Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker Australia: 2025 Buying Guide with Local Prices

Cold brew coffee has exploded across Australia's cafe scene—from Melbourne's laneways to Sydney's beachside suburbs. With scorching summers that regularly hit 35°C+, Australians have embraced cold brew as the ultimate refreshing caffeine fix.

But here's the thing: you don't need to spend $7 a pop at your local cafe. Making cold brew at home is ridiculously simple, and with the right equipment, you'll save hundreds of dollars each summer while enjoying smoother, less acidic coffee.

This guide covers the best cold brew coffee makers actually available in Australia—including where to buy them locally, current AU pricing, and which options work best for our unique climate and coffee culture.

Why Cold Brew is Perfect for Australian Coffee Lovers

Australia's coffee culture is legendary—we take our caffeine seriously. But when the mercury climbs, even the most devoted flat white drinker craves something cooler.

Cold brew suits the Australian lifestyle because:

• Batch brewing: Make a week's worth on Sunday, grab and go all week
• Lower acidity: Easier on the stomach during hot summer mornings
• No dilution: Unlike iced coffee, cold brew doesn't get watered down as ice melts
• Versatility: Serve over ice, with milk, or even hot (yes, hot cold brew is a thing)

How cold brew works: Unlike hot coffee, cold brew extracts flavour slowly using time instead of heat. Coarse ground coffee steeps in cold water for 12-24 hours, creating a smooth concentrate that's less bitter and naturally sweeter than hot-brewed coffee.

Do you need a dedicated maker? Not strictly—a jar and strainer work fine. But Australian summers are long, and if you're making cold brew weekly from November through March, a dedicated maker saves time and produces more consistent results. The question is which one suits your budget and kitchen.

Types of Cold Brew Makers Available in Australia

Immersion Cold Brewers (Most Popular)

The most common type in Australian homes. Grounds steep in water, then get filtered out.

How they work:

1. Add coarse coffee to the filter basket
2. Pour cold filtered water over the grounds
3. Steep 12-24 hours in the fridge (essential in Australian heat)
4. Remove the filter basket
5. Serve or store the concentrate

Popular models in Australia: Hario Mizudashi, Toddy, OXO Cold Brew Maker, Takeya

Pros:

• Simple, reliable, hard to mess up
• Easy cleanup
• Various sizes available
• Work well in Australian fridges

Cons:

• Takes precious fridge space (tight in many Aussie apartments)
• Requires planning ahead

Slow Drip Cold Brewers (For Enthusiasts)

Japanese-style drip systems where water slowly drips through grounds over several hours.

How they work:

1. Fill the top chamber with ice water
2. Drip rate controlled by valve
3. Water passes through grounds drop by drop
4. Finished brew collects in the bottom

Available in Australia: Hario Shizuku, Yama Glass Tower (via specialty retailers)

Pros:

• More nuanced flavour extraction
• Faster than immersion (4-8 hours)
• Impressive conversation piece

Cons:

• Expensive ($150-400 AUD)
• Fragile glass components
• Complicated setup
• Harder to find in Australian stores

DIY Options (Budget-Friendly)

You probably already own cold brew equipment.

French Press Method: Add grounds and water, steep overnight in the fridge, press and pour. Works with any French press you already own.

Mason Jar + Strainer: Steep in a large jar, strain through fine mesh + cheesecloth or paper filter. The $5 solution.

Keep Cup or Large Jar: Any large container works. The brewing principle is identical whether you use a $200 brewer or a recycled pasta jar.

Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers in Australia (2025)

Best Overall: Hario Mizudashi

Price: $45-55 AUD | Capacity: 1L | Where to buy: Alternative Brewing, Amazon AU, Crema Coffee Garage

The Hario Mizudashi is the cold brew maker most Australian specialty cafes recommend. Simple, elegant, and it just works—perfect for our coffee-obsessed culture.

What we like:

• Fine mesh filter produces clean, sediment-free brew
• Slim design fits in standard Australian fridge doors
• Glass carafe looks great on the counter
• Easy to clean between batches
• Japanese build quality that lasts

What to know:

• Glass can break if you're clumsy (replacement carafes available)
• 1L capacity might not be enough for households with multiple cold brew drinkers
• Filter basket holds ~80g coffee maximum

Best for: Most Australian households. It's the default recommendation for good reason, especially if you're new to cold brew.

Best Value: IKEA Cold Brew Pitcher

Price: $12-18 AUD | Capacity: 1L | Where to buy: IKEA Australia (in-store and online)

IKEA's cold brew pitchers are functionally similar to the Hario at a third of the price—perfect for testing the waters without a big investment.

What we like:

• Excellent value for money
• Same basic brewing function as premium options
• Widely available across Australia
• BPA-free plastic construction (durable and shatterproof)

What to know:

• Filter mesh isn't as fine as Hario (may need paper filter backup for ultra-clean brew)
• Plastic construction feels less premium than glass
• May not last as long with daily use

Best for: Budget-conscious Australians, students, people who want to try cold brew before investing in premium gear, or anyone who tends to break glassware.

