The best cold brew makers of 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is our top pick for 2026. it’s the most popular for good reason, combining simplicity, durability, and a smooth result at a very fair price.
If you want a more refined brewing system, the OXO Good Grips delivers exceptional clarity and strength; for budget shoppers, the Hario Mizudashi offers a compact, elegant solution; and the Toddy remains the editor's choice for serious concentrate lovers.
Cold brew isn’t just a summer drink anymore, it’s a year-round ritual for anyone who craves a smoother, less acidic coffee without the hassle of heat. A dedicated cold brew maker removes the guesswork: you get a consistent concentrate that keeps for up to two weeks, saving you time and money versus café versions. The key choices come down to batch size, filter type (fine mesh vs. paper felt), and whether you prefer a carafe or a jar for storage. When picking your cold brew maker, think about how much you drink and how strong you like it. A simpler glass pitcher with a mesh filter (like the Takeya or Hario) is great for small households and easy cleanup. Larger systems with a separate brew-and-store design (like the OXO or Toddy) give you more control over strength and yield, but take up more counter space. We focused on models with solid owner feedback, reliable construction, and a track record of producing clean, sediment-free concentrate without bitterness.
Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 2 Quart, Black
the crowd-favorite default
4.3out of 5The Takeya is a simple, reliable workhorse that makes a smooth concentrate directly in the pitcher. It’s not the most refined system, but it’s easy to use, dishwasher-safe, and delivers consistent results for everyday cold brew.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz
the polished all-around performer
4.7out of 5The OXO Good Grips is the most thoughtfully designed cold brew maker we’ve researched. Its rainmaker shower head, ultra-fine mesh filter, and airtight carafe produce an exceptionally clean concentrate with maximum extraction. The only trade-off is the premium price and slightly more parts to wash.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Toddy Cold Brew System, 32 oz
the classic concentrate specialist
4.5out of 5The Toddy has been the gold standard for concentrate lovers for decades. It uses a felt filter and a steep 12- to 24-hour extraction to create a very strong, low-acid base that you can dilute to your liking. The setup is simple but the cleaning process is a bit more involved.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 2 Quart, Black | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Anyone who wants a no-fuss, affordable cold brew maker that brews and stores in one contai | Check price → |
| Runner-up | OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Coffee enthusiasts who want the cleanest, most consistent concentrate and are willing to i | Check price → |
| Best value | Toddy Cold Brew System, 32 oz | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Dedicated cold brew fans who want a powerful, ultra-concentrated base and don’t mind a lon | Check price → |
| Best budget | Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot, 1000ml | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Individuals or couples who drink cold brew occasionally and want a budget-friendly, space- | Check price → |
| Runner-up | County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar, 64 oz | 4.0 / 5 | $$ | Big families, office fridges, or anyone who likes to batch-brew a week’s worth of cold bre | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 2 Quart, Black: the crowd-favorite default
Best overallThe Takeya is a simple, reliable workhorse that makes a smooth concentrate directly in the pitcher. It’s not the most refined system, but it’s easy to use, dishwasher-safe, and delivers consistent results for everyday cold brew.
Pros
- Breaks down completely for thorough cleaning
- Fatigue-free pour with the airtight lid and spout
- Fine mesh filter produces very little sediment
- Lifetime warranty and great customer service reputation
Cons
- Glass carafe can be heavy when full
- Filter basket sits a bit low, slowing steep drainage
- Not ideal if you want to decant into a separate storage vessel
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a no-fuss, affordable cold brew maker that brews and stores in one container with minimal cleanup.Who should skip it
You prefer a dedicated brewing vessel with a separate decanter, or you need to make more than a quart of concentrate at a time.2. OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz: the polished all-around performer
Runner-upThe OXO Good Grips is the most thoughtfully designed cold brew maker we’ve researched. Its rainmaker shower head, ultra-fine mesh filter, and airtight carafe produce an exceptionally clean concentrate with maximum extraction. The only trade-off is the premium price and slightly more parts to wash.
