THE BEST COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER IN 2024 8 TESTED BREWERS

I tested 13 cold brewers and came up with this list of 8 best cold brew coffee makers. From Hario to Takeya to Toddy and more, here are my test findings.

Photo: Julia Bobak

I selected brewers in various styles, sizes, and prices that all deliver a stunning, smooth, cold coffee result. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to jump on the cold brew bandwagon as soon as the temperature starts to warm up. And given the price of cold brew at coffee shops, I’m much more inclined to make it at home.

So I tested all the top-rated cold brew coffee makers to find out which are worth my time and money. Read on to find the best one for you.

The 8 Top Cold Brew Coffee Makers of 2024

You can make cold brew in something as simple as a mason jar or French press coffee maker. But, a dedicated cold brewer simplifies the process and guarantees a tasty result. 

If you’ve made cold brew before, you know it takes a lot of ground coffee. So don’t waste your precious beans on a subpar brewer; stick with these 8 tried-and-tested options.

Most cold brew coffee makers are pretty simple. After all, you can make cold brew in a mason jar in a pinch. So I need to encounter something special to designate a cold brewer the Best Overall. 

In the case of the OXO Good Grips Cold Brewer, that something was the patented Rainmaker coffee extraction lid, which also landed it on my list of top at-home coffee makers. It reminds me of the showerhead-style water dispensers in the best drip machines. The Rainmaker helps evenly distribute water over the grounds, ensuring complete saturation and even extraction (1).

The 24-ounce OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker also includes the Rainmaker if you prefer a smaller-capacity option.

The nifty brew-release switch is another nice touch, making it easy to drain the coffee concentrate into the included carafe. The carafe is good-quality borosilicate glass, so it doubles as a hot coffee carafe.

The whole assembly nests together for storage, which is handy because this brewer is quite tall. I opted to brew on the counter rather than having to rearrange my fridge shelves.

Toddy is one of the original cold brew coffee makers and is still one of the best in the business (2). It has a basic design that’s easy to set up, easy to brew, and easy to clean. Indeed, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Toddy is getting plenty of compliments from its competition.

Its unique felt filters set the Toddy Cold Brew System apart from others on this list. These cloth filters do a much better job trapping sediment than their mesh counterparts while being more durable than a paper filter.

In testing, I found that the felt filter meant I could use a finer grind, thus speeding the brew time to as little as 8 hours and unlocking different flavor profiles. It also yields a cleaner, sediment-free cup of coffee. 

The downside to the felt filters is they don’t last forever. Toddy recommends you replace them after 12 uses or three months, whichever comes first. So factor that into your budget; they cost about $5 each.

Japanese brand Hario is always a reliable choice for coffee-brewing equipment. They excel at basic, affordable designs that just work – no bells and whistles, nothing to go wrong.

The Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pitcher is a perfect example. They’ve crafted a lovely glass pitcher with a spout that pours like a dream, then added a mesh filter basket and lid to turn it into a cold brewer. I particularly appreciate that this slender all-in-one design fits in the door of my fridge rather than occupying a shelf.

The simple design means easy clean-up as well. After the brewing, I removed the filter, dumped the used grounds, and rinsed it with soap and water. Then I simply put the lid back on the pitcher of cold brew.

The resulting brew isn’t overly nuanced; the coffee tastes sweet and smooth. I enjoy it served with milk or topped with cold foam.

Hario also has a cold brewer that you can take on the go (if you’re careful enough because it’s made of glass). Learn more about it in my Hario Cold Brew Bottle review.

Cold brew is already one of the easiest brewing methods, but Goat Story has made it as easy as instant coffee with this kit – perhaps easier because you don’t even have to boil water.

The Goat Story Cold Brew Kit includes a beautiful opaque grey glass carafe and lid, plus three sachets of pre-measured, pre-ground specialty coffee. To brew, just drop in a sachet, add cold water, and wait. After the brew time, the used sachets are fully compostable.

I was initially skeptical, given my general distrust of pre-ground coffee, and I won’t say that freshly ground wouldn’t be better. But the Goat Story Kit is a fantastic option if you don’t own a burr grinder (3). 

You can choose between an Ethiopian or Nicaraguan single origin. I sampled the Ethiopian, which was sweet, vibrant, and flavorful.

By the way, if you own a good coffee grinder for cold brew, Goat Story sells a mesh filter that slots in the carafe lid so you can use your own ground coffee. This also offers more flexibility to brew concentrate.

The Takeya Cold Brew Bottle is essentially the Hario Mizudashi in design – just a few dollars cheaper and with a slightly smaller capacity. It’s an all-in-one device with a pitcher that doubles as the brew chamber, and like the Mizudashi, the resulting brew is more balanced than complex.

The obvious difference is that the Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is made from BPA-free Tritan plastic rather than glass.

