Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: My Top 10 Picks

Do you love cold brew coffee as much as I do? Are you in the market for a cold brew coffee maker? I've put together a list of the 10 best cold brew coffee maker options out there. Read to find out which was the best performing, best overall and best budget.

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

Our review process | Our team

Having your own cold brew coffee maker at home is increasingly common these days. However, people are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cold brew coffee makers available.

If your head is full of questions, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of the best 22 cold brew coffee makers on the market and will explain the strengths and weaknesses of each. That way, you can make an informed decision without all the stress.

So, relax, take a weight off and let me guide you through the wonderful world of cold brewing at home.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker Overview

Here’s a list of the best cold brew coffee makers that we’ll be looking at today:

1Product List Image

Puts on a show

Cold brew in 15 minutes

Affordable

2Product List Image

Beautiful design

High quality materials

Makes great cold brew

3Product List Image

Really affordable

Easy to clea

Two sizes

4Product List Image

Reliable manufacturer

Makes cold brew in 25 minutes

Sleek design

7Product List Image

Airtight, leak proof lid

Easy to clean

Scoop and funnel

8Product List Image

Makes 38 oz concentrate

Sleek design

Built in tap

9Product List Image

Exceptional cold brew

Work of art

Easy to use

10Product List Image

64 oz capacity

Elegant design

Easy to use

Why Buy a Cold Brew Coffee Maker?

If you’re like me, you drink way more cold brew than you’d care to admit. The number one reason for making it at home is to save money. After all, you’re likely dropping around six bucks each time you get your fix at a coffee shop.

The money you’re spending on your habit can add up fast, especially if you’re buying cold brew more than once a day. Which, let’s face it, you probably are.

Making cold brew in a mason jar

At this point, I should mention that not everyone has jumped on the cold brew bandwagon. If you’re more partial to good ole iced coffee, check out my guide to the best iced coffee makers. There, you’ll find a great selection of machines that use hot extraction to make delicious iced coffee in minutes.

In my article on how to make cold brew, I give instructions on how to make cold brew using a jar for immersion brewing and a pour over dripper to filter out the used coffee grounds. It really can be that easy to make cold brew coffee, but the filtering process takes time and can be a little messy.

That’s where a cold brew coffee maker comes in. With most of these devices, the ground coffee is contained in a removable filter, which makes the process of getting to your cold brew much more convenient.

Cold brew makers also feature containers that have been specially designed to fit in your fridge, and some can even make cold brew in as little as 15 minutes. Sounds pretty great, right?

How Does a Cold Brew Coffee Maker Work?

In general, cold brew makers can be divided into two categories. The first uses a full immersion method in which ground coffee is steeped in cold water for anywhere between 8 and 24 hours. Even so, some electric cold brew makers can drastically reduce the brew time. The second method is a drip process which involves cold water slowly dripping over ground coffee for several hours.

Note: please don’t confuse that second method with iced coffee preparation, which also uses a drip process, but with hot water.

If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, and planning on just putting hot coffee in your fridge, think again. Hot coffee tastes great hot, but bitter compounds are going to be noticeable once it’s become cold coffee.

The great thing about cold extraction is that all the coffee’s natural oils and fats get extracted without their chemical structures being altered. The keywords to remember here are smooth, low acid, complex and sweet.

Types of Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Within the two broad categories of cold brew coffee makers, there are four types. Let’s take a look at each.

Electric Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Impatient cold brew fanatics rejoice! Electric cold brew coffee makers have changed the game when it comes to the time involved in preparing your favorite beverage. Some of these machines claim to make cold brew in as little as five minutes, but I remain skeptical.

However, there are electric cold brew makers that produce excellent results in around half an hour, which sure beats waiting overnight.

Manual Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Indeed, most cold brew coffee makers fall into this category, using the immersion method to slowly extract all the good stuff from ground coffee. Bear in mind you’ll also be extracting lots of caffeine. Furthermore, depending on the ratio of coffee to water you’re using, the resulting coffee concentrate will be pretty powerful. You can make the concentrate go further by diluting it with water.

The main downside to manual cold brewers is the time factor involved — you’ll have to wait at least 8 hours before your cold brew is ready. That’s why I own multiple cold brew makers and keep them in constant rotation. Problem solved!

