West Bend Iced Tea Maker IT500-W - Custom Flavor Pitcher

In this review of the West Bend Iced Tea and Iced Coffee Maker IT500-W, the bottom line is simple: it is for home users who want easy, customizable pitchers of iced tea or coffee without a complicated setup. The machine earns praise for its straightforward controls, the included 2.75-quart glass pitcher that stores and serves, and the infusion tube that lets you add fresh fruit or herbs after brewing for personalized flavor. It is a practical choice when you want consistent results and the flexibility to brew bagged or loose tea.

Key Features

• Glass pitcher: The 2.75-qt glass pitcher brews and stores enough iced tea or iced coffee to serve multiple people and fits comfortably in most refrigerators.
• Brew-strength selector: Adjustable brew strength removes guesswork so users can choose a milder or stronger pitcher depending on taste and tea type.
• Infusion tube: The included infusion tube makes it easy to add fruit or herbs after brewing so each pitcher can be flavored to personal preference without altering brew performance.
• Versatile brewing: The maker handles both bagged and loose tea and can use a removable mesh filter or paper filters for iced coffee, giving flexibility for different recipes.
• Auto shut-off and drip tray: Automatic shut-off offers convenience and safety, while the built-in drip tray keeps the counter tidy during brewing and pouring.

Who It's For

This appliance suits households that entertain or simply want cold-brewed tea and coffee on demand with minimal effort. Fans of flavored iced beverages will appreciate the infusion tube and the ability to adjust brew strength for different tastes or occasions.

It is less well-suited for users seeking an ultra-durable plastic pitcher or an insulated container for long-term temperature retention, and those who worry about delicate glassware should consider that the pitcher is glass and should be handled with care.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use and set up, offering reliable brewing at the touch of a button.
• Customizable flavor from the infusion tube allows creative fruit and herb combinations.
• Removable mesh filter and support for paper filters adds versatility for both tea and iced coffee.
• Auto shut-off and a drip tray improve convenience and reduce mess.

Cons

• Some customers report the glass pitcher can break after months of use, so it requires careful handling.
• Opinions vary on whether the glass thickness and overall value meet expectations for every buyer.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The West Bend IT500-W is a practical, user-friendly iced tea and iced coffee maker for home use, delivering consistent pitchers with customizable flavor options. It represents good value for anyone who wants reliable, quick brewing and the flexibility of an infusion tube, but buyers should handle the glass pitcher carefully and consider replacement risk over long-term heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it brew both tea and coffee?
Yes, it brews iced tea and iced coffee, using a removable mesh filter for tea and paper filters for coffee.

Is the pitcher dishwasher safe?
Yes, the 2.75-qt glass pitcher is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

What does the infusion tube do?
The infusion tube lets you add fruits or herbs to the pitcher after brewing to customize flavor without affecting the brew process.