10 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers 2024 | UK Coffee Shop Owner Reviewed
Coffee is one of the most favoured drinks in the UK. From capsule machines brewing up lattes and cappuccinos to French press and filter devices, there are now multiple ways to enjoy that rich, full-flavoured beverage. But on days when it’s just too warm to enjoy a steaming mug of Joe, where does one get their caffeine fix? Enter a cold brew coffee maker!
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’re probably already aware of the draws of cold brew, but if you’re a newbie, stay tuned! This guide will detail the benefits of cold brew coffee and how to choose the best machine, as well as introduce the top 10 to buy in the UK. We’ve included both big brands like OXO, Bodum and Hario and affordable buys from Amazon. Let’s get brewing!
Quick List - Top Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Following a decade-long career as a designer/art director in the fashion and beauty industry, I found my new calling in a coffee shop in Japan, where I met my husband who is a barista. We now run a coffee shop together in the countryside. My knowledge and passion for speciality coffee continues to grow, and I enjoy trying new beans and methods every day!
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Advice From Coffee Shop Owner and Art Director Nicole Michalek
- How to Choose a Cold Brew Coffee Maker in the UK
- Metal, Paper, Mesh or Cloth: Choose Your Preferred Type of Filtration System1
- If You Want to Taste Every Note Then Choose an Air-Tight Devices2
- Make Sure You Have the Kitchen or Fridge Space3
- Consider the Number of Cups You Want to Make at Any One Time4
- If You Want Your Machine to Last, Choose Sturdy Materials5
- Cold Brew Coffee Gives You a Full-Bodied but Less acidic and Sweeter Flavour
- Nicole's Advice on Making the Perfect Cold Brew Coffee
- Alternative Ways to Brew Your Coffee
With Specialist Advice From Coffee Shop Owner and Art Director Nicole Michalek
Following a decade-long career as a designer/art director in the fashion and beauty industry, Nicole found her new calling in a coffee shop in Japan, where she met her husband who is a barista. They now run a coffee shop together in the countryside. Her knowledge and passion for speciality coffee continues to grow, and she enjoy trying new beans and methods every day!
Follow her coffee shops Instagram page for more coffee content and to see what new and exciting things they're getting up to!
How to Choose a Cold Brew Coffee Maker in the UK
Now that we’ve convinced you of the benefits of cold brew coffee, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually choose a device. This section will go through the essential things you need to know to pick the one best suited for you and the different types of filtration available. Let’s get stuck in!
Metal, Paper, Mesh or Cloth: Choose Your Preferred Type of Filtration System
First, weigh up the advantages of built-in and replaceable filters. A machine that uses separate filters such as coffee socks, bags or filter papers will require you to measure the coffee yourself and replace the filters after each use. Of course, you can buy reusable filters, but overall, this is a messier and more time-consuming approach.
Cold brew coffee makers that contain built-in filters do have several pluses. Firstly, you don’t need to measure the coffee yourself, and secondly, they cause minimal mess and require less effort from you as you don’t need to replace the filters after each use. Built-in filters are, however, much more expensive.
There’s a whole variety of materials used for filters, from metal to paper, mesh and even cloth, each with its own benefits. For example, a mesh filter is much easier to clean than cloth. Paper is easy and cheap but not the best environmentally, and metal filters are sturdy but often leave behind a bit of an aftertaste in the brewed coffee.
A stainless steel filter often results in a very pure, direct brew so as to really feel the taste of coffee beans. It’s great for those who enjoy the mouthfeel of a rich coffee, including the coffee oil and/or a bean-like taste. Keep in mind that paper filters might have a slight effect on the taste of your brew.
If You Want to Taste Every Note Then Choose an Air-Tight Devices
Preparing cold brew coffee is a simple process that essentially consists of pouring cold water over ground coffee and leaving it there. Makers, therefore, can be as straightforward or as complicated as you like, from simple containers to mechanised devices that regulate the pour.
But there is one thing to look out for that sets some makers apart from the rest – an airtight brewer. These trap in the all-important aroma and taste, making the flavour richer, more full-bodied and longer lasting.
