The Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Top Picks and How to Choose One
Cold brew - bar owners, expert baristas, and cocktail connoisseurs alike can't get enough of it. Crafted through a process of steeped cold water extraction, cold brew coffee is rich in flavor and boasts a smooth mouthfeel. Its cool temperature offers a crisp experience to the senses while tasting comparatively less acidic than traditional hot brew coffee.
Nowadays, you can find cold brew almost anywhere, from a local coffee shop to a convenience store. But just like any other cup of Joe, the definition of 'good' is highly dependent on what goes into the brewing process. There's a big difference to be noted between what the best cold brew concentrate maker has to offer versus the average cup.
Aside from important factors like using high-quality coffee beans, equipment can't be overlooked for its potential to drastically change how cold brew coffee turns out. We want to give you the greatest chance of success possible by highlighting what to look for when shopping for your own. Read on to learn which machines lead the market, the characteristics that set them apart from one another, and how you can find the best cold brew coffee maker for your needs.
Table of Contents
Your search for the best cold brew coffee maker ends here. Skip ahead to whichever section seems the most relevant:
Our Three Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker Recommendations
1. DRNX BRW: Best-Rated Cold Brew Coffee Maker
2. BUNN NITRON® Cold Draft All-Nitro
3. Toddy Cold Brew System
Honorable Mentions In Our Review the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker Systems
4. DRNX DUO
5. DRNX Espresso Martini Machine
6. KitchenAid KCM4212SX
7. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
8. Filtron 30L Cold Water Concentrate Brewing System
9. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System CP307
How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Top Picks for the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
1. DRNX BRW: Best Rated Cold Brew Coffee Maker
DRNX BRW takes the top spot as our best cold brew coffee maker for several reasons. Fully self-contained and made to last, this system exceeds expectations across the board. As a nitro cold brew coffee maker, it comes with the unique ability to further enhance beverages through a proprietary nitrogen infusion tap.
Key Features:
Material: A sleek matte black frame encapsulates this cold brew coffee maker's conveniently compact design.
Serving Size: The best and fastest cold brew coffee maker available today, DRNX BRW has a 1.5-gallon internal reservoir that allows it to pour up to five drinks per minute.
Cold Brewing Method: DRNX BRW's internal reservoir flash chills liquid to two degrees celsius.
Ease of Use: Seamlessly switch between nitro and still beverages with a single dial. This machine is compact, easy to clean, and can get up and running within two minutes. Just plug and play!
Brand Reputation & Warranty: Every single one of BROOD's Canadian-made products comes expertly crafted to the highest standards of excellence.
Cost & Value: This product is designed to offer dual value between speed and versatility. Use it to serve nitro-infused beverages of all kinds with less work.
Additional Feature: Nitro-infusion technology is an absolute game-changer when it comes to creating creamy, cascading cold brew drinks.
Pros
Unique cold brew texture with the option to add nitro infusion.
Advanced cooling technology creates ice-cold beverages.
Self-contained unit is ideal for small operations.
Cons
Not intended for use with traditional pods.
2. BUNN NITRON: Best Electric Cold Brew Coffee Maker
As a runner-up, the BUNN NITRON could be an equally sensible choice to consider when shopping. It comes with similar features to DRNX BRW, albeit ones that are slightly limited. Nevertheless, this machine's big footprint, exclusive dispenser, and all-in-one system make it the best commercial cold brew coffee maker for coffee shops that want a middle-of-the-road solution.
Key Features
Material: Chrome-plated brass tap handles and nitro stout nozzles give this machine a shiny, metallic exterior.
Serving Size: The unit can dispense up to 60 drinks before exceeding 41°F.
Cold Brewing Method: Cold brew is made with the help of BUNN's patented gas infusion technology.
Ease of Use: Compatible with one-gallon bag-in-box concentrates, this is the best large cold brew coffee maker of its kind for new users.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: BUNN backs this product with a warranty.
Cost & Value: Varies based on business needs and budget.
Additional Features: Customers love the refrigerated cabinet, water bath fill, high-intensity mixing chamber, and LED tank indicator.
Pros
Can serve a range of different nitrogenated beverages.
Refrigerated cabinet maintains beverage quality.
Large capacity is suitable for commercial settings.
Cons
Higher upfront cost.
Extra functions and design features require more maintenance.
3. Toddy: Best Budget Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If money's an object, let us introduce you to the best budget cold brew coffee maker on our list. The Toddy Commercial Brew System is designed to produce full-bodied and aromatic cold-brewed coffee in a space and cost-conscious manner.
Key Features
Material: Relatively durable, the machine's frame is built from thick vinyl plastic rather than stainless steel.
Serving Size: This system can brew five pounds of coffee for every 2.5 gallons of extract it's given.
Cold Brewing Method: Toddy's strong filters press coffee through a concentrated extraction process for a smooth and bold final flavor.
Ease of Use: Modular parts make the Toddy Commercial Brew System user-friendly and easy to clean.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: This brand is trusted in the industry for its as-advertised products and varying warranty options.
