Last updated on February 24, 2020
Cold Press Coffee Maker
For the last few weeks of 2019, my husband and I have been talking about cold press coffee. He had read an article in Consumer Reports on them and became interested. When he asked me about them and I read that cold press coffee was less bitter, I became interested also. I’ve always thought the smell of coffee perking was awesome! However, when I drink that coffee, I’m disappointed with the bitterness I taste. I’ve tried various types of coffee and found all to be quite bitter and never living up to the “promise of the magnificent aroma”.
I finally began to start drinking my coffee with real butter and heavy cream or the “bulletproof” coffee I had read about when going more “keto” with my eating and drinking habits. I’ve certainly enjoyed my coffee more since I’ve begun dosing it with real butter and the heavy cream. However, the coffee still has that “bitter” taste.
So my interest in “cold press” morning brew was really piqued. I began researching more about cold press coffee and cold press coffee makers in general.
Cold brew coffee
The origins of cold brew coffee go all the way back to 16th century Japan. A Kyoto-style coffee, named for its popularity in Kyoto, Japan, is the earliest record of cold-brew coffee. It’s clear that the Japanese were brewing coffee this way in the 1600s, although the record prior to that is unclear. One speculation is that the Japanese may have learned about it from Dutch traders, who would have used it as a way to make coffee that could be carried on their ships.
Over the centuries, Kyoto-style brews became highly artistic and instead of submerging grounds for hours, the coffee was brewed drop by drop. A single bead of water is let down through the coffee grounds at a time, creating a process that takes time just as making Toddy (brand) does but is much more beautiful to watch. It wasn’t long until tall, elegant towers were being used in Kyoto to make cold-brews.
This style of cold-brew has just recently come to the U.S. Initially, Toddy style was the go-to cold-brew of choice. It was easy for cafes to make, cut through milk and sugar and it contained a lot of caffeine.
More recently, especially in the U.S. though, cold-brew systems that resemble those of Kyoto have begun to pop up in cafes across the country. Thus the rise in interest of cold brewing at home in the U.S. Why is this?
- cold-brew requires little manual labor, so it’s a practical beverage for coffee shops to make as well as at home
- the U.S. has come to see coffee as a form of art (e.g. latte art), and this has become one of the most creative ways to make cold-brewed coffee
- in experienced hands, this style of cold-brew can bring out the origin characteristics of a single-origin coffee better than toddy is able to
Cold Brew
Cold brew refers to the process of preparing the coffee, not the temperature of the final product. Beans are ground then soaked in room temperature water for an extended period of time, usually 12 hours or more (typically 24 hours) to extract sugars, oils and caffeine. The Result? Cold brew contains half the acidity (due to its brewing method) resulting in a better taste that is easier on the stomach and that can be served hot or cold.
This can be compared to iced coffee which is brewed using hot water to extract flavor (resulting in a hot cup of coffee) which is then poured over ice – think flavor dilution.
However, on average, a cold brew coffee yields twice (if not more) caffeine content than a regular cup!
My Decision
Before Christmas I ordered my husband a cold press coffee maker for his birthday on December 27th. It arrived and I’ve now tasted my first of this cold brew. I does taste significantly less bitter, not completely, but a lot less.
In my research I looked at several different cold press coffee makers. Below you will find my results from the variety of ones I considered:
#1 The Primula PBPBK-5101 Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker is the one I chose to purchase for my husband because of the Consumer Report recommendation.
- The Burke Deluxe can be used for cold brew coffee, tea,and other infused drinks.
- It is simple to use, you brew and store in the same container.
- You Place ground coffee beans in the brew filter. Use fresh roasted, coarsely ground coffee. The reusable brew filter holds up to 16 tbps. of coffee. Be sure that you use about a cup of “cold brew” coffee grounds, which are coarser than regular coffee grounds
- Then, insert the brew filter inside carafe and slowly pour 2 cups of water over coffee to dampen. Once the coffee is damp fill the remainder of the carafe with water.
- You then tighten the lid and place in refrigerator to cold brew for up to 24 hours (strength is related to brew time). It fits most refrigerators well.
- After you are done remove the mesh brew filter from carafe. You can easily screw off the bottom to release used coffee grounds. Always remove brew filter before pouring the coffee or brew.
- Drink the brew cold from the frig or pour it over ice.
- It makes up to 6 cups of brew (1.6 quart) or 40 ounces.
- It has a fine mesh cold brew filter with a temperature safe borosilicate glass cold brew pitcher with a 1.6 quart capacity, and a silicone top gasket for drip-proof service
- The Burke has an extra security feature in that the handle is non slip and is connected in a way that wraps around the carafe.
- The Burke is also less likely to break as the earlier Pace model since it’s encased in a plastic housing, so you’re less likely to shatter the glass taking it in and out of the refrigerator/knocking it against shelving, although we are not going to put it in the dishwasher.
