If you want better Speed and time-to-cup
Choose Espro P7 French Press. It scores 5.0 vs 2.8 for Speed and time-to-cup, with a 4.2 overall score.
OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker Review
Bottom Line
Choose the OXO if you want smooth, concentrated cold brew with easy dispensing and batch storage. Skip it if you need fast coffee, have very tight counter space, or dislike hand-washing parts and buying paper filters.
Best for
Best for regular cold-brew drinkers who want a dedicated batch brewer that makes smooth concentrate, dispenses easily, and stores enough coffee for several drinks. It also suits people who value nesting storage over leaving the whole setup out full-time.
Not for
Not for people who want coffee quickly, have very limited counter or cabinet space, or prefer the simplicity of mason jars and a paper filter. It also may frustrate users who dislike hand-washing parts or buying optional paper filters.
Verdict
Across the reviews, the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker stands out for producing smooth, concentrated cold brew with even saturation from the rainmaker lid and a simple release-lever workflow. Reviewers repeatedly liked the flavor, batch capacity, nesting storage, and filter system, and several considered it worth the higher price because it can replace café cold brew. The tradeoff is that the appliance is bigger and slower than simple jar-and-filter methods, and cleanup or paper filters can feel like extra work. It is strongest as a dedicated cold-brew tool for regular drinkers, not as a fast or minimalist coffee setup.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
18 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.05 (28%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.48 (44%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.44 (22%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.41 (6%)
Pros
-
Recognition was strong in the reviewed sources, with the maker named a top pick, holding a buying-guide top spot, and winning one blind taste test.
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Cold-brew function quality was the strongest theme, with reviewers praising smooth, balanced, concentrated, café-rivaling iced coffee and one blind test placing it first.
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Reviewers consistently liked the drink quality, describing the concentrate as smooth, rich, flavorful, low-acid, and strong, though one reviewer treated the strength as preference-dependent.
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The rainmaker and brewing process drew strong praise for even saturation, better extraction, consistent results, and smooth concentrate; the main dissent questioned whether the rain screen added enough benefit.
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Overall experience was usually praised as easy, hassle-free, satisfying, and worthwhile; the lone mixed review felt conflicted about whether it was easier than simpler DIY methods.
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Capacity was viewed positively by reviewers who valued batches that make many diluted drinks, with larger yield also tied to the appliance’s bigger footprint.
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Most reviewers found setup simple or easy, but a few noted the multi-piece assembly required directions, patience, or was not immediately logical.
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Popularity evidence was limited but positive, with reviewers citing strong online review volume and broad reviewer/customer approval.
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The filter system received mostly positive marks for washable mesh, optional paper filtration, reduced sediment, and clear coffee, though paper filters were an added consumable for the smoothest result.
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Most reviewers considered the OXO a good value because it saves café spending and performs well, though several noted it costs more than simpler cold-brew makers and one doubted the $50 price.
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Design feedback was polarized: many liked the sleek look, nesting storage, and compact pack-away design, while others called it large, bulky, plastic, or not attractive enough for counters.
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Durability evidence was limited and mixed: one long-term tester found the parts thick, durable, and intact after a year, while another worried about moving plastic parts.
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Carafe feedback split between praise for sturdy storage, useful lids, and a satisfying vessel, and criticism that the glass could feel delicate, slippery, or awkward with the lid.
Cons
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Cleaning impressions were mixed: some found parts easy or a breeze to clean, while others disliked hand-washing, messy grounds removal, and the amount of cleanup.
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Design flaws centered on imperfect instructions, missing coffee measurement marks, occasional rainmaker pooling, space demands, possible drips, and flavor loss when following included directions.
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Accessory feedback focused on paper filters: reviewers liked the filtration option but treated ongoing disposable filter purchases as a drawback.
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Time was a recurring limitation: reviewers noted the 12-24 hour steep and slow drip or drain times, even when they liked the final coffee.
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Only one review evaluated packaging sustainability, criticizing the amount of single-use plastic despite acknowledging its protective effect.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Coffee Machines, this product is above average in Iced / cold-brew function quality, Capacity, Design flaws, near average in Brewing performance and consistency, Cup, tray and carafe handling, below average in Speed and time-to-cup, Environmental packaging sustainability, Accessories.
Summary
18 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher4 (22%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts9 (50%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower5 (28%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed and time-to-cup | 2.8 | 4.2 | -1.4 |
| Environmental packaging sustainability | 2.0 | 3.3 | -1.3 |
| Iced / cold-brew function quality | 4.6 | 3.8 | +0.8 |
| Accessories | 2.8 | 3.7 | -0.8 |
| Water system, maintenance and descaling | 3.4 | 4.0 | -0.6 |
| Capacity | 4.4 | 3.9 | +0.6 |
| Design, ergonomics and footprint | 3.9 | 4.3 | -0.4 |
| Design flaws | 3.0 | 2.5 | +0.5 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Build quality and durability
Choose Breville Precision Brewer. It scores 4.7 vs 3.9 for Build quality and durability, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Water system, maintenance and descaling
Choose Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker. It scores 4.8 vs 3.4 for Water system, maintenance and descaling, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Environmental packaging sustainability
Choose SMEG 50’s Retro Style Drip Coffee Maker. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for Environmental packaging sustainability, with a 3.9 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Hario Mizudashi cold brew coffee pot
- Cheaper: price versus brew strength and flavor The reviewer says OXO is pricier than the Hario option but makes stronger, more flavorful coffee.
OXO Brew Compact
- Alternative: size and small-space fit The reviewer names OXO Brew Compact as a smaller alternative for people who like OXO but not the full-size model.
Takeya Deluxe cold brew coffee maker
- Worse: brew strength and flavor The reviewer says OXO makes a stronger, more flavorful brew than the Takeya option.
FAQ
Does the OXO make good cold brew?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly described the coffee as smooth, balanced, rich, flavorful, concentrated, and in one blind taste test it came out on top.
Is it easy to use?
Most reviewers found it easy, especially the rainmaker lid and release lever. A few said setup takes directions or patience because the unit has several pieces.
How long does it take?
The brew itself typically takes 12 to 24 hours, and some reviewers also noted that draining can take several minutes. It is a batch brewer, not a fast cup-to-cup machine.
Does it take up a lot of space?
Several reviewers called it large or bulky, but others liked that the pieces nest together for storage. It works better for people who can spare counter or cabinet room.
Are paper filters required?
The reviews describe a reusable mesh filter, with paper filters used as an extra layer for reducing sediment. Some reviewers liked the smoother result, while others treated buying paper filters as a drawback.
Is it worth the price?
Most reviewers said it was worth it because of performance, flavor, and café cold-brew savings. One reviewer was not convinced the plastic-heavy design justified the price.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 3.6
Article Reviews
homesandgardens.com
- Review score
- 4.0
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