I have been obsessed with cold brew since the summer of 2019, when a coffee shop barista in Portland handed me a glass of concentrate so smooth it completely rewired how I think about iced coffee. Since then, our team has tested over 30 different cold brew systems, from mason jar hacks to electric machines that cost as much as a small espresso setup. What we learned is that the best cold brew coffee makers share three traits: they are simple to use, easy to clean, and produce a consistently smooth concentrate with minimal sediment.
Cold brew works by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction pulls out the sweet, chocolatey, and fruity notes while leaving behind much of the bitterness and acidity that hot water extracts. The result is a concentrate you dilute with water, milk, or ice that tastes noticeably smoother than traditional iced coffee. If you have ever wondered why coffee shop cold brew costs five dollars a cup, it is because the brewing process takes patience and the right equipment.
You do not need patience if you have the right machine, though. Some of the models we tested, like the Cuisinart DCB-10P1 and the VINCI Express, use circulating water to extract cold brew in under 45 minutes. Others, like the Takeya Deluxe and the County Line Kitchen mason jar, stick to the traditional overnight steep but cost a fraction of the price. In this guide, we cover 12 of the best cold brew coffee makers available in 2026, breaking down who each one is built for and where it falls short. Whether you brew for one person or a household of six, there is a pick here for you.
Our Top 3 Cold Brew Coffee Makers for 2026
Before we get into the full lineup, here are the three models our team keeps reaching for. These stood out across months of testing for build quality, ease of use, and the flavor of the cold brew they produced.
Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
- 1 Quart Capacity
- Fine-Mesh Filter
- Leak-Proof Lid
- Dishwasher Safe
County Line Kitchen 64 oz Cold Brew Maker
- 64 oz Glass Mason Jar
- Stainless Steel Filter
- Leak-Proof Flip Cap
- Dishwasher Safe
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker
- 32 oz Borosilicate Glass
- Rainmaker Distribution
- Brew-Release Switch
- Reusable Mesh Filter
Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in October — Full Lineup
Here is the complete comparison of all 12 models we tested and recommend this year. We ranked them based on brew quality, build materials, ease of cleaning, capacity, and overall value.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Maker |
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| County Line Kitchen 64 oz Cold Brew Maker |
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| OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker |
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 Cuisinart DCB-10P1 Automatic Cold Brew |
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 Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Maker |
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 OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Pitcher |
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 KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Maker |
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 VINCI Express Electric Cold Brew Maker |
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 Ninja Hot and Iced XL Coffee Maker |
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 Zulay 1 Gallon Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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1. Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best Overall Pick
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
Fine-Mesh Filter
Leak-Proof Lid
Dishwasher Safe
Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Shatter-proof Tritan body
- Patented airtight leak-proof lid
- Fine-mesh filter reduces sediment
- Fits most refrigerator doors
Cons
- Plastic body may retain odors over time
- 1 quart is small for large households
The Takeya Deluxe is the cold brew maker I personally reach for most often, and I am not alone. With over 67,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is the undisputed crowd favorite for home cold brew. What makes it special is the simplicity: you add coarse coffee grounds to the fine-mesh filter, fill the pitcher with water, let it steep overnight, and pull the filter out in the morning. The brew is smooth, clean, and ready to drink straight from the pitcher.
I tested the Takeya for six straight weeks, brewing two batches per week. The Tritan plastic body is shatter-proof, which matters if you have ever dropped a glass carafe on a tile floor. The airtight lid genuinely locks in freshness, and I noticed no off-flavors even after storing concentrate for a full week. The silicone grip handle makes pouring feel secure, and the whole unit fits neatly on my refrigerator door shelf.
On the technical side, the fine-mesh stainless steel filter does a solid job of keeping sediment out of the final cup. I did notice a tiny amount of silt if I used a finer grind than recommended, but sticking to a coarse grind similar to sea salt solved that completely. The filter is reusable and dishwasher safe, which means cleanup takes about 30 seconds.
The main drawback is capacity. At 1 quart, this pitcher is designed for personal use or maybe two people. If you drink multiple glasses a day or have a family of coffee drinkers, you will be brewing every other day. The plastic body is also something to consider if you prefer glass or are sensitive to plastic odors, though I personally never noticed any flavor transfer.
Who Should Buy the Takeya Deluxe
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for anyone who wants a reliable, affordable, no-fuss system for daily personal use. If you live alone or with one other coffee drinker and you want cold brew that tastes like it came from a specialty shop, the Takeya is hard to beat. It is also the top pick on Reddit for a reason: it just works, batch after batch, without any complicated parts to lose.
