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10 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers (Patience Makes Great Coffee)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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If you’ve never tried cold brew coffee then I’m about to change your life for the better. It may sound counter-intuitive to drink a cold cup of coffee but trust me. It’s more than just a regular cup of joe that’s sat out for too long, cold brew coffee is actually fresh coffee that’s sat in cold water to allow a slow and gentle extraction of flavors.

Because hot water isn’t used, you never run the risk of burnt or bitter-tasting java, and the cold water brews a coffee that’s low in acid. This is great news for anyone with sensitive teeth or any GI issues.

The secret is, although cold brew is delicious served over ice, you don’t have to drink it cold. It can be warmed up in the microwave or on a hob set to medium heat and you can enjoy this sweet tasting, low acid coffee piping hot.

Cold-brew is really easy to make at home and to prove this we have ten cold brew coffee makers, reviewed so you can easily see which one is best for your needs. To start off we have the top five best options and if you like the look of any of these click ‘Price and Reviews’ to check current prices on Amazon.

Following on from here we have a handy buyers guide, some common FAQs and then five more chilly brewers for you to browse. Now let’s dive right in and check out our top choice today which is the Oxo Good Grips cold brew coffee maker.

Top 5 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers

• Top Choice – OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Runner Up – Toddy Cold Brew System
• Best Aesthetic – Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser with Spout
• Budget Option – Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Space Saving Option – OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

1. Top Choice – OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Oxo wins out when it comes to the best cold brew coffee maker for many reasons. It has a brewing chamber that sits on top of a frame-like holder. Underneath this holder sits the glass carafe. Once the coffee is brewed you flick the switch to open a valve and this allows coffee to pour into the glass carafe through a paper filter.

The brewing container has a rainmaker lid that you pour the water through. This evenly soaks the coffee grounds so you don’t end up with pockets of air causing an uneven extraction. An ultra-fine, stainless steel mesh filter removes most of the sediment but if you prefer an ultra-smooth cup of coffee then you can use the paper filters provided.

The coffee dispenses into a borosilicate glass carafe with measurement markings so you can dilute the coffee to taste with ease. This device wins out for ease of use with its super simple brewing process. The only downside I could find is that the glass parts are pretty delicate so you do need to be careful when handling and cleaning these.

2. Runner Up – Toddy Cold Brew System

The Toddy cold brew coffee maker is another popular choice for brewing coffee concentrate. This device is small and sturdy and although the brewing chamber is plastic, it’s completely food safe and BPA free. Both the brewing container and the glass decenter have lids so seal in the coffee freshness.

You brew the cold brew concentrate in the upper chamber and to filter it you have a couple of options. You can use reusable felt filters or paper filters if you prefer.

When the coffee is ready you simply remove the silicone stopper to release the coffee into the glass decanter. This can be a fiddly job and if you’re not careful the coffee can spill. Once you get the knack for it though, this is a straightforward task and definitely not a deal-breaker.

This device is a really effective, easy-to-use piece of kit that makes cold brew coffee without any fuss. It’s inexpensive to buy and a great option for all coffee lovers.

3. Best Aesthetic – Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser with Spout

When it comes to making great coffee, every barista knows it’s more than just the taste. Your coffee-making station is a thing of beauty and to really experience that unique, coffee shop vibe from your own kitchen, you need equipment that will add to the aesthetic.

Ovalware has achieved the perfect balance with this coffee maker by addressing the practical side of things as well as looking good. The lab-beaker design is sturdy in shape and ideal for measuring (thanks to the precision label) as well as pleasing to the eye.

This model works with an infuser-type filter basket device that you add coarse ground coffee to before submerging it in the water. The metal filter is laser cut to ensure no sediment ends up in the coffee. An airtight lid keeps your coffee fresh for days and the only downside with this device is the glassware is fragile (as with all glass equipment).

4. Budget Option – Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for delicious tasting coffee that doesn’t break the bank then the Takeya cold brew coffee maker is the perfect choice for you. It’s inexpensive to buy and shatterproof so you don’t have to worry about dropping it. Despite the plastic design, it’s all BPA free so completely food-safe.

The tall, slimline design fits really well in most fridge doors yet can brew up to 64 ounces of coffee! The ground-up coffee beans are added to a fine mesh filtration basket that you submerge in the cold water. This keeps the grounds out of the coffee whilst still allowing the full infusion of flavors.

