How to Choose the Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Everything You Need To Know Before Choosing A Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Coffee enthusiasts worldwide are always on the lookout for fresh ways to enhance their morning rituals and savor the ideal coffee cup. One technique that has surged in popularity in recent times is the cold brew coffee method. In contrast to conventional hot brewing techniques, cold brew delivers a milder, lower-acidity, and more potent coffee encounter. To attain this, a fundamental apparatus is the cold brew coffee maker. This article delves into the realm of cold brew coffee makers, outlining their advantages and offering guidance on selecting the perfect one to suit your preferences.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a technique where coffee grounds are steeped in cold or room temperature water for an extended duration, usually spanning 12 to 24 hours. This gradual extraction process enables the coffee to acquire a distinct flavor profile, leading to a milder and more intricate taste. The outcome is a velvety, full-bodied coffee concentrate with a high caffeine content, which can be mixed with water or milk to craft a revitalizing and flavorful beverage.
What Is A Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
A cold brew coffee maker is purpose-built for crafting cold brew coffee. It typically comprises a vessel or pitcher equipped with a filter or mesh basket for holding coffee grounds. You fill the container with water, allowing the coffee grounds to steep for your preferred duration. Following the steeping process, the built-in filter is employed to separate the coffee concentrate from the grounds, yielding a delicious cold brew coffee ready for consumption.
Types Of Cold Brew Coffee Makers
There are two primary categories of cold brew coffee makers: non-electric and electric.
- Non-electric models are the more traditional and commonly used ones. Within this category, there are two main brewing methods: immersion and slow drip. In immersion-style cold brew coffee makers such as the Takeya and Kitchenaid, coffee grounds are placed in a filter that is submerged in cold water for a specified period, typically ranging from 12 to 24 hours. Slow drip-style cold brew coffee makers like Oxo and Toddy involve a process where cold water and coffee grounds steep together before the resulting cold brew coffee drips into a separate container, often achieved by releasing a stopper.
- On the other hand, electric cold brew coffee makers are designed to expedite the brewing process by steeping and agitating the coffee grounds to extract flavor more quickly, sometimes in as little as 5 to 45 minutes. Importantly, these devices do not typically use heat in the process. However, despite their time-saving advantages, our testers found that electric cold brew makers did not quite match the rich and robust flavors achieved by non-electric methods.
Choosing the Right Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Size
When selecting a cold brew coffee maker, take into account its size. Most models are designed to fit in the refrigerator and come in various sizes, from compact pitchers to larger options that can yield coffee for a week or more. Choose one that matches your space and brewing needs. - Material
Cold brew coffee makers are typically made from glass, plastic, or a combination of both. Glass is stable but can be fragile, while plastic is durable but may stain and absorb odors. Glass models are often dishwasher-safe for added convenience. - Type of Filter
Some cold brew makers use paper filters, while others employ stainless steel mesh filters. Paper filters are easy to dispose of but require regular replacements. Stainless steel filters are more durable but can be harder to clean. Consider your preference and eco-friendly concerns. - Coffee Taste & Yield
Ensure that the cold brew coffee maker you choose is suitable for your preferred coffee beans and has enough capacity to brew the desired amount of coffee regularly. - Ease of Use
Opt for a user-friendly cold brew coffee maker that aligns with your routine. Complex setups can discourage regular use, so prioritize simplicity if you're in a hurry. - Technology
Examine the brewing technology of the coffee maker. Some use vacuum extraction, others employ pressure, and some incorporate agitation technology for instant cold brews. More control over the brewing process can lead to better results. - Design
Consider the design of the cold brew maker, whether it resembles traditional brewers or French presses. Choose a design that complements your kitchen's aesthetics or can serve as a decorative piece. - Functions
Some coffee makers offer additional features like hot and cold brew capabilities, automatic fast cold brew settings, dispensing spigots, and anti-slip feet. However, for the most authentic cold brew taste, opt for a basic cold brew maker without unnecessary extras. - Price
Cold brew coffee makers come in a range of prices. Basic immersion method brewers typically cost between $40 and $75, while more advanced models may require an investment of around $100 or more. Find a model that suits your needs and budget to make the right choice.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee
Creating homemade cold brew coffee is a straightforward and budget-friendly endeavor, granting you the freedom to tailor the process to your liking. Thankfully, cold brew coffee makers simplify the task. Here are the steps to follow:
- Select Your Coffee Grounds: Opt for the coffee roast that aligns with your taste preferences, with single-origin beans being an excellent choice due to their compatibility with the gentle cold brew process. You can either purchase whole beans and coarsely grind them yourself or acquire pre-coarsely ground beans. Avoid smaller grinds, as they extract flavor rapidly, resulting in a more bitter brew. If the grind is too fine, it may cause clumping and sediment. Remember, you might use a substantial amount of coffee, but keep in mind that you're creating a concentrate meant to be significantly diluted with water, ice, and/or milk.
- Maintain the Correct Water-to-Coffee Ratio: Since you're producing a concentrated coffee, the ratio of water to coffee differs from that of hot brewing. Use 1 cup of water (approximately 16 tablespoons) for every 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of coffee, establishing a 1:4 ratio. For the purest taste, employ fresh, cold water during the brewing process or freshly cooled water brought to room temperature.
- Steeping Time: Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific cold brew coffee maker you have, but generally, you'll need to allocate anywhere from 12 to 24 hours for non-electric cold brew makers or 5 to 45 minutes for electric versions.
- Serving Your Cold Brew: After the steeping process is complete, store the concentrate in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Consume it within a few days to maintain optimal flavor, or it can last for up to two weeks. When serving, a 1:1 ratio of coffee concentrate to milk or hot water is the recommended dilution.
In summary, cold brew coffee makers have transformed our morning coffee ritual, offering a convenient way to create velvety, low-acidity coffee concentrates that have earned a permanent spot in the hearts of coffee enthusiasts. When making your selection among cold brew coffee makers, it's essential to take into account aspects like size, filtration system, construction material, and user-friendliness. By choosing the ideal cold brew coffee maker, you can tap into the full spectrum of flavors this delightful brewing technique offers and relish a flawless cup of cold brew coffee on every occasion.
