Top 10 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers: Start brewing at home
The home kitchen is naturally the laboratory heart of the house, with access to heat and water, it does not take much to dream up new fascinating things to experiment with, food, cakes, drinks; of course the difference being that most kitchenware look nothing like laboratory glassware, with a few provisos, measuring jugs and digital scales.
However, if you’re a fan of cold brew coffee, some of these cold brew coffee makers look like they have come straight-out of a laboratory. Cold brew coffee aficionados know that it takes the controlling of multiple variables to obtain the best brew, from the ph of the water, to fine tuning and experimenting with different types of beans – all result in differing tastes and smells.
To those new to Cold Brew Coffee:
The cold-brew coffee making process is known for delivering smooth, low-acid coffee. The grounds never come in contact with hot water, resulting in a less acidic, less bitter flavour. Steeping the grounds in cold water releases only the most aromatic flavours, so you can wake up to fresh coffee concentrate every day for delicious hot or cold coffee without the acidity.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
It’s easy. Start with a measuring jar and a glass water container. Use one spoon full of coffee ground for every 100ml of fresh filtered cold water. That’s approximately 100 grams of ground coffee for every 100 ml of water. For example, if you have a big water container with more than 1 litre capacity, use 10 scoops full of coffee grounds. Remember to give it a good stir to mix both the water and coffee ground together.
Leave the coffee to steep in the cold water for 12 to 24 hours depending on your preference and taste. If you are new to this, try 12 hours then 16 hours then 24 hours to truly appreciate the difference. Ideally you want the jug of coffee ground and cold water mix in a cold and dark place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat source. If you can’t find a suitable corner in the house, put it in the refrigerator.
After the allotted time, you will end up with concentrated coffee essence. Here, you can either add ice and syrup or dilute it further with cold water to make your prefect brew. Optionally, try it with milk, lemon juice or non-dairy milk alternatives such as oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, hemp milk, rice milk or coconut milk.
For an idea of how rich and creamy or thin and watery each dairy alternative is, see finding the best non-dairy milk for coffee.
For ease of filtering, use a modern tea pot or cafetiere french press with built-in filter. That way, the coffee ground is allowed to steep in the cold water and when ready, you can pour the brew straight out minus the grounds. Otherwise, you will need a fine-mesh strainer.
Step-by-Step Instruction to Make Your Own Cold Brew Coffee at Home
What You Need: Filtered cold water, coffee ground, glass jar (mason jar is an option), measuring jug, table spoon and measuring spoon, fine mesh filter.
- Measure and add cold water into a suitable glass jar. If this is going into the fridge, make sure there is room for it there.
- Add ground coffee, 1 scoop for every 100ml of water. I use a 1 litre glass jar but only fill it up with 800ml of cold filtered water. This allows for room to add the grounds.
- Give the mixture a good stir for at least 1 minute or until the water and coffee is evenly mixed.
- Leave the mixture to steep for 12 to 24 hours in a cold and dark place. A good place would be in the fridge. If you are keeping it in the fridge, use a glass bottle with air tight lid or use a food grade plastic film to cover the glass jar. This keeps odours from other food from affecting your brew.
- Finally, when the brew has reached your desired steeping time, pour it through a fine mesh filter into a cup. Fill the cup up to 1/3 or 1/2 then add syrup, cold water, ice, milk or non-dairy alternative to dilute it and enjoy.
Note: The cold brew can be kept in the fridge for up to 10 days. If you decide to do this, filter and remove the coffee grounds and only keep the brew. Typically, if left for over 24 hours with the ground coffee still inside, the brew will start to taste bitter and may be too strong for some.
If you are a regularly cold brew drinker and loves the mellow and rich velvety taste with a hint of fruity and floral aroma, invest in a purpose built cold brew coffee maker from our list below.
How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker for You
When selecting a cold brew coffee maker, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Capacity: Do you want to brew enough for yourself, or do you want to make larger batches to last through the week?
- Design: Cold brew makers come in a variety of designs, from elegant glass carafes to sturdy mason jars. Choose one that fits your aesthetic and space.
- Ease of Use: Look for makers that are easy to assemble, brew, and clean. If you prefer simplicity, go for a model with fewer parts.
- Portability: If you plan to take your cold brew on the go, consider a portable option like the Asobu Cold Brew Maker.
- Price: Cold brew coffee makers range from budget-friendly to high-end models. Decide what features are most important to you before making a purchase.
