OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 32 oz, Iced Coffee Maker with Carafe

The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is one of the better-known home cold brew systems. It costs about $50 on Amazon and has a 4.5-star average from around 3,400 reviews.

How it works

You put coarse grounds in the brewing container, pour water over the perforated "rainmaker" lid, which spreads it evenly across the grounds, and leave it to steep for 12 to 24 hours. Then you flip a brew-release switch and the concentrate drains through the filter into the glass carafe below. The switch lets you start and stop draining, and the listing says it stops automatically if you lift the carafe away, so you don't get coffee on the counter.

OXO's numbers: 10 ounces of coarse grounds makes up to 32 ounces of concentrate, which OXO says is enough for up to 14 drinks once you dilute it with water or milk.

What you get

• A borosilicate glass carafe that holds 32 oz, with measurement markings and a stopper for the fridge
• A reusable, ultra-fine stainless steel mesh filter, dishwasher safe, so there are no paper filters to buy
• A brewer that comes apart for cleaning and nests for storage

Why cold brew

Cold brew tastes smoother and less acidic than hot coffee to many people, and a batch made on Sunday covers several mornings. Concentrate is strong, though, so dilute it and keep an eye on how much caffeine you're actually drinking. For energy, when you drink caffeine matters as much as how much. Our morning routine for energy covers that, including why the afternoon cup is the one to cut.

Who it's for

• Iced coffee drinkers who want to stop buying it at a café
• People who find hot coffee too bitter or acidic
• Anyone who likes to prep breakfast the night before

Who should skip it

If you drink one cup a day, a mason jar and a strainer will do the job for much less. It also takes up fridge and counter space. And if caffeine is wrecking your sleep, a more convenient way to make coffee isn't going to help. See why you're exhausted after 8 hours of sleep.

Alternatives

If you want less caffeine with a gentler lift, try matcha. Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Grade Matcha costs about $11 for a 30g pouch. For a better start to the day than any drink, read why am I always tired.