coffee. While this method still works in a pinch, using the Iced Coffee Button ensures that the coffee’s flavor remains intact.
Best K-Cups for Iced Coffee
When it comes to brewing iced coffee with your Keurig machine, the right K-Cup can make all the difference. Since iced coffee needs to retain its full flavor even as it cools, selecting the right K-Cup that brews a rich, bold cup is crucial. Fortunately, many coffee brands offer K-Cups specifically designed for iced coffee, delivering a more flavorful and less diluted brew.
What sets these K-Cups apart is that they are specifically designed to create a stronger brew, which is essential for iced coffee. When coffee is brewed at a lower temperature, it’s usually less intense, and pouring it over ice results in a diluted, weak drink. These K-Cups have a stronger coffee-to-water ratio, ensuring that the coffee flavor remains rich even as the ice melts. Additionally, many of these brands use high-quality arabica beans, which contribute to a smoother, more flavorful iced coffee experience. The taste remains full-bodied and vibrant, even after being poured over ice.
Here are our top picks for K-Cups for iced coffee that will help you brew the perfect cold beverage:
Green Mountain Coffee – Iced Coffee (Variety Pack)
Green Mountain’s Iced Coffee K-Cups are specially crafted to create a coffee that doesn’t lose its strength when poured over ice. The Iced Coffee Variety Pack offers a selection of flavors, each designed to brew with a bold, rich taste that can stand up to ice without becoming watered down. Whether you enjoy a dark roast or a lighter, milder flavor, this variety pack has something for everyone.
What makes Green Mountain’s iced coffee K-Cups stand out is their ability to brew a more concentrated coffee that’s ideal for iced drinks. The K-Cups are engineered to provide a strong cup, with more coffee grounds packed into each pod to ensure that the coffee stays bold even when ice cubes begin to melt. Green Mountain offers a mix of roasts in the pack, including the popular Dark Magic, which delivers a deep, full-bodied brew, as well as the Breakfast Blend, which offers a lighter, more refreshing flavor perfect for warmer days. These K-Cups are made with high-quality arabica beans, known for their smooth, flavorful profiles, making them an excellent choice for any iced coffee drinker looking for variety without sacrificing strength or flavor.
With Green Mountain Coffee’s Iced Coffee K-Cups, you can expect a well-balanced, flavorful brew that will satisfy your iced coffee cravings all year round. Whether you’re adding milk or enjoying it black, the flavor will hold up against the ice, ensuring a refreshing and robust iced coffee every time.
Caribou Coffee – Iced Coffee K-Cups
Caribou Coffee is renowned for its smooth and balanced flavor, and their Iced Coffee K-Cups are no exception. These K-Cups are designed to brew a strong, flavorful coffee that holds its own when poured over ice, providing an iced coffee experience that doesn’t lose its boldness. Caribou Coffee uses high-quality arabica beans, which gives the coffee a naturally smooth and rich profile that works beautifully in iced drinks.
The medium roast used in Caribou’s iced coffee K-Cups offers a slightly sweet and creamy taste, perfect for iced coffee drinkers who appreciate a smooth, mellow flavor without the bitterness of darker roasts. The medium roast also makes it a versatile choice—ideal for those who enjoy their iced coffee straight, or for those who like to add cream, sugar, or flavored syrups. Caribou’s K-Cups are designed to be strong enough to stand up to the ice without becoming diluted, making them perfect for those hot summer days when you need something cool and refreshing that still packs a punch.
For iced coffee lovers, Caribou Coffee offers the right balance of richness and smoothness, making it an ideal option for those who want a refreshing iced coffee experience that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Dunkin’ – Iced Coffee K-Cups
Dunkin’s Iced Coffee K-Cups are a fan favorite and a great option for those who want to enjoy a classic iced coffee at home. Dunkin’ is known for its smooth, balanced coffee, and their Iced Coffee K-Cups brew a flavorful cup of coffee that holds up well against the ice. These K-Cups are ideal for anyone looking for a straightforward, delicious iced coffee that brings out the natural flavors of the coffee without being overly sweet or bitter.
The Dunkin’ K-Cups provide a well-rounded, coffee-forward taste, with subtle hints of chocolate and toasted nuts. These flavors shine through even when poured over ice, ensuring a satisfying iced coffee experience. Dunkin’s iced coffee K-Cups are designed to be brewed strong, so the coffee doesn’t become watered down as the ice melts, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys their iced coffee bold and flavorful. Whether you prefer your iced coffee black or with a splash of cream and sugar, Dunkin’s K-Cups deliver a consistent, satisfying flavor that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a café-style iced coffee from your local Dunkin’ shop.
For a simple, tasty iced coffee that gets the job done, Dunkin’ Iced Coffee K-Cups are an excellent option.
