Best Immersion Cold Brew Coffee Maker

The rise in the popularity of cold brew coffee in recent years has been so huge that it is now unusual to find any mainstream coffee shop which doesn’t offer it as an option to its customers.

If you love cold brew coffee and would like to make your own, then our reviews and buyers guide will give you all the information you need to select the best cold brew coffee maker for you.

COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER REVIEWS

1. TAKEYA 10310 DELUXE COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER

Up first is the Takeya 10310 Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker. This simple and inexpensive cold brew coffee maker from Takeya has a smaller capacity than many of the others, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in ease of use.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

This coffee maker may not win any prizes for sophisticated design, but when it comes to using it, it is ideal for making 2 cups of cold brewed coffee, simply and easily.

While its 2-cup capacity means it is not really suitable for making enough coffee for larger families or groups, it is perfect for singles or couples.

The materials used to make it is durable and BPA-free so you can be assured it is safe and should also last well, not least because it is shatterproof which will be good news should it ever be dropped.

The main material will also resist stains and odors, but should it need thorough cleaning it is dishwasher safe. The handle feels strong when carrying the coffee maker, and it is also non-slip thanks to it being made from silicone.

Brewing is very easy, with your only requirements being to add the appropriate amount of coffee grounds, which is normally around 15 tablespoons worth, followed by around 2 pints of water.

You then lower the infuser into the water, close the lid, and shake. Your cold brew coffee should be ready within 36 hours.

This coffee maker is leakproof thanks to its airtight lid, so you should not experience any spillages when shaking or pouring.

WHAT'S TO LIKE ABOUT THE TAKEYA 10310 DELUXE COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER?

For anyone new to cold brew coffee makers it can feel like a step into the unknown, so it is particularly pleasing that this Takeya coffee maker is very easy to use.

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE TAKEYA 10310 DELUXE COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER?

With all its great features it is very disappointing that the capacity of this coffee maker, of just two full cups, is so limited.

CONS

• Capacity is low – just 2 cups
• Filters may allow small grinds to pass through

2. OVALWARE AIRTIGHT COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER

The Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker. This is a cold brew coffee maker, which not only brews great coffee, but should do so for many years, thanks to its stainless steel filter assembly.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

We’ll start with that filter which we mentioned in the intro and highlight that the dual mesh filter and cap are made from medical-grade stainless steel which should ensure that you have no issues with corrosion, and thus the lifetime of your coffee brewer will be prolonged.

To ensure the brewer remains airtight to prevent spillages and to lock in as much coffee flavor as possible, the cap is made from BPA-free silicone.

The main body is made from extra-thick borosilicate glass which is ideal for coffee makers because it is resistant to heat shock.

Making your coffee simply requires you to add your coffee to the filter, and then fill it with water to the required level and stir.

To help you judge this more accurately there are water level marks on the sides of the glass, where you can either measure in cups or milliliters. Your coffee should be brewed and ready to pour with 24 hours.

The height of the coffee maker has been designed so that it should be able to fit on the shelf of most modern refrigerators.

Once you have finished using the coffee brewer it can be rinsed with tap water, or for more thorough cleaning, you can use your dishwasher.

WHAT'S TO LIKE ABOUT THE OVALWARE AIRTIGHT COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER

Not only is this coffee maker very desirable in practical terms, but it is also very aesthetically pleasing and looks great sitting on a kitchen countertop. Or a coffee table.

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE OVALWARE AIRTIGHT COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER?

My biggest doubt is over the robustness of the handle which is very thin, and therefore at risk of being cracked or broken should it be bumped or knocked.

CONS

• Handle looks and feels fragile
• The filter has a rough edge of the seam

3. TOP-MAX COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER

For a coffee maker which can make fresh cold brew coffee or iced tea, if that is your preference, this offering from Top-Max ticks just about every box

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

While many cold brew coffee makers have a wide and round appearance, Top-Max has gone with a tall design for this one, which means it not only looks modern, it should also take up less space.

The main body and handle are made from high-grade borosilicate glass, which is extra-thick and designed to resist any thermal shock when you pour in hot water.

On the outside, you will see markings etched to indicate the water level, which should allow you to pour in the correct amount of water required. The airtight silicone seal will keep all the flavor and will do so for up to 14 days.

Internally you have a stainless steel filter which employs a laser cut infuser double mesh. This will not only ensure your coffee is filtered to perfection, but also that you will not have any issues with rust or corrosion.

This includes when you wash the coffee maker in the dishwasher, which you can do as all its components and materials are dishwasher safe.

One other point on the construction is the handle which is thicker than many other coffee makers have and feels stronger and more durable as a result.

