OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker Review
Our Rating: 4.6/5
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
FEATURES:
- Rainmaker ensures optimal steeping
- Effortless filtration
- Water level markings
- Stainless steel filter, borosilicate carafe
- Compact and lightweight
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.6/5
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
FEATURES:
- Rainmaker ensures optimal steeping
- Effortless filtration
- Water level markings
- Stainless steel filter, borosilicate carafe
- Compact and lightweight
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker Review Summary
Typically, there are two broad types of coffee makers: complex, craft makers for seasoned brewers and simple, effortless models for inexperienced (or impatient) people. The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker falls right in the middle and it’s the perfect marriage between craft and convenience.
There’s a lot more to iced coffee than simply brewing cold joe, and this device highlights that. The star of the show is the Rainmaker, a part of the device that ensures water is evenly distributed over and through your grounds for smooth flavor extraction. Once your grounds are sufficiently soaked, flip the Brew Release switch to initiate filtration, and voila! — your cold brew coffee concentrate is ready.
See what I mean? On one hand, the OXO Good Grips cold brew maker crafts excellent coffee, but demands no effort or skill from you. It’s a stellar example of having the best of both worlds, though it’s no surprise when you learn OXO’s history.
In what must be the sweetest origin story I’ve ever read, founder Sam Farber designed the first OXO products for his wife, Betsy, who struggled with arthritis. Realizing that she couldn’t comfortably hold or use standard tools, OXO set out to rethink kitchen implements. Ease of use was always the priority, though quality was never compromised.
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is no exception. It’s efficient, accessible, compact and convenient, but falls on the higher end of cold brewers thanks to its sophistication, durability, and quality.
With a stainless steel filter, glass carafe, and silicone gasket, it’s clear that this cold brewer was built to last. When extended, it stands at 9.5 by 14.7 inches — though its components can be nested together to take up even less room when stored. Water level markings make gauging volume a breeze, and at just 4.4 pounds, it’s a lightweight machine that’s easy to handle and dismantle.
Excellent as the OXO cold brew maker may be, it’s not without a pitfall or two. Its biggest vice is that it drains slower than competing models, so it’s the wisest choice if you enjoy coffee to go. There’s also the fact that although it’s convenient, there is some setup time involved.
Regardless, this is one of the best cold brewers on the market and it’s highly recommended by many cold coffee enthusiasts. You’ll understand why when you put it to use.
Pros
- Durable materials
- Rainmaker ensures optimal flavor
- Compact components can be nested
- Water level markings for ease of use
- Brews a variety of drinks (tea included)
Cons
- Filtration is slower than similar makes
- Setup required
- Not all components are dishwasher safe
Features and Benefits of the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
It seems we have stumbled upon a brewer worthy of a second look; the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a wise investment for a number of reasons. Here’s why you should consider buying one.
Strong as an Ox
I like to tell people that they get what they pay for, and I think the OXO cold coffee brewer is the perfect example of that. Many manufacturers claim durability, but when it comes down to it, the bite doesn’t match the bark.
This is not the case for OXO. Its stainless steel filter, borosilicate glass carafe, and silicone gasket make a formidable team. This brewer is extremely unlikely to deteriorate or break before its time.
Yes, it costs more than most other cold brewers, but consider the investment you’re making and all the money you’ll save on maintenance and replacements.
Optimized Flavor and Aroma
The OXO Good grips cold brew maker isn’t exactly like other cold brewers. Its Rainmaker makes a world of difference to the quality, aroma, and flavor of your cold brew. It’s a simple feature, but one that gives the OXO Good Grips cold brew the upper hand.
By taking extra care to douse grounds evenly, the Rainmaker ensures that flavor is extracted consistently throughout. The result is a smoother, stronger coffee concentrate that tastes great no matter how you choose to drink it.
Extra Easy Operation
There’s almost nothing to using the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which is expected since all OXO products offer excellent ease of use. Beyond assembly, all you have to do is add your grounds and water and then wait.
Once the grounds have finished steeping, flip the switch to begin filtration and drain your concentrate into your carafe. That’s all! It’s almost like operating an automatic brewer. Add your coffee and leave it to it.
One thing to note, however, is that the OXO Good Grips cold brew maker is a slow brewing device. You’ll have to wait a few hours for the grounds to soak, but it is worth it!
Saves Space
I’m a huge fan of compact coffee makers, and the OXO Good Grips cold coffee brewer stands at just under 15 inches tall and 9.5 inches around. Since it will take a few hours for your coffee to steep, it’s great that it takes up so little room. No matter where you place it, it’s easy to work around and won’t get in your way.
Its compact size makes storage easy too. If you leave it standing at the ready, it won’t dominate your kitchen counters. If you’d rather pack it away in between brews, its components can be nested to take up even less room.
The OXO Good Grips cold brew maker is suitable for all kitchens but is particularly suited to smaller homes.
Endless Possibilities
It’s not just a cold coffee maker. Yes, the OXO Good Grips cold brewer’s main function is preparing coffee concentrate, but once it’s done its job, you can get as creative as you’d like.
