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Product Description
Designed to brew coffee with 67-percent less acid than coffee made with hot brew methods, the Toddy Cold Brew System also makes tea, hot or cold. The patented cold brew system uses regular coffee beans to create a super smooth cup of steaming hot coffee as is often found in major coffee houses, but with no electricity required. The set includes a brewing container with handle, glass decanter with lid, four reusable filters, one rubber stopper, a set of instructions, and a recipe guide. Get more out of your coffee beans, since the coffee concentrate stays fresh for up to three weeks.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
118 of 120 people found the following review helpful
By B. Dwiggins
I've been cold brewing with the Toddy for about a year now. It makes great coffee, low acid, smooth. It involves a little brewing knowledge to achieve those results, though.
I bought this as a birthday present for my wife who had to stop drinking coffee (tragic) because the acidity bothered her. I discovered cold brewing and she is back to drinking her daily cup. Any nay-sayers on the acidity question are mis-informed.
The cold brewer takes some finessing to get good results. I would be willing to bet that all the people that wrote off cold brewing for "bad flavor" or weakness messed up the grind or didn't start with good coffee. The grind is the most important step because if it's too fine, you end up 1) clogging the filter and 2) coffee gets a little bitter. You want a consistent grind. Most home grinders are horrible unless you have a very high-end or conical burr grinder. I have one of the lame little whirly-choppers that tend to vary between super fine espresso and half bean, although the little LED display says "coarse." I've tried grinding in very small batches, large batches, and in between but they all are inconsistent. Your best bet is to have the place you buy coffee grind it for you in their industrial grinder. I either go to a specialty coffee shop or Whole Foods to buy coffee (or more recently, roast my own). Tell them what you're using it for, too, so they know that you do in fact want it coarse.
Here's a tip: Starbucks isn't good coffee. Neither is anything in a freeze-dried bag or can. You want GOOD coffee roasted well. Most cities or towns have a local roaster or at least a regional roaster that will ensure a much fresher cup if for no other reason than proximity. You don't have to be a coffee snob to taste the difference between truly fresh coffee and stale. The Toddy will maintain the flavors but reduce the acidity, so if you're used to drinking really acidic, over-roasted coffee (most national brands), it will probably not taste like you're used to because all you taste is the poor quality without the burn.
Make sure you have the proper amount of coffee. A lot of places sell 12 oz bags instead of 1 lb bags the toddy directions use. Adjust the water amounts accordingly. I will say that it gets pretty tight in the brewer with a full pound of coffee.
Don't overbrew your coffee. It says you brew for up to 24 hours, but I would keep it closer to 9-12. If you follow the directions (easy to memorize after a couple batches), you will get great results in that time frame. Any longer it may get bitter. It's important to take it slowly as you do the water-coffee-water-coffee-water routine. I just shake the coffee in very slowly and make sure to give it a few minutes to settle before proceeding to the next step. Using a large spoon to tamp it down gently helps, too. DON'T STIR IT. it says not to in the manual, but it seriously will clog the filter and affect the brewing.
Use filtered water (if possible). We have one of those sink-mounted filter systems, but a pitcher filter system would work well too. If your tap water tastes a little funky, than it will obviously transfer those properties to your coffee.
I am obviously a big fan of cold brewing. So now, the reasons I took a couple points from the Toddy product:
1) There are other methods of cold brewing that don't require this product. People cold brew in french presses, mason jars, etc. This is not the earth shattering new technology that allows us to do something never before possible. The Toddy does have a filter which is where most of the acid reduction takes place, though. If you're looking at cold brewing solely to reduce acid, then this is a great choice for you.
2) Filters clog and need to be replaced and they're not super easy to find (except online).
3). The handle is a joke. I don't trust it to hold the entire weight of the brewer when full. It's easier and more comforting to just hold it by the sides.
4) No lid. Not a big deal, but kind of surprising. I cannibalized a lid from a tupperware container that fits well.
5) It requires a lot of coffee. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. You get a thick concentrate and dilute per your own tastes. Rough mornings may be stronger than others. If you like drinking really strong coffee, you may burn through it quicker just because it's easy to adjust the strength. If you want a quick cup of coffee but don't need full octane, that's easy too. I like having the option, unlike a drip that is what it is.
I haven't tried other cold brew systems (kits), but this one seems efficient with some room for improvement. Either way, I highly recommend cold brewing.
All in all, it's a pretty good system, but it's the method that is five stars.
I bought this as a birthday present for my wife who had to stop drinking coffee (tragic) because the acidity bothered her. I discovered cold brewing and she is back to drinking her daily cup. Any nay-sayers on the acidity question are mis-informed.
The cold brewer takes some finessing to get good results. I would be willing to bet that all the people that wrote off cold brewing for "bad flavor" or weakness messed up the grind or didn't start with good coffee. The grind is the most important step because if it's too fine, you end up 1) clogging the filter and 2) coffee gets a little bitter. You want a consistent grind. Most home grinders are horrible unless you have a very high-end or conical burr grinder. I have one of the lame little whirly-choppers that tend to vary between super fine espresso and half bean, although the little LED display says "coarse." I've tried grinding in very small batches, large batches, and in between but they all are inconsistent. Your best bet is to have the place you buy coffee grind it for you in their industrial grinder. I either go to a specialty coffee shop or Whole Foods to buy coffee (or more recently, roast my own). Tell them what you're using it for, too, so they know that you do in fact want it coarse.