The best time to enjoy a delicious cold brew is 5 to 7 days after extraction. Of course, this is assuming the cold brew is made with the roasted beans in their prime stage of ageing, so keep an eye on them. When kept in the refrigerator, the taste of your cold brew will become deeper and more mellow, so you can enjoy and observe the change in flavours.
Make Sure You Have the Kitchen or Fridge Space
The size of cold brew makers can widely differ. Some will conveniently slot inside a fridge door but others will need quite a bit of countertop space, so make sure you have enough room in your kitchen.
As cold brew coffee needs to remain in a cold place during the process, ensure that your maker fits nicely in your fridge. A few of our recommendations are compact and nicely slide into the shelf on their side, but many are pretty chunky designs that need adequate shelf space. So, always check the dimensions before you buy.
Don’t worry if you can’t fit one of the larger cold brew makers in your fridge; you can always divide up into a few smaller air-tight containers (mason jars work great!). Not only will this help with storage, but by decanting you can remove sediment.
Also, multiple small containers will further extend the shelf life of your brew. You’ll be opening less than you would with one large container, which means less air contact and less chance for oxidation to ruin the flavour. Alternatively, you can make cold brew ice cubes which you can then add to other beverages!
Consider the Number of Cups You Want to Make at Any One Time
The next thing to look at is the coffee maker's capacity – the bigger machines don't always mean they store more! If you're the only coffee lover in the house, a portable, personal-use cold brew maker might have the most appeal. With these, you can prepare the day before and grab on your way out the door in the morning.
But as the process of preparing cold brew coffee is quite lengthy, you may want to get more for your efforts. A typical maker holds around 1 litre of liquid, which should do you for a while or at least make a round of drinks for you and your friends. If you think you might need more, make sure to check the capacity before you buy.
This may also impact your choice of beans; if you plan on brewing a large amount, you might be hesitant to use single-origin speciality coffee beans, as they are quite pricey for even a small amount. For cold brew, I recommend coffee beans from Africa, such as Ethiopia and Kenya. Depending on the roast level, you can enjoy floral or citrus flavours.
I personally like medium-light roast and medium-roast. If the beans have gone through the fermentation process, you may even get hints of whiskey or wine. Washed-process beans give you a refreshing mouthfeel that’s perfect for a hot day.
If You Want Your Machine to Last, Choose Sturdy Materials
As with any regularly used kitchen appliance, you want to make sure that your maker will be able to take wear and tear. One of the most popular beaker materials is glass. Usually, borosilicate glass is used – that's the stuff they use in laboratories, so you know it'll be sturdy. It is also easy to clean, dishwasher safe and generally looks great.
You can also find brewers made from plastic or silicone. These can work just as well, however, they might not be dishwasher safe, so it could require a bit more work on your part. If you choose one of these options, just make sure it’s BPA-free.
Lastly, you'll find cold brew makers made of stainless steel, which is one of the best materials for durability. The downside, however, is that when metal is used on parts that touch the coffee, it can affect the flavour, so be sure to check which features are made out of stainless steel.
While plastic and stainless steel are certainly less fragile than glass, you’ll want to consider storing the finished product in a glass container to avoid unwanted odours transferring to your coffee as it sits in the fridge. Regardless, look for a cold brew maker with a metal mesh filter for the most consistently flavorful coffee and to minimize sediment.
Top 10 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hario Cold Brew Coffee Pot｜Mizudashi | | Our No.1 Compact Cold Brew to Go | |
2 | OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker | | Automatic Cold Brew Coffee With a Rainmaker Extraction | |
3 | Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker | | Airtight Maker for an Affordable Cold Brew | |
4 | Bodum BEAN Cold Brew Coffee Maker | | The French Press of Cold Brew Coffee | |
5 | KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker | | A High-Quality Coffee Station to Keep in the Fridge | |
6 | Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffee Maker | | Fresh Cold Brew for up to 3 Weeks | |
7 | Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker | | A Vacuum Insulated Option You Can Throw in a Bag | |
8 | County Line Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker | | Easily Store This Handy Jar in the Fridge | |
9 | Willow & Everett Cold Brew Maker | | A Giant Mason Jar for 12 Cups of Coffee | |
10 | Drip-drip Dripster: Cold Drip Coffee Maker | | Cold Brew and Iced Coffee All in One |
Our No.1 Compact Cold Brew to Go
As many people love to grab a quick coffee on the way to work in the morning, we’ve chosen the Hario Mizudashi as our number one choice. Slimmer than most cold brew coffee makers, this option will easily slot inside your fridge door, then in your handbag or rucksack to enjoy your pick me up on the go.
