Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker	Produces cafe-quality concentrate with even extraction
Best value	Takeya Cold Brew Maker	Affordable all-in-one pitcher perfect for beginners
Best for large batches	Toddy Cold Brew System	Makes enough concentrate for weeks of drinks
Best compact option	OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker	Fits small kitchens without sacrificing quality
Best fast option	OXO Rapid Brewer	Delivers cold brew in minutes instead of hours
Also recommended	Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer	Smooth, mellow concentrate loved by cafes
Also recommended	Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker	Sleek glass pitcher for ready-to-drink brew
Also recommended	KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker	Compact cube with a handy built-in tap

How we chose and tested

We evaluated cold brew makers based on coffee quality, ease of use, and practical considerations like fridge storage. Our assessment prioritized products that consistently produce smooth, low-acid coffee without bitterness. We considered how each brewer handles cleanup, whether it makes concentrate or ready-to-drink coffee, and how much counter or fridge space it requires during brewing.

The best cold brew coffee makers right now

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker - Best overall

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This brewer delivers cafe-quality cold brew concentrate with minimal effort, thanks to smart design features that ensure even extraction every time.

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Key highlights

Rainmaker showerhead evenly saturates grounds for consistent extraction
Flip brew-release switch makes draining concentrate mess-free
Makes 32 ounces of concentrate, enough for multiple servings
Glass carafe stores easily in refrigerator for up to two weeks
All parts nest together for compact storage

Pros

Produces exceptionally smooth, balanced coffee with low acidity
Can brew at room temperature, saving fridge space
Reusable stainless steel filter eliminates ongoing costs
Clear instructions make it beginner-friendly

Cons

Multiple pieces to keep track of and clean
Only glass carafe is dishwasher safe
Tall design requires adequate counter space during brewing

Who it is for: Regular cold brew drinkers who want cafe-quality results at home and don't mind waiting overnight.

Skip if

You have limited counter space or prefer an all-in-one pitcher design.

Takeya Cold Brew Maker - Best value

This affordable pitcher-style brewer makes ready-to-drink cold brew with minimal fuss and maximum savings.

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Key highlights

All-in-one design combines brewing and serving in single pitcher
Available in 1-quart and 2-quart sizes for different household needs
Fine mesh filter keeps most sediment out of finished brew
BPA-free plastic construction is durable and lightweight
Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup

Pros

Lowest cost entry point for quality cold brew
Simple to use with minimal setup required
Compact enough for most refrigerator shelves
Leak-proof seal prevents messy spills

Cons

Clear plastic can stain over time with regular use
Taller models may not fit in some refrigerator doors
Mesh filter allows some fine sediment through
Less flexible for making concentrate versus ready-to-drink

Who it is for: Beginners or occasional cold brew drinkers who want an affordable, straightforward option.

Skip if

You prefer making concentrate or want completely sediment-free coffee.

Toddy Cold Brew System - Best for large batches

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The original cold brew system makes enough concentrate to last weeks, perfect for households that go through lots of cold brew.

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Key highlights

Makes 36-38 ounces of concentrate, enough for up to 19 servings
Felt filters produce exceptionally clean, sediment-free coffee
Can brew in as little as 8 hours with proper grind size
Simple bucket-and-carafe design has stood the test of time
Lower price point than many premium options

Pros

Large capacity reduces brewing frequency
Felt filters trap fine particles better than mesh
Consistent results across different coffee types
Easy to clean with minimal parts

Cons

Felt filters need replacement after 10, 12 uses or every 3 months, whichever comes first
Tall brewing container requires significant counter space
No built-in measurements on brewing vessel
More involved cleanup without filter bags

Who it is for: Serious cold brew enthusiasts who drink it daily and want to minimize brewing frequency.

Skip if

You have limited counter space or don't drink enough cold brew to justify large batches.

OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker - Best compact option

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This smaller version of the OXO Good Grips delivers the same quality in a space-saving package ideal for single users or small kitchens.

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Key highlights

24-oz brewing container makes enough concentrate for up to seven drinks
Same Rainmaker technology as larger OXO model
All parts nest inside brewing reservoir for minimal storage
Fits easily on countertops and in refrigerator doors
Includes measuring marks for consistent results

Pros

Produces same quality coffee as larger OXO model
Takes up significantly less space during brewing and storage
Ideal for single users or small households
More affordable than full-sized version

Cons

Smaller capacity means more frequent brewing
Same multi-piece design as larger model
Limited to smaller batch sizes
Glass carafe still requires careful handling

Who it is for: Individuals or couples with limited kitchen space who still want premium cold brew results.

Skip if

You need to make coffee for more than two people regularly.

OXO Rapid Brewer - Best fast option

This innovative brewer delivers cold brew concentrate in just 5 minutes, perfect for those who want cold brew without the overnight wait.

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Key highlights

Makes cold brew concentrate in 5 minutes instead of hours
Compact nesting design stores easily in drawers
Produces enough concentrate for 1, 3 servings per batch
Most parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
Manual pump design requires no electricity

Pros

Dramatically reduces brewing time from hours to minutes
Small footprint makes it ideal for small spaces
Easy to use with straightforward process
Portable enough for office or travel use

Cons

Requires espresso-fine grind, not standard coarse grind
No built-in timer for precise brewing
Smaller batch size than traditional brewers
Different flavor profile than overnight cold brew

Who it is for: People who want cold brew spontaneously without planning ahead.

Skip if

You prefer traditional overnight cold brew flavor or make large batches regularly.

Also Good

Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer - smooth, mellow concentrate loved by cafes.
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker - sleek glass pitcher for ready-to-drink brew.
KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker - compact cube with a handy built-in tap.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting a cold brew maker:

Brewing time vs. convenience: Traditional immersion brewers take 12, 24 hours but produce the smoothest results. Rapid brewers work in minutes but have different flavor profiles. Choose based on whether you plan ahead or want spontaneous cold brew.

Concentrate vs. ready-to-drink: Concentrate makers yield stronger coffee that you dilute to taste, offering more flexibility. Ready-to-drink brewers make coffee at drinking strength immediately, with less customization but simpler process.

Capacity and storage: Larger brewers make more coffee less often but take up more counter and fridge space. Compact options fit easily in refrigerators but require more frequent brewing. Measure your available space before deciding.

Filter type: Stainless steel mesh filters are reusable but allow some sediment. Felt or cloth filters produce cleaner coffee but need regular replacement. Paper filters offer the cleanest cup but create ongoing cost and waste.

Ease of cleaning: All-in-one pitchers are simplest to clean. Multi-piece systems with separate brewing chambers and carafes offer more features but require more cleanup effort.

FAQ

What's the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?*

Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12, 24 hours, resulting in smoother, less acidic coffee. Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee poured over ice, which retains more acidity and bitterness.

How long does homemade cold brew last?*

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cold brew concentrate lasts up to two weeks. Ready-to-drink cold brew stays fresh for about one week.

What coffee grind should I use for cold brew?*

Use a coarse grind similar to French press coffee. Coarse grounds extract slowly and evenly during the long steeping time, while fine grounds can over-extract and create bitterness.

Do I need special beans for cold brew?*

Any coffee beans work, but medium to dark roasts often taste best. The cold brewing process highlights chocolate and nutty notes while minimizing acidity, complementing these roast profiles well.

Can I make cold brew without a dedicated maker?*

Yes, you can use a French press, mason jar with cheesecloth, or even a large container with a fine mesh strainer. Dedicated brewers simply make the process cleaner and more consistent.