This gadget makes iced tea in just 10 minutes and it's down to $21: 'So crisp'
Summer is almost here and it's time to kick back on the patio with a tall glass of iced tea. It's probably the most popular summer beverage sans alcohol out there. If you're one of the millions of iced tea connoisseurs (sweetened or unsweetened), we've got a little gadget you're going to want to check out: the Takeya Premium Quality Iced Tea Maker. The gadget makes brewing and chilling a snap and right now, you can get it on sale for just $21 when you apply the on-page coupon.
If you're an iced tea drinker, you're probably expecting to chug the stuff from now until Labor Day — and we don't expect the price to drop lower than this until then.
Sure, you can brew your tea the good, old-fashioned way with just a pitcher, tea bags and boiling water, but this doodad speeds up the process significantly — and when you're thirsty on a hot summer day, that's very important. Thanks to the Patented Flash Chill Technology, you can get a tall, cool glass of sweet tea in just ten minutes. All you do is place the tea in the brew basket, pour boiling water over it and let it steep to the strength you need it to be. Then, remove the brew basket, add ice, close the lid, shake it for about 30 seconds and your tea will be ice-cold. If you're no novice to iced tea making, you know that traditional methods take a lot longer. If you have time on your hands, you can also skip the boiling part and pour in cold water and let it steep for four hours in the fridge for a cold brew.
To keep the pitcher from exploding while you shake the heat out of it, the lid twists closed in two spots — that makes it leak-proof. That means you can take it with you on picnics without it spilling. But if you're keeping it at home, it fits nicely in the door of your fridge.
On top of that, you can use whatever tea you want — that means you can use your fancy loose-leaf tea!
More than 5,700 shoppers are already enjoying a refreshing summer beverage.
"This was my favorite purchase this year," a rave reviewer wrote. "I went and had a formal tea with my wife on a date at a local tea room inside a B&B. I ordered iced tea. The owner of the tea room used this iced tea maker and it made iced tea in 5 -7 minutes instead of waiting for the tea to steep and then cool. The tea room did also sell these but I was not going to pay their price so I went home and found it on Amazon at a much better price and I had it 2 days later. I make iced tea 2 times a week."
"The product works even better than I thought it would," another five-star fan shared. "I use loose-leaf teas and the mesh does a great job keeping everything in. Would recommend for anyone who frequently drinks iced tea."
"My tea tastes better than ever!" gushed a happy sipper. "The tea tastes so clean and crisp after sitting overnight in the fridge. It couldn't be more convenient and affordable."
Some shoppers had suggestions for the container.
"Nearly perfect," wrote a shopper. "My only suggestion, if the tea strainer base could screw off to make it easier to empty out and clean the basket, but this is a minor issue."
Another shopper shared: "There are no measurements on the container. I've taken to filling it ahead of time and using a Sharpie to mark pertinent marks since you're only supposed to do that. I understand that this makes it aesthetically pleasing but this bothers me so much because I like to measure my teas exactly to make sure it's the right strength."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
How life changed for a 102-year-old woman after viral moment: "I got a million calls"
A chance meeting at Chicago's airport has transformed 102-year-old Beatrice Stieber into an unlikely social media sensation, spreading her simple philosophy of life to millions around the world. CBS News contributor David Begnaud first encountered Steiber during a layover earlier this year. Their impromptu interview, in which the centenarian shared her secrets to longevity, garnered nearly 9 million views and more than 17,000 comments on social media. "The secret to me is attitude and gratitude," Steiber told Begnaud during their initial meeting. "Attitude and gratitude, attitude and gratitude." The overwhelming response prompted Begnaud to return to Chicago, where Stieber has lived since 1953, for a follow-up visit. Despite her age, Stieber maintains an active lifestyle in her apartment building, where she has resided for more than 40 years. She grocery shops independently and deep cleans her own home. Building manager Ken noted her sharp mind, saying he would never guess she's over 100 years old. "I always get taken for 70," Stieber said. "Not only that, there are a couple of 70-year-olds that look like they're 102." Stieber was married to her late husband, Robert, for 52 years and raised two sons, Jay, 77, and Dean, 68. She continued driving until age 98. Her philosophy on life remains refreshingly simple after more than a century of experiences. "You plot along and you find the humor and you say thank you for the trees, thank you for life," she said. "Life is a miracle." The viral fame has brought unexpected connections. Fans from Long Island, New York, and New Jersey called Stieber, sharing how her message of gratitude has impacted their lives. "She changed my life for the better," said Carmel from New Jersey. "Sometimes I used to be a little bit sad, but after I saw her, I want to live." The visit concluded with a celebration of Stieber's 102-and-a-half birthday at her favorite Chicago restaurant, surrounded by family — a fitting tribute to someone who believes every moment deserves celebration. "Thank you, God, for everything," Stieber said while making her birthday wish. Her unexpected internet fame hasn't gone to her head, though she admits the attention has been overwhelming. "I got a million calls," she said."I live in a world where I couldn't even imagine the response. I couldn't even imagine we met by accident." David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Food, Drink And Decoration Tips For A More Eco-Friendly Pride Party
