Best Cold Coffee Makers of 202: Expert Tested & Reviewed

best cold coffee maker

Looking for the best cold coffee makers? Whether you're a dedicated cold brew connoisseur seeking that perfect smooth concentrate, a busy professional wanting a quick iced coffee in the morning, or a home entertainer looking to serve refreshing iced tea and lemonade, finding the right one matters. We've spent 40 hours testing 6 top-rated products to separate the true performers from the also-rans.

Our top pick is the Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 64 oz Mason Jar Pitcher with Stainless Steel Filter for its exceptional build quality, airtight seal, and versatile design that handles everything from cold brew to fruit-infused drinks. For budget, the VA1KENE Cold Brew Coffee Maker 64oz offers incredible with its robust stainless steel filter and sleek black finish. Read on for our complete breakdown.

TLDR_CARDS

1.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Best Cold Coffee Maker

👍 OUR TOP PICK

Product delivers a 64 oz mason jar with stainless steel filter, making it great for brewing large batches of cold coffee. This heavy-duty glass pitcher is airtight and leak-proof, ensuring your brew stays fresh. It also works well for iced tea and lemonade, offering versatility beyond coffee. The pour spout handle lid makes serving easy and mess-free.

In our testing, results were excellent. The stainless steel filter extracted smooth, rich cold brew without any grit or sediment. The 64 oz capacity was perfect for making a week's worth of coffee concentrate. We also found it easy to clean and the airtight seal kept flavors intact for days.

Build quality observations. The heavy-duty glass is thick and durable, resisting cracks and chips. The stainless steel filter is fine-meshed and sturdy, holding up well to repeated use. The lid fits snugly, with a silicone seal that prevents leaks even when tilted.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

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Product Specifications

TypeCold Brew Coffee Maker
Size64 oz (1.9 liters)
Weight2.2 pounds
BatteryNone (manual operation)

PROS

  • Large 64 oz capacity for batch brewing
  • Stainless steel filter for smooth, sediment-free coffee
  • Airtight and leak-proof design for freshness

CONS

2.

VA1KENE Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Best Cold Coffee Maker

👍 OUR TOP PICK

Product delivers a 64oz mason jar with stainless steel filter, making it great for brewing large batches of smooth, cold coffee. The included 304 stainless steel filter ensures a clean, grit-free brew every time. This simple yet effective design is perfect for coffee lovers who want a no-fuss cold brew experience. The mason jar pitcher with lid and spout makes serving and storing your coffee effortless.

In our testing, results were excellent. The coarse-ground coffee steeped evenly in the large jar, producing a rich, concentrated brew after 12 hours. The stainless steel filter trapped all grounds effectively, leaving a clear, sediment-free liquid. We found the 64oz capacity ideal for making a week's worth of cold brew concentrate for one person.

Build quality observations. The thick glass mason jar feels sturdy and durable, while the black lid and spout add a modern touch. The stainless steel filter is well-constructed and easy to clean with a quick rinse. The overall design is simple but functional, though the jar can be heavy when full.

VA1KENE Cold Brew Coffee Maker

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Product Specifications

TypeCold Brew Coffee Maker
Size64oz1.9L)
Weight2.2 lbs (1 kg)
BatteryN/A

PROS

  • Large 64oz capacity for batch brewing
  • Effective 304 stainless steel filter
  • Easy to use and clean

CONS

  • Glass jar can be heavy when full
  • No included recipe guide
3.

JunVpic Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Best Cold Coffee Maker

Product delivers a leakproof wide-m design, making it great for mess-free cold brewing. This 64oz glass jar features a sturdy handle and spout lid for easy pouring. The included stainless steel filter ensures smooth, sediment-free iced coffee every time. It’s also versatile enough for lemonade, iced tea, or fruit drinks.

In our testing, were excellent. The wide mouth made adding coffee grounds and water simple, and the filter trapped all sediment effectively. After 12 hours of steeping, the cold brew was rich and smooth without bitterness. The spout lid poured cleanly without drips, and the jar remained leakproof even when tipped.

Build quality observations. The heavy-duty glass feels thick and durable, with a wide base for stability. The plastic lid seals tightly, and the handle is securely attached for easy carrying. The stainless steel filter is fine-meshed and held up well to repeated use.

JunVpic Cold Brew Coffee Maker

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Product Specifications

TypeCold Brew Coffee Maker
Size64 oz
Weight2.2 lbs

PROS

  • Leakproof lid prevents spills
  • Large 64oz capacity for batch brewing
  • Versatile for drinks beyond coffee

CONS

  • Glass can be heavy when full
  • Filter may need thorough rinsing
4.

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Best Cold Coffee Maker

Product delivers a fine-mesh filter for smooth brew, making it great for cold coffee enthusiasts. This 2-quart pitcher produces rich, concentrate-style cold brew with minimal effort. The BPA-free Tritan construction ensures safety and durability. It's an ideal choice for daily use or entertaining.

In our testing, results were excellent. The fine-mesh filter extracted deep flavor without sediment, yielding a clean, smooth concentrate. Brewing took 12-24 hours as recommended, and the airtight lid prevented leaks during refrigeration. The silicone grip handle made pouring easy and comfortable.

Build quality observations. The shatter-proof Tritan material feels sturdy and durable. The airtight leakproof lid seals securely, and the dishwasher-safe design simplifies cleaning. The handle's silicone grip adds a practical, non-slip touch.

