Buying guide for Best cold brew coffee makers
Whether it’s warm outside or you just want to try something different to drink, sometimes it’s better to enjoy your coffee cold. However, just adding ice cubes to otherwise hot coffee doesn’t produce the best flavor and may water it down. That’s where a cold brew coffee maker comes in.
Most of these specialized coffee makers are manual and simple to use. They feature carafes with filters and water compartments for steeping coffee for hours. The result is cold coffee with a smooth, sweet flavor. Within this category, you’ll also find models that work with nitrogen or nitrous oxide cartridges for an interesting twist on cold brew flavors.
Some automatic coffee machines are also designed to make cold coffee. Although the flavor isn’t as smooth, hours of steeping aren’t required to indulge in a delicious cold brew. Regardless of the type of cold coffee maker you choose, the right one for you will have useful features and the capacity to fit your needs.
In our research, we tested the automatic De’Longhi Dinamica Coffee and Espresso Machine and the manual OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Although they work differently, both have earned spots on our list of favorites for their capabilities and functions, which work together to make barista-quality cold brew.
Best cold brew coffee makers and accessories
The De’Longhi Dinamica is a premium cold brew coffee machine that distances itself from other models for its versatility. We brought it into our Testing Lab to assess its performance. While it doesn’t technically produce cold brew, it takes the 10 to 14 hours of steep time out of the equation by heating quickly and brewing coffee or espresso in minutes. The machine dispenses it directly over a cup of ice for cold coffee drinks. Because the brews are robust, we found that pouring them over ice doesn’t diminish the flavor.
In addition to cold coffee, the Dinamica performs other functions such as grinding beans, making hot espresso beverages and frothing milk. It sports a gorgeous design that looks great in any kitchen. Although somewhat challenging to set up, following the instructions closely helps with the process. Overall, we think this pricey machine is a worthwhile investment for coffee connoisseurs who enjoy all types of coffee beverages, including those served over ice.
Making cold coffee couldn’t be easier than brewing it in the manual Bodum Bean. Simply place the coffee in the filter and water in the pitcher, secure the lid and place the unit in the fridge. Once chilled, use the plunging lid to press and release more flavor from the coffee grounds.
Both lids included with this model have secure locking mechanisms to preserve freshness and prevent spills. This simple cold brew coffee maker is also well suited for preparing large portions, thanks to its 51-ounce capacity. Cleanup is a snap, as the BPA-free plastic components are safe to place in the dishwasher. Despite its impressive features and user-friendly design, the Bodum Bean is surprisingly affordable. It’s a good choice for beginners and cold coffee lovers on a budget.
The KitchenAid cold brew coffee maker stands out for its attractive design and stainless steel components, giving it a high-end appearance that looks great on a countertop. It has an internal stainless steel steeper that holds the coffee grounds and a glass carafe for the water. When added to the maker, cold coffee brews when it’s placed in the refrigerator. It holds 38 ounces of coffee, which is enough to please a crowd.
When it comes to serving cold coffee from this KitchenAid cold brew maker, the built-in spout makes it easy to dispense beverages. What’s more, the carafe comes with a secure lid that ensures freshness for up to two weeks in the fridge. While it’s simple to use, this stylish model is ideal for the consumer who prefers a cold brew maker with modern aesthetics.
If you like small appliances with out-of-the-ordinary designs, you’ll appreciate this cold brew coffee maker’s glass Mason jar carafe. It can hold up to 32 ounces of coffee. Affordable and easy to use, this model has a reusable stainless steel mesh filter that keeps grinds in place while the coffee steeps. It’s easy to clean and will last through years of frequent use.
Serving and storing cold coffee in the Mason jar coffee maker is simple thanks to a leakproof lid with a strong handle. A flip top makes it easy to pour coffee into mugs or glasses. The components are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup. The low price is another selling point.
In testing the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, we were impressed with how simple it is to assemble and use. Even though we felt the instructions could be more detailed, using the coffee maker isn’t overly challenging to figure out. It sports a stylish design that fits well in most refrigerators. We love that it produces 32 ounces of smooth cold brew without the bitterness of standard coffee.
