Cold Brew At Home
The Toddy Cold Brew System has very few parts, which is a big part of why it lasts so long. But it also means that when one piece goes missing or wears out, the whole brewer stops working until you replace it. This guide lists every part in the home system, what each one does, what it is made of, and which ones you will actually need to replace.
What comes in the box
According to Toddy’s own product information, the home Cold Brew System ships with:
- Brewing container, with lid and handle
- Glass decanter, with lid
- Two reusable felt filters
- One stopper
- A few sample paper filter bags
- Brewing instructions
Every part, explained
| Part | What it does | Material | Replace? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing container | Holds the grounds and water while they steep | BPA-free plastic (HDPE) | Only if cracked |
| Container lid | Covers the brewer during the steep | Silicone | Rarely |
| Brewing handle | Lets you lift the full container onto the decanter | Plastic | Rarely |
| Felt filter | Filters the concentrate as it drains | Polyester felt | Regularly |
| Stopper | Plugs the drain hole while the coffee steeps | Silicone (some replacements are natural rubber) | When worn or lost |
| Glass decanter | Catches and stores the concentrate in the fridge | Glass | Only if broken |
| Decanter lid | Seals the decanter for storage | Plastic (LDPE) | Rarely |
| Paper filter bags | Optional extra layer for a cleaner cup | Paper | Single use |
The parts you will replace most
Felt filters
This is the one ongoing cost of owning a Toddy. Toddy’s home brewing guide says a felt filter can be used up to 10 times and should be discarded after three months, whichever comes first. You get two in the box, so a weekly brewer will run through the starter pair in a few months.
Replace a filter sooner if it smells musty after rinsing, shows dark spots, or if the concentrate starts draining much more slowly than it used to. Our filter replacement guide compares felt with paper and covers how to look after them.
The stopper
It is small, it comes out every batch, and it is easy to lose. Over time it can also harden or split. Replacements are usually sold in packs of two, and keeping a spare saves a lot of frustration. If yours is leaking, read our stopper troubleshooting guide before you replace it, since the fix is often just how it is fitted.
Paper filter bags
These are optional. Some owners line the felt filter with a paper bag for a lighter, cleaner concentrate and an easier cleanup. Each bag is single use.
Parts that should last for years
The brewing container, handle and lids have no moving parts and nothing electrical, so there is very little to go wrong. The main risks are physical damage:
- The container can crack near the drain hole if the stopper is forced in too hard, or if sharp utensils are used inside it. Toddy warns against both.
- The glass decanter is the most fragile piece. Toddy recommends washing it by hand rather than in the dishwasher to reduce the risk of breakage. Its lid is dishwasher safe.
Home vs. commercial parts
Toddy also makes a much larger commercial brewer for cafes, with its own filters and fittings. Commercial parts are not a match for the home system. When you shop for replacements, check the listing says it fits the home Toddy Cold Brew System before you order.
Caring for the parts so they last
- Rinse felt filters with water only. Soap soaks into the felt and you will taste it in the next batch.
- Between batches, Toddy suggests sealing the rinsed, damp filter in a zip bag and keeping it in the freezer. If you would rather store it dry, let it dry completely first.
- Fit the stopper from outside the brewer, gently, with a quarter turn. Never force it.
- Hand-wash the decanter.
Our cleaning guide has the full routine. For a complete look at how the system performs overall, see the Toddy Cold Brew System review.
FAQ
What parts come with the Toddy Cold Brew System?
A brewing container with lid and handle, a glass decanter with lid, two felt filters, a stopper, sample paper filter bags and instructions.
Which Toddy parts wear out?
Mainly the felt filter, which Toddy says to replace after 10 uses or three months. The stopper can also wear out. The rest usually lasts for years.
Is the glass decanter dishwasher safe?
Toddy recommends hand-washing the glass decanter. The decanter lid is dishwasher safe.
Do home and commercial Toddy parts fit each other?
Not always. Check that a replacement is listed for the home Cold Brew System.