Hot-to-Cold Coffee Brewers: Review | Best Picks
Did you know that over 200 cups of coffee were brewed for testing? This shows how popular cold brew coffee is getting. It’s known for its smooth, sweet taste and less acidity than hot-brewed coffee. This review will help you find the best hot-to-cold coffee brewers for making both hot and iced coffee at home.
We’ll look at the differences between cold brew and iced coffee. We’ll also talk about the benefits of cold brew and the types of coffee makers available. You’ll learn about the OXO Good Grips, Filtron, Instant Brands, and Takeya models. We’ll cover their features, strengths, and weaknesses to guide your purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular for its smooth, sweet, and less acidic flavor profile compared to traditional hot-brewed coffee.
- This review covers the best hot-to-cold coffee brewers, including immersion and drip-style models, to help readers find the perfect machine for their needs.
- The top-performing models reviewed include the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer, Instant Brands Cold Brew Coffee Maker, and Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
- The review highlights the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each model to help readers make an informed purchase decision.
- The article also explores the differences between cold brew and iced coffee, as well as the benefits of cold brew.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee has become very popular lately. It’s a tasty alternative to regular iced coffee. Unlike hot-brewed coffee, cold brew is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This slow method makes the coffee smooth, less acidic, and sweeter.
Understanding Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Cold brew and iced coffee both give you a caffeine kick. But they taste and are made differently. Iced coffee is hot coffee cooled down, keeping its sharp, acidic taste. Cold brew, on the other hand, extracts flavors gently, making it richer and more complex.
The cold brew method also makes the coffee less bitter and more concentrated. It often needs water or milk to dilute it. This unique taste and lower acidity make cold brew a favorite for those who want a smooth, bold coffee.
Whether you like the rich flavors of cold brew or the cool taste of iced coffee, both are great. They’re perfect for enjoying coffee when it’s hot outside.
Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee has changed the coffee world. It’s made by slowly steeping coffee grounds in cold water. This method extracts less bitter and acidic compounds, making it smoother and less bitter than hot-brewed coffee.
One big plus of cold brew is its lower acidity. This makes it easier on the stomach, perfect for those who are sensitive. It also has more antioxidants and caffeine than hot coffee, offering a stronger caffeine kick and possible health perks.
The longer brewing time of cold brew brings out more of the coffee’s natural sugars. This results in a sweeter, more balanced flavor. Its unique taste makes it great for coffee cocktails and cooking, adding depth to various dishes and drinks.
“Cold brew coffee is a game-changer for those who prefer a smoother, less acidic cup of coffee. The unique brewing process unlocks a whole new world of flavors and potential health benefits.”
Research shows cold brew coffee has many benefits over hot-brewed coffee. A study at Thomas Jefferson University found cold brew has lower acidity levels than hot-brewed coffee, making it gentler on the stomach.
The study also found cold brew’s antioxidant activity varies with roast levels, while hot-brewed coffee’s remains consistent. This means cold brew might offer better health benefits, especially for those who prefer a richer, less acidic coffee.
In summary, cold brew coffee offers a range of benefits. It’s smoother, less acidic, and possibly healthier than hot-brewed coffee. Whether you’re into coffee cocktails or just want a refreshing cup, cold brew’s unique qualities make it a great choice for coffee lovers.
Types of Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Choosing the right cold brew coffee maker is key to a perfect cup. There are two main types: immersion brewers and drip-style brewers. Each has its own benefits, helping coffee lovers find their ideal match.
Immersion Brewers
Immersion cold brew makers, like the Filtron and Toddy, soak coffee grounds in water for 12-24 hours. This method creates a strong, concentrated coffee. After steeping, the grounds are filtered out, leaving a smooth, low-acid coffee.
Drip-Style Brewers
Drip-style cold brew makers, such as the OXO Good Grips and KitchenAid, use gravity to slowly drip water through the coffee. This process makes a cleaner, less gritty coffee concentrate. It often brings out a brighter, more refined flavor.
Immersion and drip-style brewers each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Immersion brewers are simpler to use and can make bigger batches. Drip-style machines, however, produce a cleaner, less gritty coffee. The choice between these cold brew coffee maker types depends on personal taste and the desired cold brew quality.
Hot-to-Cold Coffee Brewers: Review
There are coffee makers that can make both hot and iced coffee. The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is a great example. It brews coffee hot and then chills it over ice for iced coffee. These machines are great because they can make both types of coffee without needing separate equipment.
But, the cold brew from these machines might not be as strong or tasty as a dedicated cold brew maker. This review looks at the best hot-to-cold coffee brewers. It helps you decide if a multi-purpose machine is right for you.
Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is special because it can make coffee and tea. It has a glass carafe and a warming plate, and you can choose to use an insulated carafe. You can brew coffee hot or cold, and it has many settings for different strengths and sizes.
Jura Z10
The Jura Z10, priced at $3,799.95, is a high-end hot-to-cold coffee machine known for its exceptional features and ability to produce great hot or iced coffee.
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker
The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker, valued at $26.00 on Amazon, is perfect for making coffee over ice. It comes with a double-wall insulated tumbler for enjoying iced coffee on the go.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, priced at $159.95, offers six brew sizes and a built-in milk frother. It has an “over ice” setting for brewing iced coffee directly.
DeLonghi 3-in-1 Specialty Coffee Brewer
The DeLonghi 3-in-1 Specialty Coffee Brewer, costing $169.95, is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). It’s known for its design and how it evenly disperses water over coffee grounds.