The OXO cold brew coffee maker has a glass carafe, which looks nice but feels fairly thin and must be handled with care. Other components are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. While this model requires disposable paper filters, it's a minor inconvenience. Ten paper filters are included with purchase to get you started brewing tasty cold coffee drinks.
Infusing nitrogen into cold coffee brews creates a unique flavor that’s creamy, sweet and slightly bubbly. The Royal Brew is a top seller that works with nitrogen or nitrous oxide cartridges to create special coffeehouse cold beverages from home. It has a generous 64-ounce stainless steel keg with an airtight lid, and an insulated design to keep coffee fresh and delicious. Although it holds a large portion of coffee, it fits in the refrigerator.
Easy to assemble and use, this coffee maker includes a creamer faucet to give cold coffee perfect froth, just like a barista would serve. Anyone who likes to experiment with different ingredients to make a wide range of coffee beverages will appreciate all this model has to offer.
The Takeya Deluxe may be simple, but it boasts a patented design and impressive features resulting in cold brew coffee with outstanding flavor. It has a durable carafe made of BPA-free Tritan plastic and comes in a choice of 1- or 2-quart sizes. Regardless of size, the maker has a trim structure that fits in the refrigerator. The reusable filter is made of fine mesh to prevent coffee grounds from escaping into the water.
If you prefer hot coffee over cold brew, this maker has you covered — the plastic material can handle high temperatures, so it can be used to make hot brews. It's also affordable and easy to clean, so it’s a smart choice for budget shoppers who like versatility in simple kitchen gadgets.
How we tested
We tested the De’Longhi Dinamica Coffee and Espresso Machine and the OXO Good Grips 32-Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker in our Testing Lab to see how they perform during real-world usage.
Ease of use
- Setup: To begin the testing process, we assessed whether the machines were easy to set up for use.
- Instructions: We read the instructions to see if they were helpful and easy to follow for setting up and using each model.
- Carafes: We looked at the carafes of the cold brew coffee makers and determined if they were easy to fill and store in the refrigerator.
- Cleaning: Our assessments included scrutinizing how easy the components are to clean. We noted whether certain pieces can be placed in the dishwasher.
Quality
- Appearance: Because the looks of appliances are important to many consumers, we factored in their aesthetic appeal.
- Size: We evaluated the size of each to see if they take up a lot of space on the countertop or in the refrigerator.
- Flavor: We wanted to know if the flavor of the cold coffee made by each model was flavorful and smooth, sweet or bitter.
Premium features
- Extra functions: We determined whether any extra features, such as a milk frother and bean grinder, were user-friendly.
- Filters: A filter is necessary in order to make cold brew coffee. We factored this into our testing.
- Brew time: We assessed how quickly each model produced cold brew coffee.
What to know before buying a cold brew coffee maker
Most cold brew coffee makers look like a pitcher with a filter inside for steeping coffee grounds or loose tea. Before settling on a model for your kitchen, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose one that fits your needs.
Type
The key to delicious cold coffee is allowing it time to steep to bring out the best flavors from the coffee grounds while reducing bitterness. As such, the most popular models are manual and work with a filter that holds the coffee grounds while they're submerged in water. Typically, it takes 10 to 14 hours in the refrigerator to complete the steeping process.
Much like pour-over coffee makers, the most popular cold brew coffee makers aren’t powered by electricity. However, some automatic electric coffee makers have cold brew functions for turning classic coffee drinks into refreshing cold beverages. They brew in minutes, which is considerably quicker than their manual counterparts. The downside is that the flavor usually isn’t as smooth or sweet as coffee produced by a manual model.
An alternative to regular cold brew coffee models is nitro cold brew coffee makers. Also manually operated, these cold coffee makers work with nitrogen or nitrous oxide cartridges and a tap to release the gas into the brews. The result is smooth coffee that’s slightly sweet and bubbly and less bitter than classic coffee.
Size
The capacity of cold brew coffee makers is measured in ounces. On average, makers can prepare between 32 to 64 ounces or 1 to 2 liters of cold brew at once. Keep in mind that each liter serves about 4 cups of coffee.