The design has a built-in filter that extends into the jug allowing for maximum infusion and flavour. Simply throw in your coffee, pour over the water and leave it to steep in the fridge – it couldn’t be simpler. Customers have also reported the filtration is exceptionally effective, resulting in very minimal leftover sediment.
Automatic Cold Brew Coffee With a Rainmaker Extraction
The OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker is consistently rated as one of the best, and we couldn't agree more. Its rainmaker extraction method enables the water to be evenly distributed over the ground coffee, reducing over-extraction, bitterness and wasted coffee.
The coffee is then immersed in the water for 12-24 hours, producing a full-bodied, rich flavour that doesn’t disappoint. Flick a simple switch to begin the pour into your carafe, and as soon as the carafe is removed from underneath, the pour will stop, saving you lots of mess and hassle.
Airtight Maker for an Affordable Cold Brew
Unfortunately, when you begin to enter the world of a coffee connoisseur, you start to realise that it’s not cheap. High-quality, affordable options can be hard to come by, but Takeya has managed to create just that with their deluxe maker.
The jug is completely airtight and it contains a super-fine mesh filter that extends deep into the jug itself to allow for maximum flavour. It also comes in 2 sizes, so it can easily fit inside any fridge. It’s durable, the silicone handle allows for a safe grip and a smooth pour, and because it’s airtight, it can lie on its side without any worry of spills – great for packed fridges!
The French Press of Cold Brew Coffee
Bodum is a big name in the French press world, so it’s natural to assume they’d do a pretty good job at cold brew coffee – and they do! Looking and working in a very similar way to a cafetiere, this is one of the most user-friendly options on the market.
Simply add in the ground beans, pour over the water and pop it in the fridge. After it’s finished infusing, press the plunger and pour out your delicious coffee. The filter on the plunger is excellent and provides a smooth sediment-free beverage. This device's simple approach makes this a top choice for those who want something completely fuss-free.
A High-Quality Coffee Station to Keep in the Fridge
Like all Kitchenaid products, their artisan cold brew coffee maker is built to last. The device is compact, neat, and made from sturdy glass and stainless steel, making it good quality, smart-looking and dishwasher-friendly.
The device contains a handy spout to tap out your coffee when you’re ready, without needing to remove it from the fridge. The maker can hold 4 cups of fresh coffee for up to 2 whole weeks. It’s also got a handle, so you can take it on the move too!
Fresh Cold Brew for up to 3 Weeks
What’s especially tempting with this choice is that your coffee will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks! This maker is stylish and compact and comes with a handy measuring spoon and a collapsible funnel. Plus, it's made from glass and stainless steel, so you know it’s of high quality.
The fine mesh grate allows for maximum filtration, however, it does mean the water flow is much slower than other cold brew methods – some customers have even found that it can take up to 2 days to achieve a strong brew.
A Vacuum Insulated Option You Can Throw in a Bag
The cold brew coffee maker from Asobu is a brilliant pick if you want something a bit more portable. Once the water has finished filtering through the maker, you can remove the top half entirely, secure it with a lid and take that delicious coffee with you on the go.
The container has a vacuum-insulated airtight lid, meaning it captures and stores all of that gorgeous coffee aroma and flavour – and it’s completely leakproof. The only potential flaw is that it is made of stainless steel, which some say can affect the taste of the coffee.