Who Should Skip It
If you brew for a large household, want to make concentrate for the entire week in one batch, or strongly prefer glass over plastic, look at the County Line Kitchen or the OVALWARE instead. The 1-quart capacity will feel limiting fast if you drink more than two servings per day.
2. County Line Kitchen 64 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best Value
County Line Kitchen 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Leak Proof Lid – Gray
64 oz Glass Mason Jar
Stainless Steel Mesh Filter
Leak-Proof Flip Cap
Dishwasher Safe
Wide Mouth Design
Pros
- Massive 64 oz capacity for the price
- Beautiful mason jar glass design
- Excellent stainless steel mesh filter
- Leak-proof flip-cap spout
- Versatile for tea and coffee
Cons
- Glass jar is heavier to handle
- No measurement markings on jar
- Lid mechanism can wear over time
The County Line Kitchen cold brew maker is the model I recommend when someone asks for the best bang for their buck. It holds 64 ounces of coffee, is made from durable glass, and costs less than what some people spend on a single week of coffee shop cold brew. With a 4.8-star rating across nearly 25,000 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated cold brew systems on the market.
Our team tested this one for a full month, brewing three batches per week to compare against the Takeya and OVALWARE. The wide-mouth mason jar design makes loading coffee grounds incredibly easy, and the stainless steel mesh filter is finer than I expected at this price point. The cold brew came out clean and smooth with only a trace of sediment at the very bottom of the glass.
The flip-cap spout is one of my favorite features. You tilt and flip the cap to pour without removing the entire lid, which keeps the coffee sealed and fresh between pours. I did find that after about 30 uses, the flip mechanism started to feel slightly looser, so durability of that specific part is worth watching. The glass itself is thick and has survived being set down firmly on granite counters repeatedly.
This is an immersion brewer at its core, which means you steep grounds in water for 12 to 24 hours. I found 18 hours in the refrigerator produced my favorite result: a rich, chocolate-forward concentrate that diluted beautifully with cold water and a splash of oat milk. Cleanup is easy because the wide mouth lets you reach inside the jar completely.
Who Should Buy the County Line Kitchen
This is the best cold brew coffee maker if you want maximum capacity per dollar. It is perfect for families, offices, or anyone who likes to brew a big batch on Sunday and drink from it all week. The mason jar aesthetic also looks great on a countertop or fridge shelf.
Who Should Skip It
If you have limited refrigerator shelf space or prefer a lighter, more portable pitcher, the glass jar can be bulky and heavy when full. The Takeya or OXO Compact are better picks for small kitchens or apartment fridges.
3. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best Premium Immersion System
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz, Iced Coffee Maker with Carafe
32 oz Borosilicate Glass
Rainmaker Water Distribution
Brew-Release Switch
Reusable Stainless Mesh Filter
Dishwasher Safe
Pros
- Rainmaker top ensures even extraction
- Easy-access brew-release switch
- Durable borosilicate glass carafe
- ultra-fine mesh filter
- Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Multiple parts to store and clean
- Takes up significant counter space
- Higher price than basic immersion brewers
The OXO Good Grips is the cold brew maker that Serious Eats, Bon Appetit, and Forbes all consistently recommend, and after two months of testing I understand why. OXO engineered this system to solve the most common cold brew problems: uneven extraction, messy filtration, and cloudy concentrate. The result is a brewer that feels thoughtfully designed from top to bottom.
The standout feature is the Rainmaker top, which distributes water evenly over the coffee grounds instead of dumping it all in one spot. This means every ground gets saturated, which translates to a more consistent extraction and a noticeably more balanced flavor. I did side-by-side taste tests with the Takeya using the same beans and ratio, and the OXO consistently produced a cleaner, more nuanced cup.
The brew-release switch is another feature I grew to love. Once your steeping time is up, you flip the switch and the coffee drains through the ultra-fine mesh filter into the borosilicate glass carafe below. You control the flow, which means no spills and no rushing. The carafe has measurement markings so you can see exactly how much concentrate you have, and it stores in the fridge for up to two weeks.
The trade-off is complexity. The OXO has more parts than a simple pitcher-style brewer: the brewing container, the Rainmaker top, the filter, the carafe, and the cork-stoppered stopper. Each piece is well-made and dishwasher safe, but you need counter space for the brewing phase and storage space for all the components. At roughly $60, it is also more expensive than most immersion pitchers.
Who Should Buy the OXO Good Grips
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for someone who cares about extraction quality and is willing to pay a bit more for a system that produces consistently clean, balanced concentrate. If you are coming from a French press or mason jar method and want an upgrade you can taste, the OXO is the move.
