The best cold brew coffee maker for most people is the Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker, because its shatter-proof 1-quart Tritan pitcher, airtight leak-proof lid, and fine-mesh filter make smooth, low-acid cold brew with almost no mess. If you want the easiest draining and cleanup, the OXO Good Grips 32-Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the better pick thanks to its switch-style drain and Rainmaker showerhead lid. This guide compares 8 cold brew coffee makers for smooth iced coffee at home, from simple glass pitchers to a fast automatic brewer.
Cold brew tastes smoother and less bitter than hot coffee because cold water pulls out fewer bitter compounds during a long, slow steep. You do not need fancy gear to make it, but a dedicated brewer makes filtering, pouring, and storing far easier than a jar plus a strainer. The picks below cover every style, from a basic glass pot to a concentrate system that stocks your fridge for days. For the freshest flavor, grind your beans right before brewing with one of our coffee grinder picks.
How we picked
We did not run hands-on lab tests for this roundup. Our picks are based on aggregated owner reviews, published third-party testing where available, and manufacturer specs from Amazon listings. We checked that every product is a real, currently listed product on Amazon US with a verified ASIN. Where a claim comes from the manufacturer or from owners, we say so. Prices change often on Amazon, so check the current listing price before you buy.
1. Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker 1 Quart: Best overall cold brew coffee maker
The Takeya Deluxe is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for most people because it gets every daily-use detail right. It has a 1-quart BPA-free Tritan pitcher that is shatter-proof, stain-resistant, and odor-resistant, plus a patented airtight lid that seals leak-free. The fine-mesh filter keeps grounds out of your cup, and the silicone easy-grip handle makes pouring simple. It fits in most refrigerator doors and the pitcher is dishwasher safe.
To brew, add coarse grounds to the filter, fill with cold water, and steep in the fridge. Owners report that it makes smooth, velvety cold brew with very little sediment, and that the airtight seal keeps coffee fresh for days. It makes up to 4 servings per batch, which suits one or two daily drinkers. Takeya backs it with a limited lifetime warranty.
Who it is for: Daily cold brew drinkers who want a tough, leak-free fridge pitcher.
Who should skip: Anyone who needs big-batch concentrate for a full household.
2. OXO Good Grips 32-Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Best easy-drain cold brew maker
The OXO Good Grips is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for easy draining and clean pouring. It has a Rainmaker showerhead lid that spreads water evenly over the grounds, a reusable ultra-fine stainless steel mesh filter, and a simple switch that starts and stops draining. The 32-ounce borosilicate glass carafe catches the finished concentrate, and the brewer nests together for storage.
Steep for 12 to 24 hours, then flip the switch to drain the concentrate into the carafe. Owners report that the switch drain is the feature they miss most on other brewers, because it stops drips and lets you pour without a separate straining step. OXO says the 32 ounces of concentrate is enough for about a dozen drinks once diluted. The carafe keeps concentrate fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, according to the manufacturer.
Who it is for: Brewers who want the cleanest drain-and-pour process.
Who should skip: Anyone with a small fridge, since the tall brewer takes real shelf space while steeping.
3. Toddy Cold Brew System: Best cold brew concentrate system
The Toddy Cold Brew System is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for concentrate lovers, because it brews a strong batch you can dilute all week. The system includes a brewing container with handle, a glass decanter with lid, 2 reusable felt filters, and a rubber stopper. You steep coarse grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, then pull the stopper to drain the concentrate into the decanter.
Toddy claims its cold brew is 67 percent less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, and owners report a rich, full-bodied concentrate that holds up well with milk and ice. A 12-ounce batch of coffee yields roughly 36 to 38 ounces of concentrate, according to Toddy, and the concentrate stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. The trade-off is cleanup: the felt filters need rinsing and the drain step can drip, so work over the sink.
Who it is for: Heavy cold brew drinkers who want a week of concentrate from one brew.
Who should skip: Anyone who wants a quick rinse-and-go pitcher with no filter upkeep.
4. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot 1000ml: Best simple glass cold brew pot
The Hario Mizudashi is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for simplicity, because it has almost nothing to learn. Add coarse grounds to the fine-mesh basket, add water to the 1000ml line, and refrigerate for about 8 hours. The heatproof glass pot has a slender spout for controlled pouring, and the removable filter makes cleanup easy. It is made in Japan from Hario heatproof glass.
The slim shape slides into fridge doors and narrow shelves where bulkier brewers do not fit. Owners report that it makes smooth, clean cold brew on the first try, and that the fine mesh catches nearly all sediment. It brews ready-to-drink coffee rather than strong concentrate, so it suits drinkers who like their cold brew straight over ice. If you want to compare immersion brewing with a press-style method, see our French press picks.
Who it is for: Beginners and minimalists who want a simple, slim glass brewer.
