Updated October 28, 2026 · Research-based comparison, not lab testing
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Cold brew needs only time, but the brewer decides how easy it is to fill, drain and clean. These five are expert picks, Amazon best-sellers, or both.
Select a column heading to sort. ✓ = yes, — = no, n/a = not stated by the maker. Specs from maker and retailer listings, checked Oct 28, 2026.
How we chose: we started from Amazon's best-seller lists and from recent hands-on tests by Wirecutter, Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping, then kept models that are current and widely sold. We did not test these machines ourselves; specs come from makers and retailer listings, and reviewer views are paraphrased with links. Full method.
The picks in detail
Illustration, not a product photo.
Best overall
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
OXO · Concentrate brewer
Best for: Anyone who wants strong, consistent cold brew with the least hassle.
Key specs
Makes about 24-28 oz of concentrate (Wirecutter)
Perforated 'rainmaker' lid spreads water evenly
Flip switch drains the brew into a glass carafe
Metal mesh filter, plus paper filters
Pros
Wirecutter's top pick: strongest, boldest brew it tested
Easy to set up and clean
Drains neatly
Cons
Glass carafe is delicate
Takes up counter space while brewing
What reviewers say
Wirecutter says it produced the most flavorful, consistent coffee with the least hassle, and has the most thoughtful features for brewing and storing. — Wirecutter, The Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker (updated Jul 14, 2025)
Best for: Daily cold brew drinkers who want to pour a glass without taking the brewer out.
Key specs
38 oz concentrate capacity
Stainless steel tap (spigot)
Reusable stainless steeper
Stainless handle
Pros
Serious Eats' best cold brew maker
Spigot dispenses one glass at a time
About 19 servings per batch at KitchenAid's ratio (Serious Eats)
Cons
Large filter is drippy to remove (Serious Eats)
Most expensive cold brewer Serious Eats tested
What reviewers say
Serious Eats' favorite: the spigot lets you dispense coffee without removing the brewer from the fridge, and the capacity is generous. — Serious Eats, The Best Cold Brew Makers (updated Aug 10, 2026)
Expert picks counts how many of the independent publications we used named the model as a recommended pick in their latest guide. It is a count, not a rating, and the publications are listed under each product. Price tier is a rough guide from maker list prices ($ under $100, $$ $100-299, $$$ $300-999, $$$$ $1,000+); we don't show live prices, so check the retailer. A "Popular pick" badge means the model was on Amazon's best-seller list but none of our expert sources picked it.
FAQ
What is the best cold brew maker?
Wirecutter's top pick is the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker; Serious Eats' is the KitchenAid 38-Ounce with a built-in spigot.
Concentrate or ready-to-drink?
Most brewers make concentrate that you dilute with water or milk. Wirecutter found about 2 oz of concentrate makes a full glass. The Hario Mizudashi makes milder, ready-to-drink coffee.
How long does cold brew keep?
Serious Eats noticed bitterness after a week in the fridge with the Hario, so brew what you'll drink within a few days.