For years, my morning routine involved a frustrating and expensive stop at a local coffee shop. The lure of smooth, rich cold brew was strong, but the daily cost and the often-bitter taste of hot coffee on sensitive stomachs were constant issues. I knew there had to be a better, more affordable way to enjoy my favorite drink without the hassle. Not solving this meant continuing to spend hundreds of dollars a year and dealing with inconsistent quality, a prospect I was eager to change.
Making the switch to a home cold brew system is a game-changer for any coffee enthusiast. The primary reason people seek out cold brew is its signature low acidity and smooth, naturally sweet flavor profile, which is much gentler on the digestive system than traditionally brewed hot coffee. This brewing method involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours, which extracts the flavor compounds without the bitter oils.
The ideal customer for a cold brew maker is someone who drinks coffee regularly, appreciates a smoother taste, and is looking to save a significant amount of money over time. If you find yourself buying iced coffee daily, this is for you. However, if you only drink coffee occasionally or prefer the speed and convenience of an instant coffee or a pod machine, the lengthy steeping process might not suit your lifestyle. In that case, a single-serve machine or a traditional drip coffee maker might be a better fit.
Before you purchase, consider these key factors:
Capacity: How much coffee do you drink? Makers range from single-serve sizes to large pitchers that can last several days.
Material: Carafes are typically made from glass or plastic. Glass is non-porous and won’t stain or absorb odors, but it’s fragile. BPA-free plastic is durable and lightweight but can potentially stain over time.
Filtration System: Most cold brew makers use a reusable mesh filter, which is eco-friendly. The quality of the filter determines how much sediment ends up in your final brew.
Ease of Cleaning: Look for a model with simple parts that are easy to disassemble and clean. If it’s a hassle to clean, you’re less likely to use it.
Footprint: Consider its size and how it will fit in your refrigerator. Some designs are tall and slim, while others are short and wide.
- Cold coffee brewer that brews smooth, refreshing, naturally sweet coffee that’s less acidic that traditionally brewed coffee.
- Made of stainless steel, rubber, and silicone with a BPA-free, durable plastic carafe.
Introducing the Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an elegant and straightforward solution that utilizes a French press-style system to create delicious cold brew concentrate. Bodum, a brand renowned for its iconic French presses, has applied its expertise to the cold brew process. When you purchase this unit, you receive the large 51oz BPA-free plastic carafe, a fine-mesh filter, a flat silicone lid for brewing, and a plunger lid for pressing and serving. Its promise is simple: to deliver a smooth, aromatic, and less acidic coffee concentrate with minimal effort and zero waste from paper filters.
This product is perfect for the dedicated cold brew drinker who wants to make a large batch that will last for several days. It’s for the person who values simplicity, sustainability, and quality. It is not, however, for someone seeking an immediate cup of coffee, as the process requires patience and planning.
Pros:
- Large 51oz capacity makes multiple servings.
- Produces exceptionally smooth, low-acid coffee.
- Eco-friendly design with no disposable filters.
- Very easy to use and clean.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons:
- The plastic carafe can stain over time with heavy use.
- Requires a significant amount of coffee grounds per batch.
- Its wide design may take up considerable space in a crowded fridge.
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- 2 BREW STYLES: Classic or Rich, each brew is flavorful and never bitter with custom brew strengths.
- BREW BY THE CUP OR CARAFE: Brews both K-Cup pods and coffee grounds.
A Deep Dive into the Bodum Brewer’s Features
Design and Materials
Having used this Bodum brewer for a long time, the first thing that continues to stand out is its practical design. The carafe is made from a durable, transparent, and BPA-free plastic. Initially, I was hesitant about choosing plastic over glass, but my fears of it being fragile were unfounded. It has survived countless washes and a few accidental bumps without a single crack. The plastic construction makes this cold brew coffee maker surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle, even when it’s full. The main disadvantage, as noted by myself and other long-term users, is that the plastic can develop a slight coffee-colored tinge over time. However, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the taste of the brew.
The filter and plunger mechanism are constructed from stainless steel and high-quality silicone, reflecting Bodum’s commitment to durability. The fine-mesh filter does an outstanding job of containing the coffee grounds, ensuring that very little sediment makes its way into the final product. The handle is ergonomic and provides a secure grip for pouring, which is essential for a pitcher of this size.
