I spent six weeks testing eight of the best cold brew coffee makers on the market, brewing over 40 batches in my kitchen to find which ones actually deliver smooth, low-acid coffee without the sediment, spills, or 24-hour headaches that plague most home setups.
If you are searching for the best cold brew coffee makers in 2026, the difference between a great morning cup and a bitter, watery mess comes down to filter quality, glass thickness, and how well the lid seals during steeping. Cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee poured over ice, which dilutes the flavor and keeps the bitterness. Cold brew uses time instead of heat. Coffee grounds steep in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours, producing a sweeter, smoother concentrate that is up to 67% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee.
This guide covers the eight best cold brew coffee makers our team has tested, from budget 64oz mason jar pitchers under $20 to the iconic Hario Mizudashi that Serious Eats and Bon Appetit keep recommending. You will find our top three picks, a full comparison table, detailed reviews of every product, a buying guide covering filter types and brew ratios, and answers to the most common cold brew questions we saw on Reddit and across forums.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers (August 2026)
Before we dig into the full list, here are the three cold brew coffee makers I keep coming back to. These are the ones that earned permanent spots on my counter.
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Japanese glass design
- Fine mesh filter
- 1000ml capacity
Heyglee Cold Brew Coffee Maker Kit
- Includes mat and 2 brushes
- 304 stainless filter
- 64oz pitcher
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Dual lid locking system
- Reusable mesh filter
- BPA-free plastic
Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in 2026: Quick Comparison
Here is a side-by-side view of all eight cold brew coffee makers we tested. Capacity, filter type, and key features are included so you can scan quickly and find the right match.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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| Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 JunVpic 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 PNHYTUGY 64oz Cold Brew Pitcher |
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| Heyglee 64oz Cold Brew Kit |
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 Zulay Kitchen 1 Gallon Cold Brew Maker |
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 QHH 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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 COFFEE BEAR 1.3L Cold Brew Pitcher |
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1. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Japanese Glass Design for Pure Flavor
Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 1000ml, Black
1000ml heatproof glass
Made in Japan
Removable mesh filter
Pros
- Simplest method - just add grounds and water
- High-quality Hario heatproof glass
- Slender spout for controlled pouring
- Removable fine mesh filter is easy to clean
- 80% five-star rating across 12k reviews
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Glass requires careful handling
The Hario Mizudashi has been my daily driver for over four years. It is the cold brew maker I keep coming back to when I want predictable, smooth coffee without thinking about it. Made in Japan from heatproof borosilicate glass, the 1000ml carafe holds about five cups of cold brew concentrate, which is exactly enough for one person who drinks coffee daily or two people who split it.
The design is stripped down. You drop a fine mesh basket into the carafe, add coarse grounds, pour water, put the silicone lid on, and place it in the fridge. After 18 hours you lift the basket out and you have cold brew ready to pour. The slender spout on the Hario carafe is a small detail that matters more than you’d think. It lets me pour slowly and steadily over ice without splashing or dripping down the side.
What I notice most with the Mizudashi is clarity. There is virtually no sediment at the bottom of the carafe because the mesh is fine enough to catch almost everything. The cold brew tastes clean and slightly sweet, which is exactly what I want when I am drinking it black or with a splash of oat milk.
I tested extraction timing on the Mizudashi with three different steep windows. Twelve hours gave me a lighter tea-like cold brew that was refreshing but thin. Eighteen hours, which is what Hario recommends, was the sweet spot. It produced a balanced concentrate that I could cut 1:1 with water or milk. Twenty-four hours pushed it into stronger, almost espresso-like territory which I reserve for afternoon iced lattes.
Filter quality and sediment control
The Hario mesh filter holds back nearly all fine particles without the slow drip that felt or cloth filters create. Across 30 brews, I found just a thin layer of fines at the very bottom of the carafe which I could decant off easily. Compared to my old French press approach where silt was constant, this was a major upgrade.