When choosing a hot-to-cold coffee brewer, think about how versatile and convenient it is. Also, consider the tradeoffs in cold brew flavor and concentration. Looking at the features and performance of top models can help you choose the best one for your coffee needs.
Top Pick: OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for the best cold brew coffee maker, the OXO Good Grips is a top pick. It costs around $50 and makes the boldest, most flavorful cold brew concentrate. It outshines other cold brew makers on the market.
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker has a “rainmaker” lid. This lid spreads water evenly over the coffee grounds for full extraction. It also has an elevated stand and a drain switch for a clean brewing and serving process.
Panelists loved the OXO’s rich, nuanced flavor, with earth and vegetation notes. Despite being made of plastic, it feels sturdy and durable. It also comes with a generous warranty for extra peace of mind. However, the optional paper filters can slow down the flow, and the glass carafe is fragile.
Compared to the Toddy Cold Brew System, which costs about $40, the OXO has some advantages. Both systems have similar flavors and are easy to clean. But the OXO has convenient measurements on its carafe and a special “rainmaker” lid. It also has a brew-release switch for a better user experience.
If you drink cold brew often, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a great choice. It offers superior brewing, a user-friendly design, and a long warranty. It’s the best cold brew coffee maker available.
Runner-Up: Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer
If you prefer a smoother cold brew, the Filtron Cold Water Coffee Concentrate Brewer is a great choice. It offers a mellow flavor compared to the OXO. Tasters found it more balanced and less intense.
The Filtron brews coffee by soaking grounds in water for up to 24 hours. This makes a strong brew that you can dilute with water. It can make enough for up to 14 servings at once.
Draining the concentrate takes some effort, but the taste is worth it. The plastic carafe is not as fancy as the OXO’s glass, but it’s still a top pick for those who like a smoother taste.
The Filtron costs more than some others, but its quality is high. It has a two-filter system and reusable wool felt filters. It’s known for making a consistently good cold brew, making it a great choice for those who want a milder flavor.
Best for Quick Brewing: Instant Brands Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you’re tired of waiting 12-24 hours for cold brew, the Instant Brands Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a game-changer. It uses a spinning agitator to extract flavors in just 20 minutes. This makes authentic cold brew concentrate fast.
This brewer can make 16, 24, or 32-ounce batches. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a cold brew fix.
Rapid Cold Brew Technology
The Instant Brands did a great job of making cold coffee taste rich and low-acid. The secret is finding the right grind size. Too fine and it’s cloudy, too coarse and it’s weak.
Once you get the grind right, the Instant Brands makes delicious, fast cold brew.
The Instant Brands Cold Brew Coffee Maker is great for those who want a quick, easy cold brew. It looks modern and is a good value for its price and speed. It costs £79.99, making it a good alternative to traditional methods.
Best Value: Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is perfect for those watching their budget. It costs around $20 and makes large batches of cold brew concentrate. The device uses a French press-style design.
In tests, the Takeya made a smooth, clean-tasting cold brew. The metal filter kept sediment out. The plunger lid has a pour trigger to avoid spills.
While the Takeya’s brew might not be as bold as others, it’s still tasty and affordable. It comes in one- and two-quart pitchers. The pitcher size affects how many coffees you can make.
The Takeya uses less coffee than other makers, making a potentially weaker brew. This is good for those sensitive to caffeine or who plan to dilute the concentrate. The brewed coffee stays fresh for up to two weeks.
The Takeya can be messy to clean and the brew might not be strong enough for some. But for the price, it’s a great budget-friendly cold brew option. Insider Reviews calls it one of the best, highlighting its value and quality.
The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is easy and efficient to use. It’s perfect for those who want convenience and don’t want to spend a lot of time making cold brew. Takeya USA offers a 30-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty.
For those looking for a budget-friendly cold brew maker, the Takeya is a great choice. It offers quality without a high price tag.
Conclusion
Cold brew coffee is getting more popular for its smooth taste and versatility. You can choose from bold, concentrated brews to milder, balanced cold coffee. There are many best cold brew coffee makers out there to match your taste and brewing style.
This review looked at top hot-to-cold coffee brewers and dedicated cold brew machines. We checked their performance, features, and value. This helps you find the perfect cold brew setup for your home.
From the OXO Good Grips to the Takeya, there are many quality cold brew coffee at home options. These makers let coffee lovers enjoy delicious iced coffee all year. Whether you want a simple or advanced setup, this review can guide you.
Now is the time to explore the best cold brew coffee makers for your needs. Improve your iced coffee game and enjoy homemade cold brew all season.
FAQ
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made with cold water over a long time, usually 12-24 hours. This makes it smoother and less acidic. Iced coffee, however, is hot coffee cooled down over ice.
What are the benefits of cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee has less acidity and more antioxidants and caffeine. It tastes sweeter and more balanced than hot-brewed coffee. It’s also easier on the stomach for those who are sensitive.
What are the main types of cold brew coffee makers?
There are two main types: immersion brewers and drip-style brewers. Immersion brewers soak the coffee grounds in water. Drip-style brewers slowly drip water through the grounds.
What is a hot-to-cold coffee brewer?
Hot-to-cold coffee brewers can make both hot and iced coffee. They brew coffee hot and then chill it quickly over ice.
What are the key features of the top-rated cold brew coffee makers?
Top-rated cold brew coffee makers, like the OXO Good Grips and Filtron, have even water distribution. They also have large brewing capacities and easy designs. They make smooth, concentrated cold brew.
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