Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker in 2025
Cold brew coffee has exploded in popularity because it solves two major coffee complaints simultaneously: it's much less acidic than hot-brewed coffee (making it easier on sensitive stomachs) and it tastes smooth and naturally sweet without added sugar. Commercial cold brew costs $5+ per serving — making your own at home costs under $1. Here are the best cold brew systems.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee cooled over ice — it retains the acidity and bitter notes of hot extraction. Cold brew steeps coarse-ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours — the lower temperature extracts fewer acidic and bitter compounds, resulting in a naturally sweeter, smoother concentrate. Cold brew concentrate dilutes 1:1 with water or milk for serving.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Toddy Cold Brew System
The Toddy is the original cold brew system, used commercially and at home since 1964. The thick felt filter produces the clearest, smoothest concentrate available. The system makes 6-7 servings of concentrate (12-14 servings when diluted) from one batch. The rubber stopper and glass carafe for storage make it the most complete cold brew kit.
Pros: Original design, cleanest filtration, includes glass carafe, 6-7 servings per batch, simple design, low cost. Cons: 12-24 hour brew time, replacement filters needed every 10-12 uses, not glass (potential flavor absorption).
Price: Around $45. Check price on Amazon
Best Mason Jar: OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
OXO's cold brew maker uses a perforated rainmaker lid that distributes water evenly over grounds for more consistent extraction. The switch releases coffee into the included carafe — no messy filter transfers. Makes 32 oz of concentrate in one batch. The glass carafe stores beautifully in the fridge.
Pros: Even water distribution, clean switch release into carafe, glass storage carafe, no replacement filters, easy cleanup. Cons: More expensive than Toddy, smaller batch size, lid can be tricky to clean.
Price: Around $50. Check price on Amazon
Best Budget: Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
Takeya's 1-quart pitcher cold brew maker uses a fine-mesh filter insert that holds grounds while brewing directly in the pitcher. No separate carafe — just refrigerate the entire pitcher. Airtight lid keeps cold brew fresh for up to 2 weeks. Extremely simple design with minimal cleanup.
Pros: Very affordable, all-in-one design, airtight lid, 2-week freshness, minimal parts to clean, BPA-free. Cons: Smaller capacity (1 quart), plastic construction, filter doesn't achieve Toddy-level clarity.
Price: Around $25. Check price on Amazon
Comparison Table
| Maker | Capacity | Filter Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toddy | Large batch | Felt pad | ~$45 |
| OXO Good Grips | 32 oz | Metal mesh | ~$50 |
| Takeya | 1 quart | Metal mesh | ~$25 |
Cold Brew Recipe
Ratio: 1 cup coarse-ground coffee to 4 cups cold water (1:4 for concentrate) Grind: Coarser than drip — similar to raw sugar crystal size Time: 12 hours minimum, 24 hours maximum in the refrigerator Storage: Concentrate keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated
Dilution: Mix concentrate 1:1 with cold water or milk. For iced coffee, pour over ice and dilute slightly less.
Final Recommendation
Coffee enthusiasts who want the clearest, smoothest concentrate should choose Toddy — its felt filtration is unmatched. Those who want a clean all-in-one system with a glass carafe should choose OXO Good Grips. Budget-conscious beginners who want the simplest possible cold brew setup should start with Takeya.