Hot coffee isn't everyone's cup of tea (which is a separate yet also delicious warm beverage). And even if it is your thing, it probably doesn't stay your thing all year round. TL;DR: Sipping a piping hot beverage on a sweltering day is not advised.
Instead, you might want to transition to cold brew. And rather than making daily (or twice daily) trips to your local coffee spot, you should try your hand at brewing it yourself. Besides, you'll save money and produce less waste by keeping it all in the kitchen. But to do that, you're going to need a cold brew coffee maker.
The thing is, there are a lot of options out there. Like the vast array of hot coffee makers on the market, they come in different shapes, sizes, and varying levels of convenience, and it's likely that not all of them will fit your lifestyle and taste.
Worry not, though — instead of stressing about which cold brew maker to purchase, allow us to help you pick one out.
Cold brew vs. iced coffee
Yes, they are both cold, coffee-based beverages, but iced coffee and cold brew are actually quite different. We know it sounds confusing, but it actually isn't all that complicated. Keep reading.
Simply put, iced coffee is just hot coffee that has been allowed to cool and put over ice. Cold brew, however, is steeped using cold water over a much longer period of time. Both are delicious, but if you're dead-set on cold coffee, you'll get a much more robust flavor from cold brew (as long as you're prepared to put in the time to make it). Cold brew is also way less acidic than iced coffee, and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks before waning in flavor.
Just be warned: cold brew is a far more concentrated type of coffee, meaning you should pour yourself a smaller glass or water it down if you're not used to drinking it. If you don't, you'll be bouncing off the walls in no time.
What to consider in a cold brew coffee maker
Cold brew coffee makers aren't one and the same — they come in many different forms. Knowing that, you'll want to consider a few things when figuring out what kind of cold brew maker will fit into your daily life.
Size: You'll want something that you can easily store, but you should also take into account how much cold brew you think you'll be making. Are you going to brew large quantities at once so you can stay stocked all week, or are you more likely to brew on a cup-by-cup basis?
Filter type: Your options here will usually come down to either paper filters or stainless steel, and both are fine options. Paper filters are said to make a more flavorful batch and are better at keeping sediment from entering your brew, but they do produce more waste, as they are single-use only. Stainless steel mesh filters cut down on waste and are really easy to clean, but there's a better chance you'll find some sediment in your cup after. So, pick your poison.
Ease of use: Making cold brew doesn't necessarily have to be a whole thing. A lot of cold brew makers are actually quite simple to use, but the ones that take more patience (like a drip coffee maker), will most likely get you a better result. You really get what you give — it'll just be up to you how much you're willing to give.
Cleanup: Finally, you'll want something that isn't a total pain to clean out after you use it, as well as something that isn't going to make a mess during brew time. Dishwasher-safe parts rule. We probably don't have to tell you why.
Once you get your preferences squared away, you'll be able to make an informed decision on your final purchase.
What's the best cold brew coffee maker?
We've kept you waiting long enough. Below, our top picks for the best cold brew coffee makers that you can buy to satiate your appetite for caffeine.
