You love iced coffee, but the bitter, acidic taste of hot-brewed coffee poured over ice just doesn’t cut it. Cold brew is the answer: it’s smoother, sweeter, and less acidic, making it the perfect base for your favorite iced lattes or a simple glass over ice. But with so many cold brew coffee makers on the market, how do you pick the right one for your routine?

This guide compares two popular options: the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz, and the QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker, a spacious 64 oz mason jar pitcher. Whether you’re a solo sipper or brewing for a crowd, we’ll break down the key features, strengths, and trade-offs of each so you can make an informed choice. For more focused options, check out our best compact cold brew coffee makers guide.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Choosing the right cold brew maker isn’t just about picking a pretty pitcher. You need to consider how much coffee you drink, how you like to brew, and how much effort you’re willing to put into cleaning. Here are the key criteria we evaluated.

Brewing Capacity and Batch Size

Think about your daily consumption. Do you brew a single cup each morning, or do you entertain guests and need a larger supply? The OXO Good Grips makes 32 oz of concentrate, which translates to about 14 coffee drinks when diluted with water or milk. The QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker, on the other hand, offers a generous 64 oz capacity, perfect for households that go through cold brew quickly or for making iced tea and lemonade in the same pitcher.

If you’re unsure how much you need, start with the smaller size and see how often you run out. Many users find that a 32 oz batch lasts them a full week. For families or heavy consumers, the larger QHH is a practical choice. You can also explore our best cold brew coffee maker for home picks for more capacity insights.

Filtration System and Clarity

The filter is the heart of any cold brew maker. A fine mesh filter ensures that no coffee grounds end up in your final brew, giving you a clean, smooth cup. The OXO uses an ultra-fine stainless steel mesh filter that is reusable and dishwasher safe, delivering a sediment-free concentrate. The QHH features a 160-micron 304 stainless steel filter that also effectively strains out grounds, tea leaves, and fruit pits, making it versatile beyond coffee.

Consider how easy the filter is to clean. Both are dishwasher safe, but the OXO’s filter is designed to be removed and rinsed easily. The QHH comes with a cleaning brush, which is handy for dislodging fine particles. A clogged filter can slow down the brewing process, so regular maintenance is crucial.

Ease of Use and Brew Control

Some cold brew makers require you to steep the grounds and then pour through a separate filter, while others feature a built-in release valve. The OXO Good Grips stands out with its rainmaker top that evenly distributes water over the grounds, and a brew-release switch that lets you start and stop the filtration on demand. This means you can control the strength of your concentrate and prevent over-extraction.

The QHH is simpler: you add coffee and water to the jar, let it steep, then remove the filter basket. It doesn’t offer the same level of control, but it’s straightforward and foolproof. Think about whether you prefer a hands-on approach or a set-it-and-forget-it style. For a more detailed comparison of brew methods, see our best cold brew coffee maker for the money article.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best cold brew coffee maker for you depends on your lifestyle. If you value precise control, even extraction, and a compact footprint for your countertop, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz is a fantastic choice. If you need a larger capacity for entertaining or want a versatile pitcher that can also brew tea and lemonade, the QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker offers excellent value and simplicity. Whichever you pick, you’ll be enjoying smooth, refreshing cold brew in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I steep cold brew coffee?

Most cold brew recipes recommend steeping for 12 to 24 hours. The OXO Good Grips suggests 12-24 hours for optimal flavor, while the QHH allows you to adjust based on your taste preference. Longer steeping times result in a stronger, more concentrated brew, so experiment to find your perfect strength.

Can I use any coffee grounds in a cold brew maker?

Yes, but coarse grounds are recommended for cold brew. Fine grounds can slip through filters and make your coffee cloudy or bitter. Both the OXO and QHH filters are fine enough to handle most grinds, but for best results, ask your roaster for a coarse grind specifically for cold brew.

Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?

Yes, cold brew is generally less acidic than hot brewed coffee because the cold water extraction process doesn’t release as many acids. This makes it easier on your stomach and smoother on your palate. If you’re sensitive to acidity, cold brew is a great alternative. For more on cold brew benefits, check out our best iced tea makers guide, which also discusses cold extraction.

How do I clean my cold brew coffee maker?

Both the OXO and QHH are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the glass and filter. The OXO’s mesh filter can be rinsed under running water, while the QHH comes with a cleaning brush for the filter. Always allow all parts to dry completely before storing to prevent mold growth.