A method of making a fluorinated ether includes combining, in a polar aprotic solvent: a fluorinated alcohol represented by the formula X—Rf1CH2OH, and a fluorinated sulfonate ester represented by the formula Rf2CH2OS(═O)2Rf3, and base; and obtaining a fluorinated ether represented by the formula Y—Rf1CH2OCH2Rf2—Y. Rf1 is selected from perfluorinated C1-C10 alkylene groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and partially fluorinated C1-C10 alkylene groups, and derivatives thereof having catenated heteroatom(s). X represents H, F, or an HOCH2— group. Rf2 is selected from perfluorinated C1-C10 alkyl groups and partially fluorinated C1-C10 alkyl groups, and derivatives thereof having catenated heteroatom(s). Rf3 is a C1-C4 alkyl group. Y represents H, F, or an Rf2CH2OCH2— group. A variant method, useful for preparing symmetric fluorinated ethers, is also disclosed. The present disclosure also provides fluorinated ethers preparable according to the methods. Use of fluorinated ethers in various applications is also disclosed.