- The Burke is a later model than the Pace (below)
#2 Primula PCBBK-5351 Pace Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
- The main difference between the pace and the burke is the pace brews 51 ounces (more than the burke)
- Still, do not wash in dishwasher.
#3 Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Flip Cap Lid by County Line Kitchen
This looks like a Mason Jar and Stainless Steel Filter and has a Flip Cap Lid
The flip cap lid allows you to brew, pour and store your coffee with ease! The cap lifts open and stays open to allow you to pour out your brew. The high quality seal means you will never have a leak!
It has a very strong an durable filter.
It hold 2 quarts and can keep in the frig for up to 2 weeks.
The flip cap lid, makes it easier than ever to use the brewer as an infuser! Simply put your flavorings in the jar, insert the filter, fill the jar and screw on the lid. When you are ready to drink or use your infused liquid, simply open the flip cap and pour out your liquid. The filter will keep all of your flavorings in the jar while the delicious liquid is decanted!
You can let the drink steep on the counter or in the frig. Once steeped, keep in frig.
Dishwasher? The jar would have to go on the bottom rack because of its height and size (2 quarts). The cap could probably be washed on the top rack, but the seals would be safer to wash in the sink. I would not wash the filter in the dishwasher. It is the most fragile and most critical part of the brewing process, however, it washes easily in the sink.
#4 Takeya 10310 Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker with Airtight Lid & Silicone Handle
This is a durable BPA-Free Tritan pitcher with an airtight lid & non-slip silicone handle. It produces 4 servings of smooth cold brew with any type of coffee grounds and is less acidic than traditional coffee brewing.
Comes in a 1 quart, 1 quart filter and a 2 quart
Its leak-proof, has a no-slip grip
Its made from high quality BAP-free Tritan
It is dishwasher safe.
Make tea or iced coffee, yes. But, because of everything being plastic and because of the difference in acids/oils between coffees and teas, you do not want to use the same system FOR BOTH as cross contamination of flavors -would likely- occur and make everything taste bad. Which makes sense to anyone who has a favorite coffee or tea mug that gets used a lot; the stains tell the tale.
Does take more space in the frig since it brews laying down.
Steps to brew:
- Add 14-16 tablespoons of your favorite medium roast, coarsely ground coffee to the infuser, then twist into lid.
- Add 32 ounces of cold, filtered water to the Takeya pitcher, fill 3/4 full, then lower infuser into water. Seal lid airtight, shake well and store in refrigerator overnight or up to 36 hours to cold brew. Occasionally twist open and swirl infuser. Remove infuser when brewing is complete. The result will be a brew of concentrated coffee.
- Hot Coffee – mix 1 part coffee concentrate with 2 parts boiling water. If desired add sweetener and creamer of your choice.
- Iced Coffee – simply pour coffee concentrate and add milk or soy over ice
#5 Cold Brew Coffee Maker Starter Kit by Craft Connections Co.
Makes 1.5 quarts of cold brew coffee.
This kit is pretty cool with:
- Half Gal Mason Jar
- Stainless Filter Basket
- Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder
- Half Pound Certified Organic Whole Bean Cold Brew Coffee Blend
- Recipe & Instruction Book. This is a 130 page recipe and instruction book “Texas Jack’s Famous cold Brew Cold Brew Coffee Receipes and includes a breiw history on coffee and is written by Dennis Waller
Steps to brew:
- Add coarse ground coffee to basket and add water. To make a full batch add 1 1/3 cup grounds to 8 cups water, adjust to your liking. This will yield 1.5 quarts of cold brew coffee.
- Give a shake, allow the grounds to steep for 12-24 hours, even longer if you prefer a stronger, bolder taste.
- Remove coffee ground, refrigerate and either serve as is on ice or choose from one of many popular recipes from Texas Jack’s Famous Cold Brew Coffee Recipes book.
My top five cold press coffee maker suggestions:
Cold Brewed Coffee Grounds
I also ordered a couple of different cold brew coffee grounds to use.
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Smooth & Sweet Blend | Coarse Ground Coffee | 16 oz
- Coarse ground coffee optimized for cold brewing to give you a consistent, extra smooth cold brew.
- 100% ORGANIC – USDA Organic, ethically sourced coffee from Peru and Nicaragua.
- Arabica beans roasted light, medium, and dark for a smooth and sweet finish
- Contains one pound. The 1 lb/16 oz. bag contains approximately 6 cups of dry coffee grounds – or 4 uses based on recommended proportions. After your desired dilution (with milk, or water), you get approximately 20 cups of cold brew coffee out of every bag.
- Add 3 cups of cold water to 1.5 cups of Bizzy Coarse Ground coffee and stir.
- Let the coffee steep for 14-20 hours at room temperature. Bizzy suggests 18 hours.
Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Single Origin Coarsely Ground Coffee – 1 lb. Bag – Dark Roast
- One pound, resealable bag
- Low acidity, slightly sweet, smooth, well balanced, & bold coffee flavor.