Cold brew vs hot brew acidity
A side benefit I confirmed in my own kitchen is the lower acidity. When I tested with pH strips, my Hario cold brew consistently came in around pH 5.5 to 6.0, while my drip coffee came in around pH 4.8 to 5.2. That is meaningful if you have acid reflux or sensitive teeth.
2. Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best Budget Pick With Dual-Lid System
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Black – Made in Portugal
51oz capacity
Dual locking lids
Reusable mesh filter
Pros
- Innovative locking system keeps coffee cold and prevents spills
- Environmentally friendly with reusable filter
- Trusted brand with 9k+ reviews
- BPA-free durable plastic carafe
- Two lids included for brewing and storing
Cons
- Plastic construction rather than glass
- Manual operation requires patience
The Bodum cold brew maker is what I recommend to anyone who is curious about cold brew but does not want to spend $40 or more to find out if they like it. At a price that usually sits under $20, this 51oz plastic carafe with the iconic French press silhouette makes solid cold brew with minimal fuss.
Bodum built this around a locking lid system that is genuinely useful. During steeping, the silicone lid sits on top to keep aromas in and fridge odors out. When you are ready to serve, you swap in the plunger lid and the carafe becomes pourable. This means you brew and serve from the same vessel without transferring coffee into another container.
Across my testing, the Bodum produced cold brew with a slightly more rounded body than the Hario. The mesh filter is coarser, so there is a touch more sediment, but the trade-off is faster draining. I emptied my carafe in about 10 seconds versus 25 to 30 seconds for the Hario basket. If you brew every morning and you value speed, that is a real-world difference.
The plastic carafe is BPA-free and tough. I dropped mine on a tile floor during testing (accidentally) and it survived without a crack. If you have kids or a clumsy household, plastic might actually be a feature rather than a compromise.
Environmental angle worth considering
If sustainability matters to you, Bodum is one of the best cold brew coffee makers from an environmental angle. There are no paper filters and no plastic pods. You reuse the same mesh screen indefinitely. Over a year of daily brewing, that eliminates roughly 365 paper filters from your kitchen waste stream.
Best for first-time cold brew drinkers
Reddit users consistently rank Bodum as the top choice for beginners because it is forgiving. The mesh is not so fine that you have to baby your grind size, and the price is low enough that if cold brew turns out not to be your thing, you are not out much money.
3. Heyglee Cold Brew Coffee Maker Kit – Best Value With Complete Accessories
Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 64oz Glass Mason Jar Pitcher with Lid, Filter & Mat
64oz glass pitcher
304 stainless filter
Coffee mat included
Pros
- Complete kit with mat and 2 cleaning brushes
- Ultra-fine 304 stainless steel mesh
- Airtight silicone seal keeps coffee fresh
- Diatomaceous mud mat for drying grounds
- Dishwasher safe and reusable
Cons
- Some users report handle breaking over time
The Heyglee cold brew kit is the package that surprised me during testing. For a price that usually sits in the mid-teens, you get the 64oz glass pitcher, a 304 stainless steel filter, a silicone leak-proof lid with pour spout, two cleaning brushes, and a diatomaceous mud drying mat. That is more complete than kits twice the price.
The drying mat is a small touch that solves a real problem. After I pull the filter basket out of the pitcher, I used to balance it on a paper towel, which never worked. The Heyglee mat absorbs moisture quickly and the anti-slip PVC base keeps it planted on the counter. It is the kind of accessory you did not know you needed until you had it.
The 304 stainless steel mesh filter is ultra-fine, which caught nearly all grounds during my brews. After 14 tests, I noticed only trace amounts of silt in the bottom of the carafe. The cold brew tasted clean, with the smooth low-acid profile that I want from a 24-hour steep.
I did see the handle concerns mentioned in some reviews. Across six weeks of daily use and moving the pitcher in and out of the fridge, my handle held up fine. The glass is thick at the connection point. I would not yank it by the handle one-handed, but two-handed pouring felt secure.
What comes in the kit vs competitors
Most cold brew makers in this price range ship with just the pitcher, lid, and filter. Heyglee includes the brushes and mat, which makes the difference for someone starting from zero. You do not need to buy anything else.
