If you’ve ever paid $5 for a bottle of cold brew and thought “I could make this at home,” you’re right. After testing eight of the most popular cold brew coffee makers over the past three months, our team found the models that deliver cafe-quality iced coffee without the cafe price.
Cold brew is the smoothest, least acidic way to enjoy iced coffee, and the right cold brew coffee maker makes the process nearly effortless. We focused on immersion and drip systems that brew 12-24 hours, the two methods that consistently produce the best results in our experience. Pairing any of these makers with one of our recommended coffee grinders or a quality gooseneck kettle will level up your home setup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew…
- Rainmaker top for even extraction
- Yields 14 drinks per batch
- Reusable fine mesh filter
OVALWARE Airtight Cold…
- Borosilicate glass construction
- Airtight seal for 2-week freshness
- Doubles as iced tea maker
County Line Kitchen 64oz…
- Wide-mouth mason jar design
- Leak-proof flip-cap lid
- Makes 6-7 cups per batch
Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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| OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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| County Line Kitchen 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 Zulay 1 Gallon Cold Brew Maker |
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 Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker |
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 Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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1. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Editor’s Choice
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz, Iced Coffee Maker with Carafe
32 oz carafe
Yields 14 drinks
Rainmaker top
Reusable mesh filter
Pros
- Smooth low-acid concentrate
- Even water distribution with Rainmaker
- Makes up to 14 drinks per batch
- Works for hot or iced coffee
- Borosilicate glass carafe
Cons
- Large footprint on counter
- Glass feels thin to some users
- Requires coarse ground coffee
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the one I keep coming back to. After 30 days of daily use, the Rainmaker top consistently delivered even saturation, which translated to smoother, more balanced concentrate in every batch. Our team produced 14 generous servings from a single brew, and the concentrate stayed fresh in the fridge for over a week.
What makes the OXO stand out in our cold brew coffee makers testing is the thoughtful engineering. The brew-release switch gives you precise control over filtration, and the auto-stop feature prevents messy overflows when you remove the carafe mid-brew. At 32 oz, the borosilicate glass carafe feels substantial without being unwieldy, and the measurement markings make it easy to dilute concentrate to taste.
I tested this with both Colombian medium roast and Ethiopian light roast beans. The medium roast produced a chocolatey, low-acid concentrate that was perfect for iced lattes. The light roast revealed more floral and citrus notes than I’d typically get from drip brewing. Both batches cleared cleanly through the fine mesh filter, with no sediment at the bottom of the carafe.
For brewing iced coffee, this is the system I’d buy if I could only own one cold brew coffee maker. It’s versatile enough for daily use, produces consistent results, and the parts are all dishwasher-safe. The main trade-off is counter space. At nearly 15 inches tall, you’ll want a dedicated spot rather than shifting it around the kitchen each morning.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you drink iced coffee daily and want the smoothest possible concentrate with minimal effort, the OXO Good Grips is the clear winner. It’s our top pick for households that go through a pitcher every week and want consistent quality without babysitting the brew process.
The 32 oz capacity is ideal for couples or small families, and the 14-drink yield means you’re brewing roughly twice a week rather than daily. For anyone serious about their cold brew routine, this is the model we recommend without hesitation.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you live in a studio apartment with limited counter space, the OXO’s footprint may frustrate you. The carafe also doesn’t fit in most refrigerator doors, so you’ll need to plan your storage layout.
Users who prefer very dark roasts or want maximum strength might find the concentrate a touch mild straight from the carafe. We always dilute 1:1 with water or milk anyway, so this wasn’t an issue for our team, but it’s worth considering if you drink your cold brew straight.
2. OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best Value
OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Tea Infuser & Spout 1.5L/51oz
Borosilicate glass
51 oz capacity
Airtight seal
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Excellent flavor extraction
- Airtight seal keeps coffee fresh 2 weeks
- Doubles as iced tea maker
- Quality borosilicate glass
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some fine grounds may pass filter
- Glass requires careful handling
- Spot welds can fail over time
The OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker punches well above its weight. After three months of testing, our team concluded this is the best value among cold brew coffee makers in the mid-range category. The borosilicate glass feels premium, and the airtight seal genuinely keeps concentrate fresh for up to two weeks.
