Consumer Reports' Highest-Rated Cold Brew Coffee Maker Is Also One Of The Cheapest

There's something so comforting about knowing cold brew is waiting for you in the fridge when you wake up. You can sleep in a few extra minutes, you don't have to wait in packed drive-thru lines, and you can save a couple of bucks. Sure, you can make cold brew without a coffee maker, but that feels like an extra chore, especially when there are ways to simplify the process, like using a cold brew maker. However, like many other appliances, not every cold brew maker is built the same. Some are more expensive, harder to clean, and don't produce as much cold brew in one batch.

According to Consumer Reports, the top choice for manual cold brew coffee makers is Primula Burke Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This cold brew maker can hold up to 51 ounces and retails for about $20. Consumer Reports' main approvals come from its convenience and user-friendliness. It also scored 4 out of 5 for how easy it is to clean and 3 out of 5 for taste (following the manufacturer's suggestion for brewing medium and dark roast). For the best blend, Primula recommends steeping the coffee for 24 hours the next time you make cold brew and then enjoy it as is or try creative ways to sweeten it.

Based on Consumer Reports, Primula's high convenience rating combined with its lower price point compared to its competitors, makes it an enticing top pick. The second most affordable option on the list is the Toddy Cold Brew System for about $50. While it earned 5 out of 5 for cleaning, it received 3 out of 5 for both taste and convenience. The next affordable option in the lineup is the Asobu Insulated Portable Brewer with a nearly $30 increase. While it outranks the Primula cold brew maker in taste with a 4 out of 5, it ranks lower in the cleaning department with a 3 out of 5. Not to mention, this cold brew maker holds 40 ounces, nearly two full cups less than Primula.

The most expensive cold brew maker on the list? The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System that is retailing for $229.99. While it has a heftier price tag, it only scored a 5 out of 5 for convenience and earned 3 out of 5 for cleaning and taste. Buyers have expressed their frustration with the cleanliness of the appliance, claiming it leaks all over the place. "Cups make a complete mess because it does not only drip from the center, it drips all around the bottom of the filter," one consumer wrote. If you're on the market for a cold brew maker, perhaps Primula is your best fit.