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8 Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers USA 2022

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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If you love cold brew coffee then you may have heard of Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. This method takes the standard cold brew to the next level by infusing nitrogen throughout it and giving it an intense, foamy, cascading effect similar to how bars serve stout. It’s definitely in our top 3 favorite summer time brewing methods!

The benefit of nitro cold brew is that it gives a thick, creamy coffee without you needing to add creamer, sugar, or sweeteners. This result is a much more health-conscious and deliciously thick cup of joe.

This brings us to nitro cold brew coffee makers that you can use at home. These devices will save you loads of money over the years as instead of having to pop into coffee shops to enjoy the delicious brew you can simply make it at home for a fraction of the cost.

There are a few models out there and although they all do a similar job, there are some key differences that may make a particular one more suitable for your home or office.

This review article covers the top 5 best options and then we will move into a buyers guide section that includes a step by step guide to making the perfect cold brew at home ready to use in your new machine.

After this, we will cover some common F.A.Q.s and then some more models that are reasonable choices but haven’t quite made the top 5.

To kick things off, we will start with our top choice today which is the uKeg by Growler Werks.

Top 5 Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers

• Top Choice – Nitro Tapp Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Runner Up – Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Top Choice For Ease Of Use – NitroPress Nitro Coffee Maker
• Best Multi-Use Option – Bubblingplus Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Large Capacity Option – VBENLEM Nitro Brew Coffee Maker

1. Top Choice – Nitro Tapp Cold Brew Coffee Machine

You cannot ask for a better machine than the Nitro Tapp for making smooth creamy cold brew coffee at home, it’s specially designed tap gives a smoother flow for maximum creaminess and flavor so that you don’t need cream or sugar.

But what I love best about it compared to the GrowlerWerks which is the runner up is that it’s about $50 cheaper and comes with 10 cartridges to start you out. Plus you can pick up another 30 cartridges for just $35 compared to the same amount of growler cartridges for $51. $100 saved right off the bat? Yes please!

Plus if you read through all the reviews time and time again people are saying it makes better Nitro coffee than Starbucks, which is high praise.

And what’s great is that the coffee inside will last for 2 weeks in the fridge, you can make the full 24oz batch, pop it in the fridge and you’ll have delicious cold brew for days, though if you’re like me it definitely won’t last 2 weeks.

It works by adding the nitro canisters to the machine along with your cold brew, then you shake it using the handles on the sides of the keg for about 15 seconds, leave it for an hour in the fridge and it’s good to go. It feels a little clumsy shaking the whole thing but this is standard for nitro brewers and there are definitely harder machines to shake up.

Easier, better, cheaper.

2. Runner Up – GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

It was tough making the uKeg Nitro the runner up over the top spot for several good reasons. The first reason is the double-wall insulation which keeps the cold brew coffee lovely and chilly without having to keep it in the fridge at all times. This is perfect for a summer BBQ or if you just like having coffee on tap at your work station.

The second reason I love this uKeg is that it’s designed so you can make your cold brew coffee using it rather than needing a separate device to do this. It comes with coffee bags and a funnel which makes this a really simple process.

It has a double filtration system that stops it from getting clogged up and a very well designed dispenser that uses nitrotap technology to give a cascading pour.

Brew your cold coffee overnight and then the next day you remove the coffee bags and add some fresh water to top it up. Next, add your nitro capsules to the cap and secure them in place. Shake the uKeg for 1-2 minutes (this is easy to do thanks to the handle) and serve the delicious Nitro cold brew coffee straight into a glass!

It’s super simple to use and the all-in-one design makes this one of the best nitro coffee makers to give you coffee shop quality, foamy iced coffee from the comfort of your own home.

3. Top Choice For Ease Of Use – NitroPress Nitro Coffee Maker

Do you love the creamy texture of nitro coffee, yet want to avoid any fuss when making it? This NitroPress is one the best nitro cold brew coffee makers for its no-nonsense design, ease of use, and simple clean up.

All you need to do is screw the nozzle onto the canister head, add 500ml (18 ounces) of cold brew, and screw the head in place tightly. Next, you want to place the nitrogen charger into its holder and screw this onto the headpiece. You should hear a gentle hiss when it’s in place as the gas is released.

Shake the whole thing well and then invert it and pull the lever to dispense a lovely creamy cup of coffee with a thick foamy top.

This nitro coffee maker is compact, portable, and the canister is dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze.

I personally prefer a keg system, either the growler or the Nitro Tapp because you can make a big batch on Monday and enjoy it all week long, instead of using it and cleaning it as and when. The Nitro Press is still cool though and if you fancy yourself a cocktail maker this is likely perfect.