Tritan plastic is super safe, even for hot brewing – you’ll find it in the new Aeropress Clear – so I have no qualms about this plastic coffee maker (4). In fact, I like that it’s lighter, more durable, and less expensive than glass alternatives.

The Takeya Pitcher has a comfortable beefy handle, which I appreciated when the pitcher was full and heavy. However, it made it impossible to slot in my fridge door (something I’m sure varies with fridge design). That said, I wasn’t overly bothered because it’s less than 10 inches tall and fit easily on a shelf. 

Are you someone who can’t get enough cold brew in the summer? I’m right there with you, and that’s why I love this clever design from KitchenAid. 

The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker has the largest capacity of any brewer on this list, making up to 19 servings of concentrate. But better than that, it has a stainless steel tap to easily dispense cold brew. Cold brew on tap right in the comfort of your kitchen; what a revelation!

Of course, a larger capacity necessarily means a larger footprint, but I had no trouble fitting this brewer in my fridge. Unlike some narrow, towering options, it has a space-saving cubical design. It’s also available in a more compact 28-ounce version if your cold brew habits are more modest than mine.

The last thing I’ll mention is the attractive and high-quality build. There’s no plastic here. The glass walls, brushed stainless finishes, and stainless steel filter look right at home in a modern kitchen.

For a much cheaper and more barebones large-capacity option, consider the 51-ounce Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker.

So you want cold brew coffee, and you want it right now. You might think your only option is to drop $5 at the local coffee shop. But you’d be wrong! Automatic cold brewers use “spin technology” to speed extraction without heat, producing cold brew in under an hour.

How well spin technology works varies considerably, in my experience, but I’ve been consistently impressed with this Cuisinart cold brew machine. It prepares a smooth and delicious cold coffee with ease in as little as a half hour.

Your chosen coffee strength dictates the brew time. Cuisinart offers mild (25 minutes), medium (35 minutes), or bold (45 minutes), but in my tests, the mild setting was really mild. I’d stick with medium or bold unless you want gently coffee-flavored cold water.

This automatic brewer is fairly pricey compared to the simple bottles above, so I’d only recommend it for serious cold brew enthusiasts – especially those who prefer not to plan their cravings a day in advance.

Five years ago, a nitro-chargeable cold coffee keg would never have been on this list. It would never have occurred to me even to put those words together. But the popularity of nitro cold brew is soaring, and I strive to keep up with trends (5).

Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen to give it a natural sweetness and creamy body. The Zulay NItro Keg does the hard work for you, dispensing coffee with the lovely cascade of fine bubbles you know and love. 

After filling and charging the keg, I enjoyed six glasses over ten days with no loss in quality. I tested it with nitrogen cartridges, which I think provide a creamier mouthfeel, but it also works with nitrous oxide. 

In fact, nitro cold brew stays fresh for longer than regular cold brew because it doesn’t oxidize, according to chemistry professor Matt Hartings (6). 

The question isn’t whether this brewer is good – it is – but whether it’s worth the cost and hassle for you. The Zulay brewer turns cold brew into nitro cold brew. So you still need to make or buy cold brew and buy gas cartridges. 

If nitro cold brew is an occasional treat, I say just splurge at the cafe. But if it’s a daily summer habit, or you want to impress some brunch guests, you’ll find value here.

How I Tested These Coffee Makers

• I evaluated each brewer on coffee flavor, ease of use, ease of cleaning, fridge compatibility, and value for money.
• To test coffee flavor, I prepared cold brew in each coffee maker using the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended brew ratio. I let the coffee sit in the fridge for 20 hours, unless instructed otherwise, before straining. If needed, I diluted with cold, filtered water to serve – again, as per instructions.
• I tested each brewer with the same freshly ground medium-roast coffee, except for the Goat Story Kit. I noted the flavor, body, aroma, and mouthfeel of the resulting cup of cold brew coffee. And I noted how much sediment was left in my cup.
• Ease of use considerations included how easy it was to set up and disassemble each brewer, how easy it was to clean, and how comfortably it could fit in the fridge. I also factored in build quality, materials, durability, and price to arrive at the final list.

What Is Cold Brew Coffee? Is It The Same As Iced Coffee?

Many brands use the terms “cold brew” and “iced coffee” interchangeably, which can be confusing for the unsuspecting shopper. So let me clear things up for you because they are not the same.

Cold brew coffee is made using cold water. The coffee grounds never experience heat. Different compounds are extracted from the beans than hot coffee, resulting in a smooth cup with a unique flavor profile.

Iced coffee is made by brewing a concentrated hot coffee and pouring it over ice. The ice simultaneously dilutes and chills the coffee to a regular-strength cold cup. The flavor profile is more similar to hot coffee because the coffee is extracted with hot water.

If you’re interested in iced coffee, check out our picks for the top iced coffee makers.

Why Drink Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is more popular than ever, and thanks to lingering effects of the pandemic, more and more people are brewing it at home (7).

