Summer is officially here, so we pretty much only want to drink cold brew. Smoother, less acidic, and more caffeinated than other types of coffee, cold brew is the perfect warm-weather beverage. Made by soaking grounds in water for an extended period of time, this magical, chilled coffee offers the refreshing jolt we need on hot mornings.
Luckily, you don't need to be a barista to have cold brew at home. In fact, it's quite easy to keep your fridge stocked with a healthy jug of cold brew. All you need to do is invest in one of the simple makers below and you'll be sipping concentrated, ice-cold coffee all throughout the season.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
There are a few key features that propel this OXO Good Grips maker above the competition. It boasts a perforated rainmaker (AKA filter) that evenly distributes water over coffee grounds, resulting in a consistent, strong, and flavorful cold brew. The design is dynamic and beautiful enough to set out on your kitchen counter, with a flask-shaped carafe that reminds us of our science lab days. Clean-up is also exceedingly easy because the parts can be quickly disassembled.
For a mild cold brew and a user-friendly pitcher construction, look to the Takeya model. It's made of durable, BPA-free Tritan plastic, so it won't shatter if you drop it, but it appears as clear as glass. The lid is airtight and the handle is non-slip silicone, further preventing any type of spillage. This maker requires fewer grounds for the same amount of water as others, which accounts for the weaker coffee. However, many people dilute the concentrate, rendering this difference a non-issue.
The Toddy is a classic. Invented in 1964, the system was developed after Todd Simpson first tasted cold brewed coffee served hot in the mountains of Peru. Fast forward 56 years and the maker is still a fan favorite. Though brewing involves a few more steps than with other makers, the coffee is as rich and tasty as the best of them.
Many of the makers on this list submerge coffee grounds in water, but the Bruer isn't one of them. Instead, it's a slow drip system, which employs a method typically seen in artisan coffee shops. Drip by steady drip, this stunning glass maker creates a full-bodied cold brew. Its sleek look definitely makes it worthy of counter display, too.
Known for brewing the best big batches, this County Line Kitchen maker is rustic and straightforward. All you need to do is add grounds to the stainless steel filter and steep them overnight. Plus, if you only want to make coffee once a week, this two-quart mason jar will certainly do the trick.
Not everyone wants to wait a day before their coffee is ready. If you're more of an instant gratification type of person, this machine might be for you. The Cuisinart will make your cold brew on command — in just 25 to 45 minutes (depending on the strength setting you choose), you can have a solid, seven-cup carafe full of cold brew. This is ultra-speedy in comparison to other makers, which can take anywhere from eight to 24 hours.
The Hario Mizudashi maker allows you to cold brew on a budget. Though it looks similar to the Takeya, the slim, streamlined pitcher is made of glass rather than plastic. Most importantly, it makes a bold, quality cold brew. Plus, its compact design doesn't take up much space and can fit easily in the refrigerator.