4. Best Multi-Use Option – Bubblingplus Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If speed and versatility are what you’re after then consider this option by Bubbling Plus. The slow-flow tube design that utilizes food-grade silicone, allows thorough mixing of gasses and fluid without any shaking needed from you (unlike the Nitro Tapp). Thanks to this feature, you can have foamy drinks served in as little as 1 minute. You don’t have to drink the whole lot or worry about wasting it, as leftovers will remain good for up to 3 days.

This model is compatible with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide cartridges so you can use it for anything from aerating wine, serving stout like Guinness, carbonating cold water to make sparkling drinks, alongside serving delicious nitro brew.

This the perfect combo set up for those who love all manner of foamy and aerated drinks. It’s attractive, easy to use, and comes in three different color options to suit any home.

5. Large Capacity Option – VBENLEM Nitro Brew Coffee Maker

If you live in a home or work in an office that has many nitro brewed coffee lovers, then you need a device that’s up to the task. This Vbenlem option has a 2 liter and a 5 liter option. It’s a hefty option, with thickened 304 food-grade stainless steel which is easy to clean and very durable.

One feature I really like is that you can remove the tap head attachment and screw the stopper in here to allow you to easily store your drinks to keep them fresh.

It’s an attractive, mini-keg design and has carry handles for easy transport.

This is a good option if you’re looking to make larger amounts of nitro brew but it’s worth noting, as will all nitro brew makers, never fill them up more than halfway with coffee. You need to leave space for the nitrogen to infuse so the 5-liter keg will manage 2.5 liters of coffee each time.

The problem? It just look nearly as nice as any of the other machines here, which doesn’t necessarily matter but if this thing is going to be living in your fridge you want it looking good. And to me, the matte black of the Nitro Tapp is much preferable.

What To Consider When Choosing A Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Capacity

The internal capacity of your nitro brew coffee machine has to suit your needs. It can take anywhere between 1 hour to 12 hours for the coffee and nitrogen to fully combine so you typically can’t quickly whip up a second batch.

It’s also important to note that the volume the keg can hold isn’t how much coffee it can take on. To allow the coffee to expand with the gas added you can usually only fill these machines to 50% capacity (some will hold as much as 75%). Make sure you half the capacity that’s been stated to ensure that is enough coffee to satisfy you.

Charger

The type of charger needed to infuse the gas into your coffee needs to be considered. You want a machine that can handle nitrogen chargers (N2) to give that cascading foam effect and not just nitrous oxide (N2O) like a whipped cream dispenser.

Chargers are usually always sold separately and come in different weights and sizes. Some kegs will require two chargers per batch of nitro brew so make sure you order plenty of the correct ones so you can use your coffee machine when it arrives.

Materials

Stainless steel is the typical material used to make nitro brew canisters. It’s durable, corrosion-resistant, and very easy to keep clean.

Some models will use silicone and plastic for the taps and pipework. Where these are used it’s best to check the materials are BPA free to ensure and safe and healthy brew.

Size

The external dimensions of your nitro brew machine is another consideration. Most of these models require that it sit in the fridge for an hour or longer. You need to make sure you have enough room to accommodate the model you choose in your home or office fridge.

Other Uses

Some of these coffee makers serve a dual purpose which can be useful if you like other beverages besides coffee. Some will dispense craft beer or stout. Some will aerate wine before you serve it. Some will even take CO2 chargers to make carbonated beverages like sparkling water. If you like to get creative in the kitchen or fancy yourself as more of a bartender than a barista then consider a multi-use option like the Bubbling Plus model.

How To Make Cold Brew Coffee

You can buy cold brew coffee ready to add to your nitro coffee maker but if you enjoy the simple satisfaction of brewing coffee at home then you may like to try making your own cold brew coffee.

Cold brew coffee is a slow extraction process where ground coffee is steeped in cold water for around 12 hours to give a smooth, mellow, sweet cup of coffee that’s lower in acidity compared to regular coffee.

To make your own cold brew at home you need some coffee beans (or ground coffee ideally that’s labeled for cold brew), a grinder, a jar or pitcher, and some means to filter out the coffee grounds. This can be a specially bought cold brew coffee maker, coffee bag, french press, tea strainer, or anything similar.

You want to grind the coffee on a very coarse setting and add this to the jug or jar at a 1:7 ratio to cold water. You can adjust this ratio to suit your own taste preferences. It’s a good idea to use filtered water to get the best results.

Let the grounds steep in cold water in the fridge overnight or for around 12-14 hours. Once it’s fully brewed you can pass the whole lot through a coffee filter or remove the coffee bag if using.

This will leave you with a lovely dark, cold brew concentrate that you can drink as is or dilute to suit your tastes.

