Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker for 2023

Hi! My name is Arne. After a few years as a barista, I've dedicated myself to a mission: To bring more good coffee to the people. To this end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

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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 best 22 options on the market. Read to find out which was the best performing, best overall and best budget.

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:

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Puts on a show

Cold brew in 15 minutes

Affordable

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Beautiful design

High quality materials

Makes great cold brew

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Really affordable

Easy to clean

Two sizes

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Reliable manufacturer

Makes cold brew in 25 minutes

Sleek design

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Innovative design

4 extraction modes

Battery operated

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Circle flow brewing

Two lids

Self cleaning

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Airtight lid

Easy to use

Very affordable

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Great design

Durable materials

Easy to clean

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Thoughtful design

Easy to use

Affordable

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Large capacity

Airtight lid

Stainless steel filter

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Airtight lid

Leak proof lid

Easy to clean

Scoop and funnel

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Easy to clean

Non slip base

Huge filter

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Awesome design

Non breakable

Includes travel mug

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Makes 38 oz concentrate

Sleek design

Built in tap

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Solid construction

Two airtight seals

Looks pretty cool

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Simple design

Easy to use

Fits into any fridge

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Affordable

Easy to use

Easy to clean

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High quality

Easy to use

64 oz capacity

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Tried and tested method

Delicious cold brew

Attractive glass decanter

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Exceptional cold brew

Work of art

Easy to use

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Creamy nitro cold brew

Looks great

Simple to use

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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.

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.

Using a Mason jar to make cold brew cofee.

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 really cold.

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

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 Best Electric Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Below are several of my favorite electric cold brew coffee makers. The Presto Dorothy took home the gold as the “best performing” device, but they’re all worth investigating for sure.

Presto Dorothy Rapid Cold Brewer

The Presto Dorothy Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

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 $49.99 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 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.

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

Cuisinart DCB-10 Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker

The Cuisinart DCB-10 Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker. Buy Now on Amazon

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.

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

Laekerrt Electric Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Laekerrt Electric Cold Brew Coffeemaker. Buy Now on Amazon

The Laekerrt Electric Cold Brew Coffee Maker started out as a Kickstarter campaign, but is now available on Amazon for $79.99. I really like the design of this cold brew maker. Not only is it fun to use, but it’s also battery operated which makes it ideal for camping trips.

The Laekerrt allows you to choose from 4 extraction modes. Using the “Light” mode you can have cold brew in 15 minutes, but I’d recommend experimenting with the “Custom” mode, which allows you to program your preferred brewing time.

The machine works kind of like a syringe — you add coffee to the central brewing unit and pour water into the outer carafe. After you’ve set the time, the water is continuously sucked upwards through the grounds and then pushed down again into the carafe. Once the cycle is complete, simply press a button to drain the cold brew into the carafe.

Pros:

  • Innovative design
  • 4 extraction modes
  • Battery operated

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with batteries or filter bags
  • Quite flimsy

Vinci Express Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker

Vinci Express Cold Brew Electric Cofee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

At $79.99, the Vinci Express is priced equal with the Laekerrt. It also has circle flow brewing technology, which involves water being sucked in and forced down through the ground coffee.

Depending on the strength of cold brew you desire, brew times range from 5 minutes for light to 25 minutes for bold. There are four extraction modes in all.

Above all, the nice thing about the Vinci is the self cleaning function, which flushes out any residue from the previous batch and rinses it with fresh water. Those of you who visit this site regularly know that I’m a stickler for hygiene.

Pros:

  • Designed with hygiene in mind
  • 4 extraction modes
  • Includes a separate lid for storage in the refrigerator

Cons:

  • Plastic lids and filter basket

A Comparison of the Best Electric Cold Brew Coffee Makers

CategoryPresto DorothyThe Cuisinart DCB-10LaekerrtVinci Express
Brew typeCold brewCold brewCold brewCold Brew
Serving size22 oz35 oz25 oz37 oz
FilterMeshStainless steelStainless steelPlastic
Materials usedGlass/plasticGlass/plasticGlass/plasticGlass/plastic
Weight1.5 lbs6.0 lbs3.1 lbs 2.0 lbs
Current price on Amazon$49.99 $79.95$79.99$79.99

The Best Manual Cold Brew Coffee Makers

While electric cold brew coffee makers are fun to use, most people end up with a manual version somewhere on their journey. Here are some great options to consider.

Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker

The Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

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.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Glass pitcher can break easily

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot

The Hario Mizudashi Coffee Pot. Buy Now on Amazon

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 $21.75 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 $16.35, 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.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Too much plastic

Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker

The Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

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.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker

The OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

Unlike an all-in-one cold brewer, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a brewer and a separate carafe, and costs $40.95 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 $5.05 for a box of 50.

If you’re leaning toward the OXO, I recommend you purchase the starter set for $56.98, as that will save you a little bit of money.

Should you ever need a second glass carafe, those are available for $38.44 on Amazon.

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

Aquach Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Aquach Cold Brew Cofffe Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

If you’re looking for an affordable manual cold brew maker that’s easy to use, the Aquach Cold Brew Coffee Maker will get the job done.

What’s great about the Aquach is the attention to detail that has gone into the cold brewer’s design. The beaker is borosilicate glass and has a large handle and easy-to-read measurements on the side.

There’s also a stainless steel filter and lid with an airtight silicone seal to lock in freshness.

Available in a one liter version for $25.84 or a custom-aff asin=”B07LGR68PG” text=”1.5 liter version” lang=”en”] for $29.84.

Pros:

  • Thoughtful design features
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable cold brew coffee maker

Cons:

  • Handle nice, but unnecessary since contents not hot

BTaT Cold Brew Coffee Maker

BTaT Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

First things first, BTaT stands for Brew To A Tea, though why the manufacturer decided to include an umlaut in the shortened version is anyone’s guess. However, what really matters is that the BTaT Cold Brew Coffee Maker is pretty darn cool and only costs $27.85 on Amazon.

This cold brew maker’s jug is made from extra thick borosilicate glass and has been designed so it’ll fit in most refrigerator doors. Thanks to the superfine dual-mesh stainless steel filter, your liquid gold will be clean, clear and free of coffee grounds.

Best of all, the jug has a whopping 64 ounce capacity, and the airtight lid means all that delicious cold brew will stay fresh for days.

Pros:

  • Large capacity
  • Airtight lid
  • Removable stainless steel filter

Cons:

  • Takes a long time to fill
  • Will shatter if dropped

Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

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

Available for only $26.99 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.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Plastic filter feels cheap

Coffee Bear Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Coffee Bear Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

Although slightly smaller, the Coffee Bear Cold Brew Coffee Maker is remarkably similar to the Coffee Gator. There’s a durable, shock-resistant glass pitcher, easy-grip handle and a flavor preserving lid. The fine mesh nylon filter even has a removable bottom cap to make cleanup easy.

There’s one big difference, though: the Coffee Bear’s filter is much larger and can hold up to 100 grams of ground coffee. This means you can brew at much higher ratios and make some pretty potent cold brew concentrate.

The Coffee Bear costs $23.99, making it a great option for those who want to push the limits of their caffeine intake without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean
  • Huge filter
  • Detachable non slip silicone base

Cons:

  • Lid isn’t airtight
  • Only makes 44 ounces of cold brew

Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

The Asobu Portable Cold Brew Maker features a unique design that really sets it apart from the competition. At $59.99 on Amazon for this thing, the Asobu doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for an elegant portable cold brew solution, it’s worth every penny.

The Asobu makes 40 ounces of cold brew, which should be enough to get your day started. Its upper brewing chamber is made from 100% BPA-free tritan, so it’s pretty much indestructible.

Inside, the conical filter is made from superfine double-wall stainless steel mesh, ensuring that no grounds will escape.

Now for the really cool part. Once your brew is ready, you simply press a button and the coffee drains into the base, which is actually an awesome insulated coffee mug. Pop on the leak free lid and you’re ready to go!