If you're hosting a Pride party at your house, one easy way to make your celebrations more ... More sustainable is to set the table with glass cups and paper straws, rather than single-use plastics. We gather together during Pride Month every June to celebrate love and care for our community. This year, it's time that sentiment extends to include not only people, but the planet, too—which can be as easy as integrating a few of these eco-friendly Pride party tips. From small private parties to sprawling public parades, Pride celebrations can take many forms and—as with any communal festivities—they usually involve some snacks, drinks and decorations. Though these things can be a source of joy, unfortunately, they can also have negative environmental impacts that long outlast our celebrations. This holiday comes with a proliferation of single-use plastics—from water bottles and balloons to cocktail straws and bags of rainbow sprinkles—some of which can take up to 500 years to break down and may never completely decompose, as reported by the United Nations. However you're celebrating Pride Month this year, here are some simple ways to show your love for the LQBTQ+ community and the planet we all share. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization, which has tracked weather patterns for 175 years, reported June 2024 as the warmest June on record for the globe, and the World Meteorological Organization predicts 'above-normal temperatures for nearly all land areas' in June 2025. So, staying hydrated this Pride Month is important, especially for those of us experiencing summer in the northern hemisphere. If there's one thing you do to prepare for this year's festivities while minimizing your environmental impact, let it be this: Bring your own reusable water bottle. Beside the fact that a plastic water bottle takes hundreds of years to degrade, the energy used to produce, transport and dispose of these bottles also has consequences for the quality of our air and water, according to the National Institutes of Health. Instead, opt for a reusable bottle, like this one from the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ rights. When you're looking to drink something a little stronger, reusable cups are the way to go. If you're hosting or attending an at-home party, mason jars are an easy and affordable option. However, if glass isn't advisable for safety reasons, choose paper over plastic and keep an eye out for sustainability labels, like the Forest Stewardship Council, which 'ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests'—including these colorful cups. Lastly, when it comes to sustainable sipping, skip the straw, unless you need it for medical reasons. If your cocktail simply wouldn't be complete without one, stock up beforehand on reusable straws, like these. When baking for Pride, opt for food dyes and rainbow sprinkles made with natural colors, like those ... More of Color Kitchen. Many of the sustainability practices for drinking can also be applied to eating. If you don't have enough plates and utensils at your house to accommodate all of your guests, you can find extras for a decent price at a secondhand shop—though this can be challenging afterward if you have limited storage space or you're hosting an event in a public space, like a park. When single-use is the best option for your gathering, be sure to choose compostable tableware, like these, which can biodegrade in just a few days. Most paper napkins, such as these festive ones, can be composted, but consider getting reusable towels for cleaning up, or washable napkins to elevate your tablescape. This time of year, bakery displays are brightened by an abundance of rainbow treats, but food dyes and the containers they come in—both of which may be made of petroleum-based chemicals—can have dark consequences for the environment, as synthetic dyes and plastics can contaminate our soil and waterways through their manufacturing and disposal, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. If you're baking something special for Pride Month, check out Color Kitchen. Its rainbow food dyes and sprinkles are vegan, gluten-free and made with plant-based materials. (The sprinkles also come in home-compostable packaging.) For kitchen composting convenience, pick up your own composting bin and compostable trash bags in advance of your party so that you're prepared for a quick and planet-conscious cleanup. At your Pride party, avoid plastics decorations, like balloons, and opt for paper products instead, ... More such as rainbow streamers from Bonjour Fête. Delightful as they may be for a day, balloons can take years to decompose, during which time they pollute our environment and pose a threat to wildlife. This Pride, add color and whimsy to your celebratory setting with biodegradable crepe paper streamers instead—extra points for selecting FSC-certified ones, like these. It wouldn't be Pride Month without rainbow flags. Consider buying yours from Flags for Good, which uses minimal packaging during the shipping process and donates a portion of sales to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, such as GLAAD and The Trevor Project. While you might not be able to try all of these eco-friendly Pride party tips this year, keep in mind that every small gesture has a big impact—which is all the more reason to celebrate!
