Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in 2023 — Buyer's Guide, Reviews, and Comparisons
Are you looking for a unique, effortless way to brew craft coffee? Our pick of the best cold brew coffee maker checks both those boxes and then some. Cold brewing is an underrated art, and thanks to dedicated cold brewers for home use, it’s not complicated at all. You can enjoy exquisite artisanal coffee even if you have no knowledge of or experience in craft coffee. These versatile coffee makers are compact, versatile, and immensely easy to use. The best bit? They’re relatively inexpensive too!
- BPA-free Tritan plastic build
- Reusable fine mesh filter included
- Highly compact
- Airtight seal
- Non-slip handle
Cold Brew Coffee Makers Information
Cold Brew Coffee Makers Comparison Table
Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker Buyer’s Guide
What Is a Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
Are There Different Types of Cold Brew Coffee Makers?
Advantages of the Cold Brew Coffee Method
How To Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Cold Brew Coffee Makers Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Portable | Best Portable |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Takeya Cold Brew Review | |
Best Craft Cold Brewer  | Best Craft Cold Brewer |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Toddy Cold Brew Review | |
Best for Ease of Use  | Best for Ease of Use |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon OXO Good Grips Review | |
Best Compact  | Best Compact |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Ovalware Cold Brew Review | |
Best Value for Money  | Best Value for Money |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Primula Pace Review | |
Best Premium  | Best Premium |
Features
| Check Price At Amazon Asobu Cold Brew Review |
In a hurry? Skip to our reviews of our top picks:
Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker Buyer’s Guide
Casual coffee drinkers may not realize how much variety exists in brewing. From the precision of espresso to the simplicity of pods to standard coffee machines — there really is something for everything.
But, it seems all other methods have a common denominator: hot water. The cold brew coffee method, as the name implies, does things differently, but the resulting artisanal, cafe-quality coffee is the same.
So let’s take a look at the best cold brew coffee makers, and show the black sheep of the family some love.
Whoever said that good things come to those who wait must have been a cold brewer. This method is perfect for you if you’re looking for an effortless way to brew, but don’t mind spending a little extra time on your joe. It’s not a fast or instant process, but it’s ridiculously easy and well worth the patience required.
Cold brewing is also a versatile method. Contrary to popular belief, it does not begin and end with iced coffee. Using a cold brew coffee machine, you can make both chilled and hot coffee or tea, as well as a variety of other drinks depending on your creativity.
Generally speaking, cold brew coffee makers are great for people on the move who enjoy taking their bean juice with them. It’s a rare occasion that you’ll find a cold brewer that isn’t compact, lightweight, and airtight. There is little setup and maintenance involved, and believe me when I say that there is no learning curve to this method.
All brewing methods come with a caveat that they’re not for everyone, but cold brewing has a perfect balance. It’s craft coffee without the hassle, bells, whistles, or prerequisite expertise, so absolutely everyone can make the most of it.
On top of all this, our top cold brew coffee makers are selected based on just how efficient and simple they are. Take your pick! Here’s what you’ll get out of every single one of them:
Effortless craft coffee
High value for money
Compactibility
Portability
Variety
What Is a Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
“Cold brew coffee machine” is a fancy way of saying iced coffee maker, right? Wrong!
Cold brewing is a great way to make iced coffee, but the two are not synonymous.
Put it this way: cold brewers extract flavors with time rather than quick bursts of heat and pressure like most other brewing methods. Iced coffee is simply joe that’s been cooled, regardless of how it was initially brewed. Cold brewing is a process, iced coffee is a product.
So how exactly does a cold brew coffee maker work? It’s simple. They’re specialized containers that allow coffee grounds to steep in cold or room temperature water for 12 hours or more. Once the flavor has been drawn, your grounds will pass through a filter and only the good stuff will remain.
Are There Different Types of Cold Brew Coffee Makers?
Yes, but there’s no need to worry about that as our picks of the best cold brew coffee makers are all the same style. Still, for the sake of education, there are three types of cold brewers:
Automatic Cold Brewers
Automatic cold brewers are digital or motorized so they’re fast. So fast, in fact, that they remove steeping time (the defining element of cold brewing) entirely. Automatic cold brewers are still fantastic machines, but they tend to cost more and aren’t much different from hot brewers. For these reasons, none have made our list.