One issue with this option is the pouring spout that comes with the brewer has the tendency to drip as you pour your coffee. This can be annoying as it leaves a mess on the countertop but if you’re ready for it then you can always catch the drip before you pull the cup away.

5. Space Saving Option – OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If you live in a small space or just like to keep things minimal then this compact cold brew coffee maker is perfect. Similar to the Oxo good grips but with a neater design, this model retains all the features that make Oxo cold coffee brewers so great.

The rainmaker lid ensures an even water distribution as the coffee starts to brew. When the brew time is up all you need to do is to place to brewer on top of the carafe and water dispenses automatically.

A cork stopper keeps your coffee fresh but do be careful with the glass carafe as it is delicate. You can make up to 16 ounces of coffee concentrate which can be topped up with cold or room temperature water to get your desired coffee taste. The small size is handy for saving space but this is not a great brewing method if you need large quantities of delicious coffee.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker Buying Guide

Size

The first thing to consider when choosing the best coffee maker for you is how much coffee do you need? Cold-brew will keep for up to 2 weeks if stored correctly so it’s a good idea to make a large batch in one go. Remember, if you’re making concentrate then you need to brew way less coffee as you dilute it afterward to taste.

Filter

The filtering system can really impact how you enjoy your coffee after its brewed. A mesh filter will let some sediment remain in the liquid which is fine if you prefer a thicker texture to your morning java. If you prefer your coffee smooth and silky then choose an option that uses paper filters to remove all those tiny particles.

Lid

Make sure the coffee pot you choose has a sealed lid if you want to use it to store your brewed coffee. The coffee will lose its fresh taste if too much air gets in and won’t keep as long.

Design

The design is really important as this coffee maker will end up sitting out in your kitchen or in your fridge and you’re going to have to look at it every day. Make sure you choose a design that suits your home and style otherwise you’ll live to regret it.

Warranty

Always check the warranty information before you click buy. It’s not just to check how long it lasts but also if any parts or breakages are excluded for any reason. Some manufacturers void the warranty if you don’t activate it or if you fail to adhere to the care instructions. Don’t get caught out and make sure you read before you buy.

F.A.Q.s

Which cold brew maker is best?

The Oxo Good Grips cold brew coffee maker is the best option for ease of use, great design, and its ability to brew the best tasting cold brew coffee.

Do you need a special coffee maker for cold brew?

A cold brew coffee maker makes light work of brewing cold coffee but you don’t need one. You can brew cold coffee in a large mason jar or pitcher as long as you have a means of filtering away the grounds when it has finished brewing.

Are cold brew machines good?

Cold brew coffee makers are specially designed for this purpose so make it quick and easy to prepare coffee in this manner. If you enjoy bold and sweet tasting coffee and don’t mind waiting overnight for it then a cold brew coffee maker is a great choice.

Is cold brew a waste of coffee?

Absolutely not! Cold-brew is a slow, cool extraction process that makes a rich and delicious cup of coffee. It’s popular for its sweet taste as well as low acidity which makes it perfect for anyone how has a sensitive stomach.

What is the best way to make cold brew?

The best way to make cold brew coffee is to use a coarsely ground coffee that’s intended for cold brewing. Add the coffee to water at around a 1:7 ratio (or 1:4 if you’re making cold brew concentrate). Let it sit for 12-24 hours and strain away the grounds. Dilute with fresh water to taste and serve cold over ice or warm it gently to enjoy a hot coffee.

Do you need to refrigerate the cold brew maker?

You do not need to refrigerate a cold brew maker, room temperature is also fine for brewing coffee. If you want to store the coffee after it’s brewed then it should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container.

How long does it take to make a cold brew?

It takes around 8 hours for most of the flavors to infuse from the coffee into the water. After 12 hours the vast majority of the extraction has taken place. You can leave it longer than this if you prefer a darker tasting brew but longer than 24 hours and it starts to taste bitter.

What cold brew recipe is best?

I’d recommend using a 1:7 or 1:8 ratio of coffee to water if you’re looking for a coffee you can drink straight away. If you’re making cold brew concentrate then a 1:4 ratio works better. Make sure you set the coffee grinder to the coarsest setting and let the mixture sit for 12-24 hours.