Pros:

  • Awesome design
  • Includes travel mug
  • Non breakable brewing chamber

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • Only makes a single serving

KitchenAid KCM5912SX Cold Brew Coffee Maker

KitchenAid KCM5912SX Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

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 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!

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Quite an investment
  • Prone to leaking

Cafe Du Chateau Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Cafe Du Chateau Cold Brew Cofffe Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

With its stylish stainless steel housing and precise measurement lines, the Cafe Du Chateau looks like a retro-futuristic French press, which may or may not be your thing.

Costing just $29.99 on Amazon, the Cafe Du Chateau is surprisingly well constructed. The carafe is made from sturdy temperature-safe borosilicate glass and the superfine laser cut stainless steel filter is pretty impressive.

There are two silicone airtight seals, one that hugs the glass carafe and another that seals the top of the filter assembly. Once your cold brew is ready, it’s easy to remove the filter and pour.

The only downside is that the Cafe Du Chateau only makes 34 ounces of cold brew, which might not be enough for serious caffeine fiends.

Pros:

  • Solid construction
  • Two airtight seals
  • Looks pretty cool

Cons:

  • Limited brewing capacity
  • Filling is time consuming

Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

The Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a simple and effective immersion brewer featuring a design that’s reminiscent of a French press. Although the Primula Burke has a borosilicate glass carafe, all other parts are made of plastic, which doesn’t sit too well with me. That said, this cold brew maker only costs $17.99 on Amazon and has a 52-ounce capacity, so I can’t really complain.

To make cold brew in the Primula Burke, you add ground coffee to the fine mesh nylon filter, place it in the carafe and slowly pour water in. After tightening the lid, it’s a waiting game. Once the cold brew is ready, the filter is easy to remove and all parts are dishwasher safe.

Pros:

  • Simple design
  • Easy to use
  • Fits easily in any fridge

Cons:

  • Too much plastic
  • Lid doesn’t have an airtight seal

Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

I’ll let you in on a secret: the Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker is little more than a French press that comes with an additional airtight lid. Still, that’s not to say it doesn’t make fantastic cold brew.

Using the Bodum couldn’t be easier. It’s just a case of pouring in coarsely ground coffee, adding cold, filtered water, putting on the airtight lid and putting the Bodum in the fridge. Once the coffee has brewed for at least eight hours, use the plunger to force the coffee grounds to the bottom of the carafe and your cold brew is ready!

If you don’t plan to drink all of the cold brew immediately, at the very least, you’ll want to transfer the coffee concentrate to another container. If you simply leave the coffee grinds at the bottom, you’ll end up with over-extracted, bitter coffee.

The Bodum costs $14.78 on Amazon and makes around 50 ounces of cold brew. You can also use it to make hot coffee, so it’s well worth the investment if you don’t already own a Bodum French press.

Related: Bodum French Press 2023 Buyer’s Guide

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Made of plastic
  • Pointless if you own a French press

County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Kit

County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker Kit. Buy Now on Amazon

I’m a big fan of using Mason Jars to make cold brew, but doing it the old-fashioned way with a cloth filter bag can get pretty messy. The County Line Cold Brew Kit is a pretty awesome solution that’s about as simple as it gets.

The kit comes with a 64-ounce Ball Mason Jar, high quality stainless steel filter and a fantastic easy pour lid. You’ll pay $27.99 on Amazon for the County Line Cold Brew Kit, which might seem like a pretty penny. Remember, though, Mason Jars are made to last, and the stainless steel filter is very well made.

Pros:

  • High quality materials
  • Really easy to use
  • Makes 64 ounces of cold brew

Cons:

  • Not inexpensive

Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System

Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Makers. Buy Now on Amazon

Let’s take a moment to give a little respect to Todd Simpson. This guy invented the Toddy way back in the 1960s, paving the way for the current cold brew craze. Thanks Todd!

The Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System costs $60.99 on Amazon and comes with everything you need to make cold brew concentrate.

