Ready to ditch the pricey coffee shop cold brew and make your own at home? Youre in the right place! Weve been putting various coffee makers for cold brew concentrate to the test, and the results are in. Were talking about the best options for ease of use, flavor extraction, and overall value.
You probably have a few key questions: Which cold brew maker is easiest to clean? Does a steeper glass carafe or a plastic container make a difference? Which one truly delivers a smooth, flavorful concentrate? Well answer these and other questions as we go through our findings. Well show you which coffee makers aced our flavor tests and which ones were a bit of a letdown.
Lets dive in and find the perfect cold brew setup for your kitchen! We are going to address these questions in the context of the cold brew makers we tested, including the best overall, the best for beginners, and the most budget-friendly option.
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Detailed Coffee Makers For Cold Brew Concentrate Reviews
1. OXO Brew Compact Cold
The OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a perforated rainmaker that distributes water evenly over the grounds, and a reusable stainless steel mesh filter. Its perfectly designed for creating smooth, concentrated cold brew. This compact maker excels because of its simplicity and the ability to produce a consistently rich, flavorful concentrate.
A notable pro is the built-in stopper, which allows you to store the cold brew concentrate directly in the included glass carafe, keeping your fridge organized. Another advantage is the ease of cleaning; the components disassemble quickly for simple washing. Its a great choice for cold brew enthusiasts.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. OXO Good Grips Ounce
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a perforated rainmaker lid and a borosilicate glass carafe, designed for smooth and flavorful cold brew extraction. The silicone seal and airtight lid keep the concentrate fresh. This system is exceptionally easy to use; you simply add coffee grounds, steep, and then remove the brew filter.
It excels at creating a concentrated cold brew, producing a delicious and robust coffee base. A primary pro is the built-in mesh filter which is fine enough to capture even the smallest coffee particles, resulting in a clean, sediment-free cold brew. This is a very convenient option for coffee lovers.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. Toddy® Cold Brew System
The Toddy® Cold Brew System is a straightforward immersion cold brew maker, featuring a large brewing container made from durable, food-grade plastic and a felt filter for optimal filtration. This system excels at producing smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate. Its ease of use and simple design, requiring just coarse ground coffee and water, make it incredibly user-friendly. A notable advantage is the concentrated brew it yields, which can be diluted to the strength you prefer, saving you money and giving you customizable flavors with each cup.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. AS Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The AS Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a durable glass carafe and a fine-mesh stainless steel filter. This design allows for a smooth, sediment-free cold brew concentrate after steeping. Its tight-fitting lid helps maintain freshness during the brewing process.
This coffee maker excels at making a rich, flavorful cold brew. The fine mesh filter effectively traps coffee grounds, preventing bitterness often found in other methods.
A notable pro is the ease of cleaning; the components disassemble quickly for simple washing. Enjoy a fantastic cold brew experience at home!
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. AS Cold Brew Coffee Maker,64
The AS Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 64-ounce, features a durable glass carafe and a fine-mesh stainless steel filter. This design allows for easy brewing of smooth, concentrated cold brew coffee directly in the refrigerator. Its excellent for its purpose because it simplifies the cold brew process, requiring minimal effort. A key advantage is its ease of cleaning, with the filter and carafe easily separating for thorough washing, making it more convenient than other cold brew options.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Cold Brew Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Brewing cold brew at home is easy with the right equipment. Heres a quick guide to help you choose the best coffee maker for your needs.
Immersion Method
Most cold brew makers utilize the immersion method. Consider the capacity. A larger carafe, like those that hold 32 or 64 ounces, is perfect for making batches.
Material
Glass carafes are common and allow you to see the brewing process. However, some prefer stainless steel for durability and heat retention. Some models are made of BPA-free plastic.
Filtration
Filtration is key to a smooth cold brew. Look for models with fine mesh filters, often stainless steel, or those that include paper filters for extra clarity. These prevent coffee grounds from ending up in your final concentrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the best grind size for cold brew concentrate?
A coarse grind is essential for cold brew. This prevents over-extraction and a bitter taste. Think of the grind as similar to coarse sea salt or the consistency used for French press coffee.
How long should I steep the coffee grounds?
Steeping time usually ranges from 12 to 24 hours. Experiment to find your preferred strength. Longer steeping times create a more robust and caffeinated concentrate.
How do I filter the cold brew concentrate?
Most cold brew makers include a filter. You can also use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or paper coffee filters after the steeping process to remove the coffee grounds. This ensures a smooth concentrate.
Whats the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
A common ratio is 1:4. This means one part coffee to four parts water, by weight. Adjust this ratio to suit your taste; more coffee will result in a stronger concentrate.
How long does cold brew concentrate last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored cold brew concentrate can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent oxidation.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, crafting your perfect cold brew concentrate at home is easier than ever. Weve explored several excellent coffee makers, each with unique strengths. The Hario Cold Brew Bottle offers sleek simplicity, ideal for small batches. The Toddy Cold Brew System excels at producing large volumes with its durable construction. For those prioritizing speed, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker provides a convenient and rapid brewing process.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences. Consider your desired batch size, preferred brewing method, and budget. Whether you value ease of use, large capacity, or a space-saving design, theres a cold brew maker here to suit your needs. Now, its time to find your perfect match and start brewing!