Top 10 Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Here we indulge in a fascinating list of spectacular cold-brew coffee equipment:
1. Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A popular choice for beginners and experts alike, the Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is both affordable and effective. Its simple design, with an airtight lid and fine mesh filter, makes it easy to brew and store your coffee in the fridge for days. Its durable BPA-free plastic body ensures that it can withstand daily use.
- Capacity: 1 quart or 2 quart
- Why we love it: Budget-friendly, compact, and easy to use.
2. OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker is perfect for small spaces, yet delivers big flavor. Its unique rainmaker top evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds, ensuring optimal extraction. With a sleek design and compact size, this coffee maker can fit in almost any refrigerator.
- Capacity: 16 ounces (4 servings)
- Why we love it: Compact size with even water distribution for better flavor.
3. Toddy Cold Brew System
A classic in the cold brew world, the Toddy Cold Brew System is known for producing a rich, concentrated coffee that’s smooth and low in acidity. It uses a two-part filtration process—one with a felt filter and the other with a paper filter—that creates a cleaner cup.
- Capacity: 38 ounces
- Why we love it: Excellent for making large batches of concentrated cold brew.
4. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot
If you’re looking for a minimalist design, the Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot is an excellent option. This sleek glass pot with a reusable mesh filter is perfect for easy brewing and serving. It’s compact and fits well in the fridge, plus the glass body adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
- Capacity: 1 liter (4 servings) or 600ml
- Why we love it: Stylish and functional, with a reusable filter.
5. County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar
For those who like a bit of rustic charm, the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar is the perfect blend of function and aesthetics. This setup uses a mason jar combined with a stainless steel filter to create smooth cold brew coffee. The screw-on lid ensures your coffee stays fresh in the fridge.
- Capacity: 2 quart (64 oz)
- Why we love it: Classic mason jar style with easy-to-use filter.
6. KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is as functional as it is beautiful. This stainless steel and glass maker not only brews cold brew, but its compact design makes it easy to store in the fridge and dispense coffee directly from the tap. It’s perfect for those who love convenience with a dash of elegance.
- Capacity: 28 ounces or 38 ounces
- Why we love it: Sleek design with a convenient tap for easy pouring.
7. Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
The Primula Burke Deluxe is an affordable and versatile option for cold brew lovers. Its compact design includes a mesh filter that can also be used for brewing tea, making this cold brew maker a multi-functional addition to your kitchen. It’s easy to clean, and the airtight lid keeps your brew fresh for days.
- Capacity: 1.6 Quarts (10 servings)
- Why we love it: Affordable, multipurpose, and easy to clean.
8. Asobu Cold Brew Portable Coffee Maker
The Asobu Cold Brew Portable Coffee Maker stands out for its portability and sleek design. It allows you to brew, store, and drink your cold brew coffee on the go, all in one device. With its vacuum-insulated stainless steel carafe, your cold brew stays fresh and cold for hours, making it perfect for travel or outdoor adventures.
- Capacity: 1 liter (4 servings) 34 oz
- Why we love it: Portable, vacuum-insulated, and stylish.
9. Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
The Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker offers a durable glass carafe and a stainless steel filter, ensuring that you get a clean, smooth brew every time. The airtight seal keeps your coffee fresh for up to two weeks, making it ideal for those who like to brew in bulk.
- Capacity: 1 liter (4 servings) or 1.5 liter (6 servings)
- Why we love it: Airtight design for extended freshness, with a sleek glass body.
10. Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Rounding out our list is the Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which is both affordable and stylish. With its BPA-free plastic body and mesh filter, this coffee maker is easy to use and clean. It’s available in multiple colors, so you can choose one that fits your kitchen aesthetic.
- Capacity: 51 ounces
- Why we love it: Colorful design options with a large capacity.
BONUS: VINCI Cold Brew 360 Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The VINCI Cold Brew 360 stands out with its innovative patented Dual Filter 360 Brewing Technology. This unique design allows for faster and more thorough extraction, giving you a rich and flavorful cold brew in as little as 5 minutes. Its sleek, modern design comes with a 1.4-liter capacity, making it perfect for those who want a large batch of cold brew without waiting all night. The glass pitcher is not only stylish but also durable, ensuring that your cold brew stays fresh and delicious.
- Capacity: 1.4 liters (6 servings)
- Why we love it: Patented Dual Filter 360 Brewing Technology for faster brewing and a large-capacity glass pitcher.
Start Brewing at Home
Cold brew coffee is a delightful way to enjoy your favorite beans, and with the right coffee maker, it’s easier than ever to make at home. Whether you’re brewing for yourself or entertaining guests, one of these top 10 cold brew coffee makers will ensure you have a refreshing cup of coffee every time. So, pick the one that suits your style, and start brewing today!