The Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System offers a streamlined approach to home cold brewing with its reliable reusable filter system that prevents mess and spilling. Reviewers praise its ease of use and ability to produce smooth, flavorful cold brew with minimal sediment. Home Grounds reviewer Julia Bobak noted its practical design and dual-filtration options, while Low-Key Coffee Snobs user David Hayes highlighted its effectiveness for regular household use. However, some reviewers noted the messy stopper removal process and relatively high cost compared to DIY alternatives. This system suits coffee enthusiasts seeking convenience and consistent results over traditional methods.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System presents a utilitarian design that prioritizes function over form, with a plastic brewing chamber sitting atop a glass carafe. This straightforward aesthetic has remained largely unchanged since its 1960s inception, as noted by The Spruce Eats, which described it as resembling 'a bucket sitting on a pickle jar.' Despite its unassuming appearance, the build quality is solid, with the plastic components designed to withstand repeated use and the glass decanter offering excellent visibility of the brewing process. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak emphasized that while the design isn't particularly beautiful, it's 'simple and inoffensive' and practical for storage. The system includes a silicone stopper, two felt filters, three paper filter bags, and a plastic lid for the carafe, all of which contribute to its comprehensive setup. Seattle Coffee Gear's review confirmed the durability of the components, noting that the plastic chamber is robust enough for regular use, though the design does require careful handling during the draining process to avoid spills.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setup for the Toddy Cold Brew system requires some attention to detail, particularly for first-time users, according to The Spruce Eats' tester who noted that 'setup requires close attention the first time around' and may be trickier than other cold brew makers. The process involves inserting a rubber stopper into the bottom of the brewing chamber, adding coarsely ground coffee, and then pouring cold, filtered water slowly over the grounds. Homegrounds' reviewer found the assembly straightforward, adding that the system 'allows me to brew on the counter or in the fridge, which is a nice way to control brew timing.' However, the removal of the stopper to place the brew chamber on the carafe presents a notable challenge, as acknowledged by multiple reviewers including The Spruce Eats, which noted that 'removing the stopper can be messy' and that 'you’re bound to spill some concentrate in the process.' This design flaw, while minor, can be frustrating for users accustomed to more streamlined processes, particularly when the stopper must be removed before draining, as the silicone stopper can cause a mess if not handled carefully.
Brewing Performance and Results
The Toddy excels in producing consistently smooth and flavorful cold brew, with multiple reviewers praising its ability to deliver a clean cup with a slightly heavier body when using the cloth filter alone. Low-Key Coffee Snobs' David Hayes noted that the Toddy's reusable filter system is 'reliable' and 'much better than my prior system,' which involved makeshift solutions like cheese cloth that often resulted in spills and subpar filtering. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak found that the cloth filter method yielded 'smooth and clean cup with a slightly heavier body,' while The Kitchn's Danielle Centoni rated the Toddy 4/5 for its performance, highlighting that the coffee was 'very strong, yet smooth' and that 'a single batch lasted a long time.' The system's capacity of 38 ounces allows for substantial batches, making it ideal for households or individuals who consume cold brew regularly. However, The Kitchn's tester did note that the coffee-to-water ratio was so low that some makers might be better off drinking the concentrate straight rather than diluting it, a point that underscores the importance of understanding the intended use of the device.
Filter System and Filtration Quality
The Toddy's dual-filtration system, which includes both cloth and paper filters, offers flexibility in achieving desired flavor profiles. Homegrounds' reviewer found that using the cloth filter alone produced a smooth and clean cup with a slightly heavier body, while the paper filter bags provided an option for those preferring a finer grind or a more refined extraction. The Kitchn's tester noted that the coffee was 'very strong, yet smooth' and that the system's design prevented sediment from entering the final product. However, the cloth filter's effectiveness in preventing fine particles from passing through was questioned by some users, particularly those who found that 'fine particles of coffee sometimes seep through the filter into the cold brew,' as noted by The Spruce Eats. Despite this, most reviewers found that the filtration system was effective, with the cloth filter alone being sufficient for most users, though the option to add a paper filter provides an additional layer of control for those who prefer a more refined brew.
