Capresso 624 02 Iced Tea Maker Review – Is It Worth the Hype?
It’s July. You’re craving a tall glass of iced tea, but the store-bought stuff is either loaded with sugar or costs four bucks a bottle. So you brew a pot of hot tea and pour it over ice—only to end up with a watery, lukewarm mess. That’s the exact moment you start wondering if a dedicated iced tea maker is actually worth the counter space.
Capresso
Capresso 62498FR / 624.98/624.98 Iced Tea Maker…
80 Oz. (2.5 Qt.) Glass Pitcher With Removable Lid
See on AmazonI’ve been testing the renewed Capresso 624 02 Iced Tea Maker for a couple of weeks. It’s a machine that promises to deliver strong, cold-brew-style tea without the dilution problem. This Capresso 624 02 Iced Tea Maker Review gives you the real picture—what works, what doesn’t, and whether the hype matches reality.
A machine that understands tea
The first thing you notice is the size. The glass pitcher holds 80 ounces—2.5 quarts—which is enough for a full day of iced tea for a household. It comes with a removable lid, so you can stash it in the fridge without covering the top of the pitcher with plastic wrap.
What sets this apart from a cheap pitcher-and-filter combo is the brew strength adjuster. Capresso calls it a “flavor enhancer,” and it lets you dial the tea from mild to strong. I like my tea bold enough to stand up to ice and lemon, so I cranked it to the strong setting. The result was a deep, clear brew without bitterness. The permanent filter handles both loose tea and standard tea bags—no paper filters to buy, which saves money over time.
This is a renewed unit, meaning it was previously returned or refurbished. Mine arrived with a small scratch on the base, but everything else worked like new. Keep that in mind if you’re picky about cosmetic condition.
What works and what doesn’t
I’ll give it to you straight. Here are the highlights and the headaches.
- Strength control actually works. The mild setting gives you a lighter, almost white-tea flavor. The strong setting produces a robust black tea that holds its own against milk and sweeteners. No guesswork.
- 80 ounces is a lot of tea. That’s about ten standard glasses. For a party or a family of four, you’ll only brew once. But the pitcher is heavy when full—something to consider if you have limited fridge shelf strength.
- The permanent filter is a blessing and a curse. It catches most leaves and bag fragments, but fine particles can slip through. If you’re fussy about crystal-clear tea, you might want a paper filter for the first brew. Also, cleaning the mesh requires a quick rinse; dried tea residue can clog it if you let it sit overnight.
- The lid seals well, but not perfectly. It stayed on during pouring, but if you tip the pitcher aggressively, a few drips sneak out. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
- Brew cycle is quiet and fast. From start to finish, it takes about 10–12 minutes. No loud gurgling or steam bursts. The auto-shutoff kicks in when the water reservoir empties.
Who should buy this (and who shouldn’t)
This machine makes sense if you drink iced tea most days during warm months and you’re tired of buying bottled tea. It also appeals if you like controlling strength—especially for loose-leaf teas that need precise steeping. The big capacity is great for parties, but even a couple of people can stretch one brew across two days (tea keeps well in the fridge).
Skip it if you only want single servings or if you’re short on counter space. The unit is about 12 inches tall and 10 inches wide—not huge, but not petite either. Also, if you prefer tea made with cold water over long hours (true cold brew), this machine uses hot water that then cools, so it’s not the same. Look at a dedicated cold-brew pitcher like the Wirsh iced tea maker review for that method.
And if you want a machine that also makes hot tea? This one only does iced. The reservoir doesn’t have a keep-warm function. So if you’re a year-round hot-tea drinker, you’ll need a second appliance.
Final call: worth the counter space?
Yes—for the right person. The Capresso 624 02 Iced Tea Maker delivers on its core promise: strong, non-watery tea in a large volume. The strength dial gives real variety, and the permanent filter removes the ongoing cost of paper filters. The renewed price represents solid value compared to buying a brand-new unit, as long as you accept minor cosmetic wear.
Is it perfect? No. The filter lets fine sediment through, and the lid could seal a bit tighter. But for under $40–$50 (check current price on Amazon), it competes well with other electric iced tea makers I’ve tested, like the Homecraft electric iced tea maker and the Litifo iced tea maker. It earns its spot on my counter for the summer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use loose-leaf tea, or only tea bags?
Both work. The permanent stainless-steel mesh filter handles loose leaves and standard-size tea bags. For very fine leaves (like matcha), you might get some sediment in the pitcher.
How do I adjust the brew strength?
There’s a small dial on the top labeled “Flavor Enhancer.” Turn it toward “Mild” for a lighter brew or toward “Strong” for a bolder one. The difference is noticeable—I’d start at the middle if you’re unsure.
Does the pitcher fit in a standard refrigerator door shelf?
Most fridges won’t fit the 80-ounce pitcher in the door. It’s tall and fairly wide. I keep it on a main shelf in my fridge. The removable lid helps if you have a lower shelf with limited headroom.
Is the renewed version reliable?
Mine worked perfectly out of the box. The renewed units are inspected and tested by Capresso, so the electronics should be solid. The cosmetic condition varies—I got a light scuff, but no functional issues. If you want a pristine look, buy new. If you’re okay with a small mark, the renewed price is a steal.
How long does a full brew take?
About 10 to 12 minutes for the full 80 ounces. The machine heats water, cycles it over the tea, and then drips into the pitcher. It stops automatically when done. No beeping, just silence.
Ready to buy? Check the latest price on Amazon
