The 7 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our favorite is the OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
People / Alex Jiang
Cold brew coffee transcends the seasons. As much as we love to cozy up with a warm mug of coffee or espresso, nothing can compare to a smooth, bold glass of cold brew — yes, even in the winter. Cold brew tastes fuller, deeper, and less acidic than typical coffee, but it’s actually just as easy to make at home as your traditional brew.
We tested 21 cold brew coffee makers to find one for every budget — because you shouldn’t need to splash your cash at coffee shops to get a deliciously invigorating cup of cold brew coffee every morning. After preparing each cold brew according to the manufacturer's directions, we tasted each one and considered the flavor profile, aroma, and texture of each. In addition, we evaluated each cold brew coffee maker for ease of use, size, effectiveness of included accessories, and ease of cleaning.
Read on for the best cold brew coffee makers that PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Pros
It's simple to set up and easy to use.
It provides consistent results.
It's easy to take on the go.
Cons
The smaller model only brews 16 ounces at a time.
We are strong believers in the power of a strong cup of coffee — and that’s exactly what pours from the modern glass carafe of the OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Sleekly designed and shockingly easy to brew, this device has the capacity to yield up to 16 ounces of cold, velvety coffee.
Two primary components make up this cold brew maker: a glass, cork-topped storage carafe and a plastic brewing chamber with a rain-style drizzling system that distributes water evenly over coffee grounds. Pop the plastic brewing container in the fridge overnight, then pull it out in the morning to place it on the glass carafe while perfectly chilled coffee flows down. A fresh, strong batch of cold brew coffee is ready to enjoy.
Did we mention how easy this device is to use?! During our testing, we noticed that the assembly process was straightforward and quick. It took about a minute to set up with water and ground coffee, and a batch of cold brew can be ready in as little as 12 hours. It's small enough that you can easily take this cold brew maker with you.
Our lab tests proved this cold brew maker to be the clear winner for its consistently delicious results and ease of use. The only gripe we had with the 16-ounce brewer is that it didn’t give us more of the delicious dark stuff (something easily remedied by purchasing the larger model). Overall, this device is simple, smart, easy to use, and brews a great cup of joe for a reasonable price.
Price at time of publish: $34.95
Capacity: 16 ounces | Filter Type: Stainless steel mesh | Materials: Glass and plastic | Weight: 1.39 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, partially
People / John Somerall
Best Overall, Runner Up: Vinci Express Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker
Pros
It brews in as little as five minutes.
This model is self-cleaning.
It's high-quality and provides consistent results.
Cons
It takes a little bit of time to set up.
Fresh, cloudless cold brew coffee in five minutes? We have to pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming. The Vinci Express Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker consistently whips up a delicious batch of java in the time it takes to brush your teeth and floss. Although it is on the higher end of our price range, we think it’s absolutely worth its weight in gold.
This cold brew system comes equipped with an electric pitcher fitted with a cold brew filter basket that uses a circular flow technology to evenly coat your coffee grounds of choice. A control knob with four brew strength settings sits on top of the carafe’s lid, which adjusts the amount of time the coffee spends brewing — five minutes for a light brew and up to 25 minutes for an extra bold one. This high-quality device even cleans itself (seriously!) by flushing out residual coffee with water.
If you’re just as skeptical about this super brewer as we were, then our test results might change your mind. We made a light cold brew in five minutes and a medium one in 10. The coffee tasted strong but smooth. We found that it was less acidic than the cold brew we usually get from coffee shops, and there wasn't an aftertaste. The number of pieces that come with this cold brew system might feel a bit intimidating at first, but trust us, as soon as you get started, you’ll never want to buy a coffee shop cold brew again.
Price at time of publish: $79.99
Capacity: 37 ounces | Filter Type: Stainless steel mesh | Materials: Borosilicate glass and plastic | Weight: 2 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
People / Fran Sales
Best Budget: Primula Burke 1.6-Quart Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Pros
It makes 52 ounces of cold brew.
It's straightforward and easy to use.
The glass carafe is easy to clean.
Cons
Bits of coffee grounds leaked through the filter and into our coffee.
The brew was lighter than some of the other models we tested.
You don’t need ample countertop space (or an ample budget) to enjoy a cold brew coffee at home, and this small device from Primula Burke proves it. This simple pitcher might look small, but it has an impressive capacity of 52 ounces, so you can have strong cold brew coffee within reach all week.
This machine is straightforward and easy to use. A fine mesh core holds your ground coffee of choice inside the glass carafe pitcher, which is easy to clean. While the Primula Burke Cold Brew Coffee Maker produced a smooth, non-acidic coffee, we did find bits of silt floating through our cup of joe, so the mesh filter didn’t catch everything. Despite a little bit of debris, we think that this cold brew maker is worth the low price and would readily recommend it to a friend who prefers a lighter brew of cold brew.
