The 6 Best Cold Brew Makers We Tested
If you drink it cold year-round, these coffee makers are for you.
Expert consulted: Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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Making cold brew coffee at home is an easy way to save money on coffee shop drinks while enjoying smooth, rich coffee whenever you want it. After testing more than a dozen cold brew makers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, we found that the best models are easy to use, simple to clean, and consistently produce rich cold brew concentrate at home.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Best value: Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Best compact: OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Best for easy pouring: KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
As an analyst in the Lab and a certified barista, I collaborated with our team to evaluate flavor, consistency, and ease of use through hands-on testing and blind taste tests. These are the cold brew makers that delivered the best results.
Best Deal
Pros
- Large "rainmaker" showerhead allows for even dispersal of water
- Concentrate can last up to two weeks, thanks to included lid
- Measurements on carafe help prepare correct ratio
Cons
- Does not include lid for brewing reservoir
OXO's cold brew maker produced some of the smoothest, most balanced coffee in our tests, with rich chocolatey notes. It's also one of the easiest models to use: Simply add coffee grounds, pour in water and let it steep. The Rainmaker lid helps distribute water evenly over the grounds for consistent results, while an automatic stop feature prevents drips when you remove the carafe.
The 32-ounce glass carafe holds enough concentrate for about 14 cups of coffee, making it a great option for households that regularly drink cold brew. We also like that the sealed carafe helps keep concentrate fresh for up to two weeks. However, we wish the model included a lid for the brewing reservoir, too.
Our pros liked the measurement markings on the carafe (helpful for dosing your water before brewing and your coffee after)—and, despite its large size, found it easy to fit in the fridge. Plus, it has an easy-clean reusable stainless steel filter and a dishwasher-safe glass carafe. "It cleaned up quickly and thoroughly without any issues," reported one analyst.
Features at a Glance
| Capacity | 32 oz |
| Dimensions | 9.5" x 9.5" x 14.75" |
| Material | Plastic, glass |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
Pros
- Comes in two sizes that can both fit in the fridge
- Easy to use with a helpful manual
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- No measurement markings on the side
The Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker doesn't sacrifice quality for its affordable price. The pitcher-style cold brew maker received near-perfect scores in our Lab testing. The manual is clear and helpful, but we found it very intuitive and easy to use overall. All parts are simple to clean, and it's dishwasher-safe.
The fine-mesh filter keeps gritty coffee particles out of your drink, helping produce a smoother concentrate without requiring paper filters. (It can also be used as an iced tea maker.) Overall, our analysts were pleased with the flavor profile, especially given the price.
The design is thoughtful, too. Choose from 1-quart or 2-quart sizes. Each is sized like a standard pitcher, so you can pop the whole thing in the fridge and pour portions easily. Just note: There are no measurements on the carafe, so you'll have to eyeball it or use a separate measuring cup for precision.
| Capacity | 33.8 oz |
| Dimensions | 5" x 7.5" x 9.5" |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 9.6 oz |
Pros
- Components fit inside for easy storage
- Makes rich cold brew concentrate
- Easy to pour
Cons
- Not as ideal for multiple drinkers
For those who prefer to make a smaller batch of cold brew or have less fridge space for a big carafe, OXO also offers a compact model that’s just as effective and easy to clean as its bigger sister. In fact, one of our analysts uses this cold brew maker at home. Not only does she find it small enough to store in her pantry or fridge, but “The parts all nest, too, which is nice when you’re storing away.”
The same expert found the model easy to pour, enjoyed the strong, rich brew the coffee maker produced, and noted no sediment. While you would need to prepare multiple rounds of cold brew for a crowd, it is an ideal option when you have fewer coffee drinkers at home. It’s also a great option if you live in a college dorm and can’t part with fresh cold brew in the morning before class.
| Capacity | 23.7 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5.3" x 8.6" |
| Material | Stainless steel, glass |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs |
Pros
- Brews both cold brew and tea
- User guide includes instructions and recipes
- Produces smooth, flavorful results
Cons
- Cumbersome to clean
The stainless steel and glass construction of this KitchenAid cold brew coffee maker gives it an elevated aesthetic—we think it looks great on the counter or in the refrigerator. Our testers found it intuitive and easy to use. The user guide includes illustrations, clear step-by-step instructions, and recipes for using the concentrate.
The lid has an oversized knob that lets you lift it off with minimal effort, and the reservoir has a fill guideline for coffee, so you don't have to measure in another container. One caveat is that our tester found the fill line wasn't entirely precise—the measured grounds sat just above the line (which is a reminder to use a scale for exact results since all grounds can vary in size).
After 12 hours of steeping, the results were smooth and flavorful. Our tester had no trouble using the spout, which flowed at a moderate pace that was easy to control. They found the concentrate enjoyable over ice and with hot water. You can also use this pick for brewing tea. The brewer isn't dishwasher-safe, but it can be a little tricky to clean because it has lots of crevices.
| Capacity | 28 oz |
| Dimensions | 8" x 7" x 6.9" |
| Material | Glass, stainless steel |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
Pros
- Instructions earned a perfect score for being easy to follow
- Two-filter design prevents sediment
- Can make up to eight servings
Cons
- Paper filters cost around $1 each
The Toddy Cold Brew system may not be the prettiest cold brew coffee maker out there—the top is bulky and appears to defy gravity—but we find it to be one of the best for your money.
The instructions, which earned a perfect score for being easy to follow throughout the entire setup, brewing, and cleaning process, call for a coffee-to-water ratio that yields a deep, rich, silky-smooth concentrate. This model is designed to help prevent sediment: It uses both a felt filter and a paper filter. The felt filters are reusable, which is cost-effective and eco-friendly. Meanwhile, the paper filters cost around $1 each and make cleanup easy.
