Cold Brew Coffee Equipment: What You Really Need for Smooth, Low-Acid Coffee

Cold brew has surged in popularity for good reason—it’s smooth, mellow, and incredibly refreshing, especially when served over ice.

But this method of coffee brewing is more than just trendy; it’s also highly forgiving and easy to customize. The key to unlocking its potential lies in choosing the right equipment and understanding how the brewing process works.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to make excellent cold brew at home—whether you’re just getting started or ready to upgrade your setup.

From filters and grinders to carafes and pro systems, you’ll find out which tools are essential, which are nice-to-have, and how to get the best flavor out of every batch.

Why Cold Brew Is Different from Other Methods

Cold brew is a slow, immersion-based brewing technique where coffee grounds are steeped in cold or room temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. Unlike hot brewing, cold brew:

• Extracts fewer acids and bitter compounds
• Yields a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet flavor
• Produces a strong concentrate that can be diluted

Because it’s brewed without heat, the brewing equipment and grind size take on an even more critical role in ensuring a consistent and satisfying final product.

Essential Cold Brew Equipment

You don’t need a lot of gear to make cold brew—but the right tools will make your coffee better, cleaner, and more efficient.

1. Coffee Grinder (Burr Grinder)

Why it matters: Cold brew requires a coarse grind, similar to raw sugar or kosher salt. Using a blade grinder creates uneven particles, leading to bitter or muddy coffee.

Recommended Grinders:

• Baratza Encore – Reliable, entry-level electric burr grinder
• 1Zpresso JX-Pro – Manual grinder with excellent coarse settings
• Fellow Ode Gen 2 – Stylish and powerful, perfect for large batches

Tip: Always grind fresh for the best flavor and aroma.

2. Cold Brew Maker or Brewer

Your brewing container must allow for full immersion, be large enough for the batch size you want, and preferably include an integrated or removable filter.

Popular Cold Brew Makers:

Brewer	Features	Best For
Takeya Cold Brew	1–2 quart pitcher, built-in fine mesh filter	Beginners and fridge brewers
OXO Cold Brew Maker	Rainmaker lid, reusable filter, 32 oz yield	Easy draining and storage
Hario Mizudashi	Glass carafe, built-in strainer	Stylish and space-saving
Toddy Cold Brew System	Rubber stopper + felt filter system	Larger batches, smoother concentrate
DIY Mason Jar	Affordable, requires mesh bags or cheesecloth	Entry-level, low budget

Pro Tip: If using a jar or pitcher, pair it with a cold brew filter bag—they’re inexpensive and make cleanup a breeze.

3. Filter Options

Cold brew can be filtered in different ways. Your choice affects clarity, body, and cleanup ease.

Filter Type	Pros	Cons
Metal mesh	Reusable, easy to clean	May allow fines into brew
Cloth filter	Clean cup, good clarity	Must be cleaned and dried
Paper filter	Excellent clarity	Single-use, adds cost
Filter bag (nylon or cotton)	Convenient and effective	May retain some oils

4. Brewing Vessel (If Not Using a System)

If you’re not using a dedicated cold brew system, you can use:

• Glass mason jars (quart or half-gallon)
• French Press (steep, then press to filter)
• Large pitcher with cold brew bag

Whatever you choose, make sure it:

• Can be sealed or covered
• Has enough volume for both grounds and water
• Is easy to clean

5. Storage Bottles or Carafes

After brewing, it’s best to strain and store your cold brew in a separate container. Use:

• Glass bottles with tight caps
• Swing-top containers
• Pitchers with spouts
• Reused glass milk or juice bottles

Cold brew concentrate stays fresh for 7 to 10 days when refrigerated.

Optional but Useful Accessories

• Scale – To keep your coffee-to-water ratio consistent (suggested ratio: 1:5 for concentrate, 1:8 for ready-to-drink)
• Timer or phone alarm – To avoid over-steeping
• Labeling tape – To date your brews and keep track of strength/recipe
• Funnel – For easy transfer into storage bottles

Cold Brew Brewing Basics

Recommended Ratio:

• 1:5 for concentrate (e.g., 100g coffee to 500ml water)
• 1:8 for ready-to-drink (e.g., 100g coffee to 800ml water)

Steps:

1. Grind your beans coarsely
2. Add grounds to your filter or bag
3. Fill with cold or room temp water
4. Stir to ensure saturation
5. Steep for 12–18 hours at room temp or in the fridge
6. Remove filter or strain coffee
7. Store in the fridge in a clean, sealed container

Dilution:

• Cold brew concentrate is strong. Dilute 1:1 with cold water, ice, or milk to taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Fix
Grind too fine	Causes over-extraction and grit
Using stale beans	Results in flat or musty flavor
Not filtering well enough	Leaves sludge or bitterness
Steeping too long	Leads to bitterness and muddy notes
Using tap water	Chlorine affects taste—use filtered water

Flavor Tips and Variations

• Add a cinnamon stick or orange peel during brewing for added flavor.
• Use single-origin light roasts for floral and fruity notes.
• Add vanilla extract or sweetened condensed milk when serving.
• For a sparkling twist, mix concentrate with tonic water and ice.

Final Thoughts: Simple Gear, Incredible Flavor

Cold brew is one of the most accessible and satisfying ways to enjoy coffee at home—especially with the right equipment. Whether you’re using a mason jar and a bag or a purpose-built system like the OXO or Toddy, your results will be clean, smooth, and packed with flavor.

Focus on the essentials: fresh beans, a good grinder, a reliable filter, and plenty of patience. Once you find your ideal ratio and brew time, you’ll never want to go back to bitter iced coffee again.