8 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers for a Perfect Cup of Joe
Updated: Dec. 02, 2022Whoever said money can't buy happiness has never enjoyed an icy cup of coffee on a hot summer day. Make your own with a cold brew coffee maker from our list of favorites below.
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What is cold brew?
If you love cold coffee, you might wonder, what’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee? The answer: Cold brew coffee is steeped in cool water and refrigerated for 12 to 24 hours. But that’s not all that sets it apart from other types of coffee. Because the cold brewing process doesn’t steam off caffeine, cold brew coffee has a bigger caffeinated punch and a smoother, richer flavor. It also keeps for two weeks in the fridge.
“We brew hundreds of pounds of coffee per week to keep up with demand,” says Jodie Dawson, who co-founded Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. in 2011 in the Catskill Mountains and now has a buzzing business in New York, New Jersey, and online. To get your daily cold brew fix without the coffee shop price tag, invest in your own cold brew coffee maker. Once you’ve chosen your favorite brewer below, poor your coffee over ice and swirl in milk, cream, oat milk, whatever your pleasure—or try one of these unexpected coffee add-ins.
Bodum Eileen French Press
Best for simplicity
“The beauty of the cold brew method is that you don’t need fancy equipment,” notes Dawson. She recommends a French press—it’s the opposite of those coffee shop drinks with confusing names. It doesn’t even require a power cord. The Bodum Eileen French Press in mod silver chrome is named for Eileen Gray, a celebrated Irish-born architect and designer who lived in Paris. Scoop coarse grounds in, add cold water, stir gently, and steep in fridge with the lid on and the plunger up. Press down on the plunger when you’re ready to filter and pour.
OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Best for every day
If you’re the type of person who reaches for cold brew no matter the weather, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is for you. Not only does it deliver superior cold brew flavor and ease of prep (with an overhead RainMaker brewing compartment that allows you to slip your cup right under the spout to dispense), it also brews up to four cups at a time so you have enough caffeine on tap to put up with anyone’s terrible coffee puns.
Zulay Kitchen 1 Gallon Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Best for brewing in bulk
This gallon size, dishwasher safe brewer is perfect for your next event or gathering, featuring a spigot design for easy refilling. It also includes a stainless steel mesh filter and non-slip counter grip. Plus, it will keep your coffee fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Ovalware Airtight RJ3 Cold Brew Maker
Stylish pick
Coffee, like honor, runs in the veins. The Ovalware founders named this model after their parents—R for Rosalynn and J for James. The Ovalware Airtight RJ3 Cold Brew Maker fits perfectly on the fridge shelf and the snug seal keeps flavor fresh. After brewing, remove the stainless-steel filter insert and take the chic little coffeepot to the table. Use it for iced and hot tea, or other coffee alternatives too.
Oranlife Cold Brew Glass Bottle
Best for travel
Taking your cold brew on the go requires a durable, functional brewer. The Oranlife Cold Brew Glass Bottle holds 26 ounces and will fit nicely into your car’s cup rest or the side of your backpack. You could even bike into town with this baby in your basket or in your handlebar cup holder. Plus, it comes with a sleeve so you don’t have to deal with cold or wet fingers.
GrowlerWerks Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Best splurge
This is for the serious cold brew fan. The integrated nitro cold brew coffee maker and dispenser holds 50 ounces and comes in sleek black chrome. It keeps coffee fresh and creamy for weeks with vacuum insulation, double filtration, and a patented nitro tap. But no matter how crafty, the new owner of a GrowlerWerks Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker should watch the how-to video.
OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Space saving
If you don’t have a lot of counter space, get the can-do little sister to the larger OXO. The OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker makes up to a pint of that lovely dark elixir. Brew on the counter or in the fridge, dispense into the included jar, and store your cold brew in the same container using the cork stopper.
Toddy Cold Brew System
Best value
This classic “pioneer” makes a luxe, indulgent drink and can also be used to cold brew artisanal tea. Extra perk: The BPA-free Toddy Cold Brew System comes with two reusable filters, a newly included brewing container lid, and a glass decanter with top.
Bonus: Ball Collectors Edition Mason Jars
Back to basics
If you’re a purist and want to do it the old-school way, skip the cold brew coffee maker altogether. “If we cold press, we use Mason jars, let the coffee steep for 24 hours and pour it out over cheesecloth,” says John Ostrand, owner of cult and mail-order favorite Green Tree Coffee and Tea in Lincolnville Beach, Maine. For beauty and the brew, get the vintage aqua version of the beloved jar.
Oops! Spilled your cold brew? Here’s how to remove coffee stains.
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Sources:
- Jodie Dawson, co-founder of Java Love Coffee Roasting Co.
- John Ostrand, owner of Green Tree Coffee and Tea