Easily Store This Handy Jar in the Fridge
Here's another mason jar choice from County Line Kitchen. However, this option comes in various sizes, making it easier to store in the fridge if you don’t require a large amount. The pack contains a reusable stainless steel filter with a silicone lid, all plastic- and BPA-free.
The lid has an extremely tight seal that will trap in the delicious flavours and aromas, providing a rich, full-bodied taste to your coffee. On the downside, being from an American brand, it is a little bit on the pricey side for what you get.
A Giant Mason Jar for 12 Cups of Coffee
Using the mason jar method, Willow & Everett have created this huge cold brew coffee maker from simple but quality materials, making this a great budget buy. With the ability to prepare up to 12 cups of coffee and with a handy little spout, you can brew up and leave it in the fridge to tuck into throughout the week.
Of course, with its 2-litre jar, it will take up quite a lot of space in your fridge, so make sure you have the room. There have been a few reports of the spout dripping too, so you will need to be careful of that, but for the price, you really can’t grumble.
Cold Brew and Iced Coffee All in One
We’re kicking off our countdown with this high-end buy aptly named ‘The Dripster’! We absolutely love this product because it’s designed to make both immersion cold brew coffee and over-ice drip coffee for those hot, summer days.
The over-ice function takes 2 hours to create a chilling cup of Joe, and the immersion coffee takes around 18 hours. The device is super simple to use, but while it can make 4 cups of iced drip coffee, the volume for cold brew is pretty low. Also, many of the plastic components aren’t that sturdy, so it might not be the most durable option.
Cold Brew Coffee Gives You a Full-Bodied but Less acidic and Sweeter Flavour
Cold brew is an immersion technique that extracts the truest taste from your coffee beans. This process makes the coffee take on a more refined, unique flavour, which can taste very different from your standard hot cup of Joe.
Instead of using heat to extract the taste, flavour and chemical structure of the coffee, the cold brew technique uses time. It's left to steep in a cool place for around 12 hours, resulting in a full-bodied, sweeter and less acidic flavour.
The brewing method of brewing will differ slightly from machine to machine, but the process generally follows the same pattern. Pour a little (cold!) water evenly over your ground coffee in a circular motion, then allow it to bloom for a couple of minutes. After, add the remaining water, stir it all up and leave it to steep for about 12-15 hours. Voila!
Cold brew coffee is known as being considerably less acidic than the same coffee beans would be if brewed hot. This has to do with the chemistry of what compounds are broken down during the brewing process.
However, while less acidity may sound like a positive thing, some consider this a loss of the coffee’s intended complexity of flavour. Perhaps from this concern, a new trend has emerged–using hot water for the first few seconds of the brew, followed by cold water. Called the “hot bloom” method, this allows the aroma and complexity of the coffee to shine through!
Nicole's Advice on Making the Perfect Cold Brew Coffee
"The flavour of your cold brew will change depending on the process and roast level of your beans. For example, in the natural and fermented processes, you can taste fruity and deep flavours, whereas with a dark roast, more bitter and mellow notes. Contrary to popular belief, the recommended grind size for cold brew is medium-coarse to medium. Too fine a grind will result in oily and bitter coffee, whereas too coarse will taste weak and diluted. Water quality is also important."
"There is a noticeable difference in a coffee’s flavour between hard and soft water. Soft water is easy to drink and more complimentary for coffee; so if you want the purest flavour, you might need to adjust the hardness of your water. You can achieve this with a water purifier (such as Brita), but if you want to approach it more professionally, we recommend a getting custom water kit."
Alternative Ways to Brew Your Coffee
Cold brew deserves a place on every caffeine lovers' drink rotation, but that doesn't mean you have to give up hot coffee completely! Check out our tips on how to choose the right machine or cafetière below, as well as our recommendations for the best online buys.
Author: Roxy Pratley
Top 5 Cold Brew Coffee Makers
No. 1: Hario｜Cold Brew Coffee Pot｜Mizudashi
No. 2: OXO｜Cold Brew Coffee Maker
No. 3: Takeya｜Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker
No. 4: Bodum｜BEAN Cold Brew Coffee Maker
No. 5: KitchenAid｜Cold Brew Coffee Maker
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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