The best cold press coffee maker turns coarse grounds and cold water into smooth, naturally sweet coffee with very little acidity. Cold press coffee, also called cold brew, steeps for 12 to 24 hours instead of minutes. The long, gentle extraction pulls out rich flavors while leaving behind many of the bitter and acidic compounds found in hot coffee.
To help you choose, we compared three popular models from Bodum, VA1KENE, and QHH. We judged each cold press coffee maker on filtration, capacity, ease of use, and cleaning. Our quick verdict: the Bodum Bean is the best overall pick, the VA1KENE 64 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best for sediment-free coffee, and the QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best budget mason jar option.
Best Cold Press Coffee Maker: Top Picks Compared
Our top picks for cold press coffee makers are the Bodum Bean 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, the VA1KENE 64 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, and the QHH 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
Pros
- Large 64 oz capacity brews enough cold brew for a full week
- Fine filter produces smooth, sediment-free coffee and tea
- Leak-proof flip spout and lid prevent messes in the fridge
- Made from glass, not plastic, so no chemical leaching or odors
- Easy to clean with included brush and dishwasher-safe design
Cons
- Handle may break if the full pitcher is lifted with one hand; use two hands when full
- Pouring can be slow when coffee grounds are very fine, and some sediment may pass through
- Large size can be awkward to fit in some dishwashers
The VA1KENE 64 oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a mason jar-style pitcher designed for home brewers who want to make large batches of cold brew coffee or iced tea without the cost of store-bought drinks. It's ideal for anyone looking for a simple, mess-free way to enjoy smooth, flavorful cold brew every day.
The standout feature is the fine 100-micron 304 stainless steel filter, which effectively blocks coffee grounds, tea leaves, and fruit pits, resulting in a clean, sediment-free drink. The flip-top spout allows you to pour without tilting the pitcher, reducing spills and making serving easy. In real-world use, users report delicious coffee and tea with minimal effort, and the 64 oz capacity provides enough for a week's worth of drinks.
The pitcher is made from thick, food-grade soda-lime glass that is BPA-free and odor-resistant. The lid has a food-grade silicone seal that keeps the contents fresh and prevents leaks, even when stored upside down. The ergonomic handle is thickened to support the weight of a full pitcher, though some reviewers caution against lifting it with one hand to avoid breakage.
A few drawbacks include a slow pour when using very fine coffee grounds, and the large size can be tricky to fit in some dishwashers. The handle, while sturdy, may be vulnerable if mishandled. However, the included cleaning brush and wide-mouth design make hand washing straightforward.
Overall, the VA1KENE cold brew maker offers excellent value for its price. It combines a durable glass build, effective filtration, and user-friendly features like the flip spout and leak-proof seal. For anyone serious about making homemade cold brew, this is a reliable and affordable choice that delivers great results.
Capacity: 64 oz (4 pounds)
Dimensions: 4.25"D x 4.25"W x 9.25"H
Material: Food-grade soda-lime glass
Filter: 100-micron 304 stainless steel, reusable
Lid: Leak-proof with food-grade silicone seal
Spout: Flip-top, spill-free design
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Included Components: Filter, cleaning brush
Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty
Pros
- Smooth, rich cold brew extraction with no grounds in the final drink.
- Large capacity reduces the need for frequent brewing.
- Airtight and leak-proof design keeps beverages fresh and odor-free.
- Easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Great value for the price with high ratings from thousands of users.
Cons
- Lid can be difficult to remove after brewing, especially when tightened firmly.
- Not suitable for hot liquids or rapid temperature changes to avoid glass cracking.
- Glass pitcher may be fragile if dropped, so handle with care.
The QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a 64 oz mason jar pitcher designed for making smooth, rich cold brew at home. It is ideal for coffee lovers who want a simple, affordable way to enjoy iced coffee without daily brewing. The included stainless steel filter and pour spout lid make it easy to use and store.