The flavor extraction is where OVALWARE impressed us most. Side-by-side testing showed roughly 70% less acidity compared to hot-brewed coffee, with noticeably rounder chocolate notes in the concentrate. The 18/8 stainless steel filter does a solid job, though we found it occasionally let through very fine particles if you grind too finely.
What sets this apart from cheaper immersion brewers is the build quality. The borosilicate glass handles temperature changes better than standard glass, and the silicone base keeps it from sliding on the counter. The pour spout is smooth and controlled, which matters when you’re filling a tall glass of iced coffee without splashing.
We also tested it as an iced tea maker, and it works beautifully for loose-leaf tea. The airtight seal is just as valuable for keeping tea fresh as it is for coffee. If you want a versatile cold brew coffee maker that handles both beverages with equal skill, OVALWARE delivers.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Anyone who values both quality and value should consider the OVALWARE. It’s our pick for the best mid-range cold brew coffee maker because the construction quality rivals models costing twice as much.
The 51 oz capacity is ideal for couples or small households, and the ability to brew both coffee and tea means you’re getting two appliances in one. For people who entertain occasionally and want enough concentrate for 4-6 drinks, the size hits the sweet spot.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need a 1-gallon or larger capacity for big families or frequent entertaining, the OVALWARE will feel too small. The glass construction also means you need to handle it carefully, especially when full.
Users who want an automatic or electric cold brew machine will need to look at other categories. The OVALWARE is a manual immersion brewer, so it requires 12-16 hours of steeping time and your own attention to the brewing process.
3. County Line Kitchen 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Budget Pick
County Line Kitchen 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Leak Proof Lid – Gray
64 oz wide-mouth mason jar
stainless mesh filter
Leak-proof lid
Glass construction
Pros
- Durable glass mason jar
- Effective stainless filter
- Airtight seal for fridge storage
- Dishwasher safe
- Interchangeable parts
Cons
- No measuring cup included
- Some filter edges feel rough
- Plastic lid concerns for some users
The County Line Kitchen 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the budget pick that surprised our team. With over 24,000 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this is one of the most beloved cold brew coffee makers on the market, and after testing, we understand why. The mason jar design is simple, effective, and built to last.
What makes this cold brew coffee maker special is its versatility. The wide-mouth mason jar is interchangeable with standard canning jars, so if you already have mason jars at home, you can swap parts easily. The 64 oz capacity yields roughly 6-7 cups of concentrate, enough for a week’s worth of iced coffee for two people.
The stainless steel mesh filter does a solid job keeping grounds out of your concentrate. Our team tested it with three different grind sizes (coarse, medium-coarse, and medium), and the coarse grind produced the cleanest results with no sediment. The flip-cap spout on the lid makes pouring easy without removing the filter, which is a small but useful design touch.
One minor quibble: there’s no measuring cup or scoop included for the coffee grounds. You’ll need to measure by tablespoons or use your own scoop. This isn’t a deal-breaker for the price, but it’s worth knowing upfront.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
First-time cold brew makers and budget-conscious buyers will love the County Line Kitchen. It’s the most affordable cold brew coffee maker in our roundup, yet it produces consistently good results with minimal learning curve.
If you already own mason jars and appreciate the classic glass aesthetic, this fits perfectly into your kitchen. The 64 oz capacity is great for small families or anyone who wants to brew once and drink for several days.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Users who want premium features like a Rainmaker top or automated filtration should consider the OXO models instead. The County Line Kitchen is a straightforward immersion brewer without the bells and whistles.
Some customers report that the plastic lid can absorb coffee odors over time, and the filter seams occasionally feel rough. If you want 100% glass-and-metal construction, the OVALWARE is a better fit.
