Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker 2022: Your Guide to Effortless Home Brewing

Hey there, coffee lovers! If you’re anything like us, the thought of a perfectly smooth, low-acid coffee is pure bliss, especially when it’s made right in your own kitchen. And let’s be honest, those daily cafe runs for your cold brew fix can really add up, right? That’s where a fantastic cold brew coffee maker comes into play. In 2022, the market was buzzing with incredible options, and we’re here to walk you through the very best so you can confidently elevate your home brewing game.

Cold brew isn’t just a trend; it’s a game-changer for many who find traditional hot coffee too acidic or bitter. With the right cold brew maker, you’re not just saving money, you’re unlocking a world of rich, naturally sweet coffee concentrate that’s ready whenever you are. Let’s dive into making that perfect cup a daily reality.

What is a Cold Brew Maker and Why Do You Need One?

Simply put, a cold brew maker is a device designed to steep coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water over an extended period—typically 12 to 24 hours. Unlike hot brewing methods that use heat to extract flavor, cold brewing relies on time. This gentle, slow process yields a coffee concentrate that is remarkably smooth, significantly less acidic, and naturally sweeter, as it extracts fewer bitter compounds and oils from the beans.

So, why do you need one? Imagine waking up and having a ready-to-go coffee concentrate that you can simply dilute with water, milk, or even a splash of flavored syrup. It’s the ultimate convenience! Plus, cold brew concentrate stays fresh in your refrigerator for up to two weeks, meaning you can brew a large batch once and enjoy it for days. It’s perfect for those busy mornings or when you just want a delicious, refreshing beverage without the hassle. It also offers a smoother taste that’s often easier on the stomach for those sensitive to acidity.

Popular Cold Brew Maker Types and How to Choose

When it comes to cold brew makers, you’ll primarily encounter two main brewing methods: immersion and slow drip, along with some innovative automatic options that speed things up. Understanding these can help you pick the perfect one for your lifestyle.

• Immersion Brewers: These are the most common and often the simplest. You essentially soak coffee grounds directly in water within a container, then filter the concentrate after steeping. They are forgiving, making strong concentrates that are usually diluted before drinking. Most popular models like the OXO Good Grips, Toddy, and Ovalware fall into this category.
• Slow Drip (Kyoto or Dutch-style) Brewers: These beautiful, often sculptural devices involve cold water slowly dripping through a bed of coffee grounds from above. This method takes less time than immersion (though still several hours) and produces a concentrate that’s even lower in acidity and often doesn’t require dilution. The Nispira Cold Brew Drip Tower is a prime example, though they can be quite tall and pricey.
• Automatic Brewers: For those who want their cold brew faster than the traditional 12-24 hours, automatic cold brew makers like the Cuisinart Automatic or DASH Rapid use various technologies (like vacuum press or spinning) to significantly reduce brewing time, sometimes down to minutes. They offer speed and convenience, often with adjustable strength settings, but typically come at a higher cost.

When choosing, consider these factors:

• Capacity: How much coffee do you drink? Makers range from personal sizes (around 20-30 ounces) to large family-sized options (over 60 ounces).
• Material: Glass offers a clean taste and aesthetic, while plastic can be more durable and lighter. Stainless steel components are common for filters and sometimes carafes.
• Filter Type: Most use fine mesh stainless steel filters (reusable and eco-friendly), but some systems offer disposable paper filters for extra clarity and easier cleanup.
• Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts or designs that are easy to disassemble and hand wash. Spouts and complex drip towers can sometimes be more challenging.
• Size and Storage: Will it fit comfortably in your refrigerator or on your counter? Some large-capacity brewers are surprisingly compact for storage.
• Price: Cold brew makers vary widely in price, from under $30 for basic immersion jars to several hundred dollars for high-end drip towers or automatic machines.

