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Cold Brew Makers

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Cold Brew Makers

67% less acidity, naturally sweet, smooth as silk. We compared cold brew makers for concentrate vs ready-to-drink, brew time, and whether the 12-hour wait is worth skipping with faster methods.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Cold Brew System

Toddy

Cold Brew System

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Toddy invented home cold brew in 1964. Simple: grounds + water + time = concentrate. Makes enough for 2 weeks of smooth, low-acid iced coffee.

Capacity

1.5L concentrate

Ratio

1 lb coffee : 9 cups water

Time

12-24 hours

Filter

Felt + paper

Pros

  • The original cold brew system
  • Makes concentrate (lasts 2 weeks)
  • Simple brewing process

Cons

  • Large footprint
  • Felt filters need replacing
  • Takes 12-24 hours

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Cold Brew System
Cold Brew System Best
Toddy
4.6
$42 View
Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker Value
OXO
4.5
$35 View
Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot
Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot
Hario
4.7
$25 View
Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
Takeya
4.6
$25 View
Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker
Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker
Cuisinart
4.3
$100 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Cold Brew System

Toddy

Cold Brew System

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Toddy invented home cold brew in 1964. Simple: grounds + water + time = concentrate. Makes enough for 2 weeks of smooth, low-acid iced coffee.

Capacity

1.5L concentrate

Ratio

1 lb coffee : 9 cups water

Time

12-24 hours

Filter

Felt + paper

Pros

  • The original cold brew system
  • Makes concentrate (lasts 2 weeks)
  • Simple brewing process

Cons

  • Large footprint
  • Felt filters need replacing
  • Takes 12-24 hours
Best Value
Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

OXO

Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

OXO's Rainmaker lid distributes water evenly—no dry spots, no stirring needed. Great value entry point.

Capacity

16 oz concentrate

Filter

Stainless mesh

Feature

Rainmaker

Brewing

Container + carafe

Pros

  • Rainmaker top for even saturation
  • Built-in measurements
  • Compact design

Cons

  • Smaller batch than Toddy
  • Mesh filter = more sediment
  • Plastic components
Premium Pick
Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot

Hario

Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot

4.7 (5,678 reviews)

The Mizudashi is elegant simplicity. Makes ready-to-drink cold brew—what you make is what you drink. Beautiful Japanese design.

Capacity

1L ready-to-drink

Filter

Fine mesh

Steep

8-12 hours

Material

Glass

Pros

  • Japanese design elegance
  • Fits in fridge door
  • Fine mesh = clean brew

Cons

  • Smaller yield
  • Must strain well
  • Glass is fragile
Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker

Takeya

Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

Takeya's cold brew maker is the Amazon bestseller—cheap, simple, makes good cold brew. The no-frills approach that just works.

Capacity

1-2 quarts

Material

Tritan plastic

Filter

Fine mesh

Seal

Airtight

Pros

  • Airtight seal
  • Fine mesh filter
  • Fits fridge door

Cons

  • Plastic (some prefer glass)
  • Mesh can clog
  • Not concentrate
Budget Pick
Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker

Cuisinart

Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker

4.3 (2,345 reviews)

Don't want to wait 12 hours? Cuisinart's spin technology makes cold brew in under an hour. Worth it if patience isn't your virtue.

Time

25-45 minutes

Capacity

7 cups

Technology

Spin extraction

Strength

Mild/Medium/Bold

Pros

  • Cold brew in 25-45 minutes
  • Spin technology extracts faster
  • No overnight waiting

Cons

  • More expensive than passive brewers
  • Motorized = can break
  • Different flavor profile

Buying Guide: How to Choose Cold Brew Makers


Cold Brew: Patience Rewarded

Why Cold Brew?
Cold water extraction: 67% less acidity, naturally sweeter, smooth finish. If hot coffee bothers your stomach, cold brew is the answer.

### Concentrate vs Ready-to-Drink
Concentrate: Strong, dilute before drinking, lasts 2 weeks
Ready-to-Drink: Similar to hot coffee strength, use within 1 week

### Brewing Variables
  • Time: 12-24 hours typical
    - Ratio: 1:8 for concentrate, 1:15 for ready-to-drink
    - Grind: Coarse (like French press)
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Brew Makers

    How long does cold brew last?

    Concentrate: up to 2 weeks. Ready-to-drink: 7-10 days.

    Can I heat up cold brew?

    Yes! Diluted with hot water makes smooth hot coffee.

    Why is my cold brew weak?

    Not enough coffee or time. Use 1:8 ratio, steep 24 hours.

    Is cold brew stronger?

    Concentrate is 2x+ stronger. Ready-to-drink is similar to regular coffee.

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