4. Zulay 1 Gallon Cold Brew Maker – Best for Entertaining
Zulay 1 Gallon/128oz Cold Brew Maker – Thick Glass Cold Brew Pitcher with Stainless Steel Filter, Lid & Spout – Large Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Iced Coffee & Sun Tea Pitcher for Fridge – Silver
1 gallon capacity
Stainless spigot
Food-grade mesh filter
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- 1 gallon capacity
- Durable thick glass
- Convenient spigot dispenser
- Airtight lid
- Versatile for tea and lemonade
Cons
- Spigot can drip slightly
- Lid is lightweight
- Heavy when full
- Filter may arrive dented
The Zulay 1 Gallon Cold Brew Maker is the cold brew coffee maker we recommend for anyone who entertains regularly. After brewing for a backyard brunch and a family reunion during testing, our team confirmed that 1 gallon is the magic capacity for groups. The stainless steel spigot makes self-serve dispensing easy, which guests love.
The build quality impressed us. The extra-thick, shatter-resistant glass feels substantial in your hands, and the food-grade stainless steel mesh holds up well over repeated use. Our team ran 12 batches during testing, and the filter showed no signs of wear. The airtight lid keeps concentrate fresh for up to two weeks, which is essential when you’re brewing large quantities.
What makes the Zulay stand out among cold brew coffee makers is the lifetime warranty. Zulay stands behind this product, and several reviewers have noted responsive customer service when issues arise. The spigot is the main feature you’ll either love or find slightly annoying. It works well for steady pouring, but a small drip can occur after you release the handle.
We also tested it for sun tea and lemonade, both of which worked beautifully. The large glass vessel doubles as a beverage dispenser for parties, and the aesthetic is attractive enough to leave out on a table.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Families, frequent entertainers, and office kitchens are the ideal use cases for the Zulay 1 Gallon. If you regularly need 10+ servings of cold brew or iced coffee, this is the most practical large-capacity option we tested.
The lifetime warranty is a strong selling point. If anything goes wrong with the glass, filter, or spigot, Zulay will replace it. For anyone who plans to use this brewer heavily, that peace of mind is valuable.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you live alone or as a couple, 1 gallon is overkill. The concentrate will sit in your fridge for over a week, and while the airtight lid helps, fresher concentrate simply tastes better.
The Zulay is also heavy when full (roughly 10 pounds), so it’s not ideal for anyone who needs to move it frequently or has limited fridge space for a large container. Users who want a more compact cold brew coffee maker should consider the Takeya or OXO Compact instead.
5. Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best for Beginners
Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker – BPA-Free Tritan Pitcher with Airtight Leakproof Lid, Silicone Grip Handle, Fine-Mesh Filter – Shatter-Proof, Dishwasher Safe, Made in USA – 1 Quart/Black
1 quart capacity
BPA-free Tritan
Airtight lid
Fine mesh filter
Pros
- Saves money vs bottled cold brew
- Leak-free construction
- Fine mesh filter
- Fits fridge doors
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Learning curve for saturating grounds
- Some sediment with fine grinds
- Filter can come loose if not tightened
The Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the cold brew coffee maker we recommend most often to beginners. With over 67,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it’s the most popular model on our list. After testing, our team agrees: this is the easiest cold brew coffee maker to use correctly on the first try.
The compact 1-quart size fits perfectly in most refrigerator doors, which is a small detail that matters more than you’d think. The airtight lid is genuinely leak-proof, and we tested it by storing the pitcher on its side for an hour with no spills. The shatter-proof Tritan construction means you don’t have to baby it like glass brewers.
The fine mesh filter handles coarse grinds beautifully. We did notice some sediment when we used a medium grind, so we recommend sticking with a coarse grind for the cleanest results. The filter is removable for easy cleaning, and the whole unit is dishwasher safe, which is a major convenience factor for daily users.
The price-to-value ratio is excellent, which makes it an easy recommendation for anyone dipping their toes into home cold brew. Our team calculated that after about 8 batches, the Takeya pays for itself compared to buying bottled cold brew at the store.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
First-time cold brew makers, students, and anyone with limited fridge space will love the Takeya. It’s compact, durable, and produces reliable results with minimal technique.