Cost & Value: A valuable investment if consistent quality is all you're looking for.
Additional Features: Being primarily designed to make cold brew, this system may not come with the same electric or automatic features as other units on our list.
Pros
Low price is ideal for beginners.
Easy to clean and store beverage.
Durable, high-quality construction.
Cons
No electric or automatic features.
Takes time to make cold brew beverages (<8 hours).
The Best Cold Brew Maker Review
4. DRNX DUO: Best Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
An all-around crowd pleaser, DRNX DUO is big enough to meet the heavy demands of busy coffee shops with ease. Customers love the extra capacity that comes with two taps instead of the one they're confined to with DRNX BRW.
Key Features
Material: Slick metallic, rounded shell can be customized to match your shop's color scheme and branding.
Serving Size: The tap is designed to effortlessly pour cold brew at a rate of five cups per minute.
Cold Brewing Method: The system's powerful internal modules chill concentrate content from both bags and boxes to 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ease of Use: This cold brew machine has a dual-function dial that allows users to switch between still and nitrogen-infused output at the drop of a dime.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: An industry leader, BROOD is revered for making professional-grade beverage machines of all kinds. DRNX DUO is no exception.
Cost & Value: You'll pay a little more for this unit up front, but with that cost comes a seamless and value-rich brewing experience that no other machine today can match.
Additional Features: DRNX DUO isn't even comparable to the best home cold brew maker available today. From tea to hot chocolate, its versatile system can craft so much more than just coffee.
Pros
Self-sufficient design eliminates the need for a nitro canister.
Double tap can dispense both nitro cold brew and still cold brew at once.
Cons
No built-in container for coffee means you'll need to connect it to a beverage tank.
5. DRNX: Best Cold Brew Concentrate Maker
You may have started your journey in search of the best cold brew coffee maker, but why not reach further? The DRNX Espresso Martini Machine goes beyond what the average machine can do by giving users everything they need to make a slew of mixed drinks and cocktails. You'll love its combined power and versatility.
Key Features
Material: This unit has a cohesive matte frame that can be customized to match the style of any kitchen.
Serving Size: Capable of pouring five drinks in under a minute, the system drastically speeds up the traditional cold brew serving process.
Cold Brewing Method: A built-in tank system dispenses nitro and still cold brew from the same tap.
Ease of Use: The DRNX Espresso Martini Machine's intuitive interface makes switching between nitro and still beverages a breeze.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: Expertly crafted with high standards of excellence in Canada, BROOD products are supported by industry-recognized value.
Cost & Value: This machine's versatility to produce both nitrogen-infused and still drinks is hard to put a price on.
Additional Features: Advanced cooling technology ensures every drink that comes out of the DRNX Espresso Martini Machine is served at an ideal temperature, enhancing your overall drinking experience.
Pros
BROOD offers multiple design customization options.
All-in-one system eliminates the need for nitrogen tanks.
Compact design is ideal for small spaces.
Cons
Primarily designed for commercial rather than home use.
The DRNX Espresso Martini Machine must be connected to a beverage tank in order to work.
6. KitchenAid KCM4212SX
The KitchenAid KCM4212SX checks off many of the boxes you may have in mind when shopping for the best electric cold brew coffee maker.
Key Features
Material: Durable brushed stainless steel shell withstands everyday wear and tear.
Serving Size: This machine's 28-ounce capacity is enough to craft multiple servings of cold brew at once.
Cold Brewing Method: Uses the cold immersion method for a smooth and less acidic final taste.
Ease of Use: The removable steeper and glass jar can be easily cleaned.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: KitchenAid is a well-known brand that backs its products with limited warranties and quality customer support.
Cost & Value: This system's price is reasonable considering the long-lasting performance you can expect it to deliver.
Additional Features: Electric operation and an automated brewing process make the KitchenAid KCM4212SX stand out from other cold brew coffee makers.
Pros
Suitable for making large batches of cold brew.
System coffee concentrate can be stored for an extended period.
Cons
Takes time to steep (12-24 hours).
Requires a fair amount of fridge space for brewing and storage.
7. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Our best at home cold brew maker for entry-level connoisseurs, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a great value-oriented choice to get your journey started with.
Key Features
Material: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and plastic come together to make up the majority of this machine's outer build.
Serving Size: 32 ounces (946mL) of capacity limits the amount of cold brew you can make at once.
Cold Brewing Method: The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker uses immersion brewing to produce a consistently smooth output.
Ease of Use: User-friendly with removable, dishwasher-safe parts.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: OXO is a reputable brand with limited warranty options.
Cost & Value: The mid-range price can pay off in long-term value.
Additional Feature: A perforated lid facilitates even water distribution for better flavor extraction and consistency.
Pros
Quick brewing time for cold brew (as little as 12 hours).
Compact and well-constructed.
Comes with a measurement marker glass carafe.
Well-reviewed among cold brew enthusiasts.
Cons
May lack the advanced features found in other models.