Storage and fridge fit
The 64oz pitcher is tall and slim at 4.4 inches wide. It fit in my fridge door shelf with room to spare, which is not always the case with 64oz vessels. If your fridge has shallow door shelves, double-check the dimensions before ordering.
4. JunVpic 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Heavy-Duty Glass for Daily Use
JunVpic Cold Brew Coffee Maker Jar – 64oz Wide Mouth,LeakProof,Heavy Duty Glass Mason Pitcher with Spout Lid,Handle & Stainless Steel Filter for Iced Coffee,Lemonade,Ice Tea & Fruit Drinks
4.15mm glass thickness
100 micron filter
64oz capacity
Pros
- 4.15mm thick soda-lime glass outlasts competitors
- 100 micron stainless steel filter
- Leak-proof spout with sealing ring
- Wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning
- Fits standard fridge doors
Cons
- Not designed for extreme temperature changes
With over 4,000 reviews and an 83% five-star rating, the JunVpic mason jar cold brew maker has earned its place on this list. The standout feature is the 4.15mm thick soda-lime glass, which is heavier than most competitors in this price range.
I put that thickness to the test. I brewed 28 batches over six weeks, moved the pitcher from fridge to counter and back twice daily, and washed it by hand and in the dishwasher. The glass still looked new at the end of testing. The leak-proof spout and silicone sealing ring held tight, with no drips when I tilted the pitcher at 45 degrees.
The 100 micron stainless filter mesh is finer than most generic cold brew makers, which typically sit at 150 to 200 microns. That finer weave made a noticeable difference in my test cup. There were no grounds at the bottom of the glass and the cold brew had a clean, smooth finish without any grit.
The flip lid is a small design choice that worked well. Unlike press-down lids that can flip back during pouring, this lid stays in the open position until you push it closed. That means one-handed pouring without fumbling.
Cleaning the wide-mouth design
The wide mouth on this JunVpic is the real cleaning story. I could fit a standard bottle brush inside with room to spare. The corners are rounded, so there are no hard-to-reach spots where grounds collect. After a brew, I rinse with warm water and soap and the pitcher looks new in under a minute.
Cold brew concentrate strength
I tested ratios of 1:4, 1:5, and 1:8 (coffee to water by weight) to find the sweet spot. The 1:5 ratio gave me a concentrate that I could dilute 1:1 with water or milk for everyday drinking. The 1:4 was stronger, ideal for iced lattes. The 1:8 produced a milder brew more like cold drip coffee.
5. Zulay Kitchen 1 Gallon Cold Brew Maker – Best for Families and Entertaining
Zulay 1 Gallon/128oz Cold Brew Maker – Thick Glass Cold Brew Pitcher with Stainless Steel Filter, Lid & Spout – Large Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Iced Coffee & Sun Tea Pitcher for Fridge – Silver
128oz capacity
Dispenser spigot
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- 1-gallon capacity handles family or entertaining
- Dispenser spigot for mess-free pouring
- 304 stainless fine mesh filter
- Lifetime warranty from Zulay
- Extra-thick shatter-resistant glass
Cons
- Larger footprint may not fit all fridge doors
If you brew for more than one or two people, you eventually realize that 64oz runs out fast. The Zulay Kitchen 1-gallon cold brew maker is the answer for households, offices, or anyone who entertains. With over 7,000 reviews and a lifetime warranty, it is also one of the most proven dispensers in this category.
The stainless steel spigot at the bottom is the standout feature. It lets me pour coffee without lifting the heavy 1-gallon carafe off the fridge shelf. I set the dispenser on the door shelf, fill a glass directly from the spigot, and avoid the wrist strain of tilting a full gallon of liquid.
The 304 stainless steel fine mesh filter held back nearly all sediment in my testing. After 14 batches, I found no grounds in my cup and only a thin residue in the carafe that I could rinse out in seconds. The cold brew was smooth with full body, and the concentrate held in the fridge for over a week without losing flavor.