Drip Cold Brewers
These are simply drip coffee makers that use cool water instead of warm. It’s a valid method of cold brewing but because this process can be complicated and drip cold brewers aren’t common and cost more, none piqued our interest as the best cold brewers out there.
Immersion Cold Brewers
These cold brewers are our top picks. These work by adding cold, cool, or room temperature water to grounds and leaving them to soak before filtration. They’re the standard for a reason; they’re arguably the most efficient cold brewers. If you want to learn how to make cold brew coffee the classic way, definitely go for an immersion unit.
Advantages of the Cold Brew Coffee Method
I’ll bet my own personal coffee pot that you’re searching for the best cold brew coffee machine because you’ve heard it’s the best way to brew.
You’re not wrong, cold brewing coffee offers several advantages. Let’s take a look:
It’s the Healthiest Way to Brew
It turns out we’ve been lied to and caffeine is actually good for you, in moderation. Studies show that four to six cups of coffee a day can improve your mood and metabolism (aiding weight management), may extend your lifespan, and can reduce your risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and type two diabetes.
As for cold brewing specifically, researchers from Thomas Jefferson University discovered that the cold brew method releases fewer harmful chemicals than hot brewing. This is because certain compounds (that aren’t so good for you) are heat-activated. By removing heat from the brewing process, cold brewing excludes these bad guys and produces a purer, healthier drink.
It doesn’t end there. Cold brewing is also less acidic and gentler on your stomach. Plus it contains a slew of antioxidants that improve your overall vitality.
More Variety
The best cold brew coffee makers pack a punch and do more than most coffee machines. You may find this hard to believe because, as explained, they simply steep and filter grounds, but it’s what happens next that makes the difference.
Most cold brew coffee makers produce a coffee concentrate, and you can use this concentrate for, well, anything. If you’d like to mix it with cold milk, go ahead. If you want to dilute it in hot water for a warm cuppa joe, that’s fine. Use it for baking, in alcoholic drinks, or to jazz up your milkshakes. The possibilities are endless.
In the case of cold brew coffee makers that don’t produce this concentrate, you still get a ton of variety. As you’ll see in our cold brew coffee maker reviews, all of these machines can make coffee and tea, to be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
Fresher Coffee, Compactness, and Portability
Cold brew coffee makers are designed with chilled coffee in mind, so it’s only natural that your cold brew lasts in the fridge. Most cold brewers come with an airtight seal that keeps your coffee fresh for up to two weeks, locking in flavor and maintaining the integrity of your joe.
This also means that cold brewers are generally much smaller than other coffee machines. Combined with the airtight storage, these coffee makers are your best bet if you find yourself on the move often. They’re easy to carry and won’t make a mess in your car.
Ease of Use
Last, but not least, there’s no learning curve involved in cold brewers.
Cold brew coffee makers almost always lack bells and whistles. There’s no programming involved, no complicated set-up, no alien lights or futuristic buttons to push, and no specialized equipment is necessary to use or clean them.
It truly is a case of ‘just add water.’ Anyone can find their way around these devices, so they’re excellent for technophobes!
How To Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
There’s one more thing to cover before we get to our cold brew coffee maker reviews, and that’s how to pick a favorite. Before you settle on the best cold brew coffee maker for you, consider the following.
Size and Shape
You’ll want to consider your cold brew coffee maker’s form. The best cold brew coffee makers are small enough to fit inside your fridge without hassle, and so have straightforward designs to better accomplish this.
Many cold brewers can be disassembled for easy storage as well, like three of our top picks, the OXO Good Grips, Toddy Cold Brew System and the Asobu cold brewer.
Portability
Since cold brewers are smaller than other coffee makers, for the most part they’re portable by default. Still, you’ll want to make sure that you can carry it with you safely, no matter how you transport it.
If you’re looking for a portable cold brewer, the first thing you should look for is an airtight seal. Not only will this prevent spills and mess, but it will also keep your coffee fresher for longer. Of course weight matters too. The lighter your cold brewer, the easier it is to transport.
