Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers (Plus How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press)

If you enjoy smooth, low-acid iced coffee with a naturally rich flavor, brewing cold brew at home is a simple habit to adopt.

Unlike chilling hot coffee, cold brew relies on time and cool water to extract the beans’ sugars and oils, resulting in a concentrate that stays vibrant for days.

A good cold brew coffee maker simplifies the process: you add coarse grounds, fill with water, steep overnight, and filter the next morning.

After analyzing published specifications, independent reviews, and owner ratings, CoffeeMakerLab has identified the best cold brew coffee makers for different priorities, from single mason jar pitchers to a two-pitcher set.

Below are our top picks and a guide to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.

Whether you prefer a 64-ounce mason jar design for large batches or a smaller glass carafe, the guide below covers what to compare.

Our recommendations weigh practical criteria (filter design, ease of pouring, cleaning, and overall build quality), so you can pick a model that matches your routine.

We ranked these models by CML Score, calculated with the published method on our How We Review page.

How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Capacity and Serving Size

The models in this list range from the 1000 mL Hario Mizudashi to 64-ounce mason jar pitchers.

A smaller carafe suits individuals or couples who drink cold brew occasionally, while a 64-ounce pitcher works well for households that consume cold brew regularly or like to share.

Coffee-to-water ratios vary (the Jrssae instructions suggest 1 part coffee to 4 parts water as a starting point), so a 64-ounce brewer can yield enough concentrate for several days’ worth of iced coffee. Consider your weekly consumption and fridge space before choosing a size.

Some pitchers are designed to brew directly in the container you store them in, while others include a separate carafe or spout lid for easy pouring.

If you plan to make large batches for the week, a 64-ounce model with an airtight lid and a comfortable handle will be more convenient than a small carafe that requires frequent refilling.

Material and Build Quality

Most cold brew makers use either glass or BPA-free plastic (Tritan) carafes. Glass is heavy, non-porous, and does not absorb odors or stains, but it can break if dropped.

Tritan pitchers are shatterproof, lighter, and often dishwasher safe, which suits families or outdoor use.

Many models in this list feature a wide-mouth mason jar design (glass) combined with a stainless steel filter and a plastic or silicone lid that seals tightly.

The filter mesh density also matters: the JunVpic and VA1KENE pitchers use a 100-micron 304 stainless steel filter, while the OneDream and Jrssae filters use a 160-micron weave; a finer mesh holds back more fine particles.

Check that the lid and filter are BPA-free if you are sensitive to plastics. For long-term durability, look for models with a leak-proof silicone gasket and a reinforced handle that can support the weight of a full pitcher without wobbling.

Several models here, including the GMSWEET and JunVpic pitchers, list the glass jar or removable parts as dishwasher safe, so check each listing before loading the dishwasher.

Filter Design and Brewing Efficiency

The filter is the most critical part of a cold brew maker. A removable stainless steel mesh filter with fine holes lets water circulate freely while trapping coffee grounds.

Some models, such as the Bodum, use a plunger lid instead of a lift-out filter basket.

For the best balance of clarity and ease of cleaning, a 304-grade stainless steel filter that is wide enough to hold the grounds without overflowing is ideal.

Look for filters that are easy to remove and rinse, as coffee oils can clog fine mesh over time.

Some brewers require you to place the grounds in a suspended filter basket, while others use a removable mesh sleeve that sits inside the pitcher. After steeping, you remove the entire filter assembly, leaving behind pure concentrate.

This design makes cleanup faster because you do not need to pour the concentrate through a separate strainer.

A few models also include a rubber stopper or spout lid that keeps the filter in place during steeping and then seals the pitcher for storage.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Cold brew makers that are difficult to clean quickly become a hassle. Look for models with wide mouths so you can easily reach inside to scrub the bottom.

Filters that are fully detachable and dishwasher safe save time. Some pitchers have narrow necks that require a bottle brush, which adds a step.

Pay attention to the lid design: if it is multi-piece, make sure each component can be disassembled and washed without special tools.

Also consider how the brewer displays markings. Etched or embossed volume lines are permanent; printed measurement marks may fade after repeated washing.

A rubber or silicone seal in the lid can wear out over time, but replacement parts are sometimes available. Makers of glass and Tritan carafes describe them as resistant to stains and odors, and warm soapy water handles routine cleaning.

Storage and Fridge Fit

A cold brew maker will spend most of its life in the refrigerator, so its shape matters. Tall, round carafes may not fit on a standard fridge shelf or door bin.

Wide, rectangular pitchers are easier to pack in alongside other items. Check the dimensions (height and width) of the brewer and compare them to your fridge’s interior.

Some models come with a rubber base that prevents sliding, and others have a spout lid that locks for easy pouring without removing the lid.

If you prefer to brew on the countertop and then store the concentrate in a separate bottle, a pitcher with a removable filter and a sealable lid is versatile.

