Nitro cold brew coffee is the latest breakthrough in the coffee-making world, where liquid nitrogen is skillfully added to cold brew coffee to create a whole new coffee experience. Nitro cold brew coffee is known for its distinctly rich, smooth, and creamy texture with a subtly sweet taste.
However, making that perfect cup of nitro brew is not easy. It often takes practice and skill to get the technique just right. But with the right nitro cold brew coffee maker, the hard work is taken out of the brewing process, making it easier for you to achieve that delicious, frothy, and smooth cup of nitro cold brew every single time.
We have reviewed the best-selling nitro cold brew coffee makers on the market today and picked the top six that combines quality, functionality, and value for money to provide you with the best nitro cold brewing experience.
1. Hatfields NitroPress Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Beautiful and compact, the NitroPress has been engineered to make nitro brewing easy and elegant. With a capacity of 500ml, this coffee maker is a handheld dispenser with a stainless canister that is dishwasher safe.
The NitroPress canister head comes with a silicone grip band that is interchangeable. This comes in handy for color-coding purposes in case multiple coffee makers are in use. The NitroPress dispensing tip incorporates a restriction mechanism and an aeration nozzle, ensuring a consistently smooth and creamy texture to each nitro cold brew pour.
Built to be portable and practical, the NitroPress coffee maker is ideal for commercial and home use and compatible with all gas chargers.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Compatible with all gas chargers, i.e., Nitrogen (N2), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Interchangeable color-coded silicone strap
- A restriction mechanism and an aerating nozzle for the dispensing tip
- Multifunctional – can also be used to make cocktails and fizzy drinks
Cons
- A limited capacity of 500ml
- Not insulated, so it doesn’t keep coffee cold for long
- Slightly expensive
2. Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker Home Keg Kit System
One of the most appealing features of the Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker is that it comes with a lifetime warranty – sending a clear message to consumers that the manufacturers are confident in the quality and durability of their product.
Eager to cater to a variety of occasions and aesthetic tastes, the Royal Brew keg is available in either stainless steel or a distinctive black flat matte and with a capacity of either 64 or 128 ounces.
It includes a pressure relief valve specifically designed to release excess gas once the pressure within the keg has reached optimum levels. Moreover, the Royal Brew nitro coffee maker is compatible with any N2 or N2O gas cartridges. Finally, its chrome stout creamy faucet is specifically designed to produce the creamy, frothy texture that defines nitro cold brew coffee.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Available in different sizes and colors
- Pressure relief valve to maintain optimal gas levels
- It comes with plenty of accessories
Cons
- Not dishwasher friendly
- Not insulated, so won’t keep coffee cold for long
3. GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
While most nitro cold brew coffee makers are designed to only infuse liquid nitrogen into coffee that has already been cold brewed, the GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker is capable of performing both functions: brewing cold brew coffee and also infusing nitrogen gas into the cold brew. But if you prefer to save time by simply purchasing your cold brew from a retailer, you can use that too and then simply charge it with nitrogen in the GrowlerWerks.
The GrowlerWerks features a double filtration system that prevents clogs and ensures a smooth texture to each pour. The 50-ounce can hold between 8 to 10 cups of coffee at a time, and with double-wall vacuum insulation and a regulator cap, it also keeps the coffee colder and fresher for longer.
Demonstrating attention to detail with its sleek black chrome finish that visually sets it apart and gives it a silky smooth touch of stylishness, the GrowlerWerks is also portable. It weighs a mere 16 grams and is only 10.9 inches tall. In addition, this is the only nitro coffee maker on this list that requires 16g N2O gas chargers, which means that you can choose to use either two 8g N2O chargers or a single 16g N2O charger.
Pros
- Multifunctional – makes cold brew and infuses liquid nitrogen in cold brew
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Regulator tap protects the freshness of the brew
- Double filtration system
- Ships with free accessories
- Lightweight and portable
- It fits easily in the fridge
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not compatible with N2 gas charger
4. NutriChef NCNTROCB10 Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The heaviest and largest coffee maker on this list is the NutriChef NCNTROCB10, which weighs in at 5.53 pounds and stands at 14.2 inches tall. Its stainless steel keg has a capacity of 64 ounces, and it comes with a scrubbing brush, a lengthy hose, and a tap cover to control dripping.
Fitted with a pressurized valve that regulates nitrogen gas levels in the keg, the NutriChef has been designed to maintain ideal conditions during the nitro brewing process automatically.
Convenient for indoor and outdoor use, the NutriChef is a solidly-built machine with a chrome stout creamer faucet that promises to deliver a delicious cup of smooth and creamy nitro cold brew every time.