Our favorite of the bunch, the Takeya, is a prime example of a compact and portable cold brewer. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more pizzazz, the Asobu cold brewer has a vacuum seal that locks temperature in (hot or cold) for hours.
Build and Components
You’ll find that most cold brewers are built from either borosilicate glass or Tritan plastic. Both are excellent, hardy materials, so what it comes down to is how you’ll use your brewer.
If you fancy carrying it with you in your luggage, you’re better off choosing a plastic one, just in case. If you’re searching for an aesthetically pleasing cold brewer to show off on your counters, a glass model will hit the spot. I recommend the Ovalware if looks matter to you, it’s sleek, shiny, and perfectly modern.
As for the components, not every cold brewer is equipped with a stainless steel filter, but when possible, choose a model with this feature. These filters ared generally rust-proof and will last for ages.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Most importantly, you should ask yourself how much extra time and effort you’d like to pour into your cold brewing. Some cold brewers are more hands-on. One example is the Toddy Cold Brew System, on account of the minor set-up involved and that you have to keep an eye on its filters. There’s also the OXO Good Grips, which includes a brew release switch for simpler filtration.
When considering effort, don’t forget maintenance. Not all cold brewers can be popped into a dishwasher, and some (that can be dismantled) will have more components requiring TLC than others.
Generally speaking, all cold brewers are easy to own though, and whether or not you spend time on your craft, you’ll get delectable coffee just the same.
Our Pick of the Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- Patented airtight design
- BPA-free, shatterproof Tritan plastic
- Four-cup capacity
- Odor, stain and leak-free
- Non-slip handle
There’s an art to cold brewing, and this coffee maker has perfected the process. Use it to brew, serve, or even store your coffee — whether it’s warm or iced. This simple yet sophisticated coffee maker will save you money and effort in more ways than one. Its patented airtight and leak-free design keeps your brewed coffee fresh for up to two weeks, store your brew on its side in your fridge or in travel bags.
This coffee maker emphasizes convenience. Built from premium, BPA-free Tritan plastic, it is odor and stain-free as well as shatterproof. It also features a non-slip silicone handle and is dishwasher safe. A fine mesh filter guarantees smooth coffee every time.
With a four-cup capacity, this coffee maker is compact, efficient, and perfect for tight kitchens and small families. There’s little to criticize here, it’s a firm favorite at a price no one would quibble about.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- Patented cold brewer design
- BPA-free plastic brewer
- Glass decanter with stopper
- Two reusable felt filters and three paper filters included
- Brews coffee concentrate
Arguably the original cold brewer (and perhaps the best), this coffee maker’s popularity shows that it isn’t going anywhere. Its ease of use and hands-on approach shine when craft brewing, while its versatility and efficiency are winners in terms of quality.
This is an affordable, mid-range brewer that offers more than you would expect at first glance. A BPA-free plastic brew container (with lid and handle), a glass decanter and stopper, reusable felt filters, and paper filter samples are all included with purchase.
It may not be the most modern cold brew coffee maker around, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s been a firm favorite for decades and is an excellent choice for both professional and hobbyist brewers of all skill levels.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.6/5
FEATURES:
- Rainmaker ensures optimal steeping
- Effortless filtration
- Water level markings
- Stainless steel filter, borosilicate carafe
- Compact and lightweight
This cold brewer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for high quality with little effort. Its Rainmaker system is designed to precisely and evenly steep grounds for optimal flavor, while filtration is as easy as a flip of a switch. Built with borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and silicone, it’s as durable as it is simple.
An already compact and lightweight model, this brewer can easily be dismantled and nested for extra convenience. Since it produces coffee concentrate, it’s also versatile, enabling you to make iced coffee exactly as you like it. Consider it the full package — it’s sophisticated, efficient, and oh so easy to use.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.6/5
FEATURES:
- Airtight seal
- Laser-cut filter
- Stainless steel, rust-proof components
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic non-slip handle, rubber base
If you’re looking for an excellent coffee maker that won’t take up your time, money, or space, the Ovalware Cold Brew is perfect. Designed to brew your iced coffee in two steps — and fit comfortably in your fridge — this stylish model is ideal if you’d rather avoid complicated devices and methods.
