OXO's Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker Pays for Itself

We purchased the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker so our reviewer could put it to the test in her kitchen. Keep reading for our full product review.

Cold brew coffee makers have recently become popular, and there are several top competitors. We decided to put one of the front runners to the test: the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker. To judge its quality, ease of use, and design, we used the affordable coffee maker to make several cold brew batches. See how well it compared to coffee shop cold brew.

Setup: Requires some patience

This cold brew coffee maker came in several pieces that we needed to assemble when we first opened the box—and reading the directions is key. We found all of the instructions very easy to understand, which made the setup more manageable.

To begin, we set the brewing container upside down and placed the mesh filter in the base so it laid flat. Then we screwed the filter cap into the brewing container and placed the brewing container upright on top of the stand, making sure that the brew-release switch was in the up (off) position.

Next, we added the coffee grounds to the brewing container and placed the rainmaker lid on top. The user guide included a precise coffee-to-water ratio for making a single batch of cold brew: 10 ounces of ground coffee to 40 ounces of water.

We used the glass carafe to measure the water, and poured it over the rainmaker in a circular motion over the grounds. This is a particularly nice feature because it ensures the water is evenly distributed.

After stirring the grounds, it was time to brew. We let it sit on the counter for 24 hours (12 to 24 hours is recommended). Once that time was up, we placed the glass carafe under the stand and pressed the brew-release switch down to drain the cold brew. It took about 20 minutes for the brew to drip into the carafe. When it was finished, we placed the stopper on top to seal and stored the container in the fridge to cool.

Performance: Smooth and highly concentrated cold brew

Some cold brew coffee makers produce cold brew, while others make cold brew concentrate. The latter requires more coffee grounds for a single batch, but that batch lasts longer because it’s then diluted with water, milk, or ice.

Our OXO cold brewer delivered on high-quality cold brew concentrate. A single batch is about 24 to 28 ounces, which translates to about 12 to 14 beverages once diluted. The instructions clearly state how many coffee grounds and how much water you should use for each batch. Following their recommendations, we found that the final product is highly concentrated and very smooth and flavorful. To top it off, there were no grounds present in the cold brew, which is a major plus in our book. 

Design: Fits within any kitchen

The OXO cold brew coffee maker has a very sleek look to it, so it won’t stand out next to your other kitchen appliances. It somewhat mimics the design of a typical coffee maker, featuring a black tinted BPA-free plastic top that holds the coffee grounds and a clear, shatter-proof borosilicate glass vessel that sits underneath and catches the filtered coffee. Being made without BPA means that this machine is free from Bisphenol A and eliminates toxicity, which has been reported to possibly affect fetuses. We found that this product would easily match any kitchen with its neutral color scheme.

Inside is a stainless steel mesh filter—meaning no need to purchase paper filters down the road. Additionally, the glass carafe detaches from the brewing vessel so you can easily store it in your refrigerator. It also has measurement markings (ounces and milliliters) on the side and comes with an airtight lid.

Features: Rainmaker top evenly distributes water over grounds

The OXO cold brew coffee maker comes with a few extra features that make it well worth the price. One of its unique features is the rainmaker top covering the brewing vessel. The perforated top allows you to evenly pour the water over the grounds, enhancing the flavor of your cold brew.

Additionally, this brewer can also be used to make tea (bagged or loose leaf).

We also found that it disassembles easily, which is helpful for cleaning but also for storage. Just stick the carafe and lid in the brewing vessel until you’re ready to use it next time.

Cleaning: Requires hand washing

Cleanup takes a little more work than other cold brew coffee makers because you have to hand wash all of the parts. The glass carafe is the only component that is dishwasher safe.

Price: A higher price now, but you’ll save money later

At around $50, this cold brew coffee maker is on the pricier side; the average cold brew coffee maker runs around $25. However, even though the initial cost is somewhat higher, it quickly pays for itself with a high-quality cold brew that saves you from buying coffee out every day. 

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker vs. Toddy Cold Brew System

The Toddy Cold Brew System is another popular option with a very similar design. We tested both, which consist of a brewing vessel on top of a carafe and make about the same amount of coffee concentrate. They both offer the option of using paper or reusable filters, deliver a very similar flavor profile, and disassemble for easy cleanup.

One noticeable difference is that the OXO model has measurements on the side of its carafe, whereas the Toddy does not. Additionally, the Toddy system costs around $40, while the OXO is around $50, so it just depends on preference and how much you’re willing to spend.