The Best Cold-Brew Coffee Makers

Brewing cold-brew coffee is traditionally a slow, mostly hands-off process. We tested both manual models and automatic machines. The Toddy Cold Brew System, a no-frills manual coffee maker, is our favorite. It is easy to use and brews well-balanced, fruity cold-brew coffee concentrate that can be diluted to taste. 

What You Need to Know

Cold-brew coffee has attracted much fanfare and even converted non-coffee drinkers thanks to its smooth body and rounded taste. The traditional process of making cold-brew coffee is straightforward: Steep coarsely ground coffee in room temperature or cold water for 12 to 24 hours and then drain the liquid from the grounds. The result is a concentrated coffee that can be diluted in a ratio of 1 part concentrate to 1 to 2 parts water, milk or dairy alternatives, or ice. Compared to coffee brewed with hot water, cold brew tastes more floral and fruity and less sour, according to a study by the Coffee Science Foundation. 

You can hack an at-home cold... read more