The County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a popular mason jar brewer that's praised for its versatility and ease of use. The Kitchn called it 'adorable' and noted its dishwasher-safe design, while Shouldit reviewers found it practical but recommended longer brewing times and additional decanting due to sediment issues. The product comes in 1-quart and 2-quart sizes with color options and includes a stainless steel mesh filter. It's ideal for those wanting a simple, functional cold brew solution but may not satisfy users seeking complex flavor profiles.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker presents a straightforward yet appealing design that leans into the classic mason jar aesthetic. According to Tools and Toys, the product includes a wide-mouthed Ball jar in either 1- or 2-quart sizes, a stainless steel mesh filter, and two silicone seals for airtight storage. The glass decanter is described as robust, matching the durability of standard mason jars. RTINGS noted that the jar's thick soda lime glass construction and rolled steel seems contribute to its longevity. The lid features a three-part design with a handle option for easier pouring, and an integrated silicone gasket ensures a leak-proof seal. The company's official website emphasizes the product's durability with claims that the rust-resistant mesh filter is exceptionally strong to resist bending or tearing over time. However, the build quality is not without criticism, as Serious Eats reviewer Madeline Muzzi found that simpler designs were better, suggesting that the County Line Kitchen's somewhat more complex setup may not be ideal for those seeking minimalism.
Brewing Performance and Results
Performance-wise, the County Line Kitchen delivers a functional cold brew experience, though it's not without its compromises. The Kitchn reported that users found the brew to be smooth and easy to make, with a clean finish that prevents coffee grounds from entering the final product. However, Should It? gave it a 7.8/10 for brew quality, citing that while the brew brought out sweeter profiles, it lacked complexity and required longer brewing times than standard 18-hour recommendations. The filter, described as a rough mesh rather than a laser-cut stainless steel filter, produced a significant amount of sediment, which Serious Eats noted was higher than expected. The company's own website claims the brewer produces smooth, rich flavors, but independent reviewers found that the filter's effectiveness was a notable limitation. The filter's mesh size allows some particles through, requiring additional decanting or refiltering for a cleaner result.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Ease of use is one of the County Line Kitchen's strongest suits, with multiple reviewers praising its simplicity. The flip-cap lid design allows for easy pouring and leak-proof storage, while the dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze. According to The Kitchn, users appreciated that everything could be cleaned in the dishwasher, and even hand washing was described as easy due to the filter's well-made construction and wide-mouth jar. Tools and Toys noted that the setup process is straightforward, requiring only the insertion of the filter, addition of grounds, filling with water, and steeping for 12-24 hours. The company's website emphasizes that the system is designed for ease of use, with no complicated steps or special techniques required. However, the need for additional decanting to remove sediment, as noted by Should It?, suggests that the cleaning process isn't entirely effortless for those seeking a truly hands-off experience.
Versatility and Functionality
The County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker is marketed as a multi-functional tool, capable of making both coffee and tea. The Kitchn highlighted that users have successfully used it for iced tea as well, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. The company's website states that the system is designed to make it easy to prepare smooth, balanced beverages at home, whether for coffee or tea. This dual functionality is a significant selling point for users who want to reduce their kitchen clutter. However, Serious Eats reviewer Madeline Muzzi noted that while the product is functional, it doesn't offer any significant advantages over the DIY approach of using a mason jar and a regular filter. The versatility is limited by the filter's effectiveness, which may not be sufficient for those who prefer a sediment-free experience. The company offers additional accessories like separate stainless steel lids and filters for purchase, indicating that the core product is designed to be expandable rather than fully self-contained.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker has notable shortcomings that have been consistently reported by reviewers. The primary criticism comes from the filter's effectiveness, which is described as subpar by multiple sources. Should It? gave it a 7.8/10 for brew quality, citing that the filter is not the most effective and produces a significant amount of sediment. The filter's mesh size allows coffee grounds to pass through, requiring additional decanting or refiltering for a cleaner result. Serious Eats reviewer Madeline Muzzi noted that the product doesn't offer any significant advantages over the DIY approach, suggesting that those seeking a truly superior cold brew experience may find better options elsewhere. Additionally, the product's design, while functional, is criticized for not being as streamlined as some competitors. The Kitchn reported that while the product is easy to use, it's not necessarily the most advanced or efficient solution for those who want a premium cold brew experience. The company's own website acknowledges that the brewer is designed for simplicity, which may not appeal to users seeking more sophisticated features.