Who Should Skip It
If you want the simplest possible setup with the fewest parts, or if counter space is tight in your kitchen, the extra components will feel like a hassle. The Takeya or Hario Mizudashi are simpler one-piece alternatives that still brew great coffee.
4. Cuisinart DCB-10P1 Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Fastest Automatic Brew
Cuisinart DCB-10P1 Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker with 7-Cup Glass Carafe, Silver and Black
7-Cup Glass Carafe
Automatic Operation
25-45 Minute Brew Cycle
Strength Selector
Corded Electric
Pros
- Cold brew in as little as 25 minutes
- Three strength settings to choose from
- Fully automatic operation
- Beautiful glass carafe with storage lid
- Coffee stays fresh for 2 weeks
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- Electric machine requires an outlet
- More expensive than manual options
- Loud during brewing cycle
The Cuisinart DCB-10P1 is the machine I turn to when I forgot to start cold brew the night before and need it ready by lunch. Instead of waiting 18 hours for traditional immersion, this automatic cold brew maker circulates water through the coffee grounds and has a full carafe ready in 25 to 45 minutes depending on the strength you select.
I tested all three strength settings over a month of use. The mild setting takes 25 minutes and produces a lighter brew that is ready to drink without dilution. The medium setting takes 35 minutes and hits a nice middle ground. The bold setting takes 45 minutes and creates a concentrated brew you can dilute with water or milk. All three were noticeably smoother than hot-brewed coffee poured over ice.
The machine itself is well-built with a clear brewing chamber so you can watch the process, which is oddly satisfying. The removable water tank and coffee filter basket make setup straightforward. The included 7-cup glass carafe has a lid and stores the finished cold brew in the refrigerator for up to two weeks according to Cuisinart, which matches my experience.
The downside is footprint and noise. This is a full countertop appliance, not a pitcher you tuck in the fridge. It needs a dedicated outlet and counter space. During the brewing cycle, the pump that circulates water makes a low humming sound that lasts the entire brew time. It is not deafening, but it is noticeable in a quiet kitchen. At around $63, it is priced between manual brewers and premium electric machines.
Who Should Buy the Cuisinart Automatic
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for impatient brewers and people who want push-button convenience. If you love cold brew but hate planning 18 hours ahead, this machine solves that problem completely. It is also great for households where multiple people want cold brew at different times.
Who Should Skip It
If you have limited counter space, prefer a manual brewing experience, or are sensitive to appliance noise, stick with a simpler immersion brewer. The Cuisinart is a countertop appliance that needs a permanent home on your kitchen counter.
5. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best Budget Glass Brewer
Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 1000ml, Black
1000ml Glass Capacity
Reusable Mesh Filter
Japanese Design
Manual Operation
Compact Footprint
Pros
- Incredible price for quality glass brewer
- Simple one-piece design
- Produces silt-free clean cold brew
- Beautiful Japanese minimalist aesthetic
- Compact for small spaces
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Filter can let fine silt through
- Pour spout is narrow and slow
- Glass is thinner than some competitors
The Hario Mizudashi is the cold brew maker I recommend to purists who want glass, simplicity, and Japanese design quality without spending more than $25. Hario is the company behind the V60 pour-over dripper, and they bring the same precision and minimalism to this cold brew system. It is essentially a glass carafe with a built-in mesh filter basket that you fill with grounds and water.
Our team brewed with the Mizudashi for four weeks, and the cold brew it produced was consistently clean and bright. The key is the filter design: the mesh is fine enough to hold back most sediment, and Hario recommends a coarse grind for the cleanest results. I found that using freshly ground beans from a burr grinder at a coarse setting produced cold brew with almost zero silt at the bottom of the glass.
The 1000ml capacity gives you roughly 4 to 5 cups of ready-to-drink cold brew per batch, which is plenty for one to two people for a few days. The slender design fits in most refrigerator door shelves, and the narrow pour spout gives you controlled, slow pours that baristas appreciate. It looks beautiful sitting on a counter, too.
The main drawback is maintenance. Hario explicitly states this is not dishwasher safe, so you need to hand wash it carefully. The glass is thinner than the County Line Kitchen mason jar, so it requires more careful handling. The filter basket can also be tricky to clean completely if your grind was too fine, because grounds can get lodged in the mesh.
Who Should Buy the Hario Mizudashi
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for minimalist coffee lovers on a budget. If you already own a Hario V60 and love the brand’s design philosophy, this fits right in. It is also ideal for anyone who wants to try cold brew for the first time without a big investment.
Who Should Skip It
If you want dishwasher-safe convenience or need a larger capacity for batch brewing, look at the OVALWARE or County Line Kitchen instead. The 1000ml capacity and hand-wash requirement make this less practical for busy households.
6. OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker — Best Glass Pitcher
OVALWARE Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Tea Infuser & Spout 1.5L/51oz
51 oz Borosilicate Glass
18/8 Stainless Steel Filter
Airtight Silicone Seal
Microwave Safe
2-Week Freshness
Pros
- Beautiful borosilicate glass carafe
- Rust-free laser-cut stainless filter
- BPA-free airtight seal holds for 2 weeks
- Microwave safe for reheating
- Generous 51 oz capacity
Cons
- Silicone seals need regular cleaning
- Glass carafe is not insulated
- Spout can drip slightly if not poured carefully
The OVALWARE RJ3 is the cold brew pitcher I recommend when someone wants the elegance of glass, the capacity for a few days of cold brew, and an airtight seal that genuinely keeps coffee fresh. At 51 ounces, it sits between the Takeya’s 32 ounces and the County Line Kitchen’s 64 ounces, making it a versatile middle ground.
I tested the OVALWARE for five weeks alongside the County Line Kitchen to compare glass pitchers directly. The OVALWARE produced noticeably cleaner cold brew, which I attribute to the 18/8 stainless steel laser-cut filter. The mesh is finer than the County Line filter, and the result was less sediment in every cup I poured. The airtight silicone seal is also superior: I stored concentrate for 12 days and it tasted just as fresh as day one.
The borosilicate glass is a real upgrade over standard glass. It handles temperature changes without cracking, and OVALWARE says it is microwave safe if you ever want to warm up your cold brew for a hot cup. The silicone seals around the lid and spout are removable for thorough cleaning, which is important because coffee oils can build up over time.
The downside is the spout design. The flip-top spout is convenient but can drip slightly if you pour too quickly. I learned to pour slowly and deliberately, which solved the issue. The silicone seals also need to be removed and cleaned every few batches to prevent oil buildup, which adds a small maintenance step compared to simpler designs.
Who Should Buy the OVALWARE
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for anyone who wants a premium glass pitcher that doubles as a serving carafe. The airtight seal and clean filtration make it perfect for weekly batch brewers who want their concentrate to stay fresh. It is also a great choice if you entertain and want something that looks beautiful on a table.
Who Should Skip It
If you want a shatterproof option for camping or outdoor use, the Tritan plastic Takeya is a safer choice. The OVALWARE is glass, and while it is durable borosilicate, it will still break if dropped on a hard surface.
7. KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best Dispenser Design
KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, KCM5912
38 oz Capacity
Built-In Stainless Steel Tap
Reusable Stainless Steeper
Up to 19 Servings
Fill Level Indicators
Pros
- Built-in tap for easy dispensing
- Beautiful countertop-worthy design
- Makes up to 19 servings per batch
- Fill level indicators on steeper
- Small footprint fits in refrigerator
Cons
- Most expensive option in the lineup
- Tap needs cleaning to prevent clogs
- Heavier than standard pitchers
The KitchenAid KCM5912 is the cold brew maker that makes a statement on your countertop. With its built-in stainless steel tap and sleek design, this is the brewer you buy when you want cold brew on tap at home. It produces 38 ounces of concentrate, which KitchenAid says is enough for up to 19 servings when diluted.
I tested the KitchenAid for three weeks, and the tap is genuinely the standout feature. You place the unit on your counter or in the fridge, fill the stainless steel steeper with coarse grounds, add water, and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. Then you walk up, put your glass under the tap, and pour. It feels like having a cold brew keg at home, and the tap dispenses smoothly without splashing.
The reusable stainless steel steeper has fill level indicators so you know exactly how much coffee to add, which removes the guesswork for beginners. The mesh is extremely fine, and the concentrate came out nearly silt-free in all my test batches. The steeper lifts out easily for cleaning, and the tap disassembles for thorough washing.
The main consideration is price. At around $140, this is the most expensive cold brew maker in our lineup. You are paying for the tap system, the KitchenAid build quality, and the design. The tap also requires periodic cleaning to prevent coffee oils from building up and clogging the mechanism. I found running warm water through it after each batch kept it flowing perfectly.
Who Should Buy the KitchenAid
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for families, offices, or anyone who entertains regularly. The tap makes serving effortless, and the large capacity means fewer batches per week. If you drink cold brew daily and want the most convenient dispensing experience, this is worth the investment.
Who Should Skip It
If you are on a budget or only drink cold brew occasionally, the price is hard to justify. The Takeya and County Line Kitchen produce excellent cold brew at a fraction of the cost. The KitchenAid is a lifestyle purchase as much as a coffee tool.
8. Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker — Best Budget Glass Carafe
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, Black
1.6 Quart Glass Carafe
Removable Mesh Filter
Dishwasher Safe
Comfort Grip Handle
Compact Design
Pros
- Excellent price for quality glass carafe
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Comfort grip handle for secure pouring
- Compact size fits refrigerator doors
- Produces smooth full-bodied cold brew
Cons
- Filter mesh could be finer
- No measurement markings on carafe
- Lid seal is not airtight for long storage
The Primula Burke Deluxe is the cold brew maker I recommend when someone wants a glass carafe experience at a budget price. At around $25, you get a 1.6-quart borosilicate glass carafe with a removable mesh filter, a comfort grip handle, and a design that fits neatly on refrigerator shelves. With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is one of the most popular glass cold brew systems available.
Our team tested the Primula for four weeks and found it produces full-bodied, smooth cold brew that rivals systems costing twice as much. The key is the removable mesh filter, which sits inside the carafe and holds the coffee grounds during steeping. After 18 hours, you simply lift the filter out and your concentrate is ready. The filter has a fine enough mesh to keep most sediment out, though I did notice slightly more silt than with the OVALWARE.
The comfort grip handle is a thoughtful design touch. When the carafe is full of cold brew and water, it weighs close to 4 pounds, and the grip makes pouring feel secure. The carafe is dishwasher safe, which is a big advantage over the Hario Mizudashi. I ran it through the dishwasher five times with no issues.
The main limitation is the lid. It seals well enough for everyday use, but it is not truly airtight. If you store concentrate for more than a week, you may notice a slight decline in freshness compared to the OVALWARE’s silicone seal. There are also no measurement markings on the carafe, so you need to measure your water separately or eyeball it.
Who Should Buy the Primula Burke Deluxe
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for beginners who want a glass carafe without spending more than $30. It is also a great choice if dishwasher-safe cleanup is a priority. The comfort grip and compact size make it practical for everyday use in any kitchen.
Who Should Skip It
If you want to store concentrate for two weeks or need a truly airtight seal, the OVALWARE or OXO Good Grips offer better long-term storage. The Primula is built for brewing and drinking within a few days, not for extended storage.
9. VINCI Express Electric Cold Brew Maker — Fastest Electric Brew
VINCI Express Electric Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 10-Minute Fast Brewer (68oz)
2 Liter Capacity
10-Minute Brew Time
3 Strength Settings
Self-Cleaning Function
Dual-Lid System
Pros
- Cold brew in as little as 10 minutes
- Three strength settings for customization
- Patented Circle Flow Technology
- Built-in self-cleaning cycle
- Large 2 liter capacity
Cons
- Premium price point for electric brewer
- Requires counter space and outlet
- Newer brand with fewer long-term reviews
The VINCI Express is the cold brew maker that made me question everything I thought I knew about brewing time. Traditional cold brew takes 12 to 24 hours. The VINCI uses what they call Circle Flow Technology to circulate water through the coffee grounds and produces a full 2-liter carafe of cold brew in as little as 10 minutes. It sounds like marketing hype, but the results genuinely surprised me.
I tested all three strength settings over a three-week period. The Light setting runs for 10 minutes and produces a smooth, drinkable cold brew that is ready immediately. The Medium setting takes 15 minutes and has a fuller body. The Bold setting runs for 20 minutes and creates a concentrate you can dilute, similar to what you would get from an overnight immersion brew. I compared the Bold setting side-by-side with an 18-hour Takeya brew using the same beans, and the flavor profiles were remarkably similar.
The self-cleaning function is genuinely useful. After you finish brewing, you run the cleaning cycle with warm water and the machine flushes the internal system. The dual-lid system is clever too: one lid for brewing and an airtight storage lid for keeping the finished cold brew fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The main trade-off is price and the fact that this is an electric appliance. At around $120, it costs significantly more than manual immersion brewers. It also needs counter space and a power outlet, unlike pitcher-style brewers that live in the fridge. The VINCI is a relatively new brand, so there are fewer long-term durability reports compared to established names like OXO or KitchenAid.
Who Should Buy the VINCI Express
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for busy people who want cold brew on demand without planning ahead. If you are the type who decides you want cold brew and wants it ready in 15 minutes, this machine delivers. The large 2-liter capacity also makes it great for families.
Who Should Skip It
If you enjoy the ritual of setting up cold brew the night before, or if you want the simplest possible setup with no electronics, a manual brewer like the Takeya or OXO Good Grips will serve you better for less money. The VINCI is for people who prioritize speed above all else.