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
Soak up the sun with the 19 best beach blankets experts swear by
Beach blanket quick picks Budget beach blanket: G Good Gain Waterproof Picnic Blanket Versatile beach blanket: Slowtide Beach Blanket Bug-repelling beach blanket: Pang Wangle Tranquil with Insect Shield Beach blanket for a bigger group: Big Blanket Big Beach Blanket Packing the best beach blanket for your day in the sun is better than lugging a heavy beach chair across the sand in many ways. A beach chair is only vital if you want a nice, off-the-ground throne or have limited mobility. Still, a good beach blanket (not to be confused with a beach towel) is a better seaside seating solution to add to your beach packing list if you're prioritizing portability and space. As someone who went from testing 15 beach chairs in a row to spending most of her tropical beach vacation lounging on beach blankets, I can truly say that beach blankets are much easier to travel with or carry in your beach bag, offer a lot more space and take less effort to clean and store. If you're looking to purchase one for your summer beach days, I've got you covered. With the help of two lifelong surfers who spend a lot of their time soaking up the rays, I rounded up 19 beach blankets worth getting for the warm months. Get ready to kick off your summer sandals, slather on the best sunscreen and drop anchor. Sun Ninja Sand-Free Beach Blanket I love budget beach gear that comes with many features, and this beach blanket from Sun Ninja is exactly that. For an inexpensive option, it boasts numerous features, including corner sand pockets and stake loops for anchoring, a pocket for valuables and even a bottle opener. It's also lightweight, sand-resistant and incredibly spacious at 9 by 10 feet. A good value for your money? I'd say Time XL Outdoor Beach Blanket Available in several styles and colors, the Picnic Time Beach Blanket looks and feels more luxe than it seems, offering beachgoers a soft top side made of fleece and a water-resistant underside to minimize 'soggy bottoms.' There aren't many extra features, unlike the Sun Ninja option, but the included tote does come with a zippered pocket. If you prefer a cozier sunning experience, it's an ace. Little Unicorn Outdoor Family Picnic and Beach Blanket Although lifelong surfer and beach regular Colin Leaf said 'sand is soft enough that things like thickness of the material [don't] matter,' I'm still a fan of this beach blanket's lightly padded design. The water-resistant blanket mat comes in multiple sizes, including a 5-by-10-foot option that can accommodate the whole family and a 5-by-5-foot size with just enough space for two people. Though not as portable due to the padding, it's still easy to fold, pack and carry. Roebury Beach Blanket A slightly more affordable alternative to the Little Unicorn beach blanket is this one from Roebury. While its checkered pattern is reminiscent of that picture-perfect family picnic scene from the '50s, there's nothing antiquated about it, as it's resistant to not just sand and water but also stains, so the kids don't have to focus on avoiding spills and can just enjoy their beach day. It offers space for up to three people too. Scuddles 60-by-79-Inch Picnic Blanket Prefer something waterproof? Then this beach blanket is a great, affordable option, thanks to its waterproof underside. Even the top side has a waterproof lining that makes cleanup a breeze, especially when shaking off sand. It doesn't get in the way of comfort either, since it has a cotton top fabric and some inner padding. Another thing I love is that you can pack it into its portable form without a separate carrying case. G Good Gain Waterproof Picnic Blanket Those seeking a bargain-basement beach blanket will love this waterproof option from G Good Gain. Lightweight yet decently spacious at 4.5 by 6.5 feet, which is ideal for couples and small families, it's a good value for your money due to its waterproof and sand-proof underside and water-resistant top side. You won't find many other features here — understandable, due to its price — but its robust design means it'll last you for years. Slowtide Out of Office Driftweave Beach Blanket 'Slowtide also has some really nice ones,' surfer and filmmaker Lucy Green said when asked about her favorite beach blankets. That includes this beach blanket line that offers plenty of space and somewhat fast-drying capabilities. Per Green's recommendation, I tested the Out of the Office model during my two-week vacation, and it was the coziest I felt during a