Top Brands For The Best Cold Brew Coffee

Quick Answer

• Cold brew takes time, but the payoff is smooth, low-acid coffee.
• Look for brands that focus on quality beans and consistent roasting.
• Simple immersion brewers are often the best bet for home use.
• Some brands offer pre-made cold brew concentrate for instant gratification.
• Consider your desired volume and storage space.
• Taste is king, so try different brands if you can.

Buying Priorities for Cold Brew Coffee Makers

• Brewing Method: Immersion is standard for home, but some drip cold brew systems exist. Immersion is generally simpler.
• Capacity: How much coffee do you want to make at once? Think about your daily consumption. A gallon is a lot, but a quart might be gone fast.
• Filter Type: Fine mesh filters keep grounds out, but paper filters can offer a cleaner cup. Reusable filters are eco-friendly.
• Ease of Use: You want something that’s straightforward to set up and clean. Nobody wants a chore to make coffee.
• Material: Glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic. Glass is classic, stainless is durable.
• Storage: Does it fit in your fridge? Some are tall and skinny, others are wider.
• Price: Cold brew makers range from budget-friendly to premium. Good coffee doesn’t have to break the bank.
• Durability: You want something that will last. Sturdy construction is key.
• Aesthetics: Does it look good on your counter or in your fridge? It’s a bonus if it does.
• Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for their coffee gear. A little research goes a long way.

For a simple and effective home brewing experience, consider an immersion cold brew maker. These are generally simpler and a great starting point for making cold brew at home.

OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker Pitcher and Tea Infuser with Spout - 1.0L / 34oz Ovalware RJ3 Brewing Glass Carafe with Removable Stainless Steel Filter

• SMOOTHER COFFEE, EVERY TIME – Cold brewing is 70% less acidic than hot brewing. And richer in taste. Our cold brew maker pitcher extracts coffee concentrate which can be stored and mixed with an endless variety of beverages to create your own perfect, personal cup of joy. Recommended grind size: Coarse
• LOCKS IN FRESHNESS AND FLAVOR FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS – Airtight seal. Easy-access handle. Engineered to perfectly fit within your fridge shelf. Experience refined craftsmanship you can always count on
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• ICED AND HOT TEA COMPATIBLE – Great for loose-leaf tea. Or tea bags. Brew it hot like a traditional teapot, or brew it cold in the fridge. Take your brewing & hosting skills to the next level
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Feature Comparison: Who Makes the Best Cold Brew Coffee?

• Brew Method: Most home units use immersion, where grounds steep in water. Drip cold brew makers are less common but exist.
• Capacity: Ranges from 1-quart to 2-quart or even larger. Consider if you’re making for one or a crowd.
• Temperature Control: Not really a factor for cold brew. It’s all about time and temperature (room temp or fridge).
• Filter Type: Fine mesh stainless steel filters are common. Some use paper filters for a different taste.
• Cleaning: Most are easy to disassemble and wash. Dishwasher-safe parts are a plus.
• Footprint: Varies by design. Some are compact, others are taller. Measure your fridge shelf.
• Material: Glass carafes, stainless steel filters, BPA-free plastic bodies are typical.
• Steeping Time: Standard is 12-24 hours. This isn’t a machine feature, but a brewing parameter.
• Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Drink: Some makers produce a concentrate you dilute, others make a ready-to-drink batch.
• Durability: Depends on the materials used. Stainless steel and thick glass tend to hold up well.
• Ease of Pouring: Look for a good spout and comfortable handle. Spills are the enemy.
• Airtight Lid: Important for fridge storage to keep coffee fresh and prevent odors.

How to Choose Your Cold Brew Coffee Maker Step-by-Step

1. Assess Your Coffee Habits:

• What to do: Think about how much coffee you drink daily and how often you’ll make cold brew.
• What “good” looks like: You can easily keep up with your demand without waste. If you drink a pot a day, you need bigger.
• Common mistake: Buying a tiny maker when you’re a heavy drinker. You’ll be brewing constantly. Avoid this by sizing up.

2. Decide on Brewing Style:

• What to do: Choose between immersion (steeping grounds) or drip cold brew.
• What “good” looks like: You pick the method that aligns with your desired taste and effort level. Immersion is usually simpler.
• Common mistake: Not understanding the difference between immersion and drip. Immersion is more forgiving for beginners.

3. Consider Capacity Needs:

• What to do: Look at the volume the maker produces (e.g., ounces or cups).
• What “good” looks like: The capacity matches your typical consumption so you don’t run out or make too much. A 32 oz maker is a solid middle ground for many.
• Common mistake: Underestimating how quickly cold brew disappears. You might want a larger capacity than you initially thought.