Though it’s a budget maker that prioritizes convenience, it shines in terms of quality too. The brewer is handcrafted and made from laboratory-grade borosilicate glass. A laser-cut, stainless steel filter and cap, and a BPA-free airtight seal that keeps your coffee fresh are included. All components are dishwasher safe.
This cold brewer is as versatile as it is stylish. It’s compact, portable, and makes both hot and cold coffee, tea, and other drinks. This is a luxury coffee maker that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Plus, it looks great in any kitchen.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.6/5
FEATURES:
- Borocilicate glass build
- Removable brew basket
- Non-slip and leak-proof
- Compact design
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe
It’s unlikely you’ll go wrong with this coffee maker, regardless of your budget or experience cold brewing. An excellent model from a well-respected brand, Primula’s Cold Brew coffee maker is made with three things in mind: simplicity, affordability, and quality.
Built from borosilicate glass for durability, the brewer includes a fine mesh filter and a leak-proof lid that keeps your coffee fresh for up to two weeks. Its compact design and non-slip base make storage a breeze, while its removable brew basket (complete with a removable bottom) enables easy maintenance. It’s also dishwasher safe for your convenience.
As a bonus, this model can cold brew tea as well. It’s efficient, simple, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. But it doesn’t cut any corners or compromise quality or functionality.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.5/5
FEATURES:
- Vacuum insulated portable mug
- Tritan plastic carafe
- Rust-proof stainless steel filter
- Six-cup capacity
- Spill-proof seal
The first of its kind, this cold brewer keeps your coffee cold even while you’re on the go, making it the most convenient and sophisticated iced coffee maker on the market.
This high end brewer is built from sturdy, BPA-free Tritan plastic and includes a rust-proof stainless steel mesh filter. An included portable copper mug features double-walled vacuum insulation that keeps your coffee cold for hours, no matter where you’re storing it.
Compared to other cold brewers it’s a mean machine with a six-cup capacity, but don’t worry, it’s compact enough to fit in your fridge too. In fact, when refrigerated, its spill-proof seal keeps your coffee fresh for up to two weeks.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
Our Top Pick
Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Cold brewing seems like a complicated brewing process, but it’s exactly the opposite. The best cold brew coffee makers are immensely easy to use, and the resulting joe will taste cafe-brewed.
A cold brewer is your go-to if you’re willing to invest time, but not effort, into the art of the bean. It’s a slow process, with most cold brewers demanding at least 12 hours to extract your coffee, but it is absolutely worth the wait. Cold brew coffee lasts longer, is healthier, and offers you a ton of variety once it’s ready.
They’re also simpler, in both design and operation, than almost all other coffee makers, and are perfect for those hoping to make craft coffee without the learning curve or specialized equipment. Best of all, cold brewers are affordable with high value for money. Even the premium models won’t set your wallet on fire.
Patience is required to make the most of these brewers, but this is a small price to pay for the coffee’s quality. The best cold brew coffee makers are — like their brewing method — the coolest!
Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker FAQs
What’s the Best Cold Brew Coffee To Buy?
This is purely a matter of your tastes and preferences. If you’d like to buy specialized cold brew coffee, go ahead, but it’s not a must. You can use any coffee grounds that you prefer, though most experts recommend using coarser grounds for best results.
Can You Make Cold Brew Coffee Without a Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
Yes you can, but it potentially costs more, is bound to make more of a mess, and requires more effort on your part. While all you need is a jar (or two) and a filter, putting it all together is not as simple as it sounds.
Cold brew coffee makers are designed to remove this hassle, and since they’re so affordable, there is little reason to build a makeshift device.
Does Cold Brew Coffee Taste Better Than Regular Coffee?
Scientifically speaking, yes! Because cold brew coffee is less acidic, its flavor is more palatable. Your coffee will have a smoother profile, so it won’t taste as bitter as hot brew coffee. Of course, if you prefer bolder flavors, you can play around with different roasts.
What Happens if You Leave Cold Brew Coffee for Too Long?
If you leave cold brew coffee for too long, it will inevitably lose its flavor profile. If you steep for too long (that is, more than 24 hours), all the unpleasant flavors, acidity, and chemicals that cold brewing avoids will make their way into your joe. So, you’ll end up with a regular brew that took more than a day to make. Don’t do it!
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