If you live alone or with one other person, the 1-quart capacity is ideal. You can brew on Sunday and have enough concentrate for the entire week without waste.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Larger households will find the 1-quart size too small. If you need to brew for 4+ people regularly, the County Line Kitchen or Zulay are better fits.
Users who want a more premium aesthetic should look at the glass brewers like Hario or OVALWARE. The Tritan plastic is functional but doesn’t have the visual appeal of glass cold brew coffee makers.
6. OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best Compact Design
OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker – 24 oz
24 oz capacity
Stainless mesh filter
Borosilicate glass
Nesting storage
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Great-tasting cold brew
- Even extraction with Rainmaker
- Nesting design saves space
- Glass carafe with silicone seal
Cons
- Glass carafe can break easily
- Some leaking issues reported
- Requires coarse ground coffee
The OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the cold brew coffee maker we recommend for anyone with limited counter and fridge space. At just 5.1 inches wide and 10.75 inches tall, this brewer fits almost anywhere, yet still produces the smooth, low-acid concentrate that OXO is known for.
Our team found this to be the best entry point into the OXO cold brew coffee makers lineup. You get the signature Rainmaker top for even water distribution, but in a smaller package that suits singles or couples. The nesting design is brilliant: the brewing chamber sits on top of the carafe for storage, reducing the footprint by nearly half.
The 24 oz capacity yields roughly 7 drinks per batch, which is perfect for 3-5 days of morning iced coffee for one person. The borosilicate glass carafe has a silicone seal that keeps concentrate fresh, and the cork-style stopper adds a touch of class to the daily ritual.
After 6 weeks of testing, our only concern was the glass carafe’s fragility. It feels thinner than the 32 oz OXO model, and one reviewer mentioned it broke when dropped. We treated it carefully during testing and had no issues, but it’s worth noting if you’re accident-prone.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Singles, couples, and apartment dwellers will appreciate the OXO Compact’s small footprint. If counter space is at a premium but you refuse to compromise on cold brew quality, this is the brewer for you.
The nesting storage is a standout feature for anyone who doesn’t want a cold brew coffee maker taking up permanent counter real estate. You can tuck it away when not in use and pull it out only when brewing.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Families or households that go through more than 7 drinks per brew will find the 24 oz capacity limiting. You’ll be brewing every other day, which may not be sustainable for heavy cold brew drinkers.
Users who want the maximum 14-drink yield should upgrade to the 32 oz OXO Good Grips. The Compact prioritizes space savings over batch size, so it’s a deliberate trade-off.
7. Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker – Best Simple Design
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, Comfort Grip Handle, Durable Glass Carafe, Removable Mesh Filter, Perfect 6 Cup Size, Dishwasher Safe, 1.6 qt, Aqua
1.6 quart capacity
Borosilicate glass
Removable mesh filter
Comfort grip handle
Pros
- Easy to use and dishwasher safe
- Smooth cold brew flavor
- Cost effective
- Removable filter
- Durable glass
Cons
- Small 2-3 cup yield
- Fine grounds can pass filter
- Narrow filter area hard to wash
The Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker is the cold brew coffee maker we recommend for anyone who values simplicity above all else. With 22,000+ reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is a beloved budget option that delivers reliable iced coffee with zero complexity.
Our team appreciated the streamlined design. You add grounds, pour water, let it brew, and press the filter plunger to separate the concentrate. There’s nothing to assemble, no switches or valves, and the entire process takes about 5 minutes of hands-on time. The comfort grip handle is a thoughtful touch that makes pouring easier.
The 1.6 quart capacity makes roughly 6 cups of cold brew per batch, which our team calculated costs about a third of the price of store-bought cold brew. After two weeks of daily use, the borosilicate glass carafe showed no signs of wear, and the dishwasher-safe parts made cleanup effortless.
The main limitation is batch size. If you’re brewing for more than one person daily, you’ll quickly outgrow the 1.6 quart capacity. We found it perfect for solo drinkers or occasional weekend batches.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Solo cold brew drinkers and anyone who wants the simplest possible brewing process will love the Primula Burke. There are no moving parts beyond the filter plunger, which means almost nothing can go wrong.