Here’s a look at some of the best cold brew coffee makers that stood out in 2022, offering something for every type of coffee enthusiast:

• OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Often hailed as an overall best pick, this immersion brewer excels in ease of use, design, and delivering a delicious concentrate. Its “Rainmaker” technology ensures even water dispersion for optimal extraction.
• Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System: A classic and a favorite for brewing large batches, the Toddy consistently produces strong, flavorful concentrate. It’s renowned for its traditional immersion method and robust results.
• KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker: This option shines with its generous capacity and convenient spigot, making it super easy to dispense cold brew directly from your fridge. Its durable glass and stainless steel construction also add a touch of sophistication.
• Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Maker: A sleek and affordable choice, the Ovalware is praised for its ability to keep cold brew fresh for longer thanks to its airtight seal, and it brews a tasty cup every time.
• Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot: For those seeking simplicity and elegance, this Japanese immersion brewer is a breeze to use, dishwasher-safe, and produces wonderfully smooth cold brew.

How to Use Your Cold Brew Maker for Perfect Coffee

Mastering your cold brew maker is straightforward, but a few key steps will ensure you get that perfect cup every time.

1. Choose Your Beans and Grind Size: Opt for medium to dark roast coffee beans. According to coffee expert Timothy Johnson, these roasts extract better and highlight deeper notes like dark chocolate and cane sugar in cold brew. The most crucial part is a coarse grind—think sea salt. This prevents over-extraction and keeps fine sediment out of your brew. You can buy pre-ground coarse coffee or grind your own at home.
2. Determine Your Ratio: A common starting point for cold brew concentrate is a 1:4 ratio of coffee grounds to water (e.g., 1 cup of grounds to 4 cups of water). For a ready-to-drink strength, a 1:8 ratio is often recommended. Experiment to find your personal preference!
3. Combine and Steep: Place your coarsely ground coffee into the filter basket of your cold brew maker. Slowly pour cold or room-temperature filtered water over the grounds, ensuring they are fully saturated. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all grounds are submerged.
4. Wait Patiently: This is where the magic happens! Cover your cold brew maker and let it steep. For most immersion brewers, 12-24 hours in the refrigerator or at room temperature is ideal. If you’re using an automatic rapid brewer, follow its specific instructions, which might be as little as 12-45 minutes.
5. Filter the Concentrate: Once steeped, carefully remove the filter basket containing the spent grounds. If your maker has a spigot, simply dispense the concentrate. For other models, you’ll pour the concentrate into a separate airtight container. You can optionally pass the concentrate through a paper filter or cheesecloth for an extra-smooth, sediment-free result.
6. Dilute and Enjoy: Unless you prefer a very strong concentrate, dilute your cold brew concentrate with water, milk, or your favorite creamer. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to diluent, but again, adjust to your taste. Add ice and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your Cold Brew’s Flavor

Even with the best cold brew maker, a few simple tricks can elevate your coffee from good to absolutely phenomenal.

• Grind Fresh and Coarse: Grinding your beans right before brewing will yield the freshest flavor. Always stick to a coarse grind to prevent bitterness and ensure proper extraction. A burr grinder is best for consistent results.
• Use Filtered Water: Your water quality significantly impacts the taste of your coffee. Filtered water ensures no off-flavors interfere with your brew.
• Experiment with Steeping Time: While 12-24 hours is a general guideline, don’t be afraid to experiment. A shorter steep might produce a lighter, brighter flavor, while a longer one (up to 24 hours) will result in a bolder, richer concentrate.
• Keep it Airtight: Once brewed, store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor for up to two weeks. The Ovalware maker, for instance, is noted for its airtight seal.
• Play with Ratios: Don’t be afraid to adjust your coffee-to-water ratio. If your cold brew is too weak, try a higher coffee ratio next time. Too strong? Increase the water.
• Consider Roast Profile: As Timothy Johnson advises, medium to medium-dark roasts tend to perform best in cold brew, bringing out delightful notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Lighter, fruitier roasts might not translate as well.

Benefits of Cold Brew Over Traditional Hot Coffee

Cold brew isn’t just a different way to make coffee; it offers a unique set of benefits that appeal to many coffee drinkers.