Starbucks – Iced Coffee K-Cups
Starbucks Iced Coffee K-Cups are an excellent choice for those who prefer a stronger, more robust iced coffee. Known for their strong brew and consistent flavor, Starbucks’ Iced Coffee K-Cups are designed to brew a full-bodied coffee that won’t lose its strength when poured over ice. Whether you enjoy a milder coffee or something with a bit more intensity, Starbucks offers a wide range of iced coffee options to suit different tastes.
The Starbucks Iced Coffee K-Cups brew a rich and flavorful base that can easily be customized with cream, sugar, or syrups. Whether you opt for the classic Pike Place Roast, which offers a smooth and mild coffee with chocolate undertones, or their more intense Caffè Americano flavor with subtle caramel notes, Starbucks’ iced coffee K-Cups deliver a versatile and high-quality iced coffee experience. The coffee is brewed to a strength that ensures it won’t get diluted too quickly by the ice, making it a great choice for those who like their iced coffee bold and flavorful.
For Starbucks fans who want to recreate that café-quality iced coffee at home, these K-Cups provide an easy way to enjoy a rich, flavorful iced coffee without leaving the house.
Donut Shop – Iced Coffee K-Cups
If you prefer a lighter, sweeter iced coffee, Donut Shop’s Iced Coffee K-Cups are the perfect pick. These K-Cups brew a smooth, slightly sweet cup of iced coffee that works wonderfully with cream and sugar. The light roast is perfect for anyone who likes a less intense coffee but still wants a refreshing iced coffee that doesn’t lack flavor.
Donut Shop K-Cups deliver a milder coffee that’s easy to drink, even on the hottest days, making it a great option for those who want a refreshing iced coffee without the heavy bitterness of darker roasts. The K-Cups are designed to be brewed strong enough to ensure that the coffee won’t get diluted too quickly, even as the ice melts. With a subtle sweetness and smooth finish, Donut Shop’s Iced Coffee K-Cups provide the perfect base for a variety of iced coffee creations, whether you enjoy them with a splash of milk, flavored syrups, or just black.
For those who like their iced coffee light and sweet, Donut Shop K-Cups are a great option that delivers a delicious iced coffee every time.
McCafé – Iced Coffee K-Cups
McCafé’s Iced Coffee K-Cups provide a smooth, mellow flavor perfect for those who like their iced coffee on the lighter side. These K-Cups are designed to brew a mild, refreshing coffee that’s not overly bitter but still provides a satisfying iced coffee experience. McCafé is known for its smooth, balanced coffee, and these K-Cups are no exception.
With a smooth, mild flavor profile, McCafé’s iced coffee K-Cups are great for those who want a more subtle iced coffee that’s easy to drink. The K-Cups can be brewed at a stronger setting to ensure that the flavor holds up to ice, and the coffee still maintains its natural sweetness without becoming diluted. McCafé’s iced coffee is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-drink, less intense iced coffee that’s smooth and satisfying.
How to Make the Perfect Iced Coffee with Your Keurig
If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious, refreshing iced coffee, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results:
Use the Iced Coffee Button (if your machine has one): This button adjusts the brewing temperature to create a stronger cup of coffee that won’t get watered down as easily when you add ice.
Use Ice Cubes: It’s important to use large ice cubes or coffee ice cubes (made from leftover coffee) to minimize dilution. If you use regular ice cubes, try freezing coffee in ice cube trays and using those instead.
Brew Stronger Coffee: For extra-strength iced coffee, you can adjust the brew strength on your Keurig machine if it has a brew-strength control feature. A stronger cup of coffee will help ensure that the ice doesn’t water it down too much.
Chill the Coffee (Optional): If you have time, let the brewed coffee cool in the fridge for a bit before pouring it over ice. This prevents your coffee from becoming too watered down immediately.
Is the Iced Coffee Button Feature Worth It?
After testing the Iced Coffee Button, we can confidently say that it’s a must-have feature for anyone who loves iced coffee. The ability to brew a strong, flavorful iced coffee without the hassle of traditional methods is a game-changer. If you’re someone who enjoys a refreshing iced drink in the morning or at any time of day, this feature will quickly become a go-to for your brewing routine.
The Iced Coffee Button ensures the right brew strength and brew temperature, which leads to an ideal cold brew experience every time. If you’re an iced coffee drinker who’s looking for a quick and easy solution, any of the above-mentioned Keurig models will serve you well. From dorm rooms to bustling kitchens, these machines offer a range of benefits, from compact sizes like the Keurig K-Mini to more feature-packed options like the K-Supreme Plus Smart.
Whether you’re an experienced coffee shop regular or someone who loves experimenting with coffee at home, a Keurig brewer with an Iced Coffee Button is a good option for elevating your morning brew or afternoon iced coffee break.
