You’ve probably seen it sitting on kitchen counters in those aesthetically-pleasing Instagram posts—the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker with its sleek stainless steel design and that signature tap dispenser. But here’s the real question: does this cold brew maker actually deliver on its promises, or is it just another pretty face in a crowded market? If you’re tired of paying $5 for a cup of cold brew at your local café and want to make your own at home, you’re in the right place.
In this review, I’ll break down everything about the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker—from the tap dispenser’s functionality to brew quality, ease of cleaning, and whether it justifies its premium price tag. By the end, you’ll know exactly if this cold brew maker belongs in your kitchen or if your money is better spent elsewhere.
Quick Verdict: KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
After extensive testing, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker earns a solid recommendation for home baristas who prioritize convenience and aesthetics. The tap dispenser is genuinely useful—not just a gimmick—and the brew quality rivals what you’d get from more expensive dedicated cold brew systems. However, it’s not perfect for everyone.
The Bottom Line: If you drink cold brew regularly (at least 3-4 times per week), have counter space to spare, and appreciate a mess-free dispensing experience, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is worth the investment. For occasional cold brew drinkers, simpler and cheaper alternatives might serve you better.
KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Features and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker makes a strong impression. It features a 28-ounce capacity stainless steel steeper that sits inside a glass pitcher, which holds up to 38 ounces total. The signature tap dispenser is positioned at the bottom of the pitcher, allowing you to pour cold brew concentrate directly into your cup without lifting anything.
Build Quality and Design
KitchenAid has built its reputation on durable kitchen appliances, and this cold brew maker doesn’t disappoint. The glass pitcher feels substantial without being overly heavy, and the stainless steel components have that quality weight and finish you’d expect from the brand. In my experience, cheaper cold brew makers often use flimsy plastic parts that crack or warp over time—that’s not the case here.
- Stainless steel steeper: Reusable, doesn’t impart off-flavors, and cleans easily
- Borosilicate glass pitcher: Resists thermal shock and won’t absorb coffee oils
- Tap dispenser: Spring-loaded mechanism with silicone seal
- Integrated lid: Keeps your brew fresh and odor-free in the fridge
The footprint is compact enough to fit on a refrigerator shelf without hogging too much space. That said, at about 12 inches tall, you’ll want to measure your fridge clearance before purchasing.
What’s in the Box
KitchenAid includes the glass pitcher with tap, stainless steel steeper basket, lid, and a basic instruction booklet with a few recipe suggestions. I appreciate that they don’t over-complicate things. You get what you need and nothing extraneous that ends up in a junk drawer.
The Tap Dispenser: Gimmick or Game-Changer?
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The tap dispenser is the main feature that separates this cold brew maker from dozens of competitors. So, is the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker’s tap dispenser actually worth it?
How It Works
The tap operates on a simple spring-loaded mechanism. Push the lever back, and cold brew concentrate flows out. Release, and it stops. There’s a silicone gasket that creates a tight seal, preventing drips and leaks when not in use. In my testing over several months, I’ve experienced zero leaks—even when moving the pitcher around in the fridge.
Here’s where the tap really shines: imagine you’ve just woken up, still half-asleep, and you want cold brew. With a traditional cold brew maker, you’d need to lift a heavy pitcher, pour carefully, and try not to make a mess. With the KitchenAid, you just slide your glass under the tap and press. It’s a small convenience that adds up to a genuinely better morning experience.
Pros and Cons of the Tap System
Pros:
- One-handed operation—perfect when multitasking
- No lifting heavy pitchers, reducing spill risk
- Precise pour control for measuring concentrate
- Tap height accommodates most glasses and mugs
- Easy to clean with just a quick rinse
Cons:
- Slightly more parts to clean compared to simple pitchers
- The tap sits about 1 inch from the bottom, leaving some liquid inaccessible
- Requires counter or shelf clearance for the tap to function properly
That last con deserves a quick mention. Because the tap needs clearance to pour, you can’t just shove this pitcher anywhere in your fridge. You’ll need a spot where you can slide a glass underneath. For most refrigerator setups, the door shelf or a front-of-shelf position works well.
Brew Quality: How Does the Cold Brew Taste?
All the fancy features in the world don’t matter if the coffee tastes mediocre. Fortunately, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker produces excellent results—smooth, low-acid concentrate that’s versatile enough for various coffee drinks.
The Brewing Process
Making cold brew with this system is straightforward:
- Step 1: Add coarsely ground coffee to the stainless steel steeper (about 6-8 tablespoons)
- Step 2: Insert the steeper into the pitcher and add cold, filtered water
- Step 3: Refrigerate for 12-24 hours (I’ve found 18-20 hours hits the sweet spot)
- Step 4: Remove the steeper and enjoy your concentrate
The stainless steel steeper does an admirable job of containing grounds while allowing water to circulate. Unlike paper or cloth filters, it won’t impart any papery taste, and it’s infinitely reusable. I’ve found that the resulting concentrate is clean with minimal sediment—though if you prefer absolutely crystal-clear cold brew, you might want to do a quick secondary filter through a paper filter.
Barista Tip: Use a 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio for a balanced concentrate. You can dilute this 1:1 with water, milk, or your preferred alternative when serving. For a stronger brew, go with 1:4 and steep for the full 24 hours.
