Last updated on February 24, 2020

Cold Press Coffee Maker

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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:

1. Add 14-16 tablespoons of your favorite medium roast, coarsely ground coffee to the infuser, then twist into lid.
2. 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.
3. Hot Coffee – mix 1 part coffee concentrate with 2 parts boiling water. If desired add sweetener and creamer of your choice.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. Give a shake, allow the grounds to steep for 12-24 hours, even longer if you prefer a stronger, bolder taste.
3. 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

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