We also appreciated the output of the Toddy: A brewing mixture of 12 ounces of coffee and approximately 54 ounces of water yields nearly 4 full cups of concentrate—enough to easily make eight servings.
| Capacity | 33.8 oz |
| Dimensions | 7.25" x 7.25" x 12.5" |
| Material | Plastic, glass |
| Weight | 2.51 lbs |
Pros
- Made cold brew with very little sediment
- Can make coffee and tea in under 10 minutes
- Reusable filter
Cons
- Need access to a power source to operate
While this Dash model is on the more expensive side, I was impressed by the quality of the rich cold brew it produced in under 10 minutes. There was minimal sediment when using the Dash, compared to other cold brew makers tested in the Lab, which yielded a nice mouthfeel as well. One tester even raved: "This little machine is a beast and has improved my iced coffee game immensely!"
Besides its quick brew time, we found it produced consistent flavor and included a helpful user guide. However, we would have liked it to have a smaller footprint for better storage and more markings on the carafe's sides, beyond the "max" line. Keep in mind as well that this is the only model on this list that needs to be plugged in to operate. Still, we like that you can brew tea with this model, which extends its overall value. A reusable filter also reduces costs, as you won't have to buy single-use paper filters.
Features at a Glance
| Capacity | 40 oz |
| Dimensions | 8" x 7.5" x 16" |
| Material | Glass, plastic |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
Other cold brew coffee makers to consider
- Country Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker: This budget-friendly pick features dishwasher-safe parts and a mason jar for easy storage. While brewing was simple, our experts found the resulting coffee a bit weak.
- Cuisinart Automatic Cold Brew Coffee Maker: We liked that this electric model brews up to 7 cups quickly and features a mesh filter, though we noticed some sediment during testing.
- Cumulus Cold Brew Machine: We were impressed by this model's performance in our tests, particularly its ability to make both traditional and nitro cold brew at home. However, at nearly $700, it's a significant investment, and we found the internal water reservoir difficult to clean thoroughly.
- Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker: Easy to use and top-rack dishwasher-safe, this model features an ergonomic handle. However, it lacks measurement markings, and our testers found the brew somewhat watery with noticeable sediment.
How we test cold brew coffee makers
When we evaluated cold brew coffee makers in the Lab, we put 13 of the most popular models to the test, reviewing all kinds, including paper-filter, wire-filter, French-press, and electric models.
For each model, we conducted the following tests to see how easy each cold brew maker was to operate and how well its brew tasted.
✔️ Functionality: We brewed the same type of coffee in each model and followed the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the brewing process was complete, we measured and recorded the coffee temperature and the amount of coffee extracted.
✔️ Taste test: Our test kitchen pros conducted a blind taste test to see which brewers produced the smoothest, richest cold brew. We deducted points for brews with more sediment, weak flavor, or that were a bit too strong, almost like burnt coffee.
✔️ Usability: Throughout the entire process, we also took notes on usability, assessing things like how helpful the manual is, what the setup process is like, and how easy (or cumbersome) cleanup is. We also rely on feedback from consumer testers who report on how the models perform at home.
✔️ Features: While some cold brew makers may be pretty basic, most have extra features that may increase the overall cost, but also improve ease of use. From lids for storage and dishwasher-safe components to the ability to brew coffee (and even tea) quickly, we evaluated higher-tech options to discern whether they are worth the splurge.
What to consider when shopping for cold brew coffee makers
✔️ Style: There are two main types of cold brew coffee makers: non-electric and electric.
- Non-electric is the most common and traditional, and under this umbrella, there are two main ways to brew: immersion and slow drip. In immersion-style cold brew coffee makers, like the Takeya and KitchenAid, the grounds sit within a filter submerged in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. In slow-drip-style cold brew coffee makers, like Oxo and Toddy, the cold water and grounds first soak together, and then the infused water, a.k.a. cold brew coffee, drains into a separate container when the user releases a stopper.
- Electric cold brew coffee makers aim to speed up the slow brewing process by steeping the grounds and agitating them to extract flavor faster, in as little as 5 to 45 minutes. (They don't typically use heat to do this.) While time-saving, our testers found that electric cold brew makers fell short of producing the deeply robust flavors that non-electric methods did.
✔️ Type of filter: Some cold brew coffee makers require paper filters; others use mesh stainless steel filters. While both can yield a quality cold brew, paper is easier to clean up—simply toss it when you're done. That said, replacements require regular investment and are not as eco-friendly as their metal counterparts. Just be aware: While stainless steel mesh has longevity on its side, it can be harder to clean.
✔️ Material: Cold brew coffee makers are generally made of glass, plastic, or a combination of the two. While overall construction doesn't necessarily impact the quality of coffee produced, it may be worth considering when shopping. Glass is heavier and more stable than plastic. Still, it can be thin and more prone to breakage. While plastic is highly durable, it isn't as resistant to staining and odor absorption. Also, glass cold brew makers are typically dishwasher-safe, which is a nice convenience.
✔️ Size: Cold brew coffee makers come in various sizes, though most are relatively compact since they're designed to fit in the refrigerator. If size is important to you, look for the ones similar to a water pitcher or even a mason jar. If you prefer to make a larger batch of coffee that will last you a week or more, you can find larger cold brew makers that make more than a few cups at a time — just be prepared to sacrifice the space for these bulkier options.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer is a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab and has tested a wide range of kitchen gear and appliances for over four years. She leads coffee tastings for GH and holds certifications in foundational and intermediate barista skills through the Specialty Coffee Association. Eva is highly passionate about coffee and coffee-making and has tried out many of the cold brew models on this list as an avid cold brew drinker.
As Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou has tested more than a dozen cold brew coffee makers, plus dozens of other coffee makers, including French presses, espresso machines, and single-serve coffee makers.
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
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