Although primarily designed for making cold brew coffee, it is also suitable for hot coffee too, as well as making both hot and cold tea, giving the maximum flexibility when it comes to making beverages at home.

WHAT'S TO LIKE ABOUT THE TOP-MAX COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER

The ability to use this coffee maker to make different types of beverages is highly appealing, especially when you may have guests who are not coffee drinkers.

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE TOP-MAX COLD BREW ICED COFFEE MAKER

While being so thin makes it look great, it does have one downside, and that is it makes it harder to clean the inside without having to use the dishwasher.

CONS

• Not easy to clean inside
• Screen edges are not finished

4. BEAN ENVY COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER

The Bean Envy cold brew coffee maker is an ideal addition to your kitchenware, especially if you love a full-flavored cold coffee to help you cool down, or simply want a refreshing beverage.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Bean Envy places a lot of emphasis on the quality of their products, and this cold brew coffee maker certainly seems to fall line with that description. The main body is made from premium borosilicate glass which is perfect this type of product.

One feature they have added, which few other coffee makers have, is a silicone sleeve at the base of the coffee maker.

This not only protects both the coffee maker and the surfaces you are placing it on, but should it be bumped, it also reduces the risk of it sliding across smooth surfaces.

As you’d expect, the cap is made airtight to keep the coffee fresh for longer. This is achieved due to two silicone rings being used around the edges of it and the top of the coffee maker. The cap itself is made from stainless to prevent rusting, as is the main filter housing.

The filter is precision cut and is designed to filter your cold brew coffee within 24 hours. All you do is add the required amount of coffee and then water to the required amount.

You can use the measurement markings on the sides of the coffee maker to ensure you fill it to the correct level.

WHAT'S TO LIKE ABOUT THE BEAN ENVY COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER?

The silicone base is a very welcome feature, and there is patent pending on its design. It makes placing the coffee maker on surfaces safer, with less risk of either the glass base or the surface underneath being damaged.

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE BEAN ENVY COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER?

The manufacturer has decided not to have a spout at the top of this coffee maker, therefore you can’t pour coffee without removing the cap, which is an unnecessary inconvenience.

CONS

• Lid and filter need to be removed to pour
• Filter and filter gasket are flimsy

5. COFFEE BEAR COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER

For our final review of cold brew coffee makers, we have this one from ‘Coffee Bear’ who apart from offering you the product itself, also send you a free, and very useful, cold brew coffee eBook.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

While the free coffee recipe eBook will allow you to make more interesting coffees, it should go without saying that the main test is whether or not this coffee maker can do the basics.

It should certainly do that, thanks to the reinforced mesh filter unit which is made from BPA-free, commercial nylon.

It also has a removable cap, which makes it very easy to clean and remove used coffee grounds. For further cleaning, the coffee maker is dishwasher safe.

The main unit is made from borosilicate glass to withstand high temperatures, and its bigger than the usual size means it can hold up to 44 fluid ounces or 2 3/4 pints if you prefer.

This gives it a greater capacity than many of the other cold brew coffee makers available. Despite this larger capacity, it’s still small enough to enable it to fit easily into your refrigerator.

The handle is solid and easy to grip so pouring your coffee should be trouble-free, especially as the pouring spout has been designed to make it easy as possible.

Another great feature is the silicon base which provides you with the benefit of the carafe not slipping or sliding and also helps to prevent any marking of tables or countertops when it is placed on them.

WHAT'S TO LIKE ABOUT THE COFFEE BEAR COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER?

The fact that this coffee maker can be easily disassembled after use for washing, either by hand or in the dishwasher, is an excellent feature and ensures that it will always be clean and fresh when making a new carafe of coffee.

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE COFFEE BEAR COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER?

For all its great features, it does lack a very basic one, and that is measurement markings on the sides so that you can add the correct amount of water for the amount of coffee you want to make.

CONS

• Tends to suffer from condensation
• Rubber gasket can come loose

BUYER'S GUIDE

Although cold brew coffee makers are not the most advanced products you might buy, there are still a number of features that you should understand when buying.

These may differ from product to product, so to help you become more familiar with them, here is a short buying guide which explains the main things to look for.

FILTERS

Filters will normally be made from either stainless steel or from a BPA-free material. In both cases there will be mesh which is a vital part of the brewing process.

Look for how fine the mesh is, as the finer ones will be more adept at stopping coffee grinds getting through and leaking into your coffee.

MATERIALS

Most cold brew coffee makers are made from glass, and this should be a premium type of glass called borosilicate.

There are some coffee makers, which are instead made from a special BPA-free material.