This can be added as is to your nitro brewer or you can mix some creamer or cold water with it before you add it. Have a play around with different ratios and coffee types until you get a batch that suits you perfectly.

F.A.Q.s

Can I add creamer to the nitro brew coffee maker?

Adding creamer or milk to your cold brew before you add it to the nitro brew maker is a good idea to enhance the creaminess of the end product. Coffee shops will sometimes do this to get the thickest, foamiest results and this may account for differences in the taste of your homemade nitro coffee.

Why does my nitro brew coffee maker drip?

The pressure that builds up in your nitro brew coffee maker that causes that beautiful cascading effect unfortunately also causes some leakage of the faucet after you pour the coffee. A pressure relief valve or can minimize this and a tap plug can stop this issue.

It’s best to place a drip tray under the faucet after pouring or when it’s left with the tap attached to catch any mess.

Is Nitro cold brew bad for your health?

Where it comes to nutrient content and health benefits/risks nitro brew coffee is very similar to regular coffee. You’ll still benefit from the longevity and weight loss aids that hot coffee provides.

What is so special about Nitro cold brew?

Nitro cold brew coffee has been infused with nitrogen gas to give a microfoam texture. All the tiny air bubbles give the coffee a thick, foamy mouthfeel and Nitro cold brew tastes sweeter and is less acidic.

More Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers Reviewed

Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Next up, we have this clever little model by Royal Brew. I love the classic keg design with its clean, stainless steel finish and it even comes with a handy carry bag. To help keep those countertops clean, the tap plug catches all those pesky drips which help to make this a clean kitchen companion.

You do need to brew your coffee separately, but once it’s ready you simply add it to the keg. The dispenser screws in place and then all you need to do is add two nitrogen (N2) or a single nitrous oxide (N2O) canister. Shake the keg well for 15-20 seconds and let it sit for half an hour. You can then add the second cartridge and place the keg in the fridge for an hour.

The manufacturers have included bonus o-rings which help give a perfect seal and avoids nitro gas leakage. This little extra helps make this cold brew system clean and efficient to use as well as giving you beautiful velvety, frothy iced coffee again and again.

As a nice bonus, this option comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

HB Brewing Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Another good option for high-quality nitro brew is the Mini Keg by HB Brewing. It has a built-in, pressure relief valve that helps avoid the dripping problem and stops the keg from becoming misshapen. The upgraded tap design gives a steady and consistent flow and also minimizes drips after pouring.

All the screw-together parts are securely fitted with o-rings to form an airtight seal. The manufacturers have also included spare o-rings so you can replace any broken or worn-out ones which really helps extend the life of this product.

This volume of the keg is 64 ounces so can hold plenty of coffee. You do need to give this model a few hours for the nitrogen to fully infuse into the coffee so it’s not an instant option.

It portable, easy to store, and comes with cleaning brushes which make it a little easier to keep clean.

My Morning Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Brand: My Morning Brew

Here’s another popular choice for at home, nitro coffee. The standard, 64-ounce keg design is an ideal choice for most homes and it’s made of food-grade stainless steel so durable and easy to clean.

The pressure relief valve makes this a more durable option that is less likely to drip coffee around the kitchen.

It’s an attractive design and really easy to use. You just need to add coffee (no more than 75% full), attach the tap and nitrogen cartridges (you’ll need 2 of these per batch if it’s very full). Shake the keg gently and let it sit in the fridge for 1-hour minimum.

This is a good quality nitro coffee maker but it isn’t dishwasher safe so make sure you wash it by hand.

NutriChef Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Brand: NutriChef

Last but certainly not least we have the NutriChef nitro cold brew coffee maker. Designed to fit easily into your fridge, this mini keg has a few thoughtful features that make it a joy to use. The upgraded faucet is based on a stout creamer design with a pressurized valve. This effectively delivers a sweet and creamy coffee with a thick mouthfeel without adding sugar or sweeteners.

The solid stainless steel will keep your coffee cooler for longer as well as being durable and easy to maintain. A nice extra with this model is the regulator cap is designed in a hexagonal arrangement. This makes it easy to grip to tighten or remove compared to a lot of rounded designs.

This is a really easy to use and very functional little device and will save you loads of money as you won’t need to stop in at Starbucks to enjoy nitro cold brew coffee.

Final Thoughts

Nitro cold brew is a rich yet smooth cup of java. Its thick foamy layers will leave you completely satisfied and once you give it a try, you’ll never go back to regular coffee. Making nitro cold brew coffee at home is a surprisingly simple feat once you have the necessary equipment.

I hope this article has helped inspire you to try home-brewed nitro coffee and helped answer any questions you may have had about the subject.

I wish you all the best on your cold coffee brewing journey and cheers.

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