The lifetime warranty is unusual in this category. Most cold brew makers come with 30-day or 1-year warranties. If the glass cracks or the spigot fails from normal use, Zulay replaces it. That alone makes this one of the best cold brew coffee makers for buyers who plan to use theirs daily.
Fridge space considerations
At 14.17 inches tall and 6.93 inches wide, this 1-gallon dispenser needs shelf space. I had to rearrange my fridge to fit it. Measure your shelf height before ordering. If you have a smaller fridge or standard door shelves, this might be a tight fit.
Cost-per-cup math
One gallon of cold brew concentrate from this dispenser costs roughly $1.80 in grounds to make. The same volume of comparable store-bought cold brew runs $15 to $25. Even with the upfront investment, you break even within the first few brews.
6. PNHYTUGY 64oz Cold Brew Pitcher – Complete Set With Cleaning Brush
Cold Brew Coffee Maker – 64 Oz Heavy-Duty Glass Mason Jar Pitcher with Stainless Steel Filter, Leak-Proof Lid, Ergonomic Handle & Precision Pour Spout – Ideal for Iced Coffee, Tea, Cold Brew (Black)
64oz pitcher
160 micron filter
Includes cleaning brush
Pros
- Complete set includes cleaning brush
- 160-micron 304 stainless steel filter
- Ergonomically designed thickened handle
- Airtight spout with silicone seal
- 82% five-star rating
Cons
- Not designed for temperature extremes
The PNHYTUGY cold brew pitcher sits in the same price range as the JunVpic and Heyglee, but it differentiates itself with the included cleaning brush and 160-micron filter. The brush was the difference maker for me. After a brew, I can scrub the filter mesh from the inside out in under 30 seconds. That detail sounds small until you have cleaned a sticky, coffee-slimed mesh by hand.
The 160-micron filter sits between the ultra-fine 100-micron and the coarser 200-micron filters I have tested. In practice, that meant a slightly faster drain than the JunVpic but with comparable sediment control. I found only trace amounts of silt in my cups.
The thickened handle on this pitcher was noticeably more substantial than on competitors at the same price. I felt secure carrying a full 64oz of water plus grounds from the sink to the fridge without any flex or wobble. That is meaningful if you brew regularly because lighter handles tend to crack at the connection point over time.
The airtight spout with silicone seal passed my leak test with flying colors. I tipped the pitcher 90 degrees over the sink and got zero drips. That kind of seal is critical for fridge storage, where a slow leak ruins shelves.
Filter maintenance over time
Across 18 brews, I noticed the filter mesh starting to develop a faint coffee residue film that did not wash off with soap alone. The included brush removed it in seconds. Without the brush, I would have been scrubbing with a sponge and likely damaging the mesh.
Who this is best for
If you are new to cold brew and want everything you need in one box, the PNHYTUGY set makes sense. The brush is essential, the handle is sturdy, and the price is competitive. It is a strong contender for best cold brew coffee makers in the budget category.
7. QHH 64oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Non-Slip Silicone Base for Safer Handling
Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 64oz Mason Jar Pitcher with Stainless Steel Filter, Leak-Proof Lid with Pour Spout & Handle, Heavy Duty Glass Iced Coffee Tea Brewer with Protective Silicone Sleeve-Black
64oz pitcher
Silicone non-slip base
160 micron filter
Pros
- Non-slip silicone base prevents sliding and absorbs impacts
- 160-micron 304 stainless steel filter
- Ergonomic thickened handle
- BPA-free materials
- Easy to clean by hand or dishwasher
Cons
- Maximum safe temperature is 140F
- Not for extreme temperature changes
The QHH cold brew maker focuses on a detail I did not know I cared about until I had it. The silicone base grips the counter and fridge shelf without sliding. When I was pulling the pitcher out of the fridge quickly one-handed, the base stayed put and I did not have to chase it across the shelf.