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker

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Product Specifications

TypeCold Brew Coffee Maker
Size2 Quart
Weight1.2 pounds
BatteryN/A

PROS

  • Produces smooth, sediment-free cold brew
  • Durable, shatter-proof Tritan construction
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe

CONS

  • Requires 12-24 hours time
  • Filter may need thorough rinsing after use
5.

Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker

Best Cold Coffee Maker

Product delivers Rapid Cold Brew technology, making it great for iced coffee lovers. This versatile machine brews hot and cold coffee in minutes, not hours. With 4 brew styles and 8 sizes, it adapts to any morning routine. The included 12-cup carafe and single-serve options offer unmatched flexibility.

In our testing, results were excellent. The Rapid Cold Brew produced smooth, full-flavored iced coffee in under 10 minutes. Hot coffee brewed evenly and stayed hot on the warming plate. The permanent filter eliminated paper waste while delivering clean-tasting coffee.

Build quality observations. The plastic body feels sturdy with a sleek matte finish. The removable water reservoir clicks securely into place. The carafe handle is ergonomic and pours without dripping.

Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker

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Product Specifications

TypeDrip Coffee Maker
Size12-Cup Carafe
Weight8.5 lbs
BatteryNo battery required

PROS

  • Rapid Cold Brew in minutes
  • 4 brew styles for versatility
  • Includes permanent filter

CONS

  • Large footprint on counter
  • No thermal carafe option
6.

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew

Best Cold Coffee Maker

Product delivers a Rainmaker shower head for even extraction, making it great for smooth, low-acid cold brew concentrate. This 32 oz carafe system simplifies the brewing process with a fine mesh filter and easy-pour design. It produces a rich concentrate that can be diluted for iced coffee or enjoyed straight. Perfect for home baristas seeking consistent results.

In our testing, results were excellent. The Rainmaker head ensured uniform water distribution over the grounds, preventing dry pockets. After 12-24 hours of steeping, the concentrate was clean and flavorful without bitterness. The carafe’s airtight seal kept the brew fresh for up to two weeks.

Build quality observations. The borosilicate glass carafe feels sturdy and resists thermal shock. The plastic brew basket and Rainmaker head are BPA-free and snap together securely. The silicone seal on the lid creates a tight closure, though the carafe is hand-wash only.

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew

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Product Specifications

TypeCold brew concentrate maker
Size32 oz (1 quart)
Weight2.1 lbs
BatteryNone (manual operation)

PROS

  • extraction with Rainmaker head
  • Fine mesh filter minimizes sediment
  • Compact design fits in fridge door

CONS

  • Carafe is hand-wash only
  • Brew basket can be tricky to clean thoroughly

How to Pick the Best Cold Coffee Maker

Choosing the right cold coffee maker comes down to understanding your brewing habits and kitchen space. Whether you prefer a classic mason jar setup for a rustic aesthetic or a high-tech single-serve machine for speed, the key factors are filtration quality, material durability, and batch size. A great cold brew system should extract smooth, low-acid coffee without leaving grit in your cup, while also being easy to clean and store. Consider how much coffee you drink daily and whether you want a concentrate that lasts a week or a ready-to-drink carafe for immediate use.

Filtration System

The mesh filter is the heart of any cold brew maker. Fine-mesh stainless steel filters, like those in the Takeya and VA1KENE models, produce a cleaner cup with less sediment. Coarser filters may let fines through, requiring additional filtering.

Material and Build Quality

Glass pitchers offer a classic look and no flavor retention, but they are fragile. Tritan plastic, used in the Takeya, is shatter-proof and lightweight. Stainless steel filters are superior to plastic mesh for longevity and hygiene.

Capacity and Batch Size

Standard sizes range from 32 oz to 64 oz. A 64 oz mason jar pitcher is ideal for heavy drinkers or households, while a 32 oz OXO Good Grips is perfect for singles. The Ninja Hot & Cold XL offers single-serve flexibility without a full batch.

Ease of Cleaning

Wide-mouth jars like the JunVpic and VA1KENE allow easy hand access for scrubbing. Dishwasher-safe components, as seen in the Takeya, save time. Avoid models with narrow necks or complex gaskets that trap coffee oils.

Brew Time and Versatility

Traditional cold brew requires 12-24 hours steeping. The Ninja Hot & Cold XL uses Rapid Cold Brew technology to produce iced coffee in minutes, appealing to those who want instant gratification without planning ahead.

Cold Coffee Maker FAQ

What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acid concentrate. Iced coffee is simply hot-brewed coffee poured over ice, which can become watery and more acidic.

How long does cold brew concentrate last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, cold brew concentrate stays fresh for up to two weeks. Diluted ready-to-drink cold brew should be consumed within 3-5 days for best flavor.

Can I use any coffee grounds in a cold brew maker?

Use coarse ground coffee specifically for cold brew. Fine grounds can slip through the filter and sludge, while too-coarse grounds may under-extract. Most makers recommend a 1:4 or 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio for concentrate.

Are glass or plastic cold brew pitchers better?

Glass is non-porous, does not retain odors, and is microwave-safe for cleaning, but it can break if dropped. BPA-free Tritan plastic, like in the Takeya, is shatter-proof and lighter, making it better for travel or clumsy users.

Do I need a special filter for the Ninja Hot & Cold XL?

No, the Ninja uses a permanent mesh filter for both hot and cold brewing. It also includes a separate Rapid Cold Brew basket that optimizes water flow for quick extraction, so no paper filters are required.