Cleanup and Maintenance
Cleanup of the Toddy Cold Brew system is generally straightforward, with most components being dishwasher-safe except for the filter, which requires hand washing. The Spruce Eats' tester noted that 'cleanup is easy because all of the pieces detach and are dishwasher-safe, except for the filter,' a feature that many reviewers appreciated. The modular design allows for easy disassembly and cleaning, making it convenient for regular use. Low-Key Coffee Snobs' David Hayes emphasized that the Toddy has been a great addition to his household's coffee repertoire, noting that 'Ive never actually spilled a bunch of coffee grounds on the counter (at least mid-brew)' since switching to the Toddy, which speaks to the system's overall reliability in preventing messes during the brewing process. However, the need to manually remove the stopper and handle the draining process can be slightly messy, as noted by multiple reviewers, which may require extra care during cleanup to avoid spills or residue buildup.
Value and Price Comparison
At $44.95, the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System is positioned as a mid-range option in the cold brew market, with The Spruce Eats' review placing it as the 'BEST OVERALL' choice among cold brew makers, though it does come with a higher price tag than some alternatives. The Kitchn's tester noted that while the Toddy is 'very strong, yet smooth' and 'a single batch lasted a long time,' it may not be the most budget-friendly option, especially when compared to alternatives like the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker, which retails for $32. However, the Toddy's longevity and consistent performance, as highlighted by reviewers like Low-Key Coffee Snobs, suggest that its price point is justified for those who value reliability and convenience. Seattle Coffee Gear's review emphasized that the Toddy's 'reusable filter system' and 'reliable' design make it a worthwhile investment for regular cold brew enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the convenience of a dedicated brewing system that can produce consistent results without the need for multiple makeshift solutions.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Toddy Cold Brew system has notable drawbacks that may deter some users. The most significant criticism comes from its design flaw involving the stopper removal process, which is described as 'messy' by multiple reviewers including The Spruce Eats, which noted that 'you’re bound to spill some concentrate in the process.' Additionally, the system's setup can be more complex than that of competing products, as noted by The Spruce Eats' tester who found that 'setup requires close attention the first time around' and may be 'trickier than that of other cold brew makers.' The relatively high price point of $44.95 may also be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives like the County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar Coffee Maker, which retails for $32. Furthermore, while the system is praised for its consistent performance, some reviewers have noted that the coffee-to-water ratio can be so low that users might be better off drinking the concentrate straight rather than diluting it, which could be a limitation for those who prefer a more diluted cold brew.
Who It's Best For
The Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System is ideal for regular cold brew enthusiasts who value consistency, convenience, and reliability in their brewing process. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak and Low-Key Coffee Snobs' David Hayes both emphasized that the Toddy is particularly suited for those who drink cold brew regularly and appreciate a system that delivers consistent results without the need for makeshift solutions. The system's large capacity of 38 ounces and its ability to produce substantial batches make it perfect for households or individuals who consume cold brew regularly. However, those who are budget-conscious or prefer a simpler, more straightforward brewing process may find the Toddy's design and setup requirements to be more complex than necessary. Additionally, users who are sensitive to the messiness of the stopper removal process or who prefer a more visually appealing design may want to consider alternatives like the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which offers a more modern aesthetic and easier draining mechanism. Ultimately, the Toddy is best suited for those who are willing to invest in a reliable, dedicated cold brew system that delivers consistent, high-quality results.
Strengths
- +Reliable reusable filter system that eliminates mess and spilling
- +Easy to assemble and use with clear brewing instructions
- +Large capacity of up to 45 ounces for concentrate brewing
- +Produces smooth and flavorful cold brew with minimal sediment
- +Durable construction with practical design for home use
Watch-outs
- −Removing the stopper can be messy and prone to spills
- −Relatively expensive compared to basic DIY methods
- −Filter replacement components may need periodic replacement
How it compares
The Toddy system provides a reliable reusable filter that prevents mess and spilling, a feature not found in the OXO or Hario models. It's more durable than the glass-based Ovalware pitcher and offers a larger 45-ounce capacity, surpassing the KitchenAid 28-oz model. However, unlike the KitchenAid 38-oz, it lacks a built-in tap for easy dispensing and doesn't offer the airtight seal for freshness that the Ovalware pitcher provides.
Who this is for
At a glance: mess-free brewing enthusiasts.
Why you’d buy the Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker System
- Reliable reusable filter system that eliminates mess and spilling.
- Easy to assemble and use with clear brewing instructions.
- Large capacity of up to 45 ounces for concentrate brewing.
Why you’d skip it
- Removing the stopper can be messy and prone to spills.
- Relatively expensive compared to basic DIY methods.
- Filter replacement components may need periodic replacement.
Rating sources
“Im very glad I did. Thats the TL;DR of this review. But no product is perfect, and the cold press coffee Toddy is no exception to that.”
Our 3.8 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.