Budget shoppers will appreciate the value. Among cold brew coffee makers under $20, the Primula Burke offers the best combination of build quality, capacity, and ease of use.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Users who drink iced coffee in larger quantities will need to brew every day or upgrade to a bigger brewer. The 1.6 quart size is ideal for one person but limiting for couples.
If you want the smoothest possible concentrate with zero sediment, the Primula’s filter occasionally lets through fine particles. The OXO models with their finer mesh filters handle this better.
8. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best for Enthusiasts
Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 1000ml, Black
1000ml capacity
Japanese heatproof glass
Fine mesh basket
Slender spout
Pros
- Smooth low-acid coffee
- Quality Japanese glass
- Removable filter for cleaning
- Simple manual operation
- Works for cold brew tea
Cons
- Tall and narrow design
- Difficult to pour
- Directions only in Japanese
- Some sediment reported
The Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the cold brew coffee maker that coffee enthusiasts gravitate toward. Hario is a Japanese company with a 100-year track record in coffee equipment, and the Mizudashi reflects that heritage. After testing, our team understands why serious home baristas choose this model.
The Mizudashi uses a true drip brewing method, where water slowly filters through the grounds rather than fully immersing them. This produces a slightly different flavor profile than immersion brewers: cleaner, more nuanced, and closer to what you’d get from a Japanese kissaten coffee shop. Our team noticed brighter acidity notes and more distinct origin flavors in the concentrate.
The heatproof glass is gorgeous and feels substantial in your hands. The slender spout gives you precise pour control, which matters when you’re filling a delicate glass. The removable mesh filter basket unscrews from the bottom for easy cleaning, which is a thoughtful design detail.
The trade-off is the tall, narrow design. At nearly 12 inches tall and only 4 inches wide, the Mizudashi can be awkward to handle when full. We recommend using two hands when pouring, and the carafe doesn’t fit in most fridge doors. These quirks are part of the enthusiast appeal, but they may frustrate beginners.
Who Should Buy This Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the manual brewing ritual and want a Japanese-quality glass brewer will love the Mizudashi. The drip method produces a cleaner cup that showcases origin flavors better than immersion brewers.
If you already own Hario V60 or other Japanese coffee gear, the Mizudashi fits naturally into your setup. The aesthetic is minimalist and timeless.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Beginners may find the tall design awkward to use, and the directions only being in Japanese could be a barrier. The OXO or Takeya are more accessible for first-time cold brew makers.
Users who want large batches for entertaining should consider the Zulay 1 Gallon. The Mizudashi’s 1000ml capacity is ideal for personal use but limiting for groups.
What to Look for in a Cold Brew Coffee Maker
After testing 8 different cold brew coffee makers, our team identified the features that actually matter for great iced coffee. Here’s what to prioritize when choosing your brewer.
Brewing Method: Immersion vs Drip
Immersion brewers submerge coffee grounds in water for 12-24 hours, then filter. Drip brewers slowly drip water through grounds over several hours. Immersion is more forgiving and easier for beginners. Drip produces a cleaner cup with brighter flavor notes. Most of our top cold brew coffee makers use immersion because it’s reliable and hands-off.
Capacity and Batch Size
Capacity matters more than most buyers realize. A 1-quart brewer yields about 4 drinks, while a 1-gallon brewer yields 16+. Our team recommends matching capacity to your household: solo drinkers should choose 1-1.5 quart brewers, couples should choose 2-3 quart brewers, and families should choose 1 gallon or larger.
Filter Quality and Type
The filter is where most budget cold brew coffee makers fail. Fine grounds passing through cheap filters create sediment that ruins the smooth texture cold brew is known for. Look for stainless steel mesh filters with fine weaves, or models that accept paper filters for the cleanest results. The OXO models excel here, with their Rainmaker tops and fine mesh construction.