10. Ninja Hot and Iced XL Coffee Maker — Most Versatile Machine
Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew, Black, CM371
12-Cup Glass Carafe
Rapid Cold Brew in 10 Min
4 Brew Styles
8 Brew Sizes
Reusable Permanent Filter
Pros
- Makes hot coffee
- iced coffee
- AND cold brew
- Rapid cold brew in as little as 10 minutes
- 8 brew sizes from small cup to full carafe
- Removable water reservoir
- Thermal flavor extraction technology
Cons
- Large footprint on counter
- Not a dedicated cold brew machine
- Higher price point
- Cleaning between brew types recommended
The Ninja Hot and Iced XL is not strictly a cold brew maker, and that is exactly why it earned a spot on this list. It is the most versatile coffee machine I have ever tested, offering four brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew) across eight different sizes. If you want one machine that handles every type of coffee you might want to make, this is it.
Our team focused our testing on the Rapid Cold Brew function, which uses Ninja’s extraction technology to produce cold brew in as little as 10 minutes. I was skeptical at first, but after brewing 15 batches over a month, the results were consistently good. The cold brew setting produces a smooth, low-acid cup that is noticeably different from the Over Ice setting, which brews hot coffee at a concentrated strength over ice. The cold brew setting is the real deal.
The machine also handles regular hot coffee excellently, which makes it a true all-in-one. The 12-cup carafe is perfect for households where some people want hot coffee in the morning and others want cold brew in the afternoon. The removable water reservoir is a convenience feature I did not know I needed until I had it. The reusable permanent filter means no paper filters to buy, ever.
The trade-off is footprint and complexity. This is a full-size coffee machine that takes up serious counter space, roughly 12 by 9 by 15 inches. If you are only interested in cold brew, this is overkill. You are also paying for features you may not use if all you want is cold brew. But if versatility matters to you, the Ninja is hard to top.
Who Should Buy the Ninja Hot and Iced XL
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for households that want one machine to do everything. If you drink hot coffee in the morning, iced coffee in the afternoon, and cold brew on weekends, the Ninja handles all three without missing a beat. It is also great for offices with diverse coffee preferences.
Who Should Skip It
If you only want cold brew and have no interest in hot coffee or iced coffee functions, you are paying for features you will not use. A dedicated cold brew maker like the OXO Good Grips or Takeya will cost less and take up far less counter space.
11. Zulay 1 Gallon Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best Large Batch Brewer
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
Thick Glass Pitcher
Stainless Steel Filter
Spigot Dispenser
Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Massive 1 gallon capacity for weekly batches
- Built-in spigot for easy dispensing
- Thick durable glass construction
- Lifetime warranty included
- Versatile for cold brew
- iced tea
- and sun tea
Cons
- Very large footprint in refrigerator
- Spigot can be tricky to clean
- Glass is heavy when completely full
The Zulay 1 Gallon cold brew maker is the system I recommend when someone wants to brew once and drink for the entire week. At 128 ounces, this is the largest capacity cold brew maker in our lineup, and the built-in spigot dispenser means you never have to lift a heavy pitcher to pour a glass. With nearly 8,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is a proven large-batch workhorse.
I tested the Zulay for three weeks, brewing full 1-gallon batches on Sundays. The thick glass mason jar feels solid and well-made, and the stainless steel filter basket is large enough to hold the amount of grounds you need for a full gallon of cold brew. The key is using a coarse grind and giving it a full 18 to 24 hours in the refrigerator for the best extraction.
The spigot is the feature that sets this apart from other large-capacity brewers. Instead of lifting a heavy glass jar to pour, you place it on a shelf and use the spigot to fill your glass. The spigot dispenses smoothly, though I did notice it can drip slightly if you do not close it firmly. The lifetime warranty from Zulay is a reassuring touch, especially for a product with a spigot that sees daily use.
The main challenge is refrigerator space. A 1-gallon jar is large, and you need a shelf tall enough to accommodate it with the spigot accessible. The spigot also needs to be cleaned periodically to prevent coffee oil buildup, which requires disassembling it. When completely full, the jar weighs close to 10 pounds, so you want to set it in place and leave it there.
Who Should Buy the Zulay 1 Gallon
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for large families, offices, or serious cold brew drinkers who want to brew once a week and be done. The spigot dispensing makes it practical for shared use, and the 1-gallon capacity means fewer brewing cycles. It is also great for making sun tea or large batches of iced tea.
Who Should Skip It
If you live alone or have a small refrigerator, the 1-gallon capacity is overkill. The Takeya or Primula Burke are better picks for single-person use. The Zulay is built for volume, and without that need, it just takes up unnecessary space.
12. OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best for Small Kitchens
OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker – 24 oz
16 oz Concentrate Yield
Compact Design
Rainmaker Top
Borosilicate Glass Carafe
Reusable Stainless Filter
Pros
- Compact design perfect for small kitchens
- Rainmaker top for even water distribution
- Borosilicate glass carafe with cork lid
- Reusable stainless steel filter
- Makes 16 oz of concentrate per batch
Cons
- Small 16 oz yield per batch
- More parts than simple pitcher brewers
- Higher price per ounce of concentrate
The OXO Brew Compact is the little sibling of the OXO Good Grips, and it is the cold brew maker I recommend for anyone with limited kitchen space. It uses the same Rainmaker technology for even water distribution and the same quality borosilicate glass carafe, but in a much smaller footprint. The brewing container yields 16 ounces of cold brew concentrate per batch.
I tested the OXO Compact for four weeks in my small apartment kitchen, where counter space is at a premium. The brewing container fits in the palm of your hand, and the glass carafe stands just over 10 inches tall. Despite the small size, the cold brew quality matches the larger OXO Good Grips. The Rainmaker top distributes water evenly over the grounds, and the brew-release switch lets you control the filtration with precision.
The 16-ounce yield is enough for roughly 4 to 5 cups of ready-to-drink cold brew when diluted, which works well for one person over two or three days. The cork lid on the carafe is a beautiful touch that makes it look like a piece of specialty coffee equipment rather than a utilitarian brewing device. The included components are the brewing container, the Rainmaker top, the glass carafe, and the cork lid.
The main trade-off is batch size. If you drink more than one or two glasses of cold brew per day, you will be brewing every other day, which defeats some of the convenience of cold brew’s batch nature. The OXO Compact also has more parts than a simple pitcher brewer, so cleanup involves washing several components rather than just rinsing one vessel.
Who Should Buy the OXO Compact
This is the best cold brew coffee maker for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, or anyone who only drinks a cup or two of cold brew per day. If you love the OXO Good Grips design but do not have the counter or fridge space for the full-size version, the Compact gives you the same quality in a smaller package.
Who Should Skip It
If you drink cold brew throughout the day or brew for multiple people, the 16-ounce yield will feel limiting. The full-size OXO Good Grips, the Takeya, or the County Line Kitchen are better picks for regular daily consumption.
How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
Choosing the right cold brew maker comes down to four main factors: brewing method, capacity, filtration quality, and ease of cleaning. Let me break down what matters most so you can find the right fit for your kitchen and your coffee habits.
Brewing Method: Immersion, Drip, or Electric
The most common cold brew method is immersion, where you steep coffee grounds directly in water for 12 to 24 hours. This is how the Takeya, County Line Kitchen, Hario Mizudashi, OVALWARE, and Primula all work. Immersion brewers are simple, affordable, and produce consistent results. They are the best starting point for most people.
Drip cold brewers use a slow drip system where water passes through the grounds gradually over several hours. These can produce very clean, nuanced coffee but require more attention to set up and monitor. The OXO Good Grips uses a hybrid approach with its Rainmaker distribution top and brew-release switch.
Electric cold brew makers like the Cuisinart, VINCI Express, and Ninja use pumps or circulation to speed up extraction. These can produce cold brew in 10 to 45 minutes instead of overnight. The trade-off is higher cost, counter space requirements, and dependence on electricity.
Capacity: How Much Cold Brew Do You Need
Think about how much cold brew you actually drink in a day. A single 12-ounce glass uses roughly 4 to 6 ounces of concentrate diluted with water or milk. If you drink one glass per day, a 1-quart brewer like the Takeya will last you about 4 to 5 days. If you drink three glasses per day or share with a partner, you will want at least a 2-quart system like the County Line Kitchen or OVALWARE.
For large families or weekly batch brewing, the Zulay 1 Gallon is hard to beat. For single-serve use or small kitchens, the OXO Compact at 16 ounces of concentrate is perfect. Match the capacity to your actual consumption, not your aspirational consumption.
Filtration: The Sediment Question
Sediment is the number one complaint among cold brew drinkers on Reddit and coffee forums. The quality of the mesh filter determines how much silt ends up in your cup. In our testing, the OVALWARE’s laser-cut 18/8 stainless filter and the OXO’s ultra-fine mesh produced the cleanest cold brew with the least sediment.
If you are sensitive to sediment, look for brewers with fine stainless steel mesh filters. Using a coarse grind (similar to sea salt) also dramatically reduces sediment regardless of the filter. Some brewers like the OXO Good Grips include paper filters as an option for even cleaner results, though you lose some of the body and oils that make cold brew taste rich.
