Cold Brew At Home
Both the Toddy Cold Brew System and the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker solve the same problem — steep coarse grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours, then filter out a smooth concentrate — but they get there differently. Toddy uses a reusable felt filter and a separate glass decanter; OXO uses a built-in stainless steel mesh filter and an integrated carafe with a spigot. Here’s exactly how they compare, and which one fits your situation.
Quick Verdict
Choose Toddy if cup quality and batch size matter most to you and you don’t mind the extra filter maintenance. Choose OXO if you want zero ongoing filter costs, easier cleanup, and a built-in spigot for pouring.
Spec Comparison
| Toddy Cold Brew System | OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $44.95 | ~$45 |
| Yield per batch | 36–38 oz | 32 oz |
| Filter type | Reusable felt (replace periodically) | Built-in stainless mesh (permanent) |
| Sediment level | Lowest | Low-moderate |
| Spigot/tap | No — pour from decanter | Yes — built-in |
| Dishwasher safe parts | Brewer + decanter (not the felt filter) | Most parts, including the filter |
| Ongoing cost | Felt filter replacements every few months | None — filter is permanent |
Filter Type: The Core Difference
This is the single biggest decision point between the two. Toddy’s felt filter absorbs more of the fine sediment and natural oils than a mesh filter can, producing a cleaner, smoother cup with less grit at the bottom of your glass. The tradeoff is upkeep: felt needs a rinse after every batch and a periodic deep clean, and it wears out after 60–80 batches. OXO’s stainless mesh filter lets slightly more fine sediment through, but it’s permanent — rinse it and it’s ready for the next batch, with nothing to ever buy again.
If you’ve used a French press before, this is a familiar tradeoff: metal mesh is convenient and forever, but paper or felt filtration produces a cleaner result. Neither is wrong — it depends what you value more.
Batch Size and Brewing Frequency
Toddy’s 36–38 oz yield vs. OXO’s 32 oz doesn’t sound like a big gap, but over weekly brewing it adds up: Toddy gets you an extra day or two of concentrate per batch for a single regular drinker, meaning slightly less frequent brewing. If you’re brewing for a household of two or more, this difference matters less since you’ll likely be brewing at least twice a week either way.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
OXO wins on convenience here. Its mesh filter and carafe assembly are largely dishwasher safe, and there’s no felt to hand-wash and air-dry between batches. The built-in spigot also means you’re not pouring directly from an open decanter, which is a small but real quality-of-life difference if you’re serving from the fridge often. Toddy requires more hands-on care: rinse the felt after every use, let it fully air-dry before storing (skipping this is the top cause of mold complaints), and do a baking-soda deep clean weekly.
Cost Over Time
Both brewers cost about the same upfront (~$45). The difference shows up over the following year: Toddy owners typically spend a few dollars every few months on felt filter replacements, while OXO owners spend nothing beyond the initial purchase since the mesh filter doesn’t wear out. Over several years, this gives OXO a modest but real cost advantage — though it’s a small amount compared to what either brewer saves you versus buying cold brew pre-made.
Who Should Choose Toddy
- You care most about cup clarity and smoothness, and don’t mind extra filter care
- You brew large batches and want the slightly bigger yield
- You’re comparing against pricier specialty brewers and want the best flavor-to-price ratio
Who Should Choose OXO
- You want the lowest possible maintenance and zero ongoing filter costs
- You like the convenience of a built-in spigot
- You’ve dealt with mold issues on a felt-filter brewer before and want to avoid that risk entirely
FAQ
Is Toddy or OXO better for cold brew?
Toddy produces a cleaner cup and slightly larger batches; OXO needs no replacement filters and is easier to clean. Which is “better” depends on whether you prioritize cup quality or convenience.
Does OXO need replacement filters like Toddy?
No — OXO’s stainless mesh filter is permanent. Toddy’s felt filters need replacing every few months of regular use. See our filter replacement guide for details.
Which is easier to clean, Toddy or OXO?
OXO, generally — its mesh filter is dishwasher safe and needs no special drying routine. Toddy’s felt filter needs hand rinsing and air-drying after every batch.
Our Verdict
Neither brewer is the wrong choice — they’re built around different priorities. If you want the smoothest possible cup and don’t mind a little extra filter care, Toddy is our pick, and it’s the one we’ve reviewed in full depth in our complete Toddy review. If low-maintenance convenience matters more to you than squeezing out the last bit of sediment, OXO is the better fit.
Check Toddy’s price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.