Summer is here, which means coffee lovers everywhere are turning to cold brew. Sure, the stuff costs a small fortune at cafés, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with a cold brew maker. Cold brew coffee, as the name suggests, is brewed in cold or room temperature water. Cold water reacts in a less volatile way with coffee grounds, which is why cold brew needs to be steeped for a lot longer. But the result is a uniquely flavored iced coffee that boasts several benefits and isn’t watered down by ice. The brew is strong in flavor, smooth, a little bit sweet and less bitter.
The main problem with cold brew is time, as it requires between 12 and 24 hours, depending on your recipe. But most of that time is idle. All you have to do is use your coffee grinder, then add the grinds to cold water and leave it until it’s ready.
The two main problems with making cold brew at home are measuring and filtering, which can be tricky if you don’t know the exact size of your coffee maker. That’s where cold brew coffee makers come in handy.
Cold brew coffee makers typically consist of a carafe or jar with a removable filter in the middle. This filter can be filled with ground coffee and left to infuse the water. The removable filter makes the measuring process simpler and the clean-up faster.
How to Make Cold Brew Using a Cold Brew Coffee Maker
As previously mentioned, this process is surprisingly simple and can be summarized in a few vital steps.
1. Combine Grounds and Water: Measure your ground coffee beans into the filter. Add cold or room-temperature water to the maker and seal it.
Related Stories
2. Brew: Depending on the beans, your desired strength and the recipe you’re following, leave your coffee in the refrigerator or at room temperature to steep for 12 to 24 hours. Keep in mind some of the more modern cold brew machines may significantly cut down on that time.
3. Pour: Once the correct amount of time has elapsed, remove the ground coffee from the maker and enjoy. In the right container, cold brew coffee can stay fresh for up to three weeks.
Below, you’ll find the best cold brew coffee makers available right now. Each device is well-reviewed, and many can be used for steeping loose-leaf tea as well.
1. OXO BREW Cold Brew Coffee Maker
BEST OVERALL
If countertop space isn’t much of an issue for you, this beloved cold brewer has a separate brewing chamber and carafe that’s designed to sit on your counter. Fill the brewing container with ground coffee then pour water over the slotted rainmaker lid to slowly and evenly cover the grounds. When the coffee is ready, you push the button down and the coffee flows into the carafe. The container is easy to clean and since it’s separate from the carafe, you don’t have to clean it right away. You can also put the carafe in the fridge.
2. Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
RUNNER UP
Takeya’s simple and affordable cold brew maker is a great option for those who are committed to cold brew but don’t have a ton of counter or fridge space. The Tritan-plastic container holds one quart of liquid, and it’s slim enough to fit in most fridge doors. The coffee maker has a large handle with a silicone grip for easy pouring, and the twist-off top houses the fine mesh filter, which is easy to fill, set and remove. The mesh filter is designed to be used with finely ground coffee and allows for minimal seepage.
3. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot
BEST BUDGET
With its sleek and slender design, the Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot offers a stylish way to produce cold brew. It’s constructed from high-quality, heat-proof glass and comes in red, black or brown. From each round of brewing, the pot creates up to 4.5 cups of coffee, while the slim spout allows for slow yet precise pouring. Furthermore, post-use cleaning is quick and easy, as it’s dishwasher safe.
4. Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System
MOST VERSATILE
The simple design of this cold brew maker from an established cold brew brand is why it’s so genius. Soak coffee grounds in the plastic container then release the silicone stopper to easily fill the glass decanter on which it sits. The result is a flavorful and smooth coffee that stays fresh for up to two weeks. We love how easy it is to customize: brew a lot or a little, add flavorings for a special batch or decrease the amount of coffee grounds for a weaker (but still flavorful) brew.
5. Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker
BEST AUTOMATIC MAKER
Want cold brew coffee with as little effort as possible? Try this seven-cup machine that automatically whips up a cup in as little as 25 minutes. It’s a great, quick option for beginners who know what they like but not necessarily how to make it. Especially since it boasts cool features like the strength selector and an indicator light. All removable parts are also dishwasher-friendly for an easy clean, and once brewed, the coffee itself lasts for up to two weeks in the fridge.
6. OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
BEST COMPACT MACHINE
If you have a small kitchen or are running low on extra space in the fridge, OXO’s compact cold brew coffee maker packs a big punch. The 24-ounce container still holds plenty of coffee, but the perforated rainmaker top takes up less space than some of the other models on this list. In fact, the entire thing weighs just over a pound when empty. The coffee itself is decent and easy to make, too. Just pour water over the grounds in the reusable stainless steel mesh filter and let it do its thing for 12 to 24 hours on your countertop or in the fridge. When your coffee’s ready, use the included cork stopper for easy and fresh storage.
7. VacOne Air Coffee Brewer
BEST PORTABLE
Want cold brew — or hot brew — coffee on the go? This handy contraption from VacOne makes it possible. The sleek design brews up to 13.5 ounces of coffee in four minutes with its air vacuum technology, which promises to quickly pull out more flavor from those grinds. It’s easy to use and features a simple two-piece design along with a USB charger, which makes it ideal for those bleary-eyed solo trips for work.
