Which Type of Cold Brew Maker Is Best? Jars, Pitchers and Drip Towers Compared
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Walk into any kitchen store and you will find a dozen ways to make cold brew: simple jars, sleek pitchers with mesh filters, big bucket systems with a drain plug and tall glass towers that drip water one drop at a time. Which type of cold brew maker is best? For most people, a pitcher with a fine mesh filter is the easiest daily choice, a jar with a filter bag is the cheapest way to start, an immersion system with a drain is best for big batches of concentrate, and a drip tower is for enthusiasts who want a lighter, more aromatic, tea-like cup.
Here is how each type works, what it is good at and how to choose.
Key takeaways
- There are two basic methods: immersion (grounds steep in water, then are filtered out) and slow drip (water drips through a bed of grounds over several hours).
- Immersion makers, including jars, pitchers and bucket systems, are simple, forgiving and make a smooth, full-bodied brew.
- Drip towers make a cleaner, lighter, more aromatic coffee in less time, but cost more and need attention.
- Filtration matters as much as the maker: mesh lets through more oils and fines; paper and felt give a cleaner cup.
In this article
- Immersion vs slow drip
- Which type of cold brew maker is best? Comparison table
- The five main types explained
- Filters: mesh, cloth, paper and felt
- How to choose: a quick decision guide
- FAQ
Immersion vs slow drip
Immersion is what most people mean by cold brew. You combine coarse grounds and cold or room-temperature water, wait 12 to 18 hours, then separate the liquid from the grounds. The result is smooth, rounded and full-bodied.
Slow drip, sometimes called Kyoto-style, works differently. Ice water sits in a top chamber and drips through a column of coffee, then through a filter into a carafe. The coffee is never fully submerged for long, so the result is clearer and lighter, often with more aromatic, fruity notes. Our article on Kyoto cold drip coffee covers its history and technique.
Which type of cold brew maker is best? Comparison table
| Type | Method | Typical batch | Brew time | Cup style | Ease | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason jar + filter bag or sieve | Immersion | 1 to 2 qt (1 to 2 l) | 12–18 h | Full, smooth | Easy, slightly messy | Trying cold brew cheaply |
| Pitcher with mesh filter insert | Immersion | 1 to 2 qt (1 to 2 l) | 12–18 h | Full, smooth, some sediment | Very easy | Daily ready-to-drink cold brew |
| Bucket system with drain and felt or paper filter | Immersion | Large, often several quarts | 12–24 h | Clean, rich concentrate | Moderate | Big batches of concentrate |
| French press | Immersion | Up to about 1 qt (1 l) | 12–18 h | Heavy, some fines | Very easy | Using gear you already own |
| Slow drip tower | Drip | Small to medium | 3–8 h, depending on drip rate | Clean, light, aromatic | Needs adjusting | Enthusiasts, display, lighter style |
The five main types explained
1. Mason jar and filter bag
The simplest setup: a large jar, coarse grounds and either a reusable cloth bag or a fine sieve lined with a paper filter. Fill, stir, cap and refrigerate.
- Pros: almost free, easy to scale, no special equipment.
- Cons: straining can be messy; without a good filter you get sediment.
- Tip: pre-fill a nut-milk or cold brew bag with grounds so it lifts out cleanly.
2. Pitcher with mesh filter
A pitcher with a long, fine mesh cylinder in the center. You fill the cylinder with grounds, add water, steep and then simply lift the filter out. The pitcher goes straight into the fridge door.
- Pros: the least effort per batch; serve straight from the pitcher.
- Cons: fine mesh still lets some fines through, so the last pour can be gritty; the filter needs a good rinse.
- Tip: use a truly coarse grind and do not squeeze or shake the filter when lifting it.
3. Bucket system with a drain
A wide brewing container sits on a stand or over a carafe. Grounds steep with a felt or paper filter at the bottom and a plug in the drain. When it is done, you pull the plug and the concentrate drains into the carafe below.
- Pros: very clean concentrate, large batches, little hands-on work at the end.
- Cons: bulky to store; reusable felt filters need careful cleaning and periodic replacement.
- Tip: brew a strong concentrate (around 1:5 to 1:8 coffee to water by weight) and dilute when serving.
4. French press
A French press is already an immersion brewer. Fill it with coarse grounds and cold water, steep in the fridge, then press. For a cleaner cup, pour through a paper filter afterwards. Our French press guide covers the basics.
- Pros: no extra purchase; easy to use.
- Cons: small batches; the metal filter lets through more fines.
5. Slow drip tower
These tall, often glass towers have three parts: a water chamber with an adjustable valve, a coffee chamber and a carafe. You set the drip rate, often around one drop per second or two, and let it run.
- Pros: clean, bright, aromatic coffee; faster than immersion; beautiful to watch.
- Cons: expensive, fragile, takes space and needs drip-rate adjustments as the water level drops.
- Tip: wet the coffee bed evenly before starting and place a paper filter on top of the grounds so drips spread evenly.
What about electric cold brew machines?
Some countertop machines claim to make cold brew style coffee in minutes by agitating or cycling water through the grounds. They are convenient, but results vary by model. If you try one, compare it side by side with a traditional overnight batch.
Filters: mesh, cloth, paper and felt
| Filter | Cup clarity | Body | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless mesh | Lowest; some sediment | Heaviest, more oils | Rinse and scrub; long-lasting |
| Cloth bag | Medium | Medium-full | Rinse well, air dry; replace when stained or smelly |
| Felt pad | High | Medium | Rinse, store damp in the fridge or dry fully; replace periodically |
| Paper | Highest | Lightest, cleanest | Single use |
You can combine them: brew in a mesh pitcher, then pour through a paper filter for a cleaner glass. If your cold brew tastes muddy or bitter, filtering is often the fix. See our step-by-step guide on how to make cold brew for ratios and timings.
How to choose: a quick decision guide
- You just want to try cold brew: mason jar and a filter bag, or your French press.
- You drink one or two glasses a day: a pitcher with a mesh filter.
- You drink a lot, or share with a household or office: a bucket system for concentrate.
- You love light, fruity coffee and enjoy the process: a slow drip tower.
- You have little fridge space: brew concentrate in a compact system and dilute as needed.
The coffee matters more than the gadget
Any maker will struggle with stale or overly fine coffee. Our Cold Brew Coffee is a dark French roast blend coarse ground specifically for cold brew, for a smooth, low-acid, naturally sweet result in jars, pitchers and immersion systems alike. For a drip tower, try a lighter, fruitier single origin like Ethiopia Natural ground medium-fine to show off its aromatics. And if you want a chocolatey, mellow immersion batch, Brazil Santos in Coarse grind is a reliable choice.
Cold brew maker FAQ
Do I need a special cold brew maker?
No. A jar and a filter work fine. Dedicated makers mainly save time and mess.
What grind should I use in a cold brew maker?
Coarse for all immersion makers. Drip towers often use a medium to medium-fine grind because contact time is shorter.
Is drip cold brew the same as cold brew?
Both use cold water, but slow drip produces a lighter, clearer coffee than immersion cold brew, which is fuller and rounder.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
For the best taste, drink it within about a week, keeping it sealed. Concentrate holds its flavor a little longer than diluted cold brew.
Last updated October 2026.
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