Best 10 Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Do you love coffee? Are you familiar with the cold brew brewing process? Unlike any other method you have tried that uses hot water, this method needs room temperature or cold water and a more extended time of brewing. This method highlights the natural sweetness of the coffee, so if you want a refreshing glass of coffee and are looking to cut back on sugar, you should give it a try! 

If you are considering this method, but you are not sure which one is the best device for you, don’t worry. That’s why we created this informative buying guide to help you find the one that fits best for you and your needs. Keep reading to find all you need to know about these compact - in most cases- and innovative coffee makers! They will blow your mind and make your taste buds so happy! 

What is a cold brew coffee maker?

Cold brew, in simple words, is chilled coffee. There are coffee makers explicitly designed to brew iced coffee. These iced coffee makers need ambient temperature or cold water to drip or steep with the coffee grounds for a few hours. Once the coffee is brewed you can enjoy it with or without ice. This coffee brewing produces a cup of coffee with low acidity, more sweetness, and more antioxidants. The past few years, it has gained remarkable popularity with coffee places serving cold brew coffees made even in drip coffee makers or french press. 

If you are looking for the coffee that will dominate your summer days, you’ve found it! Let’s have a closer look at what to consider when choosing the best one for you, and let’s find you your coffee brewer! 

Why do you need a cold brew coffee maker?

Where to begin? On a warm, sunny day, a filter coffee just doesn’t cut it! You need something to keep you hydrated while it gives you that caffeine kick you need! All the more people love cold brew coffee and decide to invest in a cold brew coffee maker. Let’s discuss why. 

1. To enjoy a refreshing drink any time of the day. 

Staying hydrated is of the utmost importance. When the weather turns warmer, hot coffee just isn’t as desirable as it used to be when the thermometer was below zero. Even the espresso shot feels strange. That’s where the cold brew comes in to save the day. Owning a cold brew coffee maker means that you can make your invigorating drink any time of the day you want and enjoy it in the comfort of your home. 

2. To save money and time. 

Purchasing a cold brew coffee maker is not a big investment. You can find a coffee maker for as little as £20. Instead of paying extra money ordering coffee from a coffee shop daily, you can simply buy the coffee beans whole and grind them at home if you have a coffee grinder or buy coffee grinds. Add water and let it brew overnight, so you have freshly brewed coffee in the morning before you hit the road. No more waiting in queues for you! Note that this method of brewing needs a more coarse ground coffee compared to other methods. 

3. To reduce sugar intake.

As mentioned earlier, this type of coffee brewing highlights the sweetness in the coffee taste and has less acidulousness and bitterness. If you tend to add sugar to your coffee, you will realise that you can reduce or even eliminate its addition. This will help you lead a healthier life, and if you’re trying to lose weight, it will help you with that too! 

4. Make big batches of coffee. 

You can make large quantities of coffee for your and your friends to enjoy. They are great for those summer get-togethers in the garden. Noone will be thirsty or sleepy, as long as you have a cold brew ready! Some even place coffee in filters and brew in mason jars—a great and convenient way to serve from the tap. 

What to look for when buying a cold brew coffee maker? 

Here are some essential factors you should consider when you are in the market for a cold maker: 

1. Ease of use

If you are new to brewing, you need to invest in one that is not complicated to use. The easiest way to make a cold brew is in a coffee bottle with a mesh coffee filter. You simply add the coffee grinds to the filter and add water. Helpful tip: Add filtered water and not tap water to preserve the coffee taste. Once you do, close the lid and keep it in the fridge. 

2. Capacity

Think of your needs. Do you plan to host get-togethers with friends and family often, so you need large quantities of coffee or do you want it just for you? There are various options in the market depending on what you need, from 500ml to 2L. You can even buy a large capacity cold maker if you have space and enjoy fresh coffee for your week with just one brew. 

3. Size

Be mindful of its size. If you have a small and cramped space, you will probably need to invest in a coffee maker that doesn’t take up too much of your precious space. If kitchen storage space isn’t an issue, by all means, go for one with a larger footprint, just to be safe. In any case, bear in mind that the cold brewers have by far a smaller footprint compared to an espresso machine. 

4. Durability

You want to buy a coffee maker that will be with you for many years to come. It’s not a short-term investment. For this reason, opt for one that is made of borosilicate glass that withstands the changes in temperature from hot to cold. Also, stainless steel filters tend to be more durable than just mesh coffee filters. Plastic carafes and bottles are also more durable as they don’t easily break if they accidentally fall. Make sure you check to avoid any disappointment. 

5. Cleaning 

For more time enjoying and less time cleaning, opt for one that has dishwasher safe parts. Does it have a filter basket? Make sure that the bottle or carafe and reusable filter are dishwasher safe.  Simply pop them into the dishwasher and grab your iced coffee. Sit back and relax while this great kitchen appliance does its magic! What’s not to love about a dishwasher? Note that if it has a lid with a rubber stopper, it is best to wash it in hand.

6. Price

Based on the budget you have in mind, you can spend accordingly. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to buy a cold brew machine. They are low-cost, with a few exceptions, and they require zero maintenance costs! You can expect to pay anything from £20 to over £100. Most models are somewhere in the middle. There is no right or wrong when it comes to cold brewers. Just choose the one you feel you will benefit the most from. 

What happens if you overdid the steeping process? 

 The more you let coffee grounds in contact with water, the more dissolved solids it gets. This results in a more coffee concentrate drink that is strong and bitter. Leave in the fridge to steep for about 5-8 hours, and then remove the coffee filter from the coffee maker. Also, for better results, use a coarse grind for your coffee beans and use a coffee to water ratio 1:5. For consistency and better taste results, you can use a kitchen scale. It is advisable to leave for more than 24 hours to steep with water. If you want tasty results without the bitterness of over-extraction, be thoughtful of the soaking process. 

How long can you keep your cold brew in the fridge? 

Your cold brew concentrate can be saved in your fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Unlike hot cup of coffee that is rubbish after a few hours, the cold brew coffee is great for days to come. It comes in handy as you can brew large quantities and keep them in the fridge to drink whenever you want your caffeine kick! If you have a busy schedule, this is such a time-saving solution. 

Conclusion

Are you ready to join the cold brew fanatics? You are going to love this method of brewing from the very first sip. Based on your palette, you will discover that you will not need to use as much sugar as you used to, or you might cut it out completely. Cold brew coffee is not only refreshing, but it also helps you lead a healthier life. 

Be mindful of the features and tips we discussed in our buying guide, and we are confident that you will end up with the top cold brew coffee maker! Enjoy a mouth-watering experience through every sip at the comfort of your home. Share this experience with others, friends, family and neighbours, too! Your warm days will never be the same. Let’s brew some iced coffee!