Price at time of publish: $32.38
Capacity: 52 ounces | Filter Type: Stainless steel mesh | Materials: Glass and stainless steel | Weight: 6.57 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Splurge: KitchenAid Brushed Stainless Steel Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Pros
It makes 38 ounces (19 servings) of coffee.
It's small and easy to transport.
It has a stainless steel finish and a sleek design.
Cons
The larger size of this coffee maker might be cumbersome.
Level up your hosting game with this KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker that holds 38 ounces (19 servings!) of smooth, delicious coffee. The brushed stainless steel finishes look and feel elegant, and the built-in tap makes pouring yourself a luxurious cup of java as easy as flipping a switch.
Beyond its sleek appearance, this device produced strong and flavorful coffee that tasted smooth and chocolatey even after sitting in the refrigerator for 24 hours. We found the flavor really smooth with no bitterness or acidity. This device might be larger than a lot of other models we reviewed, but a handy hidden handle makes it easy to transport cold brew to your next picnic. We especially loved that the built-in stainless steel steeper comes marked with fill level indicators, so you know exactly how much coffee and water to pour in.
Though it comes with a loftier price tag, we still think this cold brew maker is a decent value for its quality materials and large brewing capacity. If you're serious about your cold brew, we think this easy-to-use cold brew coffee maker is worth it. It feels luxurious, and though the price reflects that quality, there are still plenty of great cold brew makers available that won’t break the bank.
Price at time of publish: $139.99
Capacity: 38 ounces | Filter Type: Stainless steel mesh | Materials: Glass and stainless steel | Weight: 6.57 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No
Related: The 7 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Automatic: Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Pros
This high-quality coffee maker is easy to use and brews in as little as 25 minutes.
It makes 56 ounces of cold brew.
It uses a proprietary spinning mechanism that extracts flavor faster than traditional cold brew methods.
Cons
It doesn’t produce as strong of a cold brew as some other devices we tested.
Picture this: you wake up in the morning, overjoyed to pour yourself a tall glass of cold brew coffee and take that first life-giving sip, only to realize that you forgot to brew a new batch overnight. That nightmare will never again become reality once you get your hands on the Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which is a high-quality coffee maker that can deliver 56 ounces of fresh cold brew in as little as 25 minutes.
This easy-to-use machine looks and functions like a traditional drip coffee maker and uses a proprietary spinning mechanism that extracts more flavor faster than traditional cold brew methods, which usually take 16 to 24 hours. While the Cuisinart cold brewer did produce a delicious cold brew coffee, we noted that it wasn’t as strong of a flavor as other cold brews we've tried. Still, for a super speedy cup of joe, this automatic machine is an excellent choice.
Price at time of publish: $46.56
Capacity: 56 ounces | Filter Type: Stainless steel mesh | Materials: Glass and stainless steel | Weight: 6 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Drip: Bruer Cold Drip Coffee System
Pros
It has a gorgeous design.
It brews coffee faster than most other cold brew devices (4 hours).
It's easy to use.
Cons
It only brews 20 ounces at a time.
It's a bit expensive.
Drip coffee is a classic for a reason — it’s delicious and strong, yet often less acidic than traditionally brewed coffee. The Bruer Cold Drip Coffee System takes it a step further, allowing the user to customize the drip speed to their preference. The thoughtfully designed filter seems to float on top of the delicate glass carafe.
We think that this cold brew maker would be the perfect gift for the coffee-obsessed person in your life. During our testing, this cold brew maker impressed us with consistently balanced, flavorful cups of coffee that had a dark but translucent color and a smooth, clean mouthfeel, free from grinds. Not only can this magical little brewer serve up a perfect glass of cold brew in about 4 hours, but it’s also easy to use and a breeze to clean.
The only downside we could find is that this system doesn’t brew much coffee at a time, so it might not be the best fit for larger households that have multiple coffee drinkers. Otherwise, we love this cold brew maker so much that it now tops our holiday wish list.
Price at time of publish: $80
Capacity: 20 ounces | Filter Type: Paper | Materials: Glass and stainless steel | Weight: 1.76 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
People / Mary Claire Lagroue
Related: The 8 Best Keurig Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Design: Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot
Pros
It provides consistent, delicious results.
It's high-quality and a great value for the price.
All parts of this coffee maker are dishwasher safe.
Cons
The pitcher is a bit tall and might be difficult to fit on short fridge shelves.