Who should skip: Anyone who wants strong concentrate to dilute, or a batch bigger than 1 liter.
5. Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker 1.6 Quart: Best value large glass carafe
The Primula Burke Deluxe is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for value, because it brews up to 6 cups in a durable glass carafe at a low price. It has a temperature-safe borosilicate glass carafe with a comfort-grip handle, a removable fine-mesh filter, and a tight-sealing lid. The carafe fits in most refrigerator doors, and the parts are dishwasher safe.
Brewing is simple: add coarse grounds or coffee bags to the filter, pour water over them, and steep in the fridge overnight or to your preferred strength. Primula claims the result is 65 percent less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, and says the brew stays fresh in the fridge for up to 14 days. Owners report that it is an easy, affordable first cold brew maker and that the grip handle makes pouring comfortable.
Who it is for: Budget buyers who want a big glass batch without a big price.
Who should skip: Anyone who wants a plastic shatter-proof pitcher for a busy household with kids.
6. County Line Kitchen Glass Cold Brew Coffee Maker 2 Quart: Best large-batch mason jar brewer
The County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for large batches, because its 64-ounce (2-quart) heavy-duty glass mason jar brews enough for several days. It has a stainless steel mesh filter, a flip-cap pour spout, a leak-resistant lid, and a built-in handle. The parts are dishwasher safe, and the glass is BPA-free.
Fill the filter with grounds, add cold water, and steep. The flip cap makes pouring easy without tilting a heavy jar, and owners report that the mesh filter keeps grounds out while letting full flavor through. It also works as an iced tea pitcher, which makes it a useful two-in-one for summer. Do not add boiling water to this jar, per the manufacturer. For hot coffee on cooler mornings, browse our compact coffee maker picks.
Who it is for: Households that want a big batch of cold brew or iced tea ready in the fridge.
Who should skip: Anyone with a small fridge, since a 2-quart glass jar needs real shelf space.
7. KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker KCM5912SX: Best premium cold brew maker with tap
The KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best cold brew coffee maker pick for a premium, always-on-tap setup. It has a glass carafe, a reusable stainless steel steeper with fill-level markings, and a built-in stainless steel tap that dispenses cold brew straight from the fridge. Add grounds to the steeper, fill the carafe with filtered water, and brew for at least 12 hours.
KitchenAid says the brewer makes up to 38 ounces of concentrate, enough for up to 19 servings when you mix 2 ounces of concentrate with 6 ounces of milk, water, or ice. The concentrate stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, according to the manufacturer. Owners report that the tap is genuinely convenient and that the build feels solid. It carries a 1-year limited warranty.
Who it is for: Cold brew fans who want tap-style pouring and a premium look.
Who should skip: Anyone who wants the lowest price, or who brews only a cup or two at a time.
8. Cuisinart DCB-10 Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker: Best fast automatic cold brew maker
The Cuisinart DCB-10 is the best cold brew coffee maker pick if you do not want to wait overnight, because it makes ready-to-drink cold brew in as little as 25 to 45 minutes. It uses spin technology to circulate coffee through cool water for faster extraction, without ever exposing the grounds to high heat. The 7-cup glass carafe has a removable stainless steel filter lid, and the strength selector offers mild (25 minutes), medium (35 minutes), and bold (45 minutes).
The clear brewing chamber, removable water tank, and removable coffee filter basket make filling and cleaning simple. The glass carafe stores coffee in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, according to Cuisinart, and the removable parts are dishwasher safe. Cuisinart backs it with a limited 3-year warranty. If you also enjoy hot pour over on some mornings, pair it with one of our gooseneck kettle picks for precise hot-water pouring.
Who it is for: Impatient brewers who want cold brew today, not tomorrow.
Who should skip: Anyone who prefers a small, silent manual brewer with no countertop footprint.
Best cold brew coffee maker picks at a glance
| Pick | Capacity | Brew time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takeya Deluxe 1 Quart | 1 quart (32 oz) | 12 to 24 hours | Everyday leak-free fridge brewing |
| OXO Good Grips 32 oz | 32 oz concentrate | 12 to 24 hours | Clean switch-style draining |
| Toddy Cold Brew System | About 36 to 38 oz concentrate | 12 to 24 hours | Big-batch concentrate |
| Hario Mizudashi 1000ml | 1000ml | About 8 hours | Simple slim glass brewing |
| Primula Burke Deluxe | 1.6 quart (up to 6 cups) | Overnight | Value large glass batch |
| County Line Kitchen 2 Quart | 64 oz (2 quart) | Overnight | Large-batch mason jar brewing |
| KitchenAid 38 oz KCM5912SX | 38 oz concentrate | At least 12 hours | Tap pouring, premium build |
| Cuisinart DCB-10 | 7-cup carafe | 25 to 45 minutes | Fast automatic cold brew |
What to look for in the best cold brew coffee maker picks
How long does cold brew take to make?