If you need a smaller model, cold brew makers with less than 32-ounce carafes and single-serve options are also available. If you plan to serve cold brew coffee to multiple guests or like the idea of storing a large portion in the refrigerator to enjoy over several days, a model with a spacious carafe may be a better option. Determine how much space you have in your refrigerator to be sure that a larger model will fit.
Material
Cold brew coffee maker carafes are made of glass, metal or plastic. All three are solid options, though plastic and metal are more durable since they won’t shatter if accidentally dropped. Regardless of the material you choose, it should be thick.
If you want a plastic model but are concerned about chemicals leaching into your brew, opt for one made of BPA-free plastic. If you’re set on a glass carafe, look for options made of strong, shatter-resistant borosilicate glass. Metal carafes should be double-walled for strength, and to help maintain freshness and temperature.
Additional features
- Filter: Mesh filters are the most common and are made of either stainless steel or durable plastic. The mesh should be fine enough to prevent sediment from infiltrating your concentrate while still allowing the coffee grounds to be thoroughly soaked. Paper filters are easier to clean up, but they'll be a recurring expense.
- Spout: Take a close look at the spout on the models you’re considering. It should allow the liquid to pour easily but be airtight when the lid is on. An airtight seal keeps the concentrate fresh longer.
- Maintenance: Read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully. Even if a particular model is dishwasher-safe, you might not be able to put all the parts in the dishwasher. A truly dishwasher-safe coffee maker makes your life easier in the long run.
Supplies
For a true DIY cold brew experience, you’ll need to grind whole coffee beans, and for this, you’ll need a coffee grinder. A grinder is a useful accessory for a coffee lover to have on hand. Grinding beans as you need them brews a fresher cup of coffee. Choose good-quality, medium or dark roast coffee beans.
Tips for using a cold brew coffee maker
You’re probably excited to start drinking refreshing iced lattes, but be aware that cold brew requires a long period for steeping. At least 24 hours will provide you with a robust and flavorful coffee concentrate. A little planning is needed, but once you’ve prepared your concentrate, it can be used throughout the week if stored correctly.
Here are some additional tips to help you make the best possible cup of cold brew coffee:
- Grind the beans right before steeping for the best-tasting cold brew.
- Measure out the correct ratio of coffee and water. Your cold brew coffee maker should come with instructions for achieving the correct ratio of coffee to water.
- Different water temperatures bring out different flavors in the coffee. Experiment to find what suits your taste buds.
- Enjoy! The resulting concentrate will be very strong. If you don’t want to add dairy, you might want to dilute the brew with cold water or ice cubes.
FAQ
Q. How much do cold brew coffee makers cost?
A. Cold brew coffee makers are available at a wide range of prices, and the cost depends on the model specifications.
Single-serve models and basic pitcher designs cost $20 or less and are typically made of plastic. You’ll pay between $20 and $150 for makers with a larger capacity and extra capabilities. Stylish designs, nitro capabilities and metal components can also be found in this price range.
Automatic models fall on the highest end of the price spectrum and can cost from $200 to $1,000 or more.
Q. Can I use my cold brew coffee maker for anything other than coffee?
A. Yes. Your coffee maker’s filter is likely compatible with loose-leaf tea. You might need to adjust the steeping time to keep tea concentrate from tasting bitter, however. Wash your filter thoroughly between uses to avoid any transfer of flavors.
Q. How finely should I grind my coffee beans for use in a cold brew maker?
A. Cold brew requires a coarse grind. It allows for the extraction of flavor without letting sediment seep through the filter into the water. If you notice residue at the bottom of your carafe or pitcher, you could be grinding the beans too finely, or you might have a poor-quality or defective filter.
Q. Does it make a difference if I purchase ground coffee instead of whole beans?
A. Ground coffee should be used immediately once the package is opened because it loses freshness quickly. Your cold brew will taste better if it’s made with freshly ground beans.
Q. Is there more caffeine in cold brew coffee?
A. Yes. The resulting brew is concentrated, so it contains more caffeine.