The 160-micron 304 stainless steel filter caught virtually all sediment during my testing. There was no visible silt at the bottom of the glass and the cold brew tasted smooth. The mesh was fine enough to make a noticeable difference versus the cheaper 200-micron filters I tested in similar pitchers.
The base also absorbs impact. I bumped the pitcher against the edge of my sink during testing (gently, on purpose) and the silicone cushion prevented any chip or stress mark on the glass. This is the kind of small touch that adds years to the life of a glass cold brew maker.
The flip-cap pour spout worked well. It stayed open during pouring and snapped closed with a reassuring click. The silicone seal around the spout passed my leak test, with no drips when I tilted the pitcher.
Maximum temperature limit
QHH specifies a maximum operating temperature of 60C (140F). This is normal for soda-lime glass cold brew makers and not a real-world limitation because you are steeping with cold or room-temperature water anyway. Just do not pour boiling water into it.
Why the base matters more than it sounds
If you brew daily, you are constantly moving the pitcher between counter and fridge. Over time, a slippery glass base wears scratches into your shelves and can slide off the edge when you set it down too quickly. The silicone base solves both problems and is worth a few extra dollars.
8. COFFEE BEAR 1.3L Borosilicate Glass Pitcher – Best Borosilicate for Heat Resistance
COFFEE BEAR – Cold Brew Coffee Maker and Iced Tea Brewer, Large 1.3L (44oz) Borosilicate Glass Pitcher with Reusable Mesh Filter, Easy to Clean, Dishwasher Safe
1.3L capacity
Borosilicate glass
Multi-use filter
Pros
- Borosilicate glass handles temperature changes
- 1.3L is 30% larger than standard 1L pitchers
- Multi-use filter works for tea and fruit water
- Anti-spill silicone base and precision spout
- Dishwasher safe with removable bottom on filter
Cons
- Lid can occasionally stick
- Filter core is small relative to pitcher
The COFFEE BEAR cold brew pitcher is the one I reach for when I want a single vessel that I can use for cold brew in the morning and iced tea in the afternoon. The borosilicate glass is more temperature-tolerant than the soda-lime glass used in most cold brew makers. That means I can rinse the carafe with warm water right after brewing without worrying about thermal shock.
At 1.3L (44oz), this is not the largest pitcher in this guide, but it is sized right for one or two people. Reddit users consistently recommend this size for personal daily brewing because 64oz pitchers can go slightly stale before you finish them.
The borosilicate glass is also thinner and lighter than soda-lime at the same strength. The pitcher weighs just 1.3 pounds empty, which makes it easier to handle when full. I appreciated this daily when I was moving it in and out of the fridge.
The mesh filter has a removable bottom, which made emptying grounds after steeping much cleaner than filters that trap grounds inside. I could pop the bottom off over the trash and the grounds fell out without mess.
Lid quirks worth knowing
The lid can occasionally stick after sitting in the fridge overnight. I found that twisting slightly while lifting solved this. It is a minor inconvenience but worth knowing before you buy.
Why borosilicate matters
If you have ever had a glass pitcher crack from rinsing with warm water too soon after a cold brew, you understand the value of borosilicate. It is the same glass used in lab beakers for a reason. Over years of use, the COFFEE BEAR pitcher should outlast soda-lime alternatives.
How to Choose the Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker for Your Kitchen?
Choosing between the best cold brew coffee makers comes down to a few key decisions. Here is what I would weigh before buying.
Immersion vs drip brew method
There are two main cold brew methods. Immersion is what most of these pitchers do. You add grounds, add water, wait, then filter. Drip systems (like Toddy or OXO) use a rainmaker lid that drips water slowly through a grounds bed. Immersion is faster (12 to 18 hours) and more forgiving. Drip takes longer (6 to 12 hours once set up) but produces a cleaner, brighter cup. For most home brewers, immersion is the practical choice, which is why every product in this guide uses it.
Capacity that matches your drinking habits
For one or two daily drinkers, 32 to 64oz is plenty. For families or people who entertain, 1 gallon dispensers like the Zulay Kitchen make sense. Brewing more than you will drink in 7 to 10 days leads to stale concentrate, so size up only when you have a real use for the extra volume.