The Innovative Dual-Lid System
One of the most intelligent features of this Bodum brewer is its dual-lid system. It comes with two separate lids, each designed for a specific stage of the process. For the initial 12-24 hour steeping period, you use the flat, black silicone lid. This lid creates a tight seal over the carafe, locking in the aroma and flavor of the coffee while preventing any refrigerator odors from contaminating your brew. It’s a small detail, but it makes a noticeable difference in the quality of the concentrate.
Once the steeping is complete, you swap it for the plunger lid. This lid functions just like a classic French press. You slowly and steadily press the plunger down, pushing all the saturated grounds to the bottom of the carafe and trapping them underneath the fine-mesh filter. The lid’s locking system is another benefit, as it helps prevent spills while pouring and keeps the coffee fresh in the fridge. This two-lid approach streamlines the process, making it clean, efficient, and almost foolproof.
Brewing Process and Coffee Quality
The real test of any coffee maker is the quality of the coffee it produces, and this is where the Bodum truly shines. The process couldn’t be simpler. You add your desired amount of coarsely ground coffee to the carafe, fill it with cold, filtered water, give it a gentle stir to ensure all the grounds are saturated, and pop on the silicone lid. I typically let mine steep on the counter for about 18 hours before placing it in the fridge.
After the steeping period, I press the grounds with the plunger lid. The result is a beautifully dark, rich, and aromatic coffee concentrate. When poured over ice and diluted with water or milk, the flavor is incredibly smooth and bold, with none of the harsh bitterness or acidity that can come from hot-brewed coffee. I’ve found that I use about half the amount of coffee grounds compared to some other immersion-style brewers to achieve a similarly strong concentrate, making it more economical in the long run. It consistently delivers a café-quality experience from the comfort of my own kitchen.
Generous Capacity and Convenient Size
The 51-ounce (1.5-liter) capacity is a major advantage. For a daily coffee drinker like me, a single batch made in the 51oz Bodum Cold Brew maker provides enough concentrate to last four to five days. This means I only have to go through the brewing process once or twice a week, which is a huge time-saver. It’s perfect for a single person who drinks a lot of coffee or a household with multiple cold brew fans.
The only consideration with its size is its footprint. It’s wider than it is tall, with dimensions of approximately 8.66″W x 6.69″H. While it fits nicely on the main shelf of my refrigerator, those with smaller or more crowded fridges might need to rearrange things to find a suitable spot for it. However, for the convenience of having so much delicious cold brew on hand, it’s a small trade-off.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Brewing
One of the best benefits of this specific cold brew system is its positive impact on both the environment and my wallet. The entire system is built around reusability. There are no paper filters to buy and throw away, and no plastic pods creating unnecessary waste. The only consumable is the coffee itself. This sustainable approach aligns perfectly with a more conscious lifestyle.
From a financial perspective, this brewer is an incredible investment. Considering the average coffee shop cold brew costs anywhere from $4 to $6, this device paid for itself within the first two weeks of use. By brewing at home, I’m saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year. The ability to use any coffee beans I like also means I can experiment with different flavors and support local roasters, all while keeping costs down.
What Other Users Are Saying
I spent some time looking through online reviews to see if my positive experience was a common one, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many users echo my sentiments, frequently praising the brewer for the money it saves them. One person mentioned it was “the best purchase I’ve made in the last 6 months” because it completely replaced their expensive coffee shop habit. Others highlighted the rich, smooth taste of the coffee and how simple the device is to operate and clean. A few reviewers did note, like me, that it uses a good amount of coffee grounds and that the plastic can stain, but they agreed that these were minor issues considering the brewer’s low price and high performance.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The daily problem of expensive, often acidic, and inconveniently sourced coffee is one that many of us face. It drains your wallet and can be harsh on your system. After extensive use, I can confidently say that this Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a fantastic solution. It excels by offering a simple, no-fuss method for creating large batches of incredibly smooth, low-acid coffee. Furthermore, its reusable filter makes it an environmentally friendly and highly cost-effective choice. If you’re ready to take control of your cold brew habit and enjoy superior coffee at home, this is the tool you need.
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Last update on 2025-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API