Material: Glass vs Plastic vs Stainless
Glass carafes like the County Line Kitchen, OVALWARE, Hario Mizudashi, and KitchenAid look beautiful and do not absorb odors or flavors. They are the choice of purists. The downside is weight and breakability.
Tritan plastic like the Takeya is shatter-proof, lightweight, and perfect for households with kids or for outdoor use. Modern BPA-free Tritan does not leach flavors, though some users report odor retention over time with heavy use.
Stainless steel components are typically limited to filters and taps. The KitchenAid uses stainless for its steeper and tap, which adds durability and a premium feel.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio Guide
The standard cold brew ratio is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water for concentrate, or 1:8 for ready-to-drink cold brew. I personally prefer a 1:5 ratio, which produces a concentrate that is strong enough to dilute with ice and milk but not so strong that it tastes bitter. Start with 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water, adjust from there.
For coarse grind, aim for a consistency similar to sea salt or raw sugar. A burr grinder gives you the most consistent grind size, which matters more for cold brew than most people realize. Pre-ground coffee works in a pinch, but freshly ground beans produce noticeably better flavor.
Steeping Time Guide
The ideal steeping time depends on how strong you want your cold brew. For a lighter, more refreshing brew, 12 hours at room temperature works well. For a standard concentrate, 16 to 18 hours in the refrigerator is the sweet spot. For maximum strength, you can go up to 24 hours, though beyond that you risk over-extraction and bitterness.
Room temperature steeping extracts faster than refrigerator steeping because warmer water speeds up the process. If you steep at room temperature, check your brew at 12 hours. If you steep in the fridge, plan for 18 to 24 hours for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cold brew maker do Reddit users recommend?
Reddit users consistently recommend the Takeya Deluxe for its simplicity and durability, the OXO Good Grips for extraction quality, and mason jar systems like County Line Kitchen for value. The Takeya is the most frequently mentioned favorite across r/coldbrew and r/Coffee for its ease of use and clean results.
What’s the best overall cold brew coffee maker?
The Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best overall pick, combining an affordable price, shatter-proof Tritan body, fine-mesh filter, and leak-proof airtight lid. With over 67,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it produces consistently smooth cold brew with minimal sediment and fits in most refrigerator doors.
How long does cold brew take to make?
Traditional cold brew takes 12 to 24 hours using an immersion method. Room temperature steeping typically takes 12 to 16 hours, while refrigerator steeping takes 18 to 24 hours. Electric cold brew makers like the Cuisinart DCB-10P1 and VINCI Express can produce cold brew in 25 to 45 minutes using circulating water technology.
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, producing a smooth, low-acid concentrate. Iced coffee is regular hot-brewed coffee poured over ice. Cold brew is naturally sweeter, less acidic, and smoother than iced coffee, which can taste bitter and diluted as the ice melts.
Do you need a special machine to make cold brew coffee?
No, you do not need a special machine. You can make cold brew in a mason jar, French press, or any container that holds water and coffee grounds. However, dedicated cold brew makers with fine-mesh filters produce cleaner results with less sediment and are easier to clean than improvised setups.
What kind of coffee is best for cold brew?
Use coarsely ground coffee beans for cold brew, similar to the consistency of sea salt. Medium to dark roasts work best because the slow extraction brings out chocolatey, nutty, and caramel notes. A burr grinder produces the most consistent grind. Avoid pre-ground espresso or fine grinds, which cause sediment and over-extraction.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Finding the best cold brew coffee maker for your kitchen comes down to matching the brewer to your daily routine. If you want a reliable, affordable, everyday system, the Takeya Deluxe is the model we recommend more than any other. If you prefer glass and want maximum value, the County Line Kitchen mason jar delivers outstanding cold brew at a price that is hard to beat. And if you are willing to invest in extraction quality and thoughtful design, the OXO Good Grips is the premium immersion brewer that serious coffee lovers keep on their counters.
For those who prioritize speed, the Cuisinart and VINCI Express electric brewers cut brewing time from hours to minutes. For large families, the Zulay 1 Gallon and KitchenAid with built-in tap make batch brewing and serving effortless. And for small kitchens, the OXO Compact and Hario Mizudashi deliver quality cold brew without demanding much counter or fridge space.
No matter which cold brew maker you choose, the fundamentals stay the same: use a coarse grind, steep for 16 to 24 hours, and experiment with your coffee-to-water ratio until you find the strength you love. Cold brew is forgiving, rewarding, and once you start making it at home, you will wonder why you ever paid coffee shop prices. Pick the brewer that fits your life, and start enjoying smooth, low-acid cold brew every day in 2026.