The best cold brew coffee machine makes smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate at home with very little effort. Cold brew is made by steeping coarse grounds in cold water for many hours, so it tastes naturally sweet and mellow. A good cold brew coffee machine keeps the grounds contained, filters cleanly, and stores the finished coffee in the fridge.
Our top pick is the Bodum Bean 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker. It uses a familiar French press system to separate the grounds, needs no paper filters, and makes enough concentrate for several days. In this guide, we explain why it stands out and what to look for in any cold brew coffee machine.
Best Cold Brew Coffee Machine: Top Picks Compared
Our top pick is the Bodum Bean 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
Pros
- Produces exceptionally smooth, less acidic cold brew concentrate that tastes noticeably better than traditional hot brewing methods
- Compact yet spacious 51-ounce capacity stores easily in most refrigerators while holding enough for several days
- Leak-proof locking lid system with thumb control handle ensures secure storage and controlled pouring
- Durable construction with premium materials has proven reliability lasting years of daily use
- Easy to clean and maintain with simple disassembly and dishwasher-safe components
Cons
- Requires 12-24 hours of brewing time, so advance planning is necessary for fresh cold brew
- Large footprint may require significant refrigerator space, which could be problematic in smaller kitchens
- Fine sediment occasionally settles at the bottom of cups despite the filter system
The Bodum Bean is a French press-style cold brew maker designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to escape the acidity and bitterness of traditional hot brewing. This 51-ounce maker uses cold water immersion over 12-24 hours to extract smooth, naturally sweet flavors from coffee grounds while producing a concentrate that stays fresh in the refrigerator for extended periods. It's perfect for anyone seeking a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to daily coffee shop visits.
What sets the Bean apart is its dual-lid system and innovative locking mechanism. The included silicone lid preserves aroma and taste during the brewing phase, while the plunger lid allows you to press grounds and control pour flow with a thumb handle stopper. Users consistently praise the smooth, bold coffee quality and the leak-proof design that keeps containers secure whether sitting in the fridge or being transported to work, camping trips, or long shifts. The 51-ounce capacity holds enough concentrate for multiple servings, making it ideal for families or anyone who wants to batch-brew their coffee.
Built from premium materials including stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and food-grade silicone, the Bean demonstrates impressive durability. Reviewers report units remaining like new after years of daily use, including drops and rough handling. The simple design means fewer parts to break, and everything disassembles easily for thorough cleaning. The environmentally conscious approach eliminates paper filters and plastic capsules entirely, appealing to eco-minded coffee drinkers.
The main drawback is the brewing time requirement. Cold brewing takes patience, as you'll need to plan 12-24 hours ahead. Additionally, the large footprint may challenge those with limited refrigerator space. Some users report fine sediment occasionally appearing at the bottom of cups, though proper technique and settling time minimize this issue.
The Bodum Bean represents exceptional value for cold brew enthusiasts. Its combination of superior coffee quality, durable construction, versatile concentrate, and eco-friendly design makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone ready to upgrade their iced coffee routine. Whether you're a camping enthusiast, shift worker, or simply tired of acidic coffee, this maker delivers consistently excellent results.
Brewing with the Bodum Bean is straightforward and requires no special equipment or skills. Start by adding fresh ground coffee using the included measuring scoop, approximately 4 scoops or 4 rounded teaspoons per 8 ounces of liquid. Pour fresh cold filtered water over the grounds, stir to ensure even saturation, and secure the flat silicone lid on top.
Place the sealed maker in your refrigerator and let it brew undisturbed for 12-24 hours. The longer brewing time extracts more flavor and creates a smoother concentrate. When ready, remove from the fridge and replace the flat lid with the plunger lid. Slowly press down the filter to separate grounds from liquid, then pour your concentrate over ice. Enjoy it straight, dilute with water or milk, or use as a base for flavored drinks and cocktails.
For best results, use a burr grinder for medium-coarse grounds, use filtered water to avoid chlorine flavors, and allow fresh concentrate to settle for a few minutes before pouring to minimize sediment. The concentrate keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks, giving you days of ready-to-drink cold brew.