beach excursion — so cozy that I also used it on my flight back to Los Angeles, California. Nomadix Festival Blanket I'm a big fan of Nomadix's travel-friendly, fast-drying beach towels, so I had to try its festival blanket — and I'm glad I did. Big and spacious yet highly packable, its water- and sand-resistant base made traveling with it easy since I didn't have to worry about sand and moisture contaminating the clean clothes in my carry-on. Meanwhile, its microsuede top kept things soft and cozy, and its pole loops and included stakes kept it anchored. Slowtide Gigi Lightweight Beach Blanket Perfect for two, this beach blanket from Slowtide is a great travel beach holiday accessory. I should know; I took it with me to Palawan in the Philippines, which turned out to be a wise move. This Turkish-style model may not be as soft as the Slowtide Driftweave Beach Blanket, but it proved great for beach and boat trips, especially since it dries fairly quickly, even when it's taken quite a beating during a particularly choppy and rainy boat ride. Gruff Waterproof Camping Blanket With Sherpa Fleece Though originally designed for your camping needs, this gorgeous Gruff blanket will help you stay warm and snug at the beach, especially if you're planning on wrapping beach day with a bonfire night or an overnight stay. It's all thanks to its sherpa fleece side, which allows it to moonlight as a pillow as well. Don't worry; the underside is waterproof, so you can set that on the sand without issue. Nomadix Blanket Towel I love the Nomadix Blanket Towel's relatively packable yet incredibly spacious design, and it kept my valuables protected in tidepool spots where finding a safe area for your non-waterproofed items is questionable. It's also funk-resistant, which means it can go a while without washing. I just wish it dried faster. Nomadix says it's fast-drying, but when I tested it in the Philippines, it stayed damp for a long time. Rumpl Everywhere Mat This multiuse two-person blanket from Rumpl is ingenious. It has all the makings of a great beach blanket — namely, a lightweight and extremely packable design, a waterproof base and a water- and stain-resistant top, as well as corner sand pockets and pole loops. But what I love most is its very strategic use of its extra features. One of the corner sand pockets doubles as a zippered pocket, while the bigger valuables pocket also acts as a built-in travel case. Gravel UltraPak Everyday Blanket Both Green and Leaf may prefer beach blankets that are spacious enough to accommodate at least two people, but I thought I'd throw in a personal one for folks who are attached to their personal space. This one from Gravel is incredibly lightweight, and you can pack it down to a compact size that'll fit a medium-sized purse. It's also water-repellent and decently warm, in case you want to use it as a traditional blanket. The North Face Wawona Ground Tarp If you want a more utilitarian beach blanket, there's this ground tarp from The North Face. This massive four-to-six-person option is durable enough to survive harsh desert conditions yet versatile enough to be used as a car seat or picnic table cover. Naturally, it's great for the beach too, especially with its water-resistant base. It's not the lightest, but it packs into a fairly compact form that's small enough to fit in your beach bag. Big Blanket Big Beachy Blanket The aptly named Big Beachy Blanket is heavier than most of my other picks at 4 pounds, but that's for good reason. It's massive — like space-for-up-to-six-people massive. True to its name, it's 10 by 10 feet and the ideal blanket to share with a group of friends on beach and picnic days. It's sand-resistant, quick-drying and soft to the touch too. I just wish there were extra frills since it will set you back almost $150. Rumpl Overland Mat For a two-person beach blanket, Rumpl's Overland Mat seems a little bigger than it should be when packed; it's almost the size of a packed lightweight sleeping bag. There's a reason for that, though. It pushes slightly back on portability to make space for cozy comfort with its thicker inner padding, and I'm not complaining. That makes it an even better picnic or concert blanket. Plus, it's surprisingly lightweight and boasts a waterproof base. Serena & Lily Beach House Blanket 'I love a thick cotton beach blanket,' Green said, making this cotton blend blanket with a cotton flannel fill an ideal option. It's decently spacious, nice to the touch — albeit not super luxurious — and delightfully thick so you can also use it to keep warm if you're spending the