8. Ohom Sio Cold Brew Pitcher
BEST PITCHER
When the temperature outside begins to heat up, no one would blame you for wanting to keep a pitcher of your favorite cold brew in the fridge. That’s where this newer model from Ohom comes in handy. The 54-ounce pitcher comes with a nine-inch, fine-mesh filter that’s great for small or large batches of coffee (or tea, fruits, herbs or veggies). There’s also a handy marker system along the side of the pitcher itself that corresponds with the included measuring spoon, ensuring a perfect cup of cold brew every single time.
9. Nispira Iced Coffee Cold Brew Drip Tower
COOLEST DESIGN
If you want a functional cold brew coffee maker that also looks swanky on your countertop, reach for this drip tower from Nispira. The vintage design features an hourglass-style drip coffee function to make six to eight cups of java at a time. It’s easy to use and easier than you’d think to clean as well. But our favorite part is the design, which allows for easy coffee infusions, whether it be flavored syrups or good old-fashioned alcohol or liquor.
10. Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
BEST COLORS
This simple and intuitive cold brew maker is made from sturdy borosilicate glass with a protective plastic base and lid. It has a simple, twist-top design that allows you to access the removable filter. The curved spout and oversized handle make it easy to grip and pour, and it’s designed to be small enough to fit in most fridge doors. Arguably the best feature is the removable bottom on the brew filter, making it easy to clean. It also has a full capacity of 1.6 quarts and comes in five different colors.
11. County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker
BEST MASON JAR BREWER
This County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker includes a one-quart mason jar, a fine mesh metal filter and a plastic twist lid with a flip-top spout. The mesh filter is easily removable, so you can take it out once the coffee is done steeping. The great thing about this system is that since mason jars are readily available, you can easily replace the included one with another wide-mouth mason jar should the original break.
12. Cafe du Chateau Cold Brew Coffee Maker
BEST FILTER
By using a superfine, laser-cut, stainless steel filter, the Cafe du Chateau Cold Brew Coffee Maker can produce well-steeped coffee every time. The maker features a large, 34-ounce capacity and includes a two-stage, airtight lid to lock in flavors. You’ll also find a temperature-safe glass carafe and a built-in, easy-grip handle for comfortable distribution post steeping. Furthermore, the maker is supplied with a free brewing guide and sports clear measurement markings for precise production quantities.
13. KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
BEST FOR BIG BATCHES
The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a classy kitchen addition. It’s constructed from high-quality materials, including stainless steel and glass, which combine to give the maker its attractive appearance. This maker is available in either a 28 or 38-ounce capacity and includes an easy-to-carry handle for convenient portability. The design also includes a front-facing tap for simple dispensing, while the compact size allows you to keep it in your fridge door shelf.
14. Zulay Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker
BEST DISPENSER
Dispensing from this coffee maker is convenient and accurate thanks to the Zulay Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker’s built-in spigot. The jar-like device is made from shock-proof, reinforced glass for greater durability and security, while the internal, removable filter prevents coffee grounds from passing into your brew. And, the airtight lid helps maintain your cold brew’s freshness for longer. In addition, this coffee maker is available in either a one-gallon or 1.5-liter capacity and even comes with a handy cleaning brush.
15. Coffee Gator Cold Brew Maker
MOST VERSATILE
The Coffee Gator Cold Brew Maker is a versatile glass carafe that can produce up to 37 ounces of cold brew coffee, iced tea or other beverages. It’s constructed from rugged, BPA-free glass that can handle both hot and cold preparations, while the maker’s leak-proof lid is capable of keeping coffee fresh for up to three weeks. This device is supplied with both a funnel and a scoop as well as an ultra-fine mesh filter for preventing ground coffee from mixing into your drink. Plus, the two built-in handles make carrying and pouring the finished product especially simple.
16. Ovalware Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
BEST BEAKER
This stylish, beaker-like cold brew maker is from Ovalware, and it has several features that make for convenient brewing and a tastier cold brew. The stainless steel lid has a rubber gasket that provides an airtight fit while brewing and storing. This helps prevent oxygen and fridge odors from messing with the flavor. A removable metal filter is attached to the lid. Furthermore, the side of the carafe has milliliter and cup measurements for easily fine-tuning your preferred recipe. Plus, the carafe comes with a non-slip rubber base to protect the glass.
17. Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
BEST FOR NITRO
For something a little different, why not try adding a hint of nitrogen to your cold brew with the Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker? This stylish coffee maker incorporates a special gas blend and stout beer faucet, which allows for better-tasting cold brew coffee that will remain fresher for longer. The maker is available in a 64 or 128-ounce capacity and also comes in either stainless steel or matte black finish. There’s no doubt this is a classy-looking device for doling out a daily dose of caffeine.