Best Large Capacity: OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Maker

Price: $80-100 AUD | Capacity: 1.5L | Where to buy: Kitchen Warehouse, Myer, David Jones, Amazon AU

If you're batch-brewing for the whole family or want a full week's supply, the OXO is worth the investment.

What we like:

• Produces 1.5L concentrate per batch (enough for 10-15 servings)
• Rainmaker lid ensures even water saturation
• Clever draining system—no lifting heavy carafe
• Dishwasher safe components
• Available from major Australian retailers

What to know:

• Bulky—takes significant fridge space (measure first)
• Plastic construction (durable but less elegant than glass)
• More parts to clean than simpler brewers
• Higher price point

Best for: Australian households with multiple cold brew drinkers, meal preppers, or anyone who wants to brew once and drink all week.

Best for Small Fridges: Takeya Cold Brew Maker

Price: $40-50 AUD | Capacity: 1L | Where to buy: Amazon AU, specialty coffee retailers

Australian apartment fridges are notoriously small. The Takeya's slim, airtight design is perfect for tight spaces.

What we like:

• Airtight lid keeps coffee fresh for up to 2 weeks
• Non-slip silicone base (great for glass fridge shelves)
• Tritan plastic (shatterproof—ideal for households with kids)
• Space-efficient vertical design
• Fits in most Australian fridge doors

What to know:

• Plastic construction doesn't feel as premium as glass
• Filter can be fiddly to clean thoroughly
• Not as widely available in Australian physical stores

Best for: Small Australian apartments, share houses with limited fridge space, families worried about broken glass, or anyone who takes their cold brew to the beach or office.

Best Premium: Toddy Cold Brew System

Price: $90-110 AUD | Capacity: 1.4L | Where to buy: Alternative Brewing, specialty coffee retailers

Toddy pioneered commercial cold brew in the 1960s. Their home system is the industry standard used by cafes worldwide—including many across Australia.

What we like:

• Produces exceptionally smooth, cafe-quality concentrate
• Felt filters create the cleanest brew with minimal sediment
• Iconic design that's been refined over decades
• Commercial-grade quality for home use
• Perfect for Australian coffee enthusiasts who want pro results

What to know:

• Requires proprietary felt filters (ongoing cost ~$18-22 AUD for a pack of 2)
• More setup and cleanup than simpler brewers
• Concentrate is strong—requires dilution (1:1 or more)
• Higher initial investment

Best for: Cold brew purists, Australian home baristas who want cafe-quality results, or anyone serious about their summer coffee game.

Best Drip Tower: Hario Shizuku

Price: $200-250 AUD | Capacity: 600ml | Where to buy: Alternative Brewing, Japanese specialty retailers

For the true coffee enthusiast who appreciates the theatre of brewing. The Shizuku produces a different flavour profile than immersion methods—more tea-like and nuanced.

What we like:

• Beautiful countertop piece that impresses guests
• Nuanced extraction produces unique flavour profiles
• Adjustable drip rate for customization
• Faster than immersion (4-8 hours vs 12-24)
• Japanese craftsmanship and design

What to know:

• Expensive investment
• Fragile glass construction (not for clumsy hands)
• Smaller capacity (600ml)
• Requires more attention during brewing
• Limited Australian stockists

Best for: Australian coffee nerds, people who appreciate brewing ritual, or anyone who wants a stunning conversation piece for their kitchen.

Cold Brew Maker Comparison Table (Australian Prices)

Prices are approximate and may vary between Australian retailers. Check current pricing at listed stockists.

DIY Cold Brew: No Special Equipment Needed

You can make excellent cold brew without spending a cent on new gear. These methods work with equipment most Australian households already own.

French Press Method (Most Popular DIY)

What you need: French press, coarse ground coffee, filtered water, fridge

Process:

1. Add 80g coarse coffee to your French press
2. Pour 500ml cold filtered water over grounds
3. Stir gently to saturate all grounds
4. Cover (don't press the plunger yet)
5. Refrigerate 12-18 hours (longer in hot weather)
6. Press the plunger down slowly
7. Optional: Pour through paper filter for extra clarity

Result: Clean, smooth cold brew concentrate. Dilute 1:1 with water, milk, or alternative milks. Serve over ice for the perfect Australian summer drink.

Why it works: Most Australian coffee lovers already own a French press. This method requires zero new purchases and produces results nearly identical to dedicated brewers.

Mason Jar Method (Cheapest Option)

What you need: Large jar (Mason jar, pasta sauce jar, or any container), fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or paper coffee filter

Process:

1. Add 100g coarse coffee to your jar
2. Pour 600ml cold filtered water
3. Stir, cover loosely (don't seal completely—gases need to escape)
4. Refrigerate 18-24 hours
5. Strain through mesh strainer into another container
6. Strain again through paper filter to remove fine sediment

Result: Takes more effort to filter than dedicated brewers, but produces identical quality cold brew. Perfect for students, budget brewers, or anyone testing the method before investing.