Slow Drip Cold Brew Coffee Makers

You may have seen a slow dripper at your local cafe — it’s that tall glass contraption in the corner that looks like it should be in a science lab.

Slow drip, also known as Dutch or Kyoto-style cold brew, has been around since the 1600s, when Dutch sailors without access to hot water began dripping cold water over their coffee grounds. Ah, the power of caffeine! The Dutch took slow drip to Japan, where it remains popular to this day.

This method works kind of like slow motion brewed coffee from a pour over. Cold water drips over ground coffee before being filtered and passing into a collection chamber. The process doesn’t take as long as the immersion method, but you’ll still have to be patient. Outstanding results are worth it, though; slow drip cold brew is sweet, light and has even less acidity than regular cold brew.

Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Cold brew on a nitro tap has become standard in most coffee shops, and what seemed at first like a passing trend appears to be here to stay. Infusing cold brew with nitrogen produces a smooth, sweet and creamy beverage that looks more like a glass of Guiness than anything else.

A nitro cold brew coffee maker doesn’t come cheap, but if you just can’t get enough of this type of cold brew, a nitro keg might be worth the investment.

The 10 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Presto Dorothy Rapid Cold Brewer

Presto Dorothy Cold Brew Coffee Maker

PROS

  • Impress your friends
  • Makes cold brew fast
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to clean

CONS

  • Tends to splatter when brewing
  • Takes a while to get brewing ratios right

Obviously, if you want to impress your cold brew-loving friends, invite them over to watch the Presto Dorothy in action. This electric cold brew machine looks like some kind of high-tech French press and can make pretty great cold brew in around 15 minutes. Surprisingly, it only costs $42.50 on Amazon.

Once you’ve added room temperature water, you turn the thing on to create a whirlpool effect that really does look cool. After pouring in ground coffee, you leave the Dorothy to do its thing for at least 15 minutes, then turn it off and plunge the grounds to the bottom.

The Dorothy makes about 22 ounces (651 milliliters) of cold brew, which isn’t a huge amount. Still, it’s not bad for such a short brew time.

In case you’re wondering about the name: the whirlpool looks like a tornado. Wizard of Oz…get it?

The Presto Dorothy earned the “best performing” spot because of its innovative whirlpool design.

Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker

Ovalware RJ3 Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker

PROS

  • Fabulous design
  • High quality materials
  • Two sizes available
  • Makes great cold brew!

CONS

  • Could smash if dropped

I just love the way this coffee maker looks. Even the box it comes in looks cool. I take my hat off to all the designers involved. The Ovalware RJ3 comes in two different sizes, but I recommend the 1.5 liter version, which makes about 50 ounces of cold brew coffee concentrate and costs $39.99 on Amazon.

The well designed pitcher resembles something from a science experiment and is made from extra thick borosilicate glass. In addition, the filter and lid cap are made from medical-grade stainless steel. Best of all, there’s a detailed measurement label on the side of the pitcher.

Aside from making tasty cold brew, there’s little doubt the Ovalware RJ3 will look fantastic sitting next to my Chemex on the kitchen display shelf.

I’ve declared the RJ3 to be the “best overall” cold brew coffee maker based on a balance of cost and practical features.

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Maker

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Looks really cool
  • Available in two sizes

CONS

  • Too much plastic

As you probably already know, I love my Hario pour over coffee maker. So, you won’t be surprised to hear that I consider the Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot to be one of the best home cold brew makers.

Fortunately, the 1 liter version sells for only $21.25 on Amazon. At such a great price, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to own more than one of these babies. The 600ml version is $18.25, which is also a great price.

Given the affordability of this unit, I’ve named the Hario Mizudashi the “best budget” cold brew coffee maker. You get high quality for a reasonable investment.

Like the previous two iced coffee makers, the Hario has a central filter that keeps the ground coffee in place as it’s submerged in water. The carafe is made of glass, but the filter and lid are plastic. Consequently, points must be deducted there.

Still, the filter works really well at preventing sediment in the cold brew, so the results are smooth, sweet and clear. The whole thing is easy to take apart and clean as well, which always makes me happy.