Here's a tip: Starbucks isn't good coffee. Neither is anything in a freeze-dried bag or can. You want GOOD coffee roasted well. Most cities or towns have a local roaster or at least a regional roaster that will ensure a much fresher cup if for no other reason than proximity. You don't have to be a coffee snob to taste the difference between truly fresh coffee and stale. The Toddy will maintain the flavors but reduce the acidity, so if you're used to drinking really acidic, over-roasted coffee (most national brands), it will probably not taste like you're used to because all you taste is the poor quality without the burn.
Make sure you have the proper amount of coffee. A lot of places sell 12 oz bags instead of 1 lb bags the toddy directions use. Adjust the water amounts accordingly. I will say that it gets pretty tight in the brewer with a full pound of coffee.
Don't overbrew your coffee. It says you brew for up to 24 hours, but I would keep it closer to 9-12. If you follow the directions (easy to memorize after a couple batches), you will get great results in that time frame. Any longer it may get bitter. It's important to take it slowly as you do the water-coffee-water-coffee-water routine. I just shake the coffee in very slowly and make sure to give it a few minutes to settle before proceeding to the next step. Using a large spoon to tamp it down gently helps, too. DON'T STIR IT. it says not to in the manual, but it seriously will clog the filter and affect the brewing.
Use filtered water (if possible). We have one of those sink-mounted filter systems, but a pitcher filter system would work well too. If your tap water tastes a little funky, than it will obviously transfer those properties to your coffee.
I am obviously a big fan of cold brewing. So now, the reasons I took a couple points from the Toddy product:
1) There are other methods of cold brewing that don't require this product. People cold brew in french presses, mason jars, etc. This is not the earth shattering new technology that allows us to do something never before possible. The Toddy does have a filter which is where most of the acid reduction takes place, though. If you're looking at cold brewing solely to reduce acid, then this is a great choice for you.
2) Filters clog and need to be replaced and they're not super easy to find (except online).
3). The handle is a joke. I don't trust it to hold the entire weight of the brewer when full. It's easier and more comforting to just hold it by the sides.
4) No lid. Not a big deal, but kind of surprising. I cannibalized a lid from a tupperware container that fits well.
5) It requires a lot of coffee. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. You get a thick concentrate and dilute per your own tastes. Rough mornings may be stronger than others. If you like drinking really strong coffee, you may burn through it quicker just because it's easy to adjust the strength. If you want a quick cup of coffee but don't need full octane, that's easy too. I like having the option, unlike a drip that is what it is.
I haven't tried other cold brew systems (kits), but this one seems efficient with some room for improvement. Either way, I highly recommend cold brewing.
All in all, it's a pretty good system, but it's the method that is five stars.
46 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
A friend had recommended this product to me, and I did a little research before I bought it. I looked up directions on the internet, and reviews on Amazon. I have to say, I was a little intimidated- people were talking about how finicky and messy the whole process was, and how you really had to tweak your method to brew coffee that suited your taste preference. One website even said this coffee had no flavor. Not to mention the complaints about the clean-up! I was nervous because it requires SO much coffee, and time to brew, and if it didn't work out, well, it would seem like such a shame.
I found that the brewing method is NOT difficult, NOT messy, and not very labor intensive at all. If you are common sense-careful, you won't make any mess at all. And the directions ARE detailed, but if you read them as you go, you will have no problem. I know I worked at Starbucks for nine years, but really- this is NOT difficult. The iced coffee at Starbucks is brewed as a double strength hot-brewed method, which is why there is a lot of bitterness and acidity in it. THIS coffee, when the directions are followed, goes down MUCH more smoothly than Starbucks.
When I first sipped this coffee, I couldn't believe how much I loved it! It was the first time ever that just brewed coffee (I add water to dilute the concentrate, and then a little cream on top), hit my pallet in just as much of a pleasing way as any specialty drink you can buy.
Brewing method: easy. Follow the (included) directions and you'll be fine! Not messy at all, like some reviewers claimed. Time intensive- once you spend the 10 minutes making it, it DOES have to sit for 12-14 hours. So plan ahead :). Also, when pulling out the rubber stopper, be sure to do it over the carafe- the concentrate will come out pretty quickly! You might get a tad bit of concentrate on your hands at this point.
Clean up- super easy. I used a wooden spoon to help scoop it into the garbage, and pretty much tapped the plastic container against my garbage. Then I rinsed out what was left in my sink. The hardest part was digging the filter out- it's in there pretty good- but a little finesse and out it came.
Quality: AMAZING. I did work at starbucks for nine years, and was a "coffee master" there, so I think this may have a bit of weight :). I like my coffee smooth, though.
Tips- start with a more robust coffee (I used Gold Coast from Starbucks). Lighter blends might end up a little washed out. If you like strong, dark, thick coffee, you might not like this. Use a french press instead, or brew hot coffee double strength and dilute it with cold water (2 parts coffee concentrate, one part cold water). The downside to that method is that it will only stay good in your fridge for a day or two before it gets