In this last decade, the drink that has conquered the American coffee scene is cold brew coffee. This kind of drink has a constantly growing fanbase due to its ease of consumption without bitterness. And why is this sip garnering so much love? I can tell you why I absolutely love a cold brew. As someone facing increased acidity from regular coffee, the reduced bitterness in cold brew is a lifesaver. Now, what exactly makes cold brew coffee appealing to so many people like me? Let’s dive into its origin, appeal, and benefits, followed by a look at some of the best cold brew pitcher jars for home brewing available.
The process of home-brewing is very simple and straightforward, and trust me as I speak from experience. The only thing you need to buy apart from the coffee is a pitcher jar. The cold brew pitcher will determine your experience of home-brewed cold brew coffee.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Journeying into the world of cold brews, one thing you need to know is that cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Typically served chilled or warm, iced coffees are made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds and then chilling the drink afterwards. Cold brews, on the other hand, are brewed using uncooked methods, steeping coarsely ground coffee in water at either room temperature or in the refrigerator for several hours or a day, and this is the reason that coffee prepared through this method is less bitter and much easier to consume.
The Popularity Surge: Why Now?
The cold brew craze did not happen overnight. It began in the 2010s, around the time coffee culture began to expand. The drink has gained popularity among Gen Z and Millenials, who enjoy its taste, aesthetics, and TikTok videos of it. The availability of cold brew at a café and the prospects of making one at home serve as a great temptation for the younger demographic that’s always in a rush.
Health and Lifestyle Benefits
Cold brews have developed a cult-like following for one key reason: health benefits. Cold brew is the least processed of all the coffee types, which allows it to have low levels of acidity, protecting the stomach. Furthermore, because it is less bitter in taste, there is a reduced requirement for sugar or sweetener, making it more appealing to modern day health-focused consumers like me.
Best Cold Brew Pitchers for Home Brewing
If you’re looking to make your own cold brew at home, investing in a quality pitcher is essential. Here are 9 top-rated cold brew pitchers you can consider.
Related: Plant-Based Pop and Bottle Cold Brew Coffee
Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Pitchers
- Price: Around $25-$30
The Takeya Cold Brew Maker stands out for its durability, made from BPA-free plastic with an airtight lid that keeps your brew fresh for up to two weeks. The non-slip silicone handle makes it easy to pour, while the fine mesh filter ensures a smooth, sediment-free experience. This affordable option is great for beginners who want to enjoy fresh cold brew without a complicated setup.
Pros
- I love how durable and lightweight this pitcher is, thanks to its BPA-free plastic construction.
- The airtight lid keeps my cold brew fresh for up to two weeks, which is super convenient.
Cons
- The plastic material can feel a bit cheap compared to glass pitchers.
- The filter can be tricky to clean thoroughly, especially if I let coffee grounds sit too long.
County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Coffee Maker
- Price: Around $20-$25
This pitcher pairs simplicity with a rustic charm, featuring a classic mason jar design. It comes with a robust stainless steel filter that keeps grounds from seeping into your coffee. Ideal for minimalists, this cold brew maker is straightforward and easy to use. Plus, the mason jar doubles as a stylish serving container, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight pitcher, also BPA-free plastic construction.
- Airtight lid
Cons
- The filter can be tricky to clean thoroughly, especially if I let coffee grounds sit too long.
Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Pitchers
- Price: Around $35-$40
Sleek and sophisticated, the Ovalware RJ3 is crafted from durable borosilicate glass and features a stainless steel filter. Its leak-proof lid and precise measurement scale ensure a perfect brew every time. This pitcher is a top pick for those who appreciate an elegant design that also delivers on functionality.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight. Also, BPA free.
- Airtight and convenient.
Cons
- The plastic material can feel a bit cheap compared to glass pitchers.
- The filter can be tricky to clean thoroughly, especially if I let coffee grounds sit too long.
Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Price: Around $20-$25
With its playful, colorful design, the Bodum Bean Cold Brew Maker is both stylish and practical. Made from BPA-free plastic, it has a silicone grip for easy handling. It’s affordable and comes in various vibrant shades, making it perfect for college students or casual drinkers who want to add some flair to their morning routine.