In both cases you want to check that the main material is resistant to thermal shock, especially if you intend to use your coffee maker for both cold, and hot beverages.

Other materials that may be used are silicone which is often found around the cap seal, the handle and is also used to create a non-slip base for some coffee makers.

QUALITY

Individual buyers often have different opinions about what they might class as quality, however, for specific products there are always certain minimum standards.

With cold brew coffee makers, these should include having airtight seals, a strong handle, a carafe made from thermal shock resistant material, should be able to brew within a reasonable amount of time (24-36 hours) and ideally be capable of storing coffee in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.

USER-FRIENDLINESS

User-friendliness for cold brew coffee makers falls into three parts; brewing the coffee, pouring the coffee, and cleaning the coffee maker.

For brewing you want something where it’s easy to add your coffee grounds and water.

For pouring, it is preferable to have a spout, and also part of this is an easy to grip handle.

Finally, a dishwasher-safe coffee maker is always preferable, but if not, the ability to take out the filter and easily wash everything is what you are looking for.

DESIGN

Apart from being easy to use as we have just described, you will find two basic designs. The first is a coffee maker which is low in height and has a wider diameter.

The second is, taller and therefore thinner, given that most have similar capacities. There is no right and wrong, other than how much space is needed to store it, and your own preference for each style.

PRICE

Cold brew coffee makers are very inexpensive compared to lots of other kitchen items. The maximum price of the ones we have reviewed is less than $30, with the lowest being $19.99.

The differences in terms of features at either price point is very small.

COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER FAQS

HOW DO I USE A COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER?

While each individual cold brew coffee maker may have slight nuances, the normal process is as follows:

Add your coffee grounds into the filter unit, and then fill the coffee maker with room temperature water, up to the level you require in terms of the number of cups.

If your coffee maker does not have markings on the side, then you will need to measure the quantity of water using a measuring jug beforehand.

Next, replace the cap to seal the coffee maker, shake it well, and then store it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours. When the brewing process is complete, your cold brew coffee should be ready to pour.

HOW DOES A COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER WORK?

Although the term ‘brewing’ is commonly used to describe what a cold brew coffee maker does, a more apt term might be ‘steeper.’

This is due to the fact that inside the coffee maker, the coffee grounds sit in cold water for many hours.

This process means that the coffee produced has less acidity, is smoother, and the concentration is stronger too, allowing you to dilute the strength to you, or your guests’ preferences or tastes.

WHERE SHOULD I BUY A COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER?

As they have become increasingly popular in recent years, cold brew coffee makers can be purchased from most reputable stores which sell kitchen equipment and cookware.

Walmart and Target both sell them, and of course, lots of smaller retail outlets do too.

The alternative is to buy your cold brew coffee maker from Amazon, and this has several advantages. 

• The first is that you can have it delivered the next, or even the same day, and this is normally done free of charge if you are an Amazon Prime member. 
• You also have Amazon’s easy-return and exchange process should anything go wrong with your purchase.

CAN YOU FREEZE COLD BREW COFFEE?

The simple this question is ‘yes,’ and in a lot of cases it is the perfect way to store any extra cold brew coffee you have made.

The best way to use frozen cold brew coffee is to make them into ice cubes, which you can then add to your regular cold brew coffee, or other cold coffee beverages to chill them on hot summer days and make them even more refreshing.

Another great idea is to use a food processor to turn frozen cold brew coffee into crushed ice, to make your very own coffee snow cone.

ARE COLD BREW COFFEE MAKERS WORTH IT?

With all the cold brew coffee makers, we have reviewed costing less than $30, they can hardly be described as expensive, even when compared with ordinary kettles which will often be priced over $50.

Another comparison is the cost of buying a cold brew or iced coffee from a high street coffee shop.

These are normally priced between $2.95 and $3.95, so just 10 of these will come to what your coffee maker will cost and remember it will make hundreds of them for you.

FINAL VERDICT

It is always fun reviewing products that produce food or drink, as it not only gets the mind working but the taste buds too.

Given that a cold brew coffee maker isn’t the most technical of products, and that they only really have one function, choosing our top recommendation was very tough, as they all did it very well.

Eventually, we opted for the Coffee Bear Cold Brew Coffee Maker for several reasons.

We loved the fact that it comes with a non-slip base as it stops the coffee maker sliding across smooth countertops, and it also prevents it marking tables, for example.

It is also very easy to use, both in terms of making cold brew coffee and when cleaning it after use. Having a larger capacity than the other coffee makers added to its very desirable features.

The bonus of a free coffee recipe eBook is a nice finishing touch and as it is priced as low of any the other coffee makers, its excellent value for money confirms it as our No. 1 cold brew coffee maker recommendation.