Pros
- Rainmaker head evenly saturates grounds for full extraction
- Double-filter system (mesh + micro-mesh) yields crystal-clear coffee
- Airtight glass carafe keeps concentrate fresh for up to two weeks
- Marked carafe lines make dilution ratios easy
Cons
- More expensive than many competitors
- Takes up more counter space due to the brew tower
- The brewer assembly requires careful hand-washing
Who it’s for
Coffee enthusiasts who want the cleanest, most consistent concentrate and are willing to invest a bit more for superior design and durability.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget, have limited counter space, or prefer a one-piece brew-and-store system.3. Toddy Cold Brew System, 32 oz: the classic concentrate specialist
Best valueThe Toddy has been the gold standard for concentrate lovers for decades. It uses a felt filter and a steep 12- to 24-hour extraction to create a very strong, low-acid base that you can dilute to your liking. The setup is simple but the cleaning process is a bit more involved.
Pros
- Produces the richest, most concentrated cold brew of any system here
- Large 32-ounce yield is perfect for caffeine lovers
- Paper felt filter removes even the finest particles
- Replacement filters are inexpensive and widely available
Cons
- Requires 12–24 hours of steeping, longer than most
- Cleaning the felt filter is messy and needs to be done carefully
- No built-in spigot, you pour from the brewing container
Who it’s for
Dedicated cold brew fans who want a powerful, ultra-concentrated base and don’t mind a longer brew time or reusable filter maintenance.Who should skip it
You want a quick 8-hour brew, a one-container system, or prefer a finer mesh filter over a felt pad.4. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot, 1000ml: the budget-friendly minimalist
Best budgetThe Hario Mizudashi is a sleek, compact option that does exactly what it promises. The fine mesh filter is excellent for the price, and the thin carafe design fits neatly in a refrigerator door. The main drawbacks are its small capacity and the slightly tricky fit of the filter assembly.
Pros
- Compact design fits in tight fridge spaces
- Fine mesh screen leaves minimal sediment
- Glass carafe is easy to pour and looks elegant on a counter
Cons
- Small 1-liter capacity, not for heavy drinkers
- Filter basket can be fiddly to seat securely
- Plastic lid and collar feel less premium than the carafe
Who it’s for
Individuals or couples who drink cold brew occasionally and want a budget-friendly, space-saving option that still produces a clean cup.Who should skip it
You need to brew for a family, or you prefer a larger batch that lasts multiple days.5. County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar, 64 oz: the large-batch runner-up
Runner-upThe County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar is a generous 64-ounce solution for households that go through a lot of cold brew. The wide-mouth jar is easy to fill and clean, and the stainless steel mesh filter holds plenty of grounds. However, the filter isn’t as fine as some competitors, so you may get slight sediment.
Pros
- Huge 64-ounce capacity – enough for a whole week of cold brew
- Wide-mouth mason jar makes adding water and removing grounds easy
- Stainless steel filter is durable and doesn’t retain odors
- Comes with an airtight lid for storing the concentrate
Cons
- Mesh filter tolerates finer particles, leaving some sediment
- Jar is heavy when full and not ergonomic to pour
- No spigot – you have to scoop or pour carefully
Who it’s for
Big families, office fridges, or anyone who likes to batch-brew a week’s worth of cold brew concentrate at once.Who should skip it
You prefer a crystal-clear concentrate without any sediment, or you have limited fridge space for a tall jar.Best for specific needs
Best for rich concentrate lovers
If your ideal cold brew is a thick, almost syrupy base that you dilute with water or milk, the Toddy Cold Brew System is the way to go. Its felt filter and extended steeping time produce a concentrate that’s noticeably stronger and lower in acid than any mesh-filter system. It’s a bit more work, but the flavor payoff is worth it for serious cold brew enthusiasts. Our pick: Toddy Cold Brew System.
Best for budget shoppers
The Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot delivers a clean, smooth concentrate at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s compact, looks great on a counter, and the fine mesh filter does a surprisingly good job at keeping sediment out. If you drink cold brew solo or make it once a week, this is the smartest way to start without overspending. Our pick: Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pot.
Best for large batches
The County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar holds a full 64 ounces, which means you can brew enough concentrate to last the whole week. The stainless steel mesh filter is easy to load and clean, and the wide-mouth jar makes it simple to stir and access. It’s the best choice if you’re feeding a household of cold brew fans or prepping for a party. Our pick: County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar.
Our verdict
No matter your habit or budget, the right cold brew maker makes all the difference. For most people, the Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker hits the sweet spot of simplicity, value, and reliable results. If you’re ready to invest in a more refined brew, the OXO Good Grips is the best all-around system we’ve seen. And if concentrate strength or batch size is your priority, the Toddy or County Line Kitchen will serve you well. Pick one, let it steep overnight, and you’ll have smooth, café-quality cold brew ready by morning.