Cuisinart DCB-10 Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker

Cuisinart DCB 10 Cold Brew Coffee Maker

PROS

  • Reliable manufacturer
  • Makes cold brew in 25 min
  • Sleek design
  • Easy to take apart and clean

CONS

  • Can be quite noisy
  • Mild/Medium settings are too weak

If you’re a fan of Cuisinart products, this iced coffee maker will fit right in with the blender and food processor in your kitchen. The Cuisinart DCB-10 costs $79.95 on Amazon, and looks a lot like an ordinary coffee maker. However, the top section is clear so that you can see what’s going on inside.

Like the Presto Dorothy, this iced coffee maker puts on a show. After you’ve added water and ground coffee, the filter basket spins so that water is constantly circulated through the grounds.

Although you can be drinking cold brew 25 minutes later, I’d recommend the “Bold” setting, which brews for 45 minutes.

Once the cold brew is ready, it’s released into a nice glass carafe that holds up to 7 cups and can be stored in the fridge.

Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Takeya

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Inexpensive
  • Airtight lid for easy storage

CONS

  • No measuring lines on the pitcher
  • Plastic filter and pitcher

The manufacturer’s name for this iced coffee maker is quite the mouthful, so I’ll just refer to it as the Takeya from now on. In any case, available for just $27.99 on Amazon, the Takeya is a simple, effective and elegant solution for making cold brew coffee.

After filling the pitcher with cold water, you simply add ground coffee to the fine mesh filter, screw it to the lid, then lower it into the pitcher.

My only real gripe with the Takeya is that there’s too much plastic involved. Although it’s all BPA-free, I still dislike the idea of my coffee sitting in plastic for 12 hours. That said, the silicone handle is really nice, and the airtight lid means you can store cold brew in the fridge for days.

OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker

OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker

PROS

  • Compact cold brew maker
  • Awesome fine-mesh filter
  • Great glass carafe with measurement lines
  • Spare carafes available

CONS

  • Some plastic parts
  • Requires special filters
  • On the expensive side

Unlike an all-in-one cold brewer, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a brewer and a separate carafe, and costs $51.95 on Amazon. This iced coffee maker works like a traditional cold brew system. You add ground coffee and cold water to the brewing container. Then, wait for at least 12 hours.

However, it’s during the next step that you’ll see why the OXO has made my best iced coffee maker list. You simply press the Brew Release switch, and the coffee passes through an ultra-fine stainless steel mesh filter into a borosilicate glass carafe.

Although 32 ounces might not sound like enough cold brew, the OXO makes coffee concentrate, so you’ll probably end up diluting it. What’s more, the carafe has a handy stopper to keep your precious cold brew concentrate fresh.

The downside to the OXO is that you have to buy special OXO filters. Those run$5.95 for a box of 50.

If you’re leaning toward the OXO, I recommend you purchase the starter set for $57.98, as that will save you a little bit of money.

Should you ever need a second glass carafe, those are available for $39.17 on Amazon.

Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffeee Maker

PROS

  • Leak Proof lid
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with coffee scoop and funnel

CONS

  • Plastic filter feels cheap

The Coffee Gator is one of the most popular cold brew makers on the market and for good reason.

Available for only $19.25 on Amazon, the Coffee Gator features a straightforward, rugged design and is really easy to use.

You simply add ground coffee to the super-fine mesh filter, pour in cold water and put the thing in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once your cold brew is ready, cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the filter’s handy screw cap.

There’s a leak proof lid which means your coffee will stay fresh for weeks, although cold brew never lasts that long in my kitchen. The Coffee Gator’s pitcher has a 1.4 liter capacity and is made from sturdy borosilicate glass.

You’ll also get a coffee scoop and funnel, which is a nice touch.

KitchenAid KCM5912SX Cold Brew Coffee Maker

KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker

PROS

  • Makes 38 ounces of cold brew concentrate
  • Sleek design
  • Built in tap

CONS

  • Quite an investment
  • Prone to leaking

The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker costs $109.99 on Amazon, which is quite a sizable investment. That said, it’s a great option for families or those of you who host frequent cold brew cocktail parties.

The KitchenAid can brew up to 38 ounces (1.1 liters) of cold brew concentrate, so you’re unlikely to run out of product in a hurry. Plus, this cold brew maker fits nicely on a refrigerator shelf.

