Bottom Line
Choose if you want smooth cold-brew concentrate with an easy rainmaker fill and lever drain; Skip if you need a small, quick brewer or dishwasher-safe everything.
Best for
Iced-coffee fans who want a repeatable, low-mess way to make a week’s worth of concentrate and do not mind planning 12 to 24 hours ahead.
Not for
Small kitchens or anyone who wants a compact brewer, faster turnaround, and mostly dishwasher-safe cleanup.
Verdict
The OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker consistently turns coarse grounds and water into a smooth, strong concentrate, and multiple reviewers credit the rainmaker lid and lever-release drain for making the process beginner-friendly and tidy. Filtration is flexible: the metal mesh works alone, while optional paper filters help reduce fine sediment. The main compromises are time and space: it needs 12 to 24 hours to brew and the footprint can feel large on small counters. Cleaning is straightforward but several parts are hand-wash only, and a few users note the carafe can be slippery to pour. Price sits above basic pitchers but delivers cafe-like results.
Pros
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Across reviews, the cold-brew output is repeatedly described as smooth, strong, and balanced, with many noting it produces concentrate meant to be diluted and stored for days to about two weeks.
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Reviewers generally report reliable extraction and consistently good flavor; the rainmaker-style water distribution is frequently credited with helping evenly saturate grounds for repeatable results.
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Most reviewers say assembly is straightforward with clear directions, though a few mention initial confusion because the parts ship nested together or that setup takes a bit of patience the first time.
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Capacity is commonly cited as a strength: reviews reference a 40 oz water fill with a lower concentrate yield (often around the mid-20s to low-30s ounces), enough for many drinks once diluted.
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The experience is widely characterized as easy and low-fuss once learned: add grounds and water, wait, then drain via lever. The biggest frictions are size, hand-washing, and the long wait time.
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Multiple reviews describe it as a top pick or frequent recommendation and cite strong popularity signals (including high review counts and winning taste comparisons).
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Filtration is a recurring highlight: the stainless mesh filter is praised for clarity, and optional paper filters are often recommended for extra sediment reduction when users want the cleanest cup.
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Accessories mentioned include the optional paper filters (often included in a starter pack) and the core removable components that support dual-filtration and storage.
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Build quality impressions are largely positive (thick-feeling components and durable assembly), though a few mention concerns about the thinness of the glass carafe compared with the plastic body.
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Carafe handling is generally liked for measurement markings and fridge storage, but at least one reviewer notes the wide mouth can feel slippery or awkward to grip when pouring, especially for smaller hands.
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Value is often framed as a payback versus buying cafe cold brew, even though several reviews note it costs more than basic pitcher-style options; the consensus is that flavor and convenience justify the price for frequent cold-brew drinkers.
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Marketing-style claims around ease and consistent extraction are mostly supported by reviewer experiences, but a minority express skepticism about how necessary the rainmaker is or note that included instructions are not ideal for best flavor.
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Design feedback is mostly positive for a sleek or premium look and smart storage (nesting parts), but many also call it large or bulky for small counters and tight kitchens.
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Cleanup is described as manageable and the unit disassembles well, but multiple reviews note that most parts require hand washing (with the glass carafe more often dishwasher safe).
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Common critiques include the large footprint, the need to buy paper filters if you insist on ultra-clear brew, occasional annoyance with instructions or technique guidance, and small usability nits like water pooling on the rainmaker or minor dripping.
Cons
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Time-to-cup is inherently slow: reviewers consistently cite 12 to 24 hours of steeping, plus a drip/drain phase that can take several minutes to longer for full batches.
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At least one review criticizes the packaging for using a lot of single-use plastic, even if it protects the product well in transit.
FAQ
How long does a batch take?
Most reviews describe a 12 to 24 hour countertop steep, plus additional drain time once you flip the release lever.
How much cold brew does it make?
Reviewers commonly report roughly the mid-20-ounce range of concentrate per batch, which is then diluted for multiple drinks.
Do I need paper filters?
Not strictly. The stainless mesh filter works on its own, but several reviewers note paper filters can help reduce fine sediment for a cleaner cup.
Is it easy to store?
Yes. Multiple reviews mention that the parts nest together, making it easier to stash in a cabinet despite the overall size.
What is dishwasher safe?
Several reviews specifically call out the glass carafe as dishwasher safe, while the other main components are typically hand-wash only.
Can it brew tea too?
Some reviewers mention using the same system to steep tea (bagged or loose leaf) in addition to coffee.
Where did these assessments come from?
All scoring is based only on the provided reviews.json transcripts.
Reviews we analyzed
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
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