Add your concentrate to warm or cold water or milk, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Your concentrate can also be added to hot chocolate, milkshakes, and other drinks. I even saw someone mention they bought the OXO cold brew to make their own homemade coffee liqueur!
You can also use the OXO cold brewer to make hot or cold tea for those days when you need something milder.
Easy Maintenance
Don’t be fooled by this cold brewer; it looks complex but remember that OXO products are specifically designed to make life easier. Maintaining this cold brewer is testament to that.
Stainless steel is easy to clean, hence the stainless title, and the brewer dismantles without any effort.
The glass carafe is dishwasher safe and saves you elbow grease. As for the rest of the components, you will have to hand wash them, but as it’s not a heavy-duty coffee maker, it requires little more than a good rinse.
What Do Users Say About the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew?
I’m impressed by the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker. It’s one of the coolest cold brewers I have stumbled upon. Still, I wanted to know if buyers felt the same so I looked at the feedback. I’m pleased to report that the consensus is positive.
Happy customers say the OXO cold brewer is easy to use, looks great, and makes excellent coffee. There’s a lot of praise for its functionality, and many people note its seamless operation. It’s worth noting that OXO’s customer service received kudos too, which is good to know!
On the other side of the fence, dissatisfied buyers say it uses an unjustifiable amount of grounds to produce the concentrate, while others say that the brewer is too small and can’t quench their cold brew needs sufficiently. There are also a few complaints that the OXO leaks, but it’s impossible to tell if the manufacturer or user negligence is at fault.
Overall, the vast majority of buyers are pleased with the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, and so it’s highly recommended that you give it a try.
Alternatives To The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
There is little to complain about when it comes to the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, but maybe it’s not the right brewer for you. If that’s the case, here are three devices that may pique your interest instead:
Perhaps you’re searching for a budget alternative to the OXO Good Grips cold brewer. If so, the Toddy Cold Brew System is bound to hit the spot. Its functionality is almost identical, though it takes a more hands-on approach.
The Toddy itself is built from durable plastic, and you get a glass decanter with a matching stopper included with your purchase. You’ll also get a brew container plug, and a set of felt and paper filters to get started.
Detachable handle
Accessories and filters included
Durable components
If the OXO’s high-end quality is what appeals to you, check out the Vinci Express cold coffee brewer. While it’s not quite the same as the OXO, it’s a sophisticated brewer that could change your cold brewing game.
You can choose from four different brew strengths, and your coffee will stay fresh for up to ten days. It also has a self-cleaning function to save you the trouble of maintenance. Best of all, it brews your coffee in as little as five minutes!
Same-day or instant cold brewing
Little to no maintenance
Choice in brew strength
This cold brewer has quality and style, plus, it’s an efficient device that will save you money, time, and effort. Its double structure stainless steel airtight ring will keep your coffee fresh for up to two weeks.
The pitcher is hand-blown borosilicate glass and includes a stainless steel filter. It’s easy to use, maintain, and can be used to brew a variety of warm and cold drinks, including tea.
Hand-crafted
Stainless steel filter
Airtight seal
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a high-end cold brew machine, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an excellent option. While it’s sophisticated and has all the bells and whistles, it won’t cost your life’s savings.
It’s perfect for enthusiasts who are looking for a different way to brew coffee without investing too much time or energy. The OXO Good Grips cold brewer is uncomplicated and designed to your advantage. Everything — set up, maintenance, storage — is simplified and made with efficiency in mind.
As great as the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is, it’s not suited to brewers who aren’t interested in craft coffee. It’s slower than others of its kind and unfortunately, it’s not a budget model. So if you’re looking for something fast and affordable, it may not be your best bet.
Still, there is much praise for this brewer’s quality, and I think it’s worth every penny. It truly is an investment that will last for a long time, and the coffee it produces is simply excellent.
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker FAQs
How Much Coffee Does the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker Yield?
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker has a 34 ounce (four-cup capacity), though some reports state that it yields 24 ounces (three cups) of concentrate.
Should I Brew My Coffee in the OXO Good Grips Brew Container or the Glass Carafe?
Use the provided brewing container. The Grounds have to steep for a few hours, and may not do so as well in the carafe, especially if you’re flooding them as you will waste your grounds for little difference in flavor. It’s best to use the OXO cold brewer as recommended by the manufacturers.
What Coffee Grounds Should I Use With My OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
You can buy whichever brand of coffee you prefer, but the coarser the grounds, the better. If your grounds are too fine, the filter won’t be able to hold them! Medium-coarse to coarse grounds offer the best results.
How Much Coffee Does the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker Yield?
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker has a 34 ounce (four-cup capacity), though some reports state that it yields 24 ounces (three cups) of concentrate.
Should I Brew My Coffee in the OXO Good Grips Brew Container or the Glass Carafe?
Use the provided brewing container. The Grounds have to steep for a few hours, and may not do so as well in the carafe, especially if you’re flooding them as you will waste your grounds for little difference in flavor. It’s best to use the OXO cold brewer as recommended by the manufacturers.
What Coffee Grounds Should I Use With My OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
You can buy whichever brand of coffee you prefer, but the coarser the grounds, the better. If your grounds are too fine, the filter won’t be able to hold them! Medium-coarse to coarse grounds offer the best results.