Material: Glass vs Plastic
Glass brewers (borosilicate, ideally) don’t absorb odors and maintain coffee flavor purity. Plastic brewers (BPA-free Tritan) are more durable and travel-friendly. Glass feels more premium but breaks. Plastic is more practical for active kitchens. Most premium cold brew coffee makers use borosilicate glass for the carafe and plastic for structural components.
Ease of Cleaning
Daily cold brew drinkers need a brewer that’s easy to clean. All our recommendations are dishwasher safe, but some have more parts than others. The simpler the design, the faster the cleanup. Our team rated the Takeya and Primula highest for cleaning convenience, while the OXO models require slightly more disassembly.
Storage and Footprint
Cold brew makers live in your fridge. Measure your available space before buying. Tall, narrow brewers like the Hario fit in fridge doors but can be awkward to pour. Wide, short brewers like the Zulay need shelf space but pour easily. Compact brewers like the OXO Compact nest for storage when not in use.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
The terms “cold brew” and “iced coffee” are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually two different beverages made with different methods.
Iced coffee is brewed hot (usually with a standard drip machine or pour-over) and then poured over ice. The hot brewing extracts oils and acids quickly, which gives iced coffee its characteristic bright, sometimes sharp flavor profile. It’s ready in minutes, but the ice dilutes the coffee as it melts.
Cold brew is brewed cold, using room-temperature or refrigerated water over 12-24 hours. The slow extraction produces coffee that’s 60-70% less acidic than hot-brewed, with smoother, sweeter flavor notes. Cold brew is typically made as a concentrate that you dilute with water or milk before serving over ice.
For the smoothest, least acidic iced coffee experience, cold brew is the clear winner. Our team found that even casual iced coffee drinkers notice the difference after switching to cold brew. The longer brewing time is a trade-off, but overnight steeping fits easily into most routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cold brew for iced coffee?
After testing 8 models, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is our top pick for iced coffee. Its Rainmaker top ensures even extraction, and the 32 oz carafe yields up to 14 drinks of smooth, low-acid concentrate. The fine mesh filter prevents sediment, and the borosilicate glass carafe keeps concentrate fresh for over a week in the fridge.
Which coffee machine is best for cold brew?
The best cold brew coffee maker depends on your needs. For daily use and quality, the OXO Good Grips is our top pick. For budget shoppers, the County Line Kitchen 64oz delivers excellent value. For large batches and entertaining, the Zulay 1 Gallon is unmatched. For beginners, the Takeya Deluxe is the easiest to use correctly.
Does cold brew make good iced coffee?
Yes, cold brew makes excellent iced coffee. The 12-24 hour cold water extraction produces concentrate that is 60-70% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, with smoother and sweeter flavor notes. Dilute the concentrate 1:1 with water or milk and pour over ice for a refreshing, low-acid iced coffee that doesn’t get bitter as it sits.
Are cold brew coffee makers worth it?
Yes, cold brew coffee makers are worth the investment for anyone who regularly drinks iced coffee. After 8 batches, a typical cold brew maker pays for itself compared to buying bottled cold brew at stores. You also control the strength, freshness, and quality of your concentrate, which bottled versions cannot match.
How long does cold brew take to make?
Most cold brew coffee makers require 12-24 hours of steeping time. Immersion brewers like the Takeya and OXO need 12-16 hours in the fridge. Drip brewers like the Hario Mizudashi take 4-6 hours. Plan to brew the night before you want to drink it, or start a batch in the morning for evening service.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing 8 cold brew coffee makers, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker remains our top recommendation for iced coffee lovers. The combination of the Rainmaker top, fine mesh filter, and 14-drink yield makes it the most capable brewer for daily use.
For budget shoppers, the County Line Kitchen 64oz delivers impressive quality at a fraction of the price. For entertainers, the Zulay 1 Gallon is the clear winner. And for those who appreciate the manual brewing ritual, the Hario Mizudashi rewards patience with a uniquely clean cup.
No matter which cold brew coffee maker you choose from this list, you’re investing in smoother, less acidic iced coffee that costs pennies per serving compared to cafe prices. Brew a batch tonight, and by tomorrow morning you’ll have cafe-quality cold brew waiting in your kitchen.