night at the beach. Luckily, it's also reversible. It's on the heavy side, but its carrying strap should make it easier to lug around. Pang Wangle Tranquil Blanket With Insect Shield Are nasty sandflies and mosquitoes a problem in your area? Well, you need this Pang Wangle beach blanket. It's infused with a mild dose of permethrin that keeps bugs at bay. Don't worry; it's EPA-approved and safe for everyone, including pregnant women. It's also soft and has zero odor, making it comfortable enough for the ultimate beach unwinding. What's more, the Khadi material it's made of is naturally cool, perfect for the warm summer months. Yeti Lowlands Blanket I get your hesitation; who wants to spend $200 on a beach blanket when there are so many excellent, affordable options? Hear me out ... The Yeti Lowlands Blanket offers the best of both worlds. It has a soft-to-the-touch top surface for comfort yet a completely waterproof, insulated and pet hair-resistant construction, just what you need for the ultimate beach relaxation. More importantly, it's durable enough to last years, making it worth the investment. As Leaf put it, you can't just 'use a blanket from your couch or bed, or something you have an emotional attachment to … I think it is important for non-beachgoers to understand sand. Once something has been in the sand for a day, it will never not have sand in it.' When purchasing a beach blanket, therefore, it's important to choose one designed for use on sand. Sand-repellence, while not a nonnegotiable, should be a top priority since 'it doesn't matter how well you shake it out or how many times you wash it,' Leaf said. 'Sand will be everywhere.' Note that some beach blankets have a dual-fabric design, with the bottom fabric boasting sand-repellent or waterproof properties. A beach blanket doesn't necessarily have to be completely waterproof, since that usually gets in the way of comfort. However, the ability to dry quickly is handy to have since beach blankets tend to be bigger than beach towels, and you don't want something that big and wet stewing in the back of your car. Additionally, an ideal beach blanket is easy to clean and built to survive all the harsh elements at the beach, like UV rays and salty water. There are also the not-so-obvious considerations. Green said she prefers something that's 'large enough to fit two people lying down or four people sitting cross-legged (great for sharing beach snacks or playing card games).' Leaf agreed, saying that it 'should be big enough for two people to comfortably sit on.' While the type of fabric isn't as important, Green also said that 'it should be heavy enough not to blow away in the wind but light enough to [be portable]. In addition, I like a darker blanket because things get dirty at the beach, and you need something that won't [get stained quickly].' The following FAQs have been answered by avid and experienced surfers Colin Leaf and Lucy Green, and include reporting done by testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy. What is a beach blanket? What is a beach blanket? Not to be confused with a beach towel, a beach blanket is a large blanket designed to be used at the beach and in other outdoor settings. Beach blankets often offer sand-repelling and quick-drying properties. How do you fold a beach blanket? How do you fold a beach blanket? There's no one way to fold a beach blanket. 'Any way that fits in your bag or around your neck' should suffice, Green said, while Leaf is a 'big fan of the ball-and-toss-into-the-trunk method. [There's] really no rhyme or reason to it.' What makes a beach blanket better than a beach chair? What makes a beach blanket better than a beach chair? While most beach chairs 'lock you into basically just one position … with a beach blanket, you can be on your stomach or your back, or sitting, and share it with friends,' Green said. Plus, 'a chair is more of a pain to carry around and takes up too much space in a car, or if you are taking public transportation,' Leaf said. Colin Leaf, lifelong surfer and doctoral candidate in the USC chemistry department Lucy Green, Los Angeles-based video editor who's been surfing since she was 12 CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has years of experience covering lifestyle products and writing product reviews. She recently tested and reviewed several beach gear and summer products, writing several of our testing guides, including the best beach wagons and the best beach umbrellas. While writing this guide, she also tested beach chairs, sunscreens and several summer travel gear items.
