Coffee is an integral part of breakfast time for many people. Although classic drip coffee and espresso are immensely popular, they’re also highly acidic. Acidic beverages can weaken tooth enamel and upset your stomach, especially if you drink them often.
To get the same (or better) delicious coffee flavor without the high levels of acid, consider trying the cold brew method. While it’s not as well-known as traditional brewing methods, making cold brew isn’t difficult. To see just how easy it can be, we tried the OXO 32-ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker. As it turns out, it’s an exceptionally simple way to brew satisfying coffee that won’t give you a stomachache.
Our testing process was simple. Our tester had a decent amount of experience brewing coffee and tea in traditional methods as well as batch brew and espresso. However, their only previous experience with cold brew was a makeshift method using a mason jar.
One of the reasons we decided to test this particular brand and model is due to our experience with other OXO products. OXO kitchen tools almost always deliver great value and plenty of functionality. While OXO products don’t usually feel like ultra-premium pieces of equipment, they are quite reliable.
To get a feel for the device, we started from the beginning, paying close attention to packaging and setup. The big payoff, of course, wasn’t until we’d completed the required steps for a delicious pot of smooth, low-acid java.
As far as construction and components go, there’s a big difference between OXO’s Cold Brew Coffee Maker and a traditional coffee machine. The OXO has no electrical or moving parts — just keep it clean and avoid breaking any of the glass components.
This cold brew coffee maker consists of a specialized reservoir for steeping, mounted on a stand that sits above a glass beaker. It uses a fine stainless steel mesh that filters the coffee and keeps grounds out of the end product. Just below the mesh screen, there’s a simple valve that lets the steeped coffee drain out.
The OXO 32-ounce cold brew coffee maker is available at Amazon for around $42. That’s a little more expensive than its competition, but the ease of use and quality build justify the price.
We were happy to find the coffee maker arrived well-packaged. We noticed the manufacturer went to great lengths to ensure you won’t have to worry about anything breaking during shipping.
The instructions weren’t super clear in terms of how much coffee to use or how long to let it steep, but some quick research answered all of our questions. It works best by far with freshly ground beans.
The most effective ratio is four parts water to one part of coarse coffee grounds. You need to let the coffee steep for at least 12 hours, but if you prefer a strong brew, you can let it steep up to 24 hours. Keep in mind the cold brew will be highly concentrated, and most people dilute it with cold water or milk before drinking it.
Putting the unit together and using it is particularly simple. First, put the coffee grounds in the reservoir and place it on top of the stand. Then, close the valve, put the lid on the reservoir and pour 32 ounces of water through the lid in a circular motion. The various small holes in the filter allow water to steep evenly throughout the coffee grounds.
Once you’ve steeped the coffee for at least 12 hours, it’s time to drain the concentrate. Check the stainless steel and paper filters on the valve to ensure you don’t get any wayward coffee grounds in your coffee. Place the carafe under the valve and open the valve to allow the coffee to drain out.
Our testing indicates that the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker creates concentrate that’s at least as strong as its competitors. Whether you’re new to cold brew or you want an easy-to-use cold brew setup, it’s a great investment.
You should get the OXO cold brew coffee maker if you can spare the counter space and if you’re willing to carefully wash it by hand. If you don’t have the room or patience to let it sit overnight or longer, a more compact coffee maker such as a moka pot might be a better choice.
This popular cold brew maker takes up a little less space than OXO’s, but doesn’t look nearly as nice.
Sold by Amazon
KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
This convenient option comes in 28-ounce and 38-ounce versions and has a built-in tap. However, it’s even bulkier than the OXO.
Sold by Amazon
With little more than a glass carafe and a mesh steeping insert, this is the simplest way to make cold brew and takes up minimal counter space. However, it’s tough to clean and doesn’t deliver the strongest results.
Sold by Amazon
If you don’t have the patience or planning for cold brew, this classic appliance is the quickest way to make coffee that’s nearly as strong as espresso.
Sold by Amazon
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
