Buying guide for Best cold brew coffee makers
A hot cup of coffee doesn’t quite hit the spot when temperatures skyrocket in the middle of the summer. Cold brew is a refreshing alternative and incredibly easy to make with a specially-designed coffee maker. The brew is concentrated, so it contains more caffeine than regular java, and the taste isn’t bitter, thanks to the long extraction process. Making your own cold brew at home is simple and more economical than stopping by the local coffee shop. Plus, when properly sealed, a single pitcher of concentrate lasts quite a while. Finally, cold brew doesn’t lose its flavor as quickly as hot coffee.
Cold brew is more than a matter of adding ice cubes to your morning mug of joe, though. You just won’t achieve the same results. The coffee isn’t concentrated enough, and melted ice just dilutes it further. Cold brew involves steeping coffee grounds for an extended period to get a strong coffee concentrate. You can then dilute the concentrate with ice or milk without losing flavor.
Key considerations
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, consider the following:
Size
Cold brew coffee makers vary in size, but one liter is the most common. You can also find larger containers, which are great for serving a crowd or storing your brew for use throughout the week. Remember, because the concentrate is very strong, you don’t need a lot for a single serving. If you opt for a larger model, consider the amount of real estate required to store the container inside your refrigerator.
Time
You’re probably excited to start drinking those refreshing iced lattes, but be aware that cold brew requires a long period of 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.
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.
Cold brew coffee maker features
Material
You’ll find cold brew coffee makers made of glass or plastic. Both are solid options, though plastic is more durable since it won’t shatter as easily if it’s accidentally dropped. Regardless of which material you choose, it should be thick. Are you browsing for a plastic model but concerned about chemicals leaching into your brew? Opt for one made of BPA-free plastic.
Filter
There are two main filter options available: mesh and paper. Mesh filters, the most common, 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 you’ll continually need to purchase new filters.
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 coffee maker that can go in the dishwasher will make your life easier in the long run.
Spout
Take a close look at the spout on the models you’re considering. It should allow for the liquid to pour easily but be airtight when the lid is on. An airtight seal keeps the concentrate fresh longer.
Design
There are many different styles of cold brew maker, from modern stainless steel vessels designed to fit in the fridge to elegant carafes perfect for serving guests.
Automatic
If you’re not interested in manually brewing cold coffee concentrate, you can purchase an automatic machine instead. Many also double as regular coffee makers. Automatic models are extremely pricey, however.
Accessories
You'll likely want a few supplies to help you make a good cold brew that will keep you cool and caffeinated.
Burr grinder: Freshly ground coffee will help you get the best flavor out of the coffee beans you choose.
Coffee beans: Good beans are a key ingredient in good cold brew.
Insulated tumbler: If you like to sip slowly, an insulated tumbler will help keep your cold brew cold.
Cold brew coffee maker prices
Inexpensive
Budget models that cost $20 or less include simple pitchers, often made of plastic, capable of holding at least a liter of concentrated brew. Expect to find basic no-frills designs in this price range. You may also encounter low-cost, portable, single-serve models.
Mid-range
At $20 to $50 you’ll find larger-capacity cold brew coffee makers made of higher-quality materials in more stylish designs.
Expensive
Premium options that cost $50 and more include models made of stainless steel, brand-name selections, large-capacity carafes, devices with automatic operation, and unique specialty models.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the best possible cup of cold brew coffee:
Grind the beans. Choose good-quality medium- or dark-roast coffee beans. Grind them right before steeping for the best-tasting cold brew.
Add grounds to filter. 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.
Add water. Different water temperatures bring out different flavors in the coffee. Experiment to find what suits your taste buds.
Steep the grounds for at least 24 hours.
Remove the filter and empty the grounds.
- 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. Can I use my cold brew coffee maker for anything other than coffee?
A. Absolutely. Your coffee maker’s filter is likely compatible with loose leaf tea. You might need to adjust the steeping time to keep the 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 cold brew carafe or pitcher, you could be grinding the beans too finely, or you might have a poor-quality or defective filter on your hands.
Q. Will 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 flavor 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 has more caffeine.