If you make cold brew in large batches, consider whether the brewer’s lid is airtight. An airtight seal helps keep the coffee fresh longer and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors.

Many glass carafes come with a silicone gasket lid that fits snugly, while the plastic Takeya and Bodum pitchers use an airtight or silicone lid.

How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press

A French press can double as a cold brew maker. Stir coarse grounds into cold water in the carafe, cover it, let it steep in the refrigerator, then press the plunger and pour the concentrate off the grounds.

A French press for cold brew coffee suits small batches, since a typical press holds less than the large mason jar pitchers in this list, and its mesh screen lets more fine sediment through than a dedicated cold brew filter. If you already own one, see our best French press coffee makers; for regular large batches, a pitcher-style cold brew maker is simpler.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you prefer drinking hot coffee or espresso most of the time and only occasionally want cold brew, a dedicated cold brew maker may take up unnecessary space.

You can achieve a similar effect by steeping coffee grounds in a mason jar and filtering through a paper cone, though the cleanup is less convenient.

For those who want cold brew-style coffee without overnight steeping, some electric coffee makers offer a cold brew setting that works much faster, though these are not included in this roundup.

Also, if you strongly prefer single-serve portions and do not want to handle a large pitcher, consider a pour-over set with a tall cone that produces a smaller, concentrated batch.

Finally, if you are looking for a model specifically designed for hot and iced brewing in one unit, a thermal carafe drip machine with an “iced coffee” mode might be a better fit.

Why You Should Trust Us

We do not conduct our own product trials. Our picks draw on published specifications, independent reviews, and Amazon owner ratings.

The CML Score is calculated with the published method on our How We Review page.

Affiliate commissions do not affect our rankings or scores.

Final Thoughts

Best Overall: County Line Kitchen 64oz Cold Brew Maker: a straightforward cold brew system built around a durable 64oz mason jar with a leak-proof lid and fine stainless steel filter.

Best Value: Jrssae 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Pitcher: this 64oz mason jar style cold brew maker includes a dense stainless steel filter and mixing spoon.

Best Budget: OneDream 64 oz Cold Brew Mason Jar: this large cold brew maker uses a classic mason jar design with a stainless steel filter for easy brewing.

Best Premium: VA1KENE 2-Pack 64oz Cold Brew Mason Jar: this set includes two 64oz glass pitchers with stainless steel fine mesh filters and cleaning brushes.

For related reading, see best French press coffee makers and coffee maker reviews.

New to cold brew? Our guide on how to make cold brew coffee at home walks through each step.

For a hot pot with a bold profile, see our best coffee percolators.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I steep cold brew coffee?

Most recipes call for an overnight steep of coarse grounds in cold water; the Jrssae instructions, for example, suggest 12 hours in the refrigerator. A shorter steep yields a milder concentrate, while a longer one produces a stronger, more intense flavor.

Refrigerator steeping (cold method) is typical, but some people steep at room temperature for a shorter time if they want a quicker result, though this may increase bitterness. Always taste and adjust to your own preference.

Can I use paper filters with a cold brew maker?

Some cold brew makers with a removable filter basket can be used with a paper filter (like a Chemex or V60 filter) placed inside the mesh to catch ultra-fine particles.

This is optional and can yield a cleaner cup, but it slows filtration and adds a step. Most people find that a fine stainless steel mesh alone produces acceptable clarity.

How should I clean my cold brew maker after each use?

Rinse the filter immediately after removing the grounds to prevent coffee oils from drying. Wash the carafe and filter with warm, soapy water using a soft brush or sponge. Many glass and Tritan pitchers in this list are labeled dishwasher safe; check each maker’s care instructions.

Dry all parts thoroughly before storing. An occasional soak in diluted vinegar helps remove mineral deposits and lingering odors.

What grind size is best for cold brew?

A coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs or kosher salt, is the usual choice, though Hario notes a finer grind gives more body in its Mizudashi. Very fine grinds can clog a mesh filter and over-extract, leading to bitterness and sediment. If you buy pre-ground coffee, look for a “cold brew” or “French press” grind.

A burr grinder set to the coarsest setting gives the most consistent results.

Does cold brew expire? How long does it last in the fridge?

Cold brew concentrate stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps for several days, though its flavor fades over time. Signs of spoilage include an off aroma, sliminess, or visible mold.

For best quality, brew smaller batches that you will finish within several days. Never leave cold brew at room temperature for more than a few hours.

Can I brew hot coffee in a cold brew maker?

Most cold brew makers in this list are meant for cold or room temperature water; County Line, for example, warns not to add warm or boiling water. A few, such as the Takeya, are described by the maker as suitable for hot brewing too, so check each product’s instructions.

If you want a machine that does both hot and iced coffee, consider a drip coffee maker with an iced coffee setting or a dedicated pour-over kettle.

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