The standout feature is the 160-micron fine mesh filter that keeps grounds out while allowing full flavor extraction. Many users report excellent results with a 24-36 hour steep. The airtight lid with silicone seal prevents leaks and keeps your brew fresh in the fridge. The large capacity means you can make enough for several days.
Build quality is solid with heavy-duty glass and a BPA-free plastic lid. The ergonomic handle and flip-cap pour spout add convenience. However, some users note the lid can be tight and difficult to remove after brewing. Also, the glass is not heat-resistant, so avoid hot liquids or rapid temperature changes.
For the price, this cold brew maker offers great value. It is versatile for tea, lemonade, and other drinks. The wide mouth makes cleaning easy, and it is dishwasher safe. Just be careful with the lid and avoid thermal shock.
Overall, the QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a reliable, budget-friendly choice for anyone looking to make cold brew at home. Its performance and durability exceed expectations for the price point. Recommended for daily use.
How to Choose the Best Cold Press Coffee Maker
Choosing the right cold press coffee maker comes down to filter design, capacity, pouring and storage, and material.
- Filter Design: The filter is the most important part of any cold press coffee maker. The Bodum Bean uses a French press plunger to separate the grounds, which is quick and tidy. The VA1KENE uses a fine 100-micron stainless steel filter, and the QHH uses a stainless steel mesh filter inside a mason jar.
- Capacity: The VA1KENE and QHH models hold 64 ounces, which is enough concentrate for a week for one or two people. The Bodum Bean holds 51 ounces and fits easily in most refrigerators.
- Pouring and Storage: On a cold press coffee maker, a leak-proof spout and an airtight lid keep coffee fresh and make pouring easy. The VA1KENE has a leak-proof flip spout, and the QHH has an airtight pour spout lid.
- Material: Glass does not absorb odors or stains, while BPA-free plastic is lighter and more durable. Mason jar designs, like the QHH, are sturdy and attractive.
- Ease of Cleaning: Choose a cold press coffee maker with a removable filter and a wide opening. Most glass jars and steel filters are easy to rinse by hand, and many parts are dishwasher safe.
How to Use a Cold Press Coffee Maker
- Grind coffee coarsely, similar to breadcrumbs.
- Add about 1 cup of grounds for every 4 cups of cold water.
- Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are wet.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 18 hours.
- Remove or press the filter, and store the concentrate in the fridge.
- Dilute with water, milk, or ice before serving.
Benefits of Cold Press Coffee
- Smoother taste with less bitterness.
- Lower acidity, which many people find easier on the stomach.
- A ready-to-drink concentrate that lasts up to two weeks.
- Lower cost per cup than café cold brew.
For more options, read our guide to the best coffee maker for cold brew. If you want a full review of our top pick, see our article on the best cold brew coffee machine.
Final Verdict on the Best Cold Press Coffee Maker
After comparing these models, we recommend the Bodum Bean as the best cold press coffee maker for most homes. Its French press plunger makes separating the grounds effortless, and it fits neatly in the fridge. If you want the cleanest cup, the VA1KENE uses a fine 100-micron filter. If you want an affordable mason jar design, the QHH is simple and reliable.
Cold Press Coffee Maker FAQs
Common questions about cold press coffee makers include “What is cold press coffee?”, “How long should cold press coffee steep?”, and “Is cold press coffee less acidic?”.
What is cold press coffee?
Cold press coffee is coffee made by steeping coarse grounds in cold water for many hours. It is the same as cold brew.
How long should cold press coffee steep?
Steep for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer steeping makes a stronger concentrate.
Is cold press coffee less acidic?
Yes. Cold extraction pulls fewer acidic compounds from the beans, so the coffee tastes smoother.
Can I heat cold press coffee?
Yes. You can warm the concentrate with hot water or milk for a smooth hot drink.
How long does cold press coffee last?
The concentrate stays fresh for about one to two weeks in a sealed container in the fridge.
For more coffee gear, browse our best coffee makers category.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!