Most manual cold brew makers need 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, because cold water extracts flavor slowly. The Hario Mizudashi is ready in about 8 hours, while the Cuisinart DCB-10 finishes in 25 to 45 minutes using powered circulation. Longer steeps make stronger coffee, so taste your batch at 12 hours and keep steeping if you want it bolder. Plan ahead and brew a batch the night before you need it.
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
A good starting ratio for ready-to-drink cold brew is about 1 part coffee to 8 parts water by weight, such as 80 grams of coarse grounds to 640 grams (ml) of water. For concentrate you plan to dilute, use a stronger ratio near 1 part coffee to 4 or 5 parts water, then dilute each serving with equal parts water, milk, or ice. Weighing your coffee gives more repeatable results than scoops. If you like hot coffee too, a pour over brewer uses a lighter ratio, and our pour over coffee dripper picks cover that method.
Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?
Yes, cold brew is generally less acidic than hot coffee, because cold water extracts fewer acidic and bitter compounds than hot water. Manufacturers often claim 65 to 67 percent less acid, but that figure comes from their own testing and varies by bean and brew time. Most drinkers notice a smoother, sweeter cup that is easier on sensitive stomachs. If acidity still bothers you, choose a low-acid bean and a shorter steep.
How do I clean a cold brew coffee maker?
Rinse the filter and carafe right after you pour, so coffee oils do not dry on. Most pitchers, lids, and mesh filters are dishwasher safe, but hand washing a mesh filter with a soft brush removes fine grounds better. For the Toddy, rinse the felt filters after each batch and replace them when straining slows or the filter shows wear. Let all parts dry fully before you store the brewer.
Verdict
The best cold brew coffee maker picks come down to batch size and patience. The Takeya Deluxe 1 Quart is our top pick for most people, because its shatter-proof pitcher, airtight lid, and fine-mesh filter make daily cold brew simple and mess-free. The OXO Good Grips is the pick for the cleanest draining, the Toddy is the pick for big-batch concentrate, and the Hario Mizudashi is the pick for simple glass brewing. The Primula Burke is the best value large carafe, the County Line Kitchen jar is best for big batches, the KitchenAid is best for tap pouring, and the Cuisinart DCB-10 is best when you want cold brew fast. Whichever you choose, use coarse grounds, cold filtered water, and a full steep, and your iced coffee will beat the coffee shop line all summer.
If you brew pour over too, our coffee scale picks for pour over compare the best accurate, timer-equipped scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cold brew coffee maker for beginners?
The Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best cold brew coffee maker for beginners, because its 1-quart shatter-proof pitcher, airtight lid, and fine-mesh filter make brewing almost foolproof. Add coarse grounds and cold water, steep in the fridge, and pour. The Hario Mizudashi is the simplest glass option if you prefer a basic pot.
Can I use a French press to make cold brew?
Yes, you can make cold brew in a French press by steeping coarse grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, then pressing the plunger down slowly. It works well for small batches, but the mesh plunger lets more fine sediment through than a dedicated cold brew filter. A dedicated brewer gives a cleaner cup and easier fridge storage.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Cold brew concentrate lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge in a sealed container, according to most manufacturers in this guide. Ready-to-drink cold brew tastes best within 3 to 5 days, because flavor fades even when the coffee is still safe to drink. Keep the brewer sealed and refrigerated, and pour only what you need.
What grind size should I use for cold brew?
Use a coarse grind for cold brew, about the texture of raw sugar or coarse sea salt. A coarse grind extracts slowly and evenly, and it keeps fine sediment out of your cup. A fine grind over-extracts, clogs filters, and makes bitter, cloudy cold brew. If your coffee tastes weak, add more grounds or steep longer instead of grinding finer.
Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee?
Cold brew concentrate is stronger than regular iced coffee, because it steeps longer at a higher coffee-to-water ratio. Ready-to-drink cold brew is about the same strength as regular coffee once diluted. Iced coffee is hot coffee poured over ice, so it tastes brighter and more acidic, while cold brew tastes smoother and sweeter.
Do I need paper filters for a cold brew coffee maker?
No, most cold brew coffee makers in this guide use a reusable mesh or felt filter, so you do not need paper filters. The OXO and Cuisinart use reusable filters, the Takeya, Hario, Primula, and County Line use mesh filters, and the Toddy uses reusable felt filters. Rinse the reusable filter after each batch to keep your brew clean.
5 Comments
Pingback: 7 Best French Press Picks for Perfect Rich Coffee at Home
Pingback: Pour Over Coffee Dripper Picks for Brilliant Brews
Pingback: Top 7 Compact Coffee Maker Picks for Perfect Mornings
Pingback: 6 Best Gooseneck Kettle Picks for Perfect Pour Over
Pingback: Best Coffee Scale: 5 Brilliant Picks for Pour Over