Only suitable for home use.
8. Filtron 30L Cold Water Concentrate Brewing System
Is your search for the best cold brew coffee maker all about flavor control? If so, then you'll definitely want to take a look at the Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer.
Key Features
Material: Being made from plastic, this machine should last you a solid couple of years.
Serving Size: One-and-a-half-liter decanter produces a concentrated cold brew that can be diluted to preference.
Cold Brewing Method: Utilizes a slow-drip cold water extraction method for optimal flavor.
Ease of Use: User-friendly design with a reusable filter pad for easy cleaning.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: Filtron is well-regarded for its expertise in cold brew coffee, although warranties differ between products.
Cost & Value: Buyers seeking a basic but consistent cold brew concentrate machine will find their money well-spent.
Additional Features: Specifically designed for the production of cold brew coffee concentrate.
Pros
Adaptable brew strength concentration.
Slow-drip method yields a smooth and low-acid taste.
Reusable filter pad reduces ongoing expenses.
Suitable for both home and small-scale commercial use.
Cons
Requires dilution before serving.
Not the the best cold brew concentrate maker for high-demand applications.
9. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System CP307
Finally, we have the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System. It's the kind of machine you'd typically find at an average home goods store - an easy expectation-meter if simple is your thing.
Key Features
Material: The black plastic and silver stainless steel finish mimic the look of other conventional kitchen countertop products.
Cold Brewing Method: Ninja's Advanced Thermal Flavor Extraction® Technology creates potent output within 15 minutes.
Ease of Use: The button-rich interface may be a bit intimidating to new users.
Brand Reputation & Warranty: A manufacturer known for its blenders, Ninja has a reasonably good reputation and warranty amongst competing brands.
Cost & Value: This machine is somewhat expensive compared to other cold brew coffee systems of its kind.
Additional Features: Customers appreciate the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System's ability to produce both hot and cold beverages.
Pros
Compact design works great in residential kitchens.
Can dispense hot and cold brew based on preference.
Cons
Loud operating noise.
Can get steamy when heating for a long time.
Not suitable for commercial use.
How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Serving Size
Your search for the best cold brew maker doesn't end with a look at some popular models. Context can play a big role in which machine best fits the definition.
Home: Unless you've taken one of our Home Bar Ideas to a broader audience, residential applications don't require much capacity to deliver value.
Commercial: Busy coffee shops would be wise to select a machine with enough space and speed to meet consistently high demand.
Cold Brewing Methods
So, you're in search of the best coffee maker for cold brew. But what kind? Machines can use a variety of different methods to craft drinks, from immersion to slow drip. Consider the flavor profile and brewing time associated with each option against the circumstantial needs behind your purchase. The ideal system, whether residential or commercial, should be able to consistently provide good-tasting coffee that aligns with patrons' specific preferences.
Materials
No machine earns the designation of 'best cold brew maker' by being cheaply built. You'll want to prioritize all frames and inner systems that are made from high-quality, food-safe materials like stainless steel, glass, and BPA-free plastic. These won't just ensure the reliability of your machine, but will also help preserve the flavor of your coffee. Keep class in mind as well; the material should be resistant to wear and not degrade easily.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
While many factors go into the process, shopping for the best commercial cold brew coffee maker almost always comes down to a matter of maintenance. Easily disassemblable machines with removable and dishwasher-safe components are less of a headache to clean and therefore usually get better ongoing care. Avoid complex coffee makers that require hours of scrubbing and brushing, as these are more likely to end up under-maintained and prone to dirt and even mold build-up.
Brand Reputation & Warranty
Even if you've bought the absolute best coffee for cold brew maker systems specifically, its final taste will ultimately only ever taste as good as the machine processing it is well-designed. To that end, it's more than worthwhile to spend a bit extra on a brand that you know and can trust for top-notch performance. Ones that offer warranties are always a good choice, as this serves as a sign of confidence in product quality.
Budget-Friendly Choices
Maybe money is a top concern for your purchase. Buyers looking for the best budget cold brew coffee maker don't necessarily have to compromise on features - it's all about knowing how to research. Start by setting a firm budget and doing some comparison shopping between different models. Check out customer reviews to see if a specific model is really worth the price, keeping in mind that you often get what you pay for.
Additional Features: Electric, Automatic, and More
Some of the best automatic cold brew coffee maker systems come with advanced features like rapid brewing, temperature control, and adjustable flavor strength.
Home users don't need to spring for these unless they're after specific functions. Commercial coffee shops, on the other hand, should consider machines with features that can potentially reduce their operating costs or enhance patrons' overall experience. The extra money paid for them usually pays off in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Our article guiding you through the process of finding the best cold brew coffee maker has ended. But your journey? It's just begun. With the factors we've been over in mind, you're now ready to begin confidently shopping for Coffee Bar Equipment that meets the mark. BROOD's offering of premium machines and accessories is compatible with both home and commercial use, meaning we have something for everyone. Start exploring the possibilities for yourself!