4. Evaluate Filter Options:

• What to do: Check if it uses a fine mesh filter, paper filters, or both.
• What “good” looks like: The filter effectively removes grounds for a smooth cup without excessive sediment. Reusable filters are great for the planet.
• Common mistake: Assuming all filters are equal. Mesh filters can let through fine sediment; paper filters can clog.

5. Prioritize Ease of Cleaning:

• What to do: Read reviews or check product descriptions for cleaning instructions.
• What “good” looks like: The maker disassembles easily and parts are dishwasher safe. Nobody likes scrubbing tiny parts.
• Common mistake: Buying a maker with complex parts that are hard to clean. Grimy coffee makers make bad coffee.

6. Measure Your Space:

• What to do: Check the dimensions of the cold brew maker.
• What “good” looks like: It fits comfortably in your refrigerator or on your counter. Measure your fridge shelves first.
• Common mistake: Buying a maker that’s too tall for the fridge. Then it just sits on the counter looking sad.

7. Set Your Budget:

• What to do: Determine how much you’re willing to spend.
• What “good” looks like: You find a quality maker that fits your budget without sacrificing essential features. Fancy isn’t always better.
• Common mistake: Overspending on a feature-heavy maker you don’t need. Simple immersion brewers are often top-notch.

8. Read User Reviews:

• What to do: See what other people are saying about the specific models you’re considering.
• What “good” looks like: Consistent positive feedback on performance, durability, and ease of use. Look for patterns in complaints.
• Common mistake: Ignoring reviews and buying based solely on looks or brand name. Real-world experience is invaluable.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Decision Rules for Cold Brew Coffee Makers

• If you drink a lot of coffee daily, then choose a maker with a capacity of 2 quarts or more because you’ll need to brew larger batches.
• If you prefer a clean, bright cup with minimal sediment, then opt for a maker that uses paper filters because they trap finer particles.
• If you want the simplest, most foolproof method, then select an immersion-style maker with a fine mesh filter because they are forgiving and easy to use.
• If you’re short on fridge space, then look for a maker with a slim, tall design because it will fit more easily on shelves.
• If you’re concerned about environmental impact, then choose a maker with a durable, reusable stainless steel filter because it reduces waste.
• If you’re new to cold brew, then start with a smaller, less expensive maker (1-1.5 quarts) because you can experiment without a big investment.
• If you want to speed up your morning routine, then consider a maker that produces a concentrate because you can dilute it quickly.
• If you have a history of buying gadgets you don’t use, then choose a simple, multi-purpose maker that can also be used for iced tea because it offers more value.
• If you want to avoid plastic, then look for a maker with a glass carafe and stainless steel components because it’s a more natural material.
• If you’re a flavor purist, then research brands known for their coffee bean quality, as the beans are more critical than the maker itself.
• If you hate cleanup, then prioritize makers with dishwasher-safe parts because it makes the process much faster.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a special cold brew maker, or can I use a regular coffee pot?

A: You can make cold brew in a regular jar or pitcher, but a dedicated maker often simplifies the process and provides better filtration.

Q: How much coffee grounds do I use for cold brew?

A: A common ratio is 1:4 (coffee to water) for concentrate, or 1:8 for ready-to-drink. Adjust to your taste.

Q: What kind of coffee beans are best for cold brew?

A: Medium to dark roasts are popular, but any good quality bean will work. Experiment to find your favorite.

Q: Can I use cold brew concentrate as is?

A: No, cold brew concentrate is very strong and needs to be diluted with water, milk, or ice.

Q: How long does homemade cold brew last?

A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to 7-10 days.

Q: Is cold brew healthier than hot coffee?

A: Cold brew is less acidic, which can be easier on the stomach for some people. It also contains similar antioxidants.

Q: What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

A: Iced coffee is typically hot coffee that’s been cooled down and served over ice, while cold brew is brewed with cold water over many hours.

Q: Why is my cold brew bitter?

A: This could be from using coffee that’s too finely ground, steeping for too long, or using lower-quality beans.

What This Page Does NOT Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Specific brand reviews and comparisons (check coffee blogs and review sites).
• Detailed recipes for flavored cold brews (explore culinary sites).
• The science of coffee extraction and optimal brewing temperatures (look for coffee enthusiast forums).
• Where to buy specific cold brew makers online (search retailer websites).
• The history of cold brew coffee (read coffee industry publications).