Top-Rated Coffee Makers for Cold Brew: An Actionable Guide

Cold brew coffee has gained immense popularity in recent years, known for its smooth, rich flavor and lower acidity compared to traditional hot-brewed coffee. If you're someone who loves the refreshing taste of cold brew but struggles with the time-consuming process of making it manually, investing in the right cold brew coffee maker can be a game-changer. In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated coffee makers for cold brew, highlighting their features, ease of use, and performance. Whether you're new to cold brew or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will help you find the perfect maker to elevate your coffee game.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Cold Brew Coffee Maker

When selecting a cold brew coffee maker, several important factors come into play. Here's what you should consider to ensure you're choosing the right one:

1. Size and Capacity

Cold brew makers come in a variety of sizes, and choosing one that suits your needs is essential. If you live alone or prefer to make small batches, a compact, single-serving brewer might be ideal. However, larger households or those who drink cold brew frequently may prefer a larger capacity maker that can brew multiple servings at once.

2. Ease of Use

Some cold brew coffee makers require more effort in terms of setup, steeping, and filtering, while others offer a more streamlined, easy-to-use experience. Consider how much time you're willing to invest in brewing your cold brew and whether you want a hands-off process or enjoy engaging with the process more actively.

3. Brewing Time

Cold brew typically requires an extended steeping process, anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Some cold brew makers are designed to speed up the process, while others might take longer. If you're looking for convenience, a faster-brewing model might be better suited for your needs.

4. Filtration and Mess

The filtration process can often be messy when making cold brew. Some models are equipped with fine mesh filters or double filters to prevent coffee grounds from slipping into your brew, while others may require additional filtering steps after brewing.

5. Durability and Material Quality

Cold brew coffee makers can be made from various materials such as glass, plastic, or stainless steel. Glass models are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal, but they may be more fragile. Stainless steel models tend to be more durable and offer a more sleek, modern look. Choose one based on your preferences for aesthetics, durability, and how much use the brewer will get.

Top-Rated Cold Brew Coffee Makers

1. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Why It's Recommended:

The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an easy-to-use, well-designed option for those who want to make high-quality cold brew with minimal hassle. It's particularly known for its simplicity and the convenience of its design.

• Key Features:

  • Steep Time Selector: Allows you to adjust the brewing time (12-24 hours), giving you control over the strength of your cold brew.
  • Cold Brew Coffee Maker Design: The OXO features a sleek, user-friendly design with a brewing chamber that holds up to 1.3 liters of ground coffee.
  • Rainmaker System: The innovative "Rainmaker" system ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds, making sure your brew is smooth and balanced.
  • Easy to Filter: It comes with a stainless steel mesh filter, and the brewer's drip process makes filtering straightforward.

• Performance Highlights:

  • The coffee maker brews smooth and flavorful cold brew coffee without any bitterness.
  • The brewing process is efficient and ensures even extraction, resulting in a high-quality cold brew.

• Why It's Great for Cold Brew Lovers:

  • It's perfect for individuals or small households, with its ability to brew up to 4 servings of cold brew at once.
  • The simplicity and clear instructions make it a great option for both beginners and experienced cold brew fans.

• Considerations:

  • Some users might find it a bit bulky for very small kitchens or apartments.
  • Requires manual filtering after brewing, which can be a bit time-consuming.

2. Toddy Cold Brew System

Why It's Recommended:

For serious cold brew enthusiasts, the Toddy Cold Brew System is a tried-and-true option known for delivering rich, full-bodied cold brew concentrate. This system has been around for years and is popular among both home brewers and small businesses.

• Key Features:

  • Large Capacity: The Toddy system brews up to 1.5 liters of cold brew concentrate at once, making it a great choice for larger households or those who drink cold brew daily.
  • Versatile Brewing: The coffee grounds are steeped in a fabric filter bag that offers an easy clean-up and a consistent brew every time.
  • Brew Concentrate: The resulting concentrate can be diluted with water or milk, allowing for more flexibility in your cold brew's strength.

• Performance Highlights:

  • Delivers a strong, bold flavor with minimal acidity. The coffee concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • The brewing system is effective at extracting deep flavors from the coffee grounds, producing a full-bodied cold brew.

• Why It's Great for Cold Brew Enthusiasts:

  • It's designed for people who drink cold brew frequently and want a consistent, large batch brewing system.
  • The concentrate produced by the Toddy allows for a customizable strength, and it's perfect for those who like their cold brew on the stronger side.

• Considerations:

  • It's larger and requires more storage space than some other models.
  • Requires a bit of a learning curve for new users to fully master the brewing process.

3. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot

Why It's Recommended:

The Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot offers an elegant, simple, and compact solution for making cold brew coffee. Made by a renowned Japanese brand known for high-quality coffee equipment, this maker is perfect for those who prefer an aesthetically pleasing and straightforward brewing process.

• Key Features:

  • Glass Design: Features a stylish glass carafe with a capacity of 1 liter (about 4 servings).
  • Filter Basket: Comes with a fine mesh filter basket that allows for easy brewing and clean-up.
  • Simple to Use: Just add coffee grounds, fill with water, and let it steep for 12-24 hours. The included filter basket makes filtering easy and mess-free.

• Performance Highlights:

  • The Hario Mizudashi produces a clean, crisp cold brew with a refreshing taste.
  • The glass carafe is both durable and visually appealing, making it perfect for serving as well as brewing.

• Why It's Great for Small Households or Single Brewers:

  • Its compact design is perfect for small apartments, and it's easy to store in the fridge.
  • It's ideal for individuals or couples who drink cold brew on occasion and prefer a low-maintenance brewing process.

• Considerations:

  • The glass construction makes it fragile, so it's best suited for users who handle their equipment carefully.
  • Limited to smaller batches, making it less suitable for those who consume cold brew regularly in large quantities.

4. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker with Iced Coffee Brewing Option

Why It's Recommended:

The Keurig K-Elite offers a convenient cold brew alternative for those who already own a Keurig machine and want to quickly brew iced coffee. While it's not a traditional cold brew maker, it has an iced coffee setting that mimics the smoothness of cold brew with the convenience of pod brewing.

• Key Features:

  • Iced Coffee Mode: Has a specific brewing option for iced coffee, which brews coffee at a lower temperature to ensure that the flavor is smooth and not diluted by ice.
  • K-Cup Compatibility: Works with a wide variety of K-Cup pods, including ones specifically designed for iced coffee.
  • Multiple Brew Sizes: Offers a range of brew sizes, from 4 to 12 ounces, giving you flexibility depending on your preferences.

• Performance Highlights:

  • Quick brewing time, delivering iced coffee in just minutes.
  • Convenient and mess-free, especially for users who are short on time or prefer using pods.

• Why It's Great for Busy Individuals:

  • If you're looking for a quick iced coffee solution that mimics cold brew, the Keurig K-Elite is perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle.
  • It's ideal for those who prefer convenience and don't have the time or desire to wait for a long brewing process.

• Considerations:

  • While it offers a quick iced coffee option, it might not be as smooth or rich as traditional cold brew.
  • Requires the purchase of K-Cups, which may not offer the same freshness as freshly ground coffee.

Conclusion

The right cold brew coffee maker can elevate your morning routine and provide you with a delicious, refreshing beverage with minimal effort. Whether you're looking for a simple, compact option like the Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot or a large-scale brewing system like the Toddy Cold Brew System, there's a cold brew maker for every taste and lifestyle. Consider your needs, brewing preferences, and available space before making a decision, and enjoy the smooth, rich flavors of cold brew coffee at home!