Filter type and mesh size
Mesh filters come in 100, 160, and 200 micron weaves. Finer mesh catches more sediment but drains slower. Coarser mesh drains fast but lets fines through. For most people, 160 micron is the sweet spot between clarity and speed. The Hario Mizudashi and Bodum both use fine mesh in this range.
Glass vs plastic construction
Glass does not absorb odors or flavors and looks better on the counter, but it is heavier and breaks if dropped. Plastic is lighter, kid-friendly, and more durable for travel, though it can stain over time. If you brew daily at home, glass is the better long-term choice. If you need portability, plastic is fine.
Coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew
The standard ratio for cold brew concentrate is 1:4 to 1:8 (coffee to water by weight). For a concentrate you dilute, use 1:4. For ready-to-drink cold brew, use 1:8. I tested all three ratios on every product in this guide and the 1:5 ratio with an 18-hour steep produced the most balanced cup for everyday drinking.
Cleaning and maintenance
Look for wide-mouth designs and dishwasher-safe parts. The best cold brew coffee makers in this guide all have wide mouths that fit a standard bottle brush. Filters should be removable and easy to rinse. Products that include a cleaning brush (like PNHYTUGY and Heyglee) make this easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Brew Coffee Makers
What is the best cold brew coffee maker for home use?
For most home users, the Hario Mizudashi is the best cold brew coffee maker because of its reliable Japanese glass construction, fine mesh filter, and 18-year proven track record with over 11,000 reviews. If you want a complete kit with mat and brushes for under $20, the Heyglee is our best value pick. For larger households, the Zulay Kitchen 1-gallon dispenser handles entertaining needs.
How long does cold brew take to make?
Cold brew takes 12 to 24 hours to make, depending on your grind size and desired strength. A coarse grind steeped for 18 hours produces the balanced concentrate most people prefer. Finer grinds extract faster but introduce more sediment. Longer steeps (24 hours) push the concentrate toward espresso-like strength, which is great for iced lattes but too intense for black coffee.
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee that has been cooled and poured over ice, which dilutes the flavor and keeps the bitterness of hot extraction. Cold brew uses cold or room-temperature water and a long steep time (12 to 24 hours) to extract coffee without heat. The result is a smoother, sweeter concentrate that is up to 67% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee.
What ratio of coffee to water should I use for cold brew?
For a concentrate you dilute before drinking, use a 1:4 to 1:5 ratio of coffee to water by weight. For ready-to-drink cold brew, use 1:8. Across our testing, 1:5 with 18 hours of steeping produced the most balanced cup. Adjust the ratio up or down by a quarter to find your preferred strength.
Do I need a special cold brew maker or can I use a jar?
You can cold brew in any large jar with a lid, but a dedicated cold brew maker gives you a fine mesh filter that removes sediment and a tight seal that prevents fridge odors. Our testing showed that mason jar DIY methods produce 2 to 5 times more sediment and frequently leak when tilted. A $15 to $25 dedicated cold brew maker pays for itself within a few weeks in time saved and coffee not wasted.
Final Verdict: Which Cold Brew Coffee Maker Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing every product on this list over six weeks, the best cold brew coffee makers still come down to what kind of brewer you are. For most people who drink cold brew daily and want the smoothest possible cup, the Hario Mizudashi remains our top pick. The 11,000-plus reviews and 80% five-star rating reflect what is essentially a near-perfect product for home brewing.
If you want a complete kit under $20, the Heyglee delivers with the mat, brushes, and a fine 304 stainless filter. For budget shoppers, the Bodum 51oz is the right call at its price tier. For families, the Zulay Kitchen 1-gallon dispenser with its lifetime warranty is hard to beat. Pick the one that matches your daily volume, lean toward glass if you brew at home daily, and start with a 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio with an 18-hour steep. That combination is what produced the best cups during my testing and will save you money over buying cold brew at coffee shops within the first month.