With Toddy cold brew coffee makers, brewing takes place in a large plastic container, where ground coffee and water are allowed to mingle freely. After 12 hours or so, you remove the silicone stopper and the cold brew passes through a thick felt coffee filter, draining into a glass decanter.

In my experience, Toddy cold brew is rich and powerful, so I recommend diluting it with water. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

Pros:

  • Tried and tested method
  • Makes delicious cold brew
  • Attractive glass decanter

Cons:

  • Takes time to perfect your brew
  • Filters have to be replaced

A Comparison of the Best Manual Cold Brew Coffee Makers

CategoryOvalware RJ3Hario MizudashiTakeyaOXO AquachBTaTCoffee GatorCoffee BearAsobuKitchenAidCafe Du ChateauPrimula Burke DeluxeBodum BeanCounty LineToddy
Brew typeCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brewCold brew/French pressCold brewCold brew
Serving size52 oz34 oz34 oz52 oz24 oz64 oz47 oz44 oz40 oz38 oz34 oz52 oz50 oz64 oz67 oz
FilterFine-mesh stainless steel filterNylon meshfine-mesh plastic filterUltra-fine mesh stainless steel filterfine-mesh plastic filterDual-mesh stainless steelNylon meshNylon meshStainless steel meshStainless steelLaser cut stainless steelNylon meshNylon meshStainless steelFelt
Materials used Stainless steel, glassPlastic, glassPlasticGlass, stainless steelPlastic, glassGlass, stainless steelPlastic, glassPlastic, glassPlastic, stainless steelGlass, stainless steelGlass, stainless steelGlass, plasticPlasticGlass, plastic, stainless steelGlass, plastic
Weight1.3 lbs1.02 lbs1.03 lbs2.51 lbs1.4 lbs1.87 lbs1.76 lbs1.3 lbs2.55 lbs6.0 lbs2 lbs1.75 lbs1.26 lbs2.46 lbs2.46 lbs
Current price on amazon$39.99$21.75$27.99$40.95$29.84$27.85$26.99$23.99$59.99$109.99 $29.99 $30.64 $14.78$27.99$60.99

The Best Slow Drip Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Okay, so I only am listing one coffee maker in this category. I guess I’m picky.

Nispira Cold Brew Drip Tower

Nispira Cold Brew Drip Tower. Buy Now on Amazon

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 of cold brew that’s sweet, complex and completely unique.

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Difficult to clean
  • Substantial investment

The Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Nitro cold brew coffee makers are great for hosting. I’ve chosen two options in this category that I believe are worth your consideration.

GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

If you’re a dedicated nitro cold brew fan, the GrowlerWerks uKeg is a dream come true. This double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel cold brew coffee maker looks really cool, and includes a couple of filter bags and a coffee funnel.

That said, you’ll have to buy the nitro chargers separately.

Using the uKeg couldn’t be easier. To start with, you simply add ground coffee to a filter bag before placing it inside the keg and adding water. Next, allow the coffee to steep overnight. Finally, remove the filter and attach a nitro charger to the screw-on lid. After charging, shake the keg and use the tap to pour a delicious, creamy cold brew.

The uKeg costs $199.00 on Amazon, which is pretty steep. Still, when you think about how much you’re spending on cold brew at your local coffee shop each week, the price might seem more reasonable!

Pros:

  • Makes creamy nitro cold brew
  • Looks great
  • Simple to use

Cons:

  • Considerable investment
  • Nitro chargers sold separately

Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

The Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker features a beautiful 64-ounce 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.

Pros:

  • 64 ounce capacity
  • Elegant design
  • Easy to use

Cons:

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

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

Opening refrigerator door to get a cold brew coffee maker.

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

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 like the Toddy Cold Brew System 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.

The long steeping time for cold brew coffee provides a lot of time for caffeine extraction. To avoid over-caffeination, dilute your cold brew coffee concentrate with water or milk.

A coarse grind size is best since cold brew coffee must steep for many hours. If your grind size is too fine, the result will be bitter, over extracted cold brewed coffee.

This has been a really fun article to write! I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have! Do you have a favorite cold brew coffee maker? Let me know in the comments.

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