Who It's Best For
The County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker is best suited for users who value simplicity, affordability, and basic functionality over advanced features or premium results. The Kitchn's review emphasized that it's an economical system that's perfect for those who want to make cold brew at home without investing in more expensive equipment. It's ideal for users who are comfortable with a bit of sediment in their cold brew and don't mind the extra step of decanting. The product is also well-suited for those who want a multi-functional tool that can be used for both coffee and tea. However, users who prioritize a sediment-free, complex flavor profile or who are looking for a more advanced brewing experience may find better options in products like the KitchenAid or OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker. The company's website states that it's designed for home beverage enthusiasts who want a reliable, easy-to-use system, but Serious Eats reviewer Madeline Muzzi noted that it's not necessarily the best option for those seeking premium results.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to alternatives, the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker holds its own in terms of simplicity and ease of use but falls short in terms of performance and advanced features. The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which Serious Eats rated as the best overall, features a heavy-duty glass carafe with a built-in spigot, making it more convenient for serving without additional steps. The OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker, another top pick, offers a space-saving design with fill lines for easy brewing and a simple plastic construction that's easy to clean. The Hario Mizudashi, a budget-friendly option, is praised for its light and compact design, making it ideal for seasonal users. In contrast, the County Line Kitchen's design, while functional, is more basic and requires additional steps for sediment removal. The company's own website claims that their product is built to last, but independent reviewers found that the filter's effectiveness is a significant limitation compared to more advanced systems. The County Line Kitchen is positioned as a budget-friendly, user-friendly option, but it lacks the polish and performance of higher-end alternatives.
Value at This Price
At $28-33, the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Coffee Maker offers solid value for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality. The Kitchn noted that it's an economical system that's perfect for those who want to make cold brew at home without investing in more expensive equipment. The company's website emphasizes that the product is designed to simplify the home brewing experience, which is a significant selling point for budget-conscious consumers. However, Should It? gave it a score of 8.6 overall, with a 9.6/10 for ease of use but only 7.8/10 for brew quality, indicating that while it's easy to use, it doesn't necessarily deliver premium results. The product's value is further diminished by the need for additional decanting steps to remove sediment, which adds to the overall user experience. The company offers additional accessories for purchase, which may increase the total cost for those who want a complete system. While it's not the most expensive option, the County Line Kitchen doesn't offer the premium features or performance that justify a higher price point, making it a good value for basic users but not for those seeking advanced functionality.
Strengths
- +Versatile product that can be used for both coffee and iced tea
- +Dishwasher-safe design with easy cleanup
- +Airtight silicone gasket prevents leaks
- +Minimal packaging and shipped fully assembled
Watch-outs
- −Filter is not very effective at removing sediment
- −Brew strength is average and lacks complexity
How it compares
The County Line Kitchen's mason jar design is dishwasher-safe and leak-proof, a feature not found in the more complex OXO or Toddy systems. It's also more affordable than the Ovalware pitcher and offers versatility for both coffee and iced tea, unlike the more specialized KitchenAid or Hario models. However, it's less effective at removing sediment compared to the Toddy or OXO systems, and it lacks the durability and precision of the stainless steel components found in the KitchenAid or Ovalware models.
Who this is for
At a glance: budget-conscious beginners.
Why you’d buy the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker
- Versatile product that can be used for both coffee and iced tea.
- Dishwasher-safe design with easy cleanup.
- Airtight silicone gasket prevents leaks.
Why you’d skip it
- Filter is not very effective at removing sediment.
- Brew strength is average and lacks complexity.
Rating sources
“Making cold brew coffee at home doesn't have to be an overly complicated affair. All you need is... A container for steeping coffee grounds in water overnight. A filter to remove those grounds from the coffee concentrate afterward.”
“The KitchenAid's high-quality glass and stainless steel construction, built-in spigot, and convenient handle propelled this cold brew maker to the front of the pack.”
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
