Tools of the Trade: Our Favorite Cold Brew Makers

Tools of the Trade: Our Favorite Cold Brew Makers

These four brewers iced out the competition.
by Lauren Chamberlain | April 02, 2025

Cold brew isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. But making it at home? That’s another story. Between inconsistent results, tricky gear, and way too much trial and error, it’s easy to end up with more frustration than flavor.

That’s where we come in. First, we partnered with top roasters to curate the best coffees designed specifically for cold brew. Which, you can find here.

Then, we took it a step further—testing over 20 cold brew makers to find the absolute best. After countless batches, we narrowed it down to four standouts, each excelling in taste, ease, and value. Some might even say these picks iced out the competition.

And because the perfect brewer depends on you, we’re breaking down exactly who each one is best for. Whether you want no-fuss convenience, barista-level control, or big-batch efficiency, we’ve got you covered.

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Maker

Best for: Minimalists who want smooth, no-fuss cold brew

Hario is a trusted name in the coffee world, and their cold brew maker lives up to the hype. This sleek, borosilicate glass brewer is compact enough to fit in the fridge while still delivering smooth, ready-to-drink cold brew with zero hassle. The built-in fine mesh filter keeps sediment out, and when you’re done, it’s easy to remove and clean—no messy grounds to deal with. If you’re looking for a simple, stylish, and effective way to make cold brew, this is a top pick.

Why we like it:
✔️ Compact, fridge-friendly design
✔️ No paper filters needed
✔️ Easy to clean with a removable filter

Toddy Essential Brewer

Best for: Literal coffee shop-style cold brew at home

Toddy is the OG of cold brew—if you’ve had a cafe cold brew, chances are it was made with a Toddy. Their Essential Brewer brings that same pro-level quality to home brewers. This system makes a smooth, low-acid concentrate. Plus, Toddy’s paper filter bags set it apart from other brewers, making cleanup way easier than dealing with loose grounds. If you want big-batch, coffee-shop-level cold brew, this is the one.

Why we like it:
✔️ Produces ultra-smooth, balanced cold brew
✔️ Trusted by coffee professionals
✔️ Paper filter bags make cleanup easy

OXO Cold Brew Maker

Best for: Coffee lovers who want convenience and control

OXO’s full-size Cold Brew Maker is one of the most popular for a reason—it brews a strong concentrate and makes the process ridiculously easy. It features a rainmaker lid for even water distribution, a reusable stainless steel filter, and a built-in dispenser that lets you pour directly into your cup (no messy transferring!). It also looks sleek whether you store it in the fridge or keep it on the counter. If you like rich, full-bodied cold brew and a hassle-free experience, this one’s a winner.

Why we like it:
✔️ Built-in spout for easy pouring
✔️ Reusable filter = less waste
✔️ Great for big batches of concentrate

OXO Compact Cold Brew Maker

Best for: Small-space brewers who want quality cold brew

Love cold brew but don’t need huge batches? The OXO Compact Cold Brew Maker is perfect for those who want great coffee without taking up too much counter or fridge space. It brews a rich concentrate, just like its full-size counterpart, but in a more space-efficient design. Whether you’re brewing for yourself or just want to test different beans without committing to a full batch, this is the perfect small-but-mighty cold brew maker.

Why we like it:
✔️ Ideal for small spaces & solo brewers
✔️ Same quality as the larger OXO brewer
✔️ Reusable filter = less waste

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