But before you invest in a dedicated cold brewer, you want to be sure cold brew is for you. After all, most of these devices aren’t multi-purpose. Here are some things to consider.

• It’s easy to make: Cold brew coffee makers are simple to prepare and set up. You don’t need to be finicky about pouring techniques or timing.
• Low acidity: Because of the milder brewing process, cold brew has significantly less acidity than regularly brewed coffee. If you have heartburn, acid reflux, or a sensitive stomach, it may reduce your discomfort versus regular coffee – along with other health benefits.
• Fun recipes: Once you know how to make cold brew concentrate, you’ve got a whole range of options for customizing and experimenting with different recipes (8). I like to dilute mine with sparking water for a tasty caffeinated spritzer.
• Long shelf life: Cold brew concentrate can be r
• efrigerated for up to two weeks. If you have a busy life, it’s an easy instant brew to have on hand.
• Brings out unique coffee flavors: The cold brew process highlights different flavors than hot brewing, letting you enjoy your favorite beans in a fresh new way!

How To Choose The Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker For Your Home

Have I convinced you that a cold brew coffee maker is a vital addition to your coffee bar? Great! Now, let’s look at how to choose the right one for you.

Slow Drip vs Immersion Brewing

There are two methods for making cold brew coffee, each with advantages.

• Immersion cold brew is the more popular method because it’s so easy. Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for up to 24 hours, strain, and enjoy.
• For slow-drip cold brew, cold water is dripped over ground coffee for up to 24 hours, sort of like brewing a pour over in slow motion. It requires more attention and expertise than immersion but yields a more nuanced brew with complex flavors.

I invest in slow drip coffee to showcase a particularly exciting light or medium roast specialty coffee. I prefer the immersion method for a classic smooth medium or dark roast with chocolate and nutty flavors.

What about automatic cold brew coffee makers?

Automatic cold brewers use some sort of technology to speed the brewing process without adding heat, usually by rotating the filter basket. If you prefer to enjoy cold brew spontaneously, without the 24-hour waiting period, they are excellent; most can brew in under an hour. However, as a single-purpose electronic appliance, I’d only suggest buying one if you’re a frequent cold brew drinker. Otherwise, the value for money isn’t there.

Size and Capacity

Making cold brew concentrate requires a lot of coarsely ground coffee, so cold brewers tend to be large. When shopping, you need to balance making enough coffee with having space for your brewer. 

Cold brewing can be done on the kitchen counter, but many people (myself included) prefer to brew in the fridge. If you count yourself among them, measure and plan accordingly.

Some brewers have a large circumference that takes up a lot of space in your fridge, or they are too tall to fit on a fridge shelf. If you are tight for space, look at brewers with a slimmer profile, that are shorter, or are all-in-one units that combine the brewer and serving carafe.

How Filter Material Affects Your Brew

Cold brew coffee makers use paper, metal, cloth, or nylon mesh coffee filters. Paper filters have the advantage of producing a clean, sediment-free brew. But they aren’t reusable, so they’re less environmentally friendly and will increase your costs in the long run.

Cloth or wool filters strike a nice middle ground between a heavy-body coffee and a clean cup, but they are the most tiresome to clean and maintain. Mesh filters are easy to clean and minimize waste but will lead to extra sediment in the cup.

How Do You Make Cold Brew Coffee?

Preparing cold brew coffee is easy, especially using one of the dedicated cold-brew makers on this list. Here is a rough outline of the steps, but check out our guide on how to make cold brew for all the details.

The exact quantities will depend on the capacity of your brewer. I typically use 7 ounces of coffee and 32 ounces of cold water, which yields 28 ounces of coffee concentrate after filtering.

1. Grind coffee beans to a coarse grind.
2. Weigh out coarse coffee grounds. 
3. Add ground coffee to the brew basket of your cold-brew coffee maker.
4. Add cold filtered water, ensuring all the grounds are wet.
5. Let it brew between 8 and 24 hours.
6. Strain out the coffee grounds, and store the concentrate in the fridge.
7. When it’s time to serve, dilute the brew 1:1 or 1:2 with cold water or milk.

How long does it take to make cold brew?

The hands-on time to make cold brew is about 5 minutes. Then it’s a waiting game. If you prefer to brew at room temperature on the counter, plan on about 10-16 hours. If you’re brewing in the fridge, it may be 16-24 hours. The precise timing depends on your grind size, choice of coffee beans, and flavor preferences.

A batch of cold brew concentrate keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks. So once you’ve brewed it, you’re only seconds away from enjoying a tasty cup of cold-brew coffee.

The Verdict

Enjoying delicious cold brew doesn’t need to be expensive or difficult. The best cold brew makers are affordable and practical, and every one on this list has unique charms.

Of all the cold brewers we tested, my top pick is the OXO Good Grips. If you want to brew great cold brew coffee at home, this simple device makes it virtually foolproof thanks to its patented water distributor and brew-release switch.

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