The short answer
Choose the Toddy for big batches of very smooth, low-acid concentrate that keep about two weeks. Choose the OXO for smaller batches - up to 32 oz of concentrate - with an even rainmaker pour and a one-touch release instead of straining. Both make concentrate you dilute to taste.
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Quick picks
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1. Choose this for big, smooth batches
Toddy Cold Brew System
Mid tier · A concentrate brewer: a high coffee-to-water ratio steeped long, then diluted to taste.
A felt-filtered concentrate that keeps about two weeks.
The Toddy steeps a high coffee-to-water ratio for 18 to 24 hours, and one batch dilutes into dozens of servings.
Concentrate keeps about two weeks in the fridge, and you dilute it to taste glass by glass.
Its felt filter produces a very low-acid, very smooth result.
It uses a lot of coffee per batch, and the reusable felt filter has to be stored wet and replaced periodically.
Specification
- Type
- Concentrate system
- Steep time
- 18-24 hours for full extraction
- Fridge life
- Concentrate keeps about two weeks
- Yield
- One batch dilutes into dozens of servings
What it does well
- Concentrate keeps for around two weeks, so one brew covers a fortnight
- You dilute to taste per glass rather than being stuck with one strength
- The felt filter produces a very low-acid, very smooth result
Where it gives ground
- Uses a lot of coffee per batch, because concentrate needs a heavy ratio
- The reusable felt filter has to be stored wet and replaced periodically
- 18-24 hours means planning a day ahead
Skip it if
Skip it if you drink cold brew now and then. The OXO's smaller batch suits that.
2. Choose this for smaller batches
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Mid tier · A concentrate cold brewer with a rainmaker lid, a brew-release switch and a glass carafe.
A rainmaker lid, a one-touch release and a glass carafe.
The OXO makes up to 32 oz of concentrate from 10 oz of coarse coffee - up to 14 drinks - over 12 to 24 hours.
Its rainmaker top distributes water evenly for balanced extraction.
A brew-release switch drains the concentrate with one touch - no straining through cloth - into a borosilicate glass carafe with measurement markings.
It has more parts to wash than a single-vessel brewer.
Specification
- Type
- Concentrate
- Yield
- Up to 32 oz of concentrate from 10 oz of coarse coffee - up to 14 drinks
- Steep time
- 12-24 hours
- Carafe
- Borosilicate glass with measurement markings
What it does well
- The rainmaker top distributes water evenly for balanced extraction
- A brew-release switch drains the concentrate with one touch - no straining through cloth
- A smaller batch than the Toddy, which suits less frequent cold brew drinkers
Where it gives ground
- Concentrate means diluting every glass - it is not pour-and-drink
- Up to 32 oz of concentrate is a smaller batch than a Toddy's
- More parts to wash than a single-vessel brewer
Skip it if
Skip it if you want the biggest batch. The Toddy makes more.
Concentrate either way
Both brewers make concentrate, so every glass is diluted to taste - a strength you set rather than one you are stuck with. For ready-to-drink cold brew, see the Hario Mizudashi in cold brew coffee makers.