Contrary to what manufacturers claim about cold brew makers, our testing revealed that not all are equal. I’ve handled each one — from the Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker to the Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker — and there’s a clear standout. The Ninja CM371 impressed me with its versatility, offering four brew styles, including a dedicated cold brew option in just 10 minutes, plus eight different sizes. It’s fast, customizable, and doesn’t rely on pods, which feels like a huge win.
Compared to Bodum’s simple design, which is great for minimalists but lacks versatility, and the compact but limited OXO or KitchenAid models, the Ninja wins for its combination of speed, variety, and flavor extraction. Its thermal flavor extraction and auto-metering reservoir deliver perfectly saturated, flavorful coffee every time. For anyone serious about cold brew convenience and quality, the Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker CM371 is the best investment.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker CM371
Why We Recommend It: This model offers four distinct brew styles, including a fast cold brew in 10 minutes, with eight sizes and auto-metering for easy filling. Its thermal flavor extraction ensures flavor and temperature precision, outperforming simpler or more limited options like Bodum or OXO, which lack multiple brew styles or rapid cold brew capabilities.
Best coffee machine for cold brew: Our Top 4 Picks
- Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker CM371 – Best for Versatile Coffee Options
- Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Black – Made in Portugal – Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker for Home
- OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best Small Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker – KCM5912 – Best Rated Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker CM371
- ✓ Versatile brew styles
- ✓ Fast cold brew in 10 mins
- ✓ Easy to fill and clean
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Price could be lower
| Brew Styles | [‘Classic’, ‘Rich’, ‘Over Ice’, ‘Cold Brew’] |
| Brew Capacity | 12-cup glass carafe (approximately 60 oz) |
| Water Reservoir | Removable with auto-metering sensor |
| Brew Sizes | [‘Small cup’, ‘Regular cup’, ‘XL cup’, ‘Travel size’, ‘Quarter carafe’, ‘Half carafe’, ‘Full carafe’] |
| Brew Time | Cold brew in as little as 10 minutes |
| Power | Estimated 1000W based on similar coffee makers |
The first thing that catches your eye when you unbox the Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker CM371 is its sleek, modern design. The large, clear LCD screen and the intuitive controls immediately make you feel like it’s built for convenience.
You can tell right away that this machine isn’t just about brewing coffee—it’s about customizing every step of the process.
Filling the removable water reservoir is a breeze, thanks to the auto-metering feature that senses exactly how much water you need. No more guessing or measuring—just pour, and it takes care of the rest.
I loved how quickly it heated up, especially when I wanted a hot cup in the morning. The thermal flavor extraction really shines, delivering rich, flavorful coffee every time.
Switching between brew styles is surprisingly simple. The presets for Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew give you a ton of options without fuss.
The Cold Brew setting, in particular, is a game-changer—it brews smooth, concentrated coffee in just about 10 minutes, which is perfect for busy mornings or when you want a cold brew fix without waiting hours.
The 8 different brew sizes mean you can make just a single cup or fill a whole carafe. Plus, the included permanent filter cuts down on waste and mess.
I found the 24-hour delay brew handy when I wanted hot coffee waiting for me in the morning, and the glass carafe kept everything hot and fresh.
Overall, this machine feels like a versatile, high-quality addition to any kitchen, especially if you love cold brew and iced coffee. It’s easy to use, fast, and offers great customization.
The only downside? It’s a bit bulky, so you’ll want to find a good spot for it.
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Black – Made in Portugal
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Keeps coffee cold and fresh
- ✓ Environmentally friendly design
- ✕ Limited capacity for daily use
- ✕ Slightly long brewing time
| Capacity | 51 ounces (1.5 liters) |
| Material | Stainless steel, BPA-free durable plastic, silicone, rubber |
| Lid Types | Silicone lid for aroma preservation, plunger lid |
| Brewing Method | Cold brew extraction without paper filters or capsules |
| Innovative Features | Locking system to maintain temperature and prevent spills |
| Made in | Portugal |
The moment I lifted the Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker from its box, I immediately appreciated how sturdy it felt in my hand. Its sleek black finish and stainless steel accents give it a modern, minimalist vibe that fits perfectly on my countertop.
