| Method | Effort and time | Best for | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in-filter pitcher (1 L) | Grounds in, water in, ~12 hours overnight — no straining | Near-daily drinkers all summer | Idle most of the year; the tall shape is awkward to wash |
| French press, repurposed | The same ~12 hours, nothing new to buy | Occasional cravings | Small batches, and the press is tied up meanwhile |
| Wide-mouth jar + paper strain | Zero gear to try it | A first experiment | Next-morning straining is the biggest chore |
| Flash brew (drip onto ice) | Ready in 4 minutes, brighter aroma | Deciding you want iced coffee today | Never gets cold brew's mellow smoothness |
Do You Need a Cold Brew Maker?
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Photo: roland CC0 1.0 Source
Not if a french press or a wide-mouth jar is already in your kitchen — the same 12-hour overnight steep works in either. A dedicated pitcher with a built-in filter earns its place only when cold brew is a daily summer habit.