Best Cold Brew Maker for Beginners
Cold brew is the easiest "fancy" coffee to make at home: coarse grounds + cold water + time. No technique, no expensive gear, and the result is smooth, naturally sweet coffee that costs a fraction of the coffee-shop version. Here are the three makers worth buying.
Key takeaways
- Best overall: OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker (~$55) — easiest brewing and cleanest pouring.
- Best value: Takeya Deluxe 2 Qt (~$30) — huge capacity for the price.
- Best compact: Hario Mizudashi 1L (~$25) — slim, simple, fridge-friendly.
- Use coarse-ground fresh coffee and a 1:8 ratio; steep 12–16 hours in the fridge.
Quick comparison
| Maker | Typical price | Capacity | Filter type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips | ~$55 | ~32 oz concentrate | Reusable rainmaker + mesh | Check Price |
| Takeya Deluxe 2 Qt | ~$30 | 64 oz | Fine-mesh immersion filter | Check Price |
| Hario Mizudashi 1L | ~$25 | ~34 oz | Reusable mesh filter | Check Price |
1. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker — Best overall
The OXO is the most thoughtfully designed cold brewer under $60: the "rainmaker" lid distributes water evenly over the grounds, and the drain switch lets you filter the concentrate straight into the included carafe with zero mess. Owner reviews consistently highlight how clean the process is compared to mason-jar methods — no cheesecloth, no pouring through sieves. It brews concentrate (dilute 1:1 with water or milk), so one batch covers a week.
Pros
- Cleanest, easiest brewing process
- Even saturation via rainmaker lid
- Brews concentrate — a week per batch
Cons
- Priciest of the three
- Bulkier than the Hario
2. Takeya Deluxe 2 Qt — Best value
The Takeya is the capacity king: 2 quarts of cold brew for ~$30, in a BPA-free pitcher with an airtight lid that keeps brews fresh up to two weeks in the fridge. The fine-mesh filter handles coarse grounds well; very fine grounds can slip through, so keep the grind coarse. For households that drink cold brew daily, the per-cup economics are unbeatable.
Pros
- Huge 2-quart capacity for ~$30
- Airtight lid — stays fresh 2 weeks
- Dishwasher-safe pitcher
Cons
- Fine grounds can slip through the mesh
- Less elegant pouring than OXO
3. Hario Mizudashi 1L — Best compact
The Mizudashi is the minimalist's pick: a slim 1-liter glass pot with a reusable mesh filter that slides into any fridge door. It's the cheapest entry here and dead simple — grounds in the filter, water in the pot, fridge overnight. The 1L size suits 1–2 drinkers; heavy drinkers will brew twice a week.
Pros
- ~$25 — cheapest entry
- Slim, fridge-door friendly
- Simple glass + mesh, easy to clean
Cons
- 1L capacity — frequent rebrewing for heavy drinkers
- Glass needs careful handling
The beginner cold brew recipe
- Grind coarse — like breadcrumbs. Too fine = bitter, silty brew.
- Ratio 1:8 — e.g. 100g coffee to 800g water for concentrate; dilute 1:1 when serving.
- Steep 12–16 hours in the fridge. Longer = stronger, up to ~18 hours; beyond that, woody flavors creep in.
- Strain and dilute to taste with water, milk, or tonic (seriously — try it).
Medium-dark roasts with chocolatey notes are the most forgiving starting point; fruity light roasts make spectacular cold brew once you've got the basics down.
FAQ
Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?
Yes — cold extraction pulls fewer acidic compounds, which is why cold brew tastes naturally sweet and smooth. It's often easier on sensitive stomachs.
Can I just use a mason jar instead?
Absolutely — jar + cheesecloth works fine. The dedicated makers just make filtering cleaner and storage easier. Start with a jar if you're unsure; upgrade when you're brewing weekly.
How long does cold brew keep?
Concentrate keeps 1–2 weeks refrigerated in an airtight container (the Takeya excels here). Diluted, drink within a few days.
How much caffeine is in cold brew?
Concentrate is potent — roughly 150–200mg per 8oz serving after dilution, often more than hot coffee. Dilute to your comfort.