Pros
- Pressure relief valve to maintain optimal gas levels
- Ships with free accessories
- Chrome stout creamer faucet
- Stainless steel for easy cleaning
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Keg handles have sharp edges
5. HB Brewing Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you enjoy having a wide range of options, the HB Brewing Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the machine for you. Not only does this coffee maker come in a selection of colors – black, white, or stainless steel silver – but it also offers the option of choosing an insulated or non-insulated 64-ounce keg. Although the insulated keg is slightly taller, making it more difficult to store in the fridge, and costs around $15 more, it will keep the nitro brew cool for an additional 20 hours outside the fridge.
At less than 10 inches tall, the HB Brewing Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the smallest keg on this list. As a result, you’ll have an easier time fitting it inside your refrigerator. The HB Brewing Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker also includes a pressure relief valve that regulates gas levels in the keg and a stainless steel stout faucet that provides a uniform pour with minimal dripping, as per standard practice.
The HB Brewing manufacturers seem to have also paid close attention to client feedback because it ships its kit with replacement O-rings. O-rings are necessary for sealing connection points and preventing potential gas leakages from the pressure valve – an issue that some customers have reported experiencing with other nitro cold brew coffee makers.
Pros
- Ships with useful free accessories
- Chrome stout creamer faucet
- Pressure relief valve to maintain optimal gas levels
- Stainless steel for easy cleaning
- Available in a variety of colors
- Offer choice of insulated or non-insulated keg
- More compact in size
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- The faucet may drip slightly on occasion
6. My Morning Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The My Morning Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker has all of the specifications we’ve come to expect from a standard nitro cold brew machine. These include a 64-ounce stainless steel keg, a strong stainless steel faucet, and a pressure relief valve.
Reasonably well-built, the My Morning Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker seems content with blending in with the rest of the pack in its offer of an average-sized machine that measures 10 inches in height and weighs 4.99 pounds.
However, it appears that the manufacturers of the My Morning Brew implicitly trust their product and put a high value on customer satisfaction as it guarantees 100% money-back on all purchases of the coffee maker.
Pros
- Ships with free accessories
- Pressure relief valve to maintain gas levels
- Stainless steel for easy cleaning
- Available in black or silver color
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not insulated
Buying Guide
When choosing the best nitro cold brew coffee maker, there are a few features to consider to help you purchase the right machine for you. For example, how many cups can you get from a particular device? Which gas charger should you buy? What accessories are essential? Below is a buying guide that breaks down the key features to look for when shopping for a nitro cold brew coffee maker.
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Design
All nitro cold brew coffee maker kegs and canisters are stainless steel—even the ones with a black matte or white finish. One of the key reasons is that it’s a durable material that interacts well with nitrogen, it is also easy to clean, and it maintains the temperature of the cold brew well for 1-3 hours outside the fridge.
If you want your coffee to stay colder for much longer outside the fridge, get a nitro cold brew coffee maker with an insulated or double-walled keg. Insulated kegs can keep coffee cold for up to 24 hours without refrigeration.
Most nitro cold brew coffee makers have been upgraded to incorporate a pressure relief valve that regulates the gas levels in the keg. The kit includes a coffee spear, which pierces the gas charger to release the nitrogen.
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Size and Capacity
The standard capacity for the kegs of most nitro cold brew makers is 64 ounces. Depending on your cup or glass size, this can give you between 8 to 10 cups or 4 to 6 glasses of nitro cold brew coffee.
While some manufacturers offer the option of purchasing larger 128-ounce kegs for catering to larger groups, other vessels favor portability with capacities that range between 16.9 to 50 ounces. In addition, these lightweight coffee makers allow you the option of nitro charging your coffee on the go.
However, there is more variation when it comes to size, with kegs ranging in height from 9 to 14 inches and breadth from 5 to 7 inches. To put this into perspective, 9 inches is slightly taller than two and a half debit/credit cards stacked on top of each other in portrait formation. Now, bearing in mind that refrigeration is necessary to keep the nitro bold brew colder and fresher for longer, the smaller the keg, the easier it will be to refrigerate.
Should portability be of greater importance to you, though, you are better off going with a handheld nitro coffee maker, such as the GrowlerWerks uKeg or the Hatfields NitroPress.
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Nitro Charger Compatibility
There are essentially three different types of gas chargers that work with a nitro cold brew coffee maker: Nitrogen (N2), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). For a superior nitro cold brew coffee, the N2 charger, which is pure nitrogen, is recommended as it introduces micro-bubbles into the cold brew that create a richer, creamier, and smoother nitro coffee texture with more texture and a much finer foam structure.
While you can also use N2O chargers to make nitro coffee, they are better suited to making whipped cream and mousse. Similarly, the CO2 gas charger is more appropriate for carbonating cocktails and drinks.
All nitro cold brew coffee makers work well with N2O chargers, but some are incompatible with N2 chargers. So, if you want the best nitro cold brew texture, look for a coffee maker that can also take N2 gas chargers.
