Cold-brew coffee tastes like magic. But, it somehow only tastes that good when you get it from a coffee shop. The scenario seems relatable, doesn’t it?
If you’re wondering what causes such a remarkable difference in the flavor of a store-bought cold brew and a homemade one, it’s the brewing method!
While cold brew can be made by simply soaking some ground coffee beans in a mug, you cannot expect it to have the same flavor as the one made in a professional and specialized cold brew maker.
So if you want to enjoy the same flavor at home, it’s time that you invest in a cold brew coffee maker.
Top 5 Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Since there is a huge variety of cold brew makers available on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one you should buy for your home. This is why we have selected some of the best cold brew coffee makers available on the market. Take a look, pick the one that best suits your needs and budget, and stop running to the coffee shop every morning.
OXO Brew Cold Brew Coffee Maker
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If you don’t mind spending a little more for taste and convenience, then this cold brew coffee maker by OXO is a perfect choice. Wondering what makes it different from all the other cold brew makers out there?
There are quite a few features actually, but the best and most unique feature of this coffee maker is the rainmaker lid. The perforated lid makes sure that the water is evenly distributed over the coffee grounds. In case you don’t know, this is the key to extracting the best flavor out of the coffee beans.
It also features a stainless steel mesh filter, which means you don’t need to use standard paper filters. For people who prefer using a paper filter because it makes the cleanup easier, the coffee maker contains some paper filters too.
Another feature that adds to the convenience is the switch or valve that makes the filtration process extremely easy; most coffee makers feature a plug or a stopper.
The flask is made of a strong glass and is big enough that it can hold up to 32 ounces of brew at a time. The flask also features a secure stopper on the top, which means you do not need to transfer the coffee into another container for storing in the refrigerator. In other words, you can put the flask directly into the fridge.
Incredibly easy to use and disassemble (which makes cleanup easier), compact, and sturdy, this OXO cold brew maker is an ideal choice for most homes.
Toddy Cold Brew System
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Toddy is not a new name for coffee lovers. The company has been around since the 1960s and enjoys a good reputation worldwide. And their cold brew maker lives up to that reputation!
Although very simple, in both design and functionality, Toddy’s cold brew maker gives you a smooth and rich brew.
However, it has a couple of downsides too. First, it also requires filter pads, in addition to paper liners, which adds to the cost. Second, unlike OXO’s coffee maker, it features a rubber stopper at the end of the bucket that holds the brewed coffee grounds and you have to take it out to filter the coffee. This not only creates a little inconvenience but can also get a bit messy. On the plus side, this double filtration gives you a concentrate that’s completely sediment-free.
If you don’t mind these minor downsides and only care about the taste of the brew, then Toddy’s Cold Brew System is a very good choice. It’s also very easy on the pocket!
Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
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A great choice for people who are on a tight budget or prefer mild brews, Takeya’s cold brew maker works on the same principles as most other brewers on the market. However, instead of featuring different compartments or sections for the grounds and filtered brew, one above the other, it combines both of them into one pitcher.
Ever seen those water bottles that are used to make infused waters? It’s exactly like that! You add the coffee grounds in the center filter and then insert it in the pitcher filled with water. When the coffee is ready, you will just need to take out the filter with coffee grounds and not open the valve or remove the stopper. And with that, your cold brew is prepared! Small, portable, and easy to use, Teddy’s cold brew maker is perfect for picnics and traveling.
Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker
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An ideal choice for people who are super busy or need a regular supply of coffee to get through the day, this cold brew maker by Cuisinart speeds up the brewing process.
Unlike most other coffee makers that take up to 12 to 24 hours to make cold brews, this little machine does the work in just 25 to 45 minutes.
While there is some difference in the taste and aroma, the brew is still flavorful and you will like it even if you are used to drinking coffee that has been brewed for a long time.
Featuring a spinning chamber that expedites the brewing process, the machine has three options for coffee strengths – mild, medium, and bold – that take 25, 35, and 45 minutes, respectively.
Another advantage of Cuisinart’s cold brew maker is that it can make a large batch of coffee – up to 7 cups – at a time.
Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Pot
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Another well-known name among coffee lovers, Hario is known for producing excellent quality gear for coffee brewing for a very long time. The Mizudashi coffee brewer is another feather in its cap.
Featuring a reusable metal fine mesh filter that fits inside the pitcher, the design is similar to Tekaya’s cold brewer. It’s also comparatively more compact and sleeker than most other coffee brewers and hence, can easily fit into a fridge rack.
Available in two sizes, 600 ml and 1000 ml, the coffee maker looks just like your regular water bottle. This means you can easily carry it anywhere.
How to Choose a Cold Brew Coffee Maker – A Short Buying Guide
For true coffee lovers, the decision of buying a coffee maker isn’t an easy one. They can’t just go to the store and buy the first coffee maker they see. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered before making a choice. After all, it’s about coffee!
Being coffee aficionados ourselves, we understand the struggle. Therefore, we have put together a brief and handy buying guide for you, so when you pick up a cold brew coffee maker, you would be sure that it perfectly fits your needs.
Here are the major factors to consider when buying a cold brew coffee maker to make sure it’s the right choice:
The Size – Make sure it’s big enough to produce enough coffee concentrate as well as can fit in your kitchen and/or refrigerator.
Filter – What kind of filter do you prefer? Stainless steel or paper? While paper filters make the cleanup process easier, stainless steel reduces waste and costs. If you don’t have a preference, you can opt for a brewer with both options.
Usability – Most people do not want their coffee machines or any home equipment per se, to be highly technical and complex. If you are one of them, make sure the coffee brewer you are buying is easy to use.
Material – Coffee makers are available in a variety of materials – the most common ones are glass, metal, plastic, and ceramic. According to coffee experts, the glass and ceramic ones produce the best-quality concentrate because they do not add extra or foreign flavor to the brew.
Budget – From $20 to hundreds of dollars, coffee makers are available in a wide price range. And due to their increasing popularity and demand, they are also available in a huge variety, so you are sure to find a good one within your budget.
Conclusion
Cold brew coffee has been all the rage lately, for all the good reasons. Less acidity and bitterness, enhanced and rich flavor, and super smooth concentrate – these are some of the reasons why cold brew is considered better than its hot brew counterpart.
If you have also gone crazy over the delicious flavor of cold brew and have been spending a big chunk of your earnings on getting cold brews from coffee shops, it’s time you get a cold brew maker and make your own, equally delicious, concentrate at home.