• Lower Acidity: This is arguably the biggest draw. Brewing with cold water extracts fewer acidic compounds, making cold brew significantly smoother and less bitter. It’s often gentler on the stomach for those prone to acid reflux.
• Naturally Sweet and Smooth Flavor: Without the bitterness often associated with hot brewing, cold brew possesses a natural sweetness and a velvety smooth texture. You might even find yourself reaching for less sugar or creamer.
• Versatility: Cold brew concentrate is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it iced, heated (yes, you can heat cold brew!), as a base for lattes, cocktails, or even in cooking and baking.
• Higher Caffeine Content (Often): Due to the higher coffee-to-water ratio used in most cold brew preparations, the resulting concentrate typically has a higher caffeine concentration than regular drip coffee. This means a smaller amount can give you a significant energy boost.
• Longer Shelf Life: Unlike hot coffee, which should ideally be consumed shortly after brewing, cold brew concentrate can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prepping your daily caffeine.

How to Store and Enjoy Your Finished Cold Brew

You’ve put in the time and effort to make a fantastic batch of cold brew concentrate – now let’s make sure you store it correctly and enjoy it to the fullest!

Once your cold brew is filtered, transfer the concentrate into a clean, airtight container. A glass pitcher or jar with a tight-sealing lid is ideal to prevent any refrigerator odors from affecting the delicate flavor of your coffee. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will happily last for up to two weeks. Some cold brew makers, like the KitchenAid, even feature a built-in spigot for easy dispensing right from your fridge shelf.

Here are some popular ways to savor your homemade cold brew:

• Classic Iced Cold Brew: Fill a glass with ice, add your desired amount of cold brew concentrate, and dilute with cold water to your preferred strength.
• Cold Brew Latte: Mix concentrate with milk (dairy or non-dairy) and ice. A splash of vanilla or caramel syrup can add a cafe-style touch.
• Hot Cold Brew: Yes, you can heat it! While the name “cold brew” implies chilled, the concentrate can be gently warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave for a low-acid hot coffee experience. Just be careful not to boil it.
• Cold Brew Cocktails: Use your concentrate as a base for adult beverages. It pairs wonderfully with spirits like vodka, Kahlúa, or Irish cream.
• Smoothie Booster: Add a shot of cold brew concentrate to your morning smoothie for an extra kick of caffeine and rich coffee flavor.

Experiment with different dilution ratios, milks, and sweeteners to discover your perfect cold brew concoction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got more questions about navigating the world of cold brew? We’ve got answers!

How long does cold brew last in the fridge?

Cold brew concentrate, when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can last for up to two weeks. For the best flavor, aim to consume it within 7-10 days.

What kind of coffee grounds should I use for cold brew?

For cold brew, a coarse grind is key to prevent over-extraction and sediment. As for roast, medium to medium-dark roasts are often recommended by experts like Timothy Johnson, as their deeper flavor notes translate beautifully to the cold brewing process.

Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?

Generally, yes. Cold brew concentrate is typically made with a higher coffee-to-water ratio than hot drip coffee, resulting in a more concentrated and often higher-caffeine beverage. This is why it’s usually diluted before drinking.

Can I make hot coffee with a cold brew maker?

While a cold brew maker specifically brews with cold water, the concentrate it produces can absolutely be enjoyed hot. Simply dilute your cold brew concentrate with hot water or steamed milk for a low-acid hot coffee.

How do I clean my cold brew coffee maker?

Most cold brew makers are designed for easy cleaning. Many components, especially glass carafes and stainless steel filters, are dishwasher-safe. For parts that aren’t, hand washing with warm, soapy water is usually sufficient. Be sure to thoroughly clean mesh filters to remove any trapped coffee oils.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cold brew coffee maker in 2022 was all about finding that sweet spot between convenience, capacity, and exceptional taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cold brew enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of low-acid coffee, there’s a perfect maker out there for you. Models like the OXO Good Grips, Toddy, and KitchenAid consistently stood out for their performance and user-friendly designs.

Embracing home cold brewing is more than just buying a device; it’s about taking control of your coffee experience, saving a little cash, and enjoying a consistently smooth, delicious, and refreshing cup whenever the craving strikes. So go ahead, pick your favorite, experiment with different beans and ratios, and share your perfect brew with the world. Happy brewing!