Taste Profile
When brewed properly, you’ll get a smooth, naturally sweet concentrate with chocolate and nutty undertones—depending on your bean selection, of course. The low-acid nature of cold brew really comes through, making it gentler on sensitive stomachs. In my experience, medium to dark roasts work best with this system, producing a rich, full-bodied concentrate that stands up well to dilution.
Cleaning and Maintenance: The Real Test
I’ve tested cold brew makers that produce great coffee but are such a nightmare to clean that I eventually abandoned them. Nobody wants to spend their morning scrubbing coffee residue out of tiny crevices. So how does the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker fare?
Daily Cleaning
Good news: cleaning is genuinely easy. The stainless steel steeper pops out, and you can dump the used grounds straight into compost or trash. A quick rinse under warm water removes most residue. For the pitcher itself, warm soapy water and a bottle brush handle the job in under a minute. The tap mechanism disassembles into just two pieces—the lever and the silicone gasket—both of which rinse clean easily.
Deep Cleaning
About once a month, I recommend doing a deeper clean. Here’s my routine:
- Soak the steeper in a solution of warm water and baking soda for 30 minutes
- Use a soft brush to clean the mesh thoroughly
- Run the tap mechanism through the same soak
- Rinse everything well and air dry before reassembling
All components are top-rack dishwasher safe, which is a nice option if you prefer the hands-off approach. I’ve run mine through the dishwasher dozens of times without any degradation to the finish or function.
Who Is the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker For?
Not every product suits every person. Here’s my honest assessment of who will love this cold brew maker and who should look elsewhere.
Who Is This For?
- Regular cold brew drinkers: If you consume cold brew 3+ times per week, the convenience pays off quickly
- Aesthetics-conscious home baristas: This looks great on a counter or in a glass-door fridge
- Those with mobility limitations: The tap dispenser eliminates heavy lifting
- Quality-focused buyers: If you value durable construction over budget pricing
- Small household coffee enthusiasts: The 38-ounce capacity is perfect for 1-2 people
Who Is This NOT For?
- Occasional cold brew drinkers: If you only want cold brew once a month, a Mason jar works fine
- Large families or offices: The capacity won’t keep up with heavy consumption
- Budget-conscious buyers: Cheaper alternatives exist if the tap isn’t essential to you
- Those with very limited fridge space: You’ll need dedicated shelf real estate
KitchenAid Cold Brew Maker vs. Alternatives
To put the KitchenAid in context, here’s how it compares to other popular cold brew options:
| Feature | KitchenAid Cold Brew | Toddy Cold Brew System | OXO Cold Brew Maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 38 oz | 56 oz | 32 oz |
| Tap Dispenser | Yes | No | No (drain stopper) |
| Filter Type | Stainless steel mesh | Felt + paper | Stainless steel mesh |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No | Partial |
| Price Range | $$ | $$ | $$ |
Each system has merits. The Toddy produces exceptionally clean concentrate thanks to its felt filtration but requires more maintenance. The OXO offers clever drain functionality but lacks the tap convenience. The KitchenAid strikes a nice balance between ease of use and brew quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cold brew last in the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
Properly stored in the refrigerator with the lid on, your cold brew concentrate will stay fresh for up to two weeks. In my experience, the flavor is best within the first 7-10 days, after which it can start developing slightly stale notes. The sealed lid does an excellent job keeping refrigerator odors from affecting your brew.
Can you make hot coffee with the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker?
You shouldn’t brew with hot water in this device—that’s not what it’s designed for, and the sudden temperature change could stress the glass. However, you can absolutely heat your cold brew concentrate afterward. Just dilute it with hot water, warm it in the microwave, or steam it like you would milk. Cold brew concentrate makes surprisingly delicious hot coffee.
What grind size works best for this cold brew maker?
Coarse grind is essential—think sea salt or raw sugar texture. A too-fine grind will over-extract, creating bitter concentrate, and may also clog the mesh filter. If you’re grinding at home, use the coarsest setting on your burr grinder. Pre-ground coffee labeled “for French press” also works well.
Does the tap dispenser drip or leak?
In my testing, the tap has been completely leak-free when properly assembled. Make sure the silicone gasket is seated correctly and the tap is fully tightened. If you notice any drips, check that the gasket isn’t damaged or positioned incorrectly. KitchenAid sells replacement gaskets if needed.
Is the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker worth the price?
That depends on your cold brew habits. If you’re buying cold brew from coffee shops regularly, this maker pays for itself within a month or two. A batch costs roughly $2-3 in beans and yields about a week’s worth of concentrate. Compared to the $5+ per cup you’d pay elsewhere, the math works out quickly for regular drinkers.
Final Verdict: Is the Tap Dispenser Worth It?
After using the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker for several months, I can confidently say the tap dispenser is more than a marketing gimmick—it’s a genuinely useful feature that improves the daily cold brew experience. Combined with solid build quality, excellent brew results, and easy maintenance, this cold brew maker earns its spot in my kitchen.
Is it the cheapest option? No. Is it the highest-capacity system? Also no. But for home baristas who value the intersection of convenience, quality, and design, the KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker hits a sweet spot that’s hard to match. Life really is too short for bad coffee—and for unnecessarily complicated morning routines.
Ready to upgrade your cold brew game? The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is available at most major retailers. Check the latest price on Amazon or at your local KitchenAid dealer to see current deals. Your future caffeinated self will thank you.
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