Due to safety regulations, none of the manufacturers include gas chargers with their nitro cold brew coffee makers. Gas chargers have to be purchased and shipped separately via ground freight.
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Accessories
The keg-style nitro cold brew coffee makers usually ship with free accessories to get you started and help maintain and repair your kit.
Some of the basic accessories included are cleaning brushes for the keg and faucet, extra plastic hoses, a wrench for installing/removing and tightening the faucet, and a tap plug to stop drips.
Certain manufacturers go beyond the basic essentials and include a protective bag, a serving mat, filters, and extra replacement O-rings of different sizes for creating a tight seal around various connection points in the keg, thereby preventing potential gas leakages and excessive tightening of the nuts and bolts. O-rings are essential for most keg-style nitro cold brew coffee makers; therefore, if they have not been included in your shipment, make sure you have some on hand.
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Other Features and Maintenance
Look for a stout creamer faucet if you want an even creamier and frothier nitro cold brew coffee. Long and narrow in design, the creamer faucet has a restriction plate that creates a cascading pour, which gives the nitro cold brew a thick head that is sometimes compared to Guinness beer.
It may take some experimenting with the stout faucet to achieve the exact pour effect you desire, but generally speaking, pushing back on the tap handle produces a more creamy result.
Unlike the smaller nitro cold brew canisters, which can be disassembled and popped into a dishwasher, the kegs are not dishwasher safe. However, they are simple to clean. The recommended cleaning method is to fill the keg with hot water, add either a small handful of washing powder or a tablespoon of baking soda, and shake the keg well. Then use the keg cleaning brush provided to scrub the insides and rinse.
To maintain the integrity of the stainless steel kegs or containers, do not microwave or freeze them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many gas chargers are used per batch of cold brews?
Most 64-ounce keg manufacturers recommend using either two N2 gas chargers or one N2O gas charger. N2 chargers are normally 2g, while N2O chargers are either 8g or 16g. Only a few manufacturers recommend using the 16g N2O charger with their machines.
With the N2 chargers, after you load the first charger, shake the container/keg well for 15-20 seconds, then remove the empty charger. Wait about 20 minutes before inserting the second one and then shake again for another 15-20 seconds. Some manufacturers suggest putting the keg in the fridge for about an hour afterward for an even better result.
For maximum gas infusion into the cold brew, it is recommended that you refrigerate the keg with the charger still inserted.
2. Once the cold brew has been infused with nitrogen, how long will it stay fresh in the container/keg?
If the keg/container isn’t insulated, it needs to be refrigerated after 1-3 hours of infusion. Once refrigerated, the nitro cold brew can last anywhere between 3 – 7 days in the container/keg, depending on your refrigerator’s cool setting. However, to fully enjoy the taste and freshness, you should aim for it not to exceed three days in the refrigerator. It is not recommended to freeze the brew.
3. Should I fill the 64-ounce container/keg with 64 ounces of cold brew?
No, you need to leave room for the nitrogen gas to form. Therefore, it is recommended that you fill the container/keg with not more than 48 ounces of cold brew. You can fill it with less, but the maximum is 48 ounces. If you overfill the keg, the nitro cold brew may turn out flat without a foaming head or gas may be forced to escape through the pressure relief valve,
4. How do you get a consistent nitro cold brew with foam the day after charging it with nitrogen?
When you have some leftover nitro cold brew that you want to drink the next day, you need to make sure that you shake the keg well at the beginning of each day to keep it infused with nitrogen and shake well for 15 – 20 seconds before pouring.
5. Can I use the same nitrogen cartridge with different batches of cold brew?
No, the chargers are single-use. This means that you can only use either two N2 chargers or one N20 charger only per batch. Once the batch is finished and you open up the keg to pour in a fresh cold brew batch, you need to use new gas chargers to infuse nitrogen again into the fresh batch.
Conclusion
The right nitro cold brew coffee maker takes the work and stress out of the brewing process and guarantees you a cup of delicious and frothy nitro cold brew. Not only is nitro cold brew luxurious to drink, but it also has significant health advantages. When nitrogen is infused in cold brew coffee, it becomes higher in antioxidants, which protect your body against cell damage and disease caused by toxins.
Nitro cold brew coffee is also less acidic and has a higher quality of caffeine. Therefore, it is gentler on your stomach and digestive system. Additionally, the nitrogen adds a subtly sweet and creamy taste to the cold brew that means you don’t need to add any sugar or milk to your coffee.
Therefore, when searching for the best nitro cold brew coffee maker for you, the key features to look out for are charger compatibility, insulation, and the size and capacity of the container/keg. Whether you are going for portability or catering to large groups, this list will help you find the best nitro cold brew coffee maker that perfectly meets your needs.