The "Aussie Bush" Method (Camping/Travel)

Going camping or to the beach? Steep coarse coffee in a sealed container overnight, then filter through a clean cloth or paper towel in the morning. Not elegant, but it works in a pinch.

Australian Cold Brew Tips for Better Results

Use Coarse Grind (Critical)

Finer grinds = over-extraction = bitter cold brew. Go coarser than French press—think sea salt or raw sugar texture. If your grinder doesn't go coarse enough, consider upgrading. See our guide on choosing the best manual coffee grinder for options.

Water Quality Matters (Especially in Australia)

Cold brew is 90%+ water. Australian tap water varies dramatically by city—Adelaide's water is notoriously hard, while Melbourne's is relatively soft. If your tap water tastes chlorinated or metallic, your cold brew will too. Use filtered water for best results.

Adjust for Australian Heat

Australian summers are brutal. If you're steeping at room temperature during a heatwave, reduce steeping time by 2-4 hours to prevent over-extraction. When in doubt, steep in the fridge—it's more consistent and produces cleaner results.

Experiment With Ratios

Standard ratio: 1:8 (coffee to water by weight) for concentrate, dilute 1:1 to serve

Stronger: 1:6 for intense concentrate (great for milk drinks)

Lighter: 1:10 for ready-to-drink cold brew

Australian cafe style: Most Aussie cafes use a 1:7 ratio for concentrate. Start there and adjust to taste.

Steep Time Affects Flavour

• 12-14 hours: Brighter, more acidic, tea-like
• 16-18 hours: Balanced, smooth, sweet (most popular)
• 20-24 hours: Bold, heavy body, slightly bitter

Most Australians prefer 16-18 hours during summer. Taste at 12 hours and decide if you want more extraction.

Store Concentrate Properly in the Heat

Cold brew concentrate lasts 7-10 days refrigerated in an airtight container. In the Australian summer, keep it sealed and cold—heat and oxygen are the enemies of fresh cold brew. After diluting, drink within 2-3 days.

Where to Buy Cold Brew Makers in Australia

Specialty Coffee Retailers (Best Selection)

• Alternative Brewing — Widest selection of Hario, Toddy, and premium options. Australian-owned, excellent customer service.
• Crema Coffee Garage — Good range of immersion brewers and accessories.
• St Ali — Melbourne-based, curated selection of quality gear.
• Market Lane — Premium options for serious enthusiasts.

General Retailers (Convenient)

• Kitchen Warehouse — OXO, Bodum, and mid-range options. Regular sales.
• Myer — Limited selection but occasionally discounted.
• David Jones — Premium brands, higher prices.
• Amazon AU — Widest variety, competitive prices, fast shipping.

Budget Options (Under $30)

• IKEA — Cheap cold brew pitchers that work surprisingly well.
• Kmart — Basic options for under $20.
• Target — Occasional coffee gear in the kitchen section.
• Big W — Budget-friendly alternatives.

Australian Coffee Roasters (Bonus Tip)

Many Australian specialty roasters now sell cold brew makers alongside their beans. If you're buying coffee anyway, check if your local roaster stocks equipment—you might save on shipping.

The Bottom Line for Australian Coffee Lovers

You don't need a dedicated cold brew maker to make excellent cold brew. A French press or Mason jar produces results nearly identical to $100+ brewers.

But—Australian summers are long and hot. If you're making cold brew regularly from November through March, a dedicated maker saves time, reduces cleanup, and delivers more consistent results.

Our Australian Recommendations:

• Most people: Hario Mizudashi ($45-55 AUD) — The sweet spot of quality, price, and availability
• Budget-conscious: IKEA pitcher ($12-18 AUD) or DIY French press method — Start here if you're unsure
• Large households: OXO Good Grips ($80-100 AUD) — Batch brewing for the whole family
• Enthusiasts: Toddy System ($90-110 AUD) — Cafe-quality results at home

Quick Start for Australians:

1. Already own a French press? Try the DIY method first—zero cost, great results.
2. New to cold brew? Grab the IKEA pitcher or Hario Mizudashi.
3. Drinking cold brew daily? Invest in the OXO or Toddy.

The best cold brew maker is the one you'll actually use. Start simple, upgrade if your habit sticks. And remember—cold brew is forgiving. Any of these methods will produce a smooth, refreshing coffee that's perfect for Australian summers.

Ready to brew? Check out our Cold Brew Coffee Guide for detailed brewing instructions, or browse our guide to the best coffee beans for cold brew to find the perfect roast for your summer sipping.

Related Articles for Australian Coffee Lovers

• Cold Brew Coffee Guide: Perfect Summer Brewing — Step-by-step brewing instructions and pro tips
• Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew: Selection & Brewing Guide — Find the perfect roast for smooth cold brew
• Best Manual Coffee Grinder: Hand Grinders for Pour Over & AeroPress — Get the right grind for cold brew
• How to Make Coffee: 6 Methods That Save Money and Taste Amazing — Explore all brewing methods
• Best Coffee Grinder 2025: Which $200 Grinder Beats $600 Models? — Upgrade your grind for better cold brew
• Why Roast Date Matters More Than You Think — Use fresh beans for the best results