More Cold Brew Coffee Makers Reviewed

County Line Kitchen – Cold Brew Mason Jar

Another great option for making large batches of cold brew is this dispenser by County Line Kitchen. It can brew up to 64 ounces of coffee at once and this all stays fresh thanks to the leakproof lid. You can choose a lid with or without a handle, whichever suits you best and there’s also a 32-ounce size option if this is better for you.

The main body is a mason jar so sturdy and hygienic, the perfect place to store coffee. The lid and all other components are BPA-free so completely safe. All parts are dishwasher safe so it’s really easy to clean everything up.

The coffee sits in a stainless steel, mesh filter basket and this allows the infusion of the coffee flavors. The downside is that the mesh can let in smaller particles of coffee. Make sure you use very coarsely ground coffee to help avoid this and don’t stir the coffee before you pour it to allow any particles to settle to the bottom of the jug.

KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker

This cold brew coffee maker by Kitchen Aid is a really unique design. It’s a cold brewer and coffee dispenser all in one so ideal if you like multiple cups of coffee throughout the day or if you’re entertaining friends or family. Even though it performs a dual function this device won’t take up the space of two coffee makers. It has a small footprint and will sit on a shelf in your fridge quite happily.

It uses a metal filter basket for the coffee grounds and this can be removed when the brew cycle is complete. The filter is stainless steel so hygienic and corrosion-resistant. Alongside this, it has an easy carry handle and a dispenser tap so you can grab a cup whenever you fancy.

It comes in two size options, a choice of 14 or 19 servings to suit any need. The only issue with this choice is the tap dispenses very slowly which some people find annoying.

Cafe Du Chateau Cold Brew Coffee Maker

I love this Cafe Du Chateau coffee maker for a few reasons, the first being the beautiful classic design and the second being the lifetime replacement policy offered with this purchase. This makes it a risk-free purchase as you can get it replaced if you have any issues at all in its lifetime.

The lid has an airtight seal to keep your coffee super fresh and the 34-ounce capacity yields four 8 oz cups or eight 4 oz cups of coffee. The filter is expertly designed and laser-cut so no sediment will escape into your java during the brewing process.

The metal used is stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about it corroding over time. The downside with the ultrafine mesh filter is that the water can struggle to penetrate into the center of the dry coffee due to channeling. Avoid this by stirring the grounds as you add the water and you won’t be held back by this issue.

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot

Well known for their V60 pour-over coffee maker, Hario can do more than just delicious hot coffee. This cold brew coffee pot is simple, sleek, and effective. It can hold up to 1 liter of cold brew and the heatproof glass means you can also use this with hot water for tea if you prefer.

The coffee goes in the brew basket and this is easy to remove and clean when the coffee is ready. The slimline design means the coffee pot can fit in most fridges fairly easily. The handle and pour spout are expertly designed for an easy grip and steady pour, giving you more control.

Three color options allow you to choose a design that best suits your home or kitchen but be careful when handling this. It is made of glass and will crack if dropped or tapped against something.

Presto Dorothy Electric Rapid Cold Brewer

This is a unique concept when it comes to cold coffee and one I’m not sure I’m on board with yet… The idea is that this device creates a whirlpool effect in the water so stirs it up for you. This ‘speeds up’ the cold brewing method so you can enjoy your coffee after 15 minutes rather than waiting 24 hours.

The basis of this seems a bit off as brewing cold coffee takes a minimum of 8 hours to extract the full flavors and I’m not convinced a little bit of stirring makes that much time difference.

Another major issue is the whirlpool effect suspends the sediment in the coffee and it’s a real hassle to get rid of it. The plunger doesn’t properly separate it and you may want to consider passing the lot through a paper filter after brewing as a drip coffee maker does.

If you like things done quickly and you’re not too fussy about the end result then this device is for you. If you want the boldest and best-tasting coffee possible, opt for one of the slow infusion options.

Final Thoughts

Cold brew coffee makers are a great way to brew rich and sweet-tasting coffee with ease. There are so many different options out there and they all have unique pros and cons. If you’re still on the fence about cold brew then take my advice and give it a try. It’s a real game-changer in my eyes and will make you wonder why you didn’t give it a go sooner!