This Device Makes Fresh, Flavorful Cold Brew in Just 5 Minutes

Amazon

There are many ways you can craft cold brew at home. Ina Garten uses a sock-like device for her Mason jar method. Others rely on large pitchers to get the job done. I, however, use something much less time-consuming. It's an express iced coffee maker that can whip up a batch in as little as five minutes. For those who aren't super familiar with crafting cold brew, this is a big deal—most recipes call for at least 12 hours in between beans seeping and you sipping.

Coffee enthusiasts might be skeptical about the speed at which this brewer works, but the technology behind it makes it so that flavor is not sacrificed for quickness. Trust me, I'm a former barista who drinks three cups daily. I take my caffeine seriously.

The Vinci appliance uses a brewing method that circulates water so that it extracts all the best flavor notes in the fastest way possible. According to the brand, because no heat is included in this method, the drink keeps a low acidity, thus has a less bitter and more smooth taste.

This might sound complicated, but it took me less than 20 minutes to figure out how to use the device upon my first use. As somebody who hates reading instructions and often skims through them as if it were a competition to spend the least amount of time absorbing the crucial information as possible, the plain language and simplified steps in the instructions made learning how to use the appliance painless and quick.

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: Vinci Express Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker, $70 (originally $80) at amazon.com

In summary, all you have to do is fill a filter basket with the grounds of your choice—medium or coarsely grounded beans are preferred, as the brand says fine ones can clog the filter. Once they're in, you choose from four brew methods: light, medium, bold, or extra bold. The lighter the blend, the less time it takes. A light batch is ready within five minutes, and extra bold is good to go in 25 minutes. No matter which method you choose, you'll be spending a fraction of the time you'd otherwise waste letting a typical batch of brew sit overnight.

Once all that is set, you simply press the brew button and your job is done. Sit back, relax, and let the coffee maker do it's thing.

Related: This Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Treats That 'Rival Big Chains'— and It's 46% Off

As somebody who prefers light roast coffee, I was shocked at how much I liked the darker blends that come from this maker. I tested them all out, and the regular bold option is by far my favorite (mind you, I add oat milk and homemade brown sugar syrup to each cup). It has a refreshing zing to it without the bitterness that so often comes with dark roasts.

Each batch made with this maker can sit for up to 10 days in the fridge, but I doubt it'll last that long in your home. The first time I made a blend, my roommate and I finished the pitcher in two very energized days. I usually make my cold brew in the morning before work or on the weekend so that I'm never without the refreshing option. The whole process takes about the same amount of time as brewing a traditional pot of coffee.

Another feature to note: There's a cleaning mode that can fully cleanse the device. To use it, add some water, press the button and voilà: Your machine is as good as new.

I'd recommend this coffee machine to anybody looking to save money on cold drinks this summer. It's so easy to rack up a large bill on a few $5 iced lattes or iced coffees a week, but with this device you can get the same quality blends as you would at a coffee shop, minus the cost and in the comfort of your own home. Throw in the speediness, and you've got yourself a win-win-win situation.

Do your bank account, your taste buds, and your timer a favor and shop the Vinci Express Cold Brew Coffee Maker on sale at Amazon now.