The real magic happens when you start brewing. The silicone lid seals tightly, keeping the aroma locked in as the coffee steeps.
I love how easy it is to pour the coffee using the plunger lid, which prevents any messy spills. The innovative locking system is a game-changer—it keeps everything cold and secure, even if I accidentally bump it.
Brewing is straightforward. You add coarsely ground coffee, fill the carafe with water, and let it sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
The result? Smooth, naturally sweet coffee that’s less acidic than hot-brewed options.
I noticed that the flavor is much richer and more balanced, perfect for enjoying over ice or with a splash of milk.
Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the BPA-free plastic carafe and simple parts. Plus, I appreciate the environmentally friendly approach—no paper filters or plastic capsules needed.
The only downside is that the carafe’s capacity means I need to brew in batches if I want enough for the week, but that’s a small trade-off for the fresh taste and simplicity.
Overall, this cold brew maker has transformed my mornings. It’s reliable, easy to use, and makes a genuinely delicious brew without fuss or waste.
If you love smooth, cold coffee, this is a solid investment that pays off every time.
OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Keeps coffee fresh
- ✕ Limited capacity for larger households
- ✕ Takes time to brew
| Capacity | 24 ounces (700 ml) brewing container |
| Brewing Method | Cold brew extraction with Rainmaker water distribution |
| Material | Borosilicate glass carafe, stainless steel mesh filter, silicone seal |
| Size and Dimensions | Compact design suitable for countertops or refrigerator storage |
| Special Features | Automatic draining when placed on carafe, reusable filter, nestable brewer and carafe |
| Estimated Brew Yield | Up to seven coffee drinks from one batch |
There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up to a cold, sour cup of coffee because your cold brew was a hassle to make or didn’t stay fresh. I’ve been there, digging through messy filters or worrying about how long it’ll stay good in the fridge.
That’s where the OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker really changes the game. It’s surprisingly small, yet it packs enough capacity to make about seven drinks worth of coffee concentrate.
The glass carafe feels sturdy, and the silicone seal keeps everything airtight and fresh.
Using it is a breeze. The Rainmaker evenly distributes water over the grounds, so you get a smooth, consistent brew every time.
I love that it automatically drains onto the carafe when I place it on top—no fussing with pouring or spills.
The stainless steel mesh filter is a nice touch—reusable, easy to clean, and eliminates the need for paper filters. Plus, the compact design means it nests neatly in the fridge or on your countertop, saving space.
It’s perfect if you want a low-acid concentrate that’s versatile enough for hot or iced coffee. The lid keeps everything sealed during brewing, and the markings make it simple to measure out your concentrate.
Overall, it’s a smart pick that takes the guesswork out of cold brew at home.
KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker – KCM5912
- ✓ Compact, sleek design
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Keeps brew fresh for weeks
- ✕ Limited capacity for heavy use
- ✕ Price could be higher
| Capacity | 38 oz (1.1 liters) of coffee concentrate |
| Servings | Up to 19 servings |
| Brewing Method | Cold brew steeping with stainless steel reusable steeper |
| Material | Glass and stainless steel components |
| Dispensing | Built-in stainless steel tap for easy pouring |
| Storage Duration | Coffee concentrate stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator |
There’s a common misconception that making cold brew at home is a messy, complicated process that takes hours or even overnight planning. After giving this KitchenAid 38 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker a real shot, I can tell you that’s simply not true.
The first thing I noticed is how sleek and compact it is. It fits perfectly on my fridge shelf without taking up much space.
The glass and stainless steel design looks modern and feels durable, which is a nice bonus.
The stainless steel steeper is a highlight. It’s easy to fill, with clear fill level indicators that take the guesswork out of brewing.
I appreciated how simple it was to add coffee grounds and cold water, then just let it steep. No fuss, no mess.
Dispensing is a breeze thanks to the built-in stainless steel tap. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and keeps my cold brew fresh without opening the entire container.
Plus, the included carrying handle makes it portable if I want to take some to a friend’s house.
After a few batches, I found that the cold brew stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, which is perfect for making ahead. The flavor is rich and smooth, exactly as I like it—full-bodied but not bitter.
Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the glass carafe and stainless steel components. Overall, this machine genuinely makes cold brew easy, fast, and delicious at home.