Made from glass and stainless steel, the KitchenAid cold brew coffee maker is pretty sleek and it couldn’t be easier to use. You just put ground coffee in the cylindrical stainless steel steeper, add filtered water, throw the thing in the fridge and walk away.

Once your cold brew is ready, it’s easy to get to, thanks to the KitchenAid’s handy built-in tap. Party on!

Nispira Cold Brew Drip Tower

Nispira Cold Drip System

PROS

  • Makes exceptional cold brew
  • Beautiful coffee maker
  • Easy to use

CONS

  • Difficult to clean
  • Substantial investment

Costing $104.99 on Amazon, the Nispira Cold Brew Drip Tower isn’t what you might call a budget-friendly option. Still, if you’re looking for a statement piece for your kitchen, this is it.

Let’s face it, the Nispira is a stunning cold brew coffee maker, and although it’s rather fragile, using it is fairly straightforward. This awesome glass and wood slow dripper comes with a stainless steel filter screen and features an adjustable valve for controlling drip speed.

The Nispira yields around 20 ounces (591 milliliters) of cold brew that’s sweet, complex and completely unique.

Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Royal Brew Nitro Keg

PROS

  • 64 ounce capacity
  • Elegant design
  • Easy to use

CONS

  • Can’t use to make cold brew
  • Nitro chargers sold separately

The Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a beautiful 64-ounce (1.9-liter) stainless steel keg that’ll be sure to impress your friends.

Modeled after stout beer dispensing systems, the Royal Brew uses a special gas blend and a stout beer faucet to create exceptionally creamy and smooth coffee.

The main downside to the Royal Brew is that it isn’t actually a cold brew maker — you’ll need to make cold brew separately then add it to the keg.

After that, it’s simply a case of charging with a nitro cartridge then shaking the keg like you mean it.

The Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew coffee Maker costs $159.99 on Amazon.

Choosing the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: What to Look For

For such a simple brewing method, there’s an almost overwhelming amount of cold brew coffee maker options available. Not only that, but each one claims to make the very best cold brewed coffee possible!

I can’t choose a cold brew coffee maker for you, but I can help you narrow down your search by giving you a few things to consider:

Price

How much you should spend on a cold brew coffee maker really comes down to your budget and how often you’ll be using the thing. An elaborate slow dripper or a nitro cold brew maker will call for a fairly substantial investment.

On the flip side, there are plenty of really affordable manual cold brewers out there, all of which will provide delicious coffee with a little practice.

Size

One of the best things about a batch of cold brew concentrate is that it lasts for up to two weeks. That’s why the last thing you want is to buy a cold brewer that won’t fit in your fridge. You’ll want to make sure you have enough kitchen counter space, too.

Many cold brew coffee makers are designed to sit comfortably in refrigerator doors. However, if space is a challenge, use a small carafe.

Brewing Method

Cold Brew aus der Hario

If you’re faced with the luxury of being able to decide between the immersion or slow drip method, there are a couple of things to consider.

Cold brew made using an immersion method is usually very concentrated, so you’ll end up with a longer lasting brew. That said, the brewing process takes up to 24 hours.

While the slow drip process usually takes much less time, the resulting cold brew won’t need to be diluted, so it’ll be gone much faster.

Filters

The quality and clarity of your cold brew will be greatly affected by the type of coffee filter you’re using. Most cold brew coffee makers use stainless steel or nylon mesh infuser filters. The higher quality the filter, the less likely you are to find silty coffee residue in your cold brew. Look for a reusable filter that’s easy to clean, too.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker FAQ

There are loads of fantastic cold brew coffee makers on the market, but we found three that really stand out:

  • Presto Dorothy Rapid Cold Brewer – Best performing
  • Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker – Best overall
  • Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot – Best budget

The length of the brewing process really depends on which cold brew coffee maker you’re using. That’s why an electric cold brewer can whip up good cold brew in just a few minutes, whereas a manual brewer requires that you steep for at least 8 hours.

Steeping cold brew coffee for more than 24 hours will yield bitter and unpleasant tastes.

If your cold brew coffee is bitter, it is most likely over extracted. This can happen when your coffee grind size is too small or steeps for too long.

Updated: 24. March 2024
Your coffee expert
Team Image
Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Table of Contents