Pros
- The playful colors add a pop of fun to my kitchen, making it feel more lively.
- It’s budget-friendly, perfect if I’m a student or don’t want to invest too much.
Cons
- The plastic build doesn’t feel as high-quality as glass options.
- It doesn’t always keep the coffee as fresh as some other airtight pitchers.
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Pitcher Pot
- Price: Around $15-$20
Hario, a name synonymous with quality coffee equipment, delivers a simple and effective cold brew solution with this glass pitcher. The reusable mesh filter is easy to clean, and its minimalist design is perfect for those who want a no-fuss brewing process. This pot is a great choice for purists who prefer traditional, straightforward coffee-making.
Pros
- The minimalist design is easy to use and clean, which saves me time.
- The reusable mesh filter works great and doesn’t need replacing often.
Cons
- The glass feels thin, and I worry about accidentally breaking it.
- It has a smaller capacity, so I have to make more batches if I want a lot of coffee.
Primula Burke Deluxe Coffee Maker
- Price: Around $15-$20
Budget-friendly and functional, the Primula Burke offers a large capacity without sacrificing counter space. Its fine mesh filter works well for both coffee and tea, and the sleek design fits seamlessly into any fridge. It’s ideal for families or anyone who needs to make a larger batch of cold brew.
Pros
- It’s very affordable, which is great if I’m on a tight budget.
- The large capacity is perfect when I need to make a bigger batch for friends or family.
Cons
- The filter doesn’t always prevent fine grounds from seeping through, making the coffee a bit gritty.
- The plastic design isn’t as durable or visually appealing as glass alternatives.
Coffee Gator Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Price: Around $40-$45
For the serious coffee aficionado, the Coffee Gator Cold Brew Maker boasts premium build quality with a stainless steel filter and a borosilicate glass body. Its robust design delivers consistent results, and the airtight seal ensures maximum freshness. If you’re a perfectionist when it comes to your coffee, this is a worthy investment.
Pros
- The stainless steel filter and borosilicate glass feel premium and sturdy.
- The airtight seal is fantastic for keeping my cold brew fresh and flavorful.
Cons
- It’s on the pricier side, so I had to think twice before buying.
- The glass carafe is a bit fragile, which makes me nervous when handling it.
Cuisinart Automatic Coffeemaker
- Price: Around $80-$90
For those who don’t want to wait 12 to 24 hours for their coffee, this high-tech brewer can deliver cold brew in under 25 minutes. It’s perfect for anyone who values speed and convenience. While it comes with a higher price tag, the time-saving aspect and ease of use make it worth considering.
Pros
- It brews cold coffee incredibly fast, saving me time compared to traditional methods.
- The automatic function is perfect for me when I’m in a rush and want a hassle-free experience.
Cons
- The high price tag might not be justifiable for casual cold brew drinkers.
- It takes up more space on the counter compared to simpler, manual pitchers.
Asobu Insulated Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Price: Around $45-$50
The Asobu cold brew maker is designed for coffee lovers on the go. Its double-walled stainless steel carafe keeps coffee cold for hours, making it perfect for commuters or frequent travelers. The leak-proof design ensures no mess, and its portability makes it an excellent choice for those with a busy lifestyle.
Pros
- The double-walled stainless steel carafe keeps my coffee cold for hours, which is perfect for travel.
- The leak-proof design gives me peace of mind when I’m carrying it around.
Cons
- It’s bulkier and heavier than some other cold brew makers, which makes it a bit hard to store.
- The price is higher than basic models, so I had to weigh if the portability was worth it.
Conclusion
Cold brew is far from being a fad, as it is a cool drink that comes with various health advantages. Its admirers are mostly from the younger generation, and therefore, considering purchasing a dependable cold brew pitcher seems like a worthwhile investment. Whether you are a newbie or a complete coffee enthusiast, you will find a cold brew pitcher in this list for every kind of person. Give your coffee skills a boost and savor the consistent and smooth notes of cold brew now!