- 100% Arabica – Single Origin Colombian Supremo (only the best!).
- Dark Roast GRIND LEVEL: Coarse ground for slow extraction.
- How much coffee does this one pound make? 1-2 gallons depending on how much coffee you use to brew. Stronger coffee equates to less coffee by volume.
Both Brands I ordered
So far we have only tried the Stone Street brand and I like it. I’ll update this post again after we’ve tried the Bizzy brand.
Comments
I love to get comments and questions from site visitors, you can leave yours below. -Shirley
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which if clicked and a product purchased, I receive a small commission.
I found this article very interesting indeed as I am pretty much a coffee addict lol and I have never considered cold brew coffee. It is interesting that you have mentioned that it tastes a lot less bitter, which do make me want to try it. However, with the Nespresso machine everything is so quick and easy, whereas the cold brew method does seem to be a bit more effort, also in regards to the cleaning process. Maybe it is simpler than I may realise. Do you find it to be quite a bit more effort/time consuming than making a cup of coffee with a Nespresso machine for example?
Another thing that really caught my attention is that you have mentioned that you drink butter or cream in your coffee. Now I would really like to know this answer. How healthy is it to drink butter or cream in your coffee? Because this is what I do but not sure how healthy it is? And which is better health wise? Organic butter or organic cream and if you choose cream do you choose single cream or full cream? I can certainly drink coffee without adding any sugar if I just add cream to it. I have not had coffee with butter in quite a long time just because it is a bit more effort blending it in etc. but if you tell me that butter is a much healthier option than cream, then this is something I would once again consider.
Then further to this do you have any recommendations what the healthiest ways are of sweetening your coffee should you wish to sweeten? I know Stevia is by far the healthiest option apparently but I do not like the taste it gives to the coffee at all rendering this a useless option. I do love Coconut Palm Sugar in coffee and although I know it is healthier than cane sugar, I do not know if it is by much? Honey is another contender perhaps? How healthy is honey in coffee? And the last one I can think of is Xylitol which I know is also very good for your teeth, but can have a laxative effect and the reason why I am not so sure if Xylitol is a good choice.
Apologies, so many questions lol. But they are all genuine questions I have on my heart and things I have been thinking about and investigating for quite some time, but still do not have any real answers. Your time in answering these questions, are much appreciated.
Ps. One other thing I attempted at some point was to try make my own almond milk as I did not think that the Almond milk bought from the shops seemed to be close to what I would consider Almond milk to be. It seemed to be more water than anything. But my big disappointment was that the Almond milk was quite a hassle to make myself and besides that it went off super quickly so I ended up having to throw most of it away in the end.
Chalk, thanks for reading my post and your comments. As far as the work involved, its pretty easy – my husband fixes it for me and he says its pretty easy. Adding real butter and heavy cream in my coffee. I started doing this when I was doing intermittent fasting and low carb eating. The real butter and heavy cream helped keep me on my fast and in ketosis. Here’s a great Facebook group to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/136348456816447/
I don’t put sweetener in my coffee but I would use stevia if I did or almond milk which tastes sweet to me. I’ve never tried to make my own almond milk I just usually purchase the unsweetened kind in the grocery store.
Thanks again for your comments. Have a blessed 2020. -Shirley
Ive never heard of Cold Press Coffee before but after this article, I was intrigued to go watch a video on youtube to see the actual process! It definitely looks like a more healthier alternative to drinking coffee than the traditional coffee makers. Less acidic is a big plus! I could totally see cold press coffee becoming more popular the more people catch on. Ill have to give it a shot and see the difference in taste. Im curious if there are any additional health benefits to making cold press over a coffee machine. Great Article!
Thanks sergio for visiting my site and your comments. Its true that cold press is less acidic and thus easier on your tummy. Another benefit is that you MAY get less caffeine in your cold press brewing process. Here’s a little science to go with that morning cup. At the 2017 European Cardiac Society Congress, a long-term observational study of 20,000 participants showed significant correlation between drinking coffee and a reduction in mortality. Specifically, for older participants two cups a day was shown to have a 30 percent reduction in mortality. Coffee is also routinely associated with lowering the risk for Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, liver disease, digestive disease, and Parkinson’s. Thanks againf or your comment -Shirley
Wow, this is a great article and really enlightening and helpful. I always wondered how cold brew coffee was actually made as I only know to heat coffee and then chill it. Cold brew coffee is so much smoother and it doesn’t have that acidic burn.
What I am excited about is that I am supposed to keep my caffeine intake to a minimum and no cafe I go to sells decaf cold brew. Now I know that I can do it at home, I’m thinking that the Primula which you bought for your husband might be the best one for me as well.
Thanks Randy for visiting my site and your comment. Here’s a read for you: https://www.thekitchn.com/does-cold-brew-coffee-have-more-caffeine-than-hot-coffee-221222
Have a great New Year. -shirley