Sometimes, the best things in life are simple — this incredible cold brew pitcher from Hario proves it. This cold brew coffee maker is made from just four parts: a plastic lid, a mesh strainer, a plastic strainer bottom, and a glass coffee pot, which can all be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
The Japanese brand is known for its exquisite coffee makers, and this high-quality cold brew pot stood up to every test we threw at it. We noted that the cold brew made in this pitcher had absolutely no graininess or residual coffee silt in it, thanks to the super-fine mesh filter. The pitcher is a little tall, so it might be difficult to fit in some fridges with shorter shelves. But despite that small catch, we were impressed with this cold brew coffee maker. Even after diluting with water, the coffee it produced was strong and smooth, with notes of chocolate.
Price at time of publish: $21.95
Capacity: 34 ounces | Filter Type: Polyester resin mesh | Materials: Glass, polypropylene plastic, polyester resin, silicone rubber | Weight: 1 pound | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
People / Taysha Murtaugh
Related: The 8 Best Coffee Makers With Grinders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Brew Time
Traditional cold brew coffee is usually made by leaving the pot overnight to steep in a refrigerator, which is how our top pick, the OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker, does its thing. But some devices, like the Vinci Express Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker, can take as little as five minutes to serve up some delicious cold brew. The right brewing time for you depends on which device you like best and how strong you like your cup of coffee. A short brew time typically equals a lighter cold brew, while an overnight cold brew coffee maker will serve up a strong, full-bodied cup in the morning.
Taste
One of the most important things to look for in a cold brew coffee maker is that it produces coffee that tastes good. “Cold brew is among the most forgiving coffee preparations, typically resulting in smooth, full-bodied coffee,” says Michael Phillips, the global director of education and engagement at Blue Bottle Coffee. “Pretty much any coffee that tastes good hot also tastes wonderful cold,” Phillips says.
And no, cold brew is not the same thing as iced coffee. “Iced coffee tends to be brewed hot, then cooled with ice,” says Phillips. “Hot water does a better job at preserving brighter flavor notes but can bring out bitterness when cold if not done well, whereas cold brew focuses on body and sweetness.”
Not only does cold brewing your beans produce a less acidic cup of joe (which is great news for anyone with acid reflux), but it can also provide a higher dose of sweet, sweet caffeine. “Cold brew can also easily be brewed at a higher strength to further increase the body and mouthfeel,” Phillips adds.
Size
The best cold brew coffee makers are available in a variety of capacities, and the right one for you depends on how much coffee your household drinks. Some devices make the perfect amount for a single user, while others (like the Primula Burke Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker) make enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Filter Type
Most of the cold brew coffee makers on this list use a stainless steel mesh filter to separate the grounds from the cold brew. If you purchase a cold brew maker that doesn't contain a quality filter, the grounds can seep through, and you'll end up with grainy coffee. Besides being a durable, reusable filter, a stainless steel mesh filter makes the cleanup process simple. Our best splurge pick, the KitchenAid Brushed Stainless Steel Cold Brew Coffee Maker comes with a built-in, removable stainless steel filter and a stainless steel tap to dispense coffee.
How We Tested
Brewing and Tasting: We tested 21 cold brew coffee makers to find the best ones for every budget. We prepared cold brew in each coffee maker and allowed it to brew for 16 hours. After brewing, we tasted each cold brew and considered the flavor profile, aroma, and texture of each. We then allowed the coffee to chill for 24 hours and tasted each coffee again, considering each for the same criteria after 24 hours.
Additional Factors: In addition to taste, we also evaluated each coffee maker for ease of use, size, effectiveness of included accessories, and ease of cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special beans to use a cold brew coffee maker?
The beans you probably already have in your pantry should work perfectly well for a cold-brew coffee device, according to Phillips. “Pretty much any coffee that tastes good hot also tastes wonderful cold,” Phillips says.
What grind of coffee do you need to make cold brew?
“To make cold brew, you’ll want to use coarse ground coffee,” Phillips says. “To get a good grind, you should ideally use a burr-style grinder as opposed to a blade grinder. It will get a more even grind profile pulling out a better extraction.”
What’s the difference between pouring regular coffee over ice and cold brew coffee?
Despite both beverages resulting in a cold coffee, they taste quite distinct and are brewed using different methods. “Iced coffee tends to be brewed hot, then cooled with ice,” explains Phillips. Meanwhile, making cold brew is a bit more involved.
“Cold brew is a method that involves immersion, letting coffee grounds and water steep over long periods of time," says Phillips. "Hot water does a better job at preserving brighter flavor notes but can bring out bitterness when cold if not done well, whereas cold brew focuses on body and sweetness.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Cai Cramer is a commerce writer who covers the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. To bring you this review, she consulted our testers about cold brew coffee makers, including such attributes as brew time, size, and filter type. While researching, we spoke with Michael Phillips, the global director of education and engagement at Blue Bottle Coffee.
Meet Our Experts
Michael Phillips is the global director of eduction and engagement at Blue Bottle Coffee.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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