Capacity: 51 fluid ounces
Dimensions: 9.53 inches deep x 7.01 inches wide x 5.39 inches high
Weight: Approximately 0.051 ounces per unit
Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free durable plastic carafe, food-grade rubber and silicone
Color: Black
Included Components: Main carafe, flat silicone preservation lid, plunger lid with thumb control, measuring scoop, stainless steel filter
Operation: Manual, no electricity required
Brewing Method: Cold water immersion
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Made in: Portugal
Model: Bean (K11683-01WM)
ASIN: B083JXKVMP
Our Best Cold Brew Coffee Machine Picks Reviewed
Among the models we reviewed, the Bodum Bean 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker stands out, and every pick is judged on performance, features, and value.
- French press filter: you simply press the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee, just like a hot French press.
- 51-ounce capacity: enough concentrate for several days of iced coffee.
- No paper filters: the reusable mesh filter reduces waste and ongoing costs.
- Fridge-friendly design: the carafe fits in most refrigerator doors and seals to keep coffee fresh.
- Trusted maker: Bodum has decades of experience with French press brewers.
How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Machine
Choosing the right cold brew coffee machine comes down to filter design, capacity, material, and brewing speed.
- Filter Design: The filter decides how clean your coffee tastes. Fine stainless steel mesh filters remove most sediment without paper. A French press plunger, like the one on the Bodum Bean, makes separating the grounds quick and tidy.
- Capacity: Most home cold brew coffee machine models hold between 32 and 64 ounces. A 51-ounce machine suits one or two coffee drinkers for most of a week. Larger households may want a 64-ounce or gallon-size brewer.
- Material: Glass and BPA-free plastic are the most common materials for a cold brew coffee machine. Glass does not absorb flavors, while plastic is lighter and more durable.
- Brewing Speed: Traditional immersion brewers need 12 to 24 hours. Electric models can brew in minutes but cost more. If you plan ahead, a simple immersion brewer like the Bodum Bean delivers excellent flavor at a lower price.
- Ease of Cleaning: Choose a cold brew coffee machine with parts that are easy to take apart and rinse. Dishwasher-safe components save time.
Cold Brew Coffee Machine: How to Make Cold Brew with the Bodum Bean
- Add about 12 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee to the carafe.
- Fill the carafe with cold, filtered water, and stir gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
- Press the plunger down slowly to separate the grounds.
- Pour the concentrate over ice, and dilute it with water or milk to taste.
Cold Brew Coffee Machine: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled, which can make it bitter. Cold brew never touches heat, so it is smoother and less acidic. Many people with sensitive stomachs prefer cold brew for that reason. For more pitcher-style brewers, see our guide to the best coffee maker for cold brew. If you also enjoy hot French press coffee, read our picks for the best coffee press maker.
Final Verdict on the Best Cold Brew Coffee Machine
Yes, for most home coffee drinkers. The Bodum Bean is simple, reliable, and easy to clean. Its French press system makes separating the grounds effortless, and its 51-ounce carafe produces enough smooth, low-acid concentrate for several days. If you want a no-fuss way to enjoy café-style cold brew at home, it is an excellent choice.
Cold Brew Coffee Machine FAQs
Common questions from buyers include “How long does cold brew take?”, “What grind should I use for cold brew?”, and “How long does cold brew last in the fridge?”.
How long does cold brew take?
Most immersion brewers need 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer steeping produces a stronger concentrate.
What grind should I use for cold brew?
Use a coarse grind. Fine grounds can make the coffee cloudy and harder to filter.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Concentrate stays fresh for about one to two weeks when stored in a sealed container.
Can I make tea in a cold brew coffee machine?
Yes. Many people use cold brew makers for loose-leaf iced tea. Rinse the filter well between uses.
Is cold brew less acidic?
Yes. Cold brewing extracts fewer acidic compounds, which gives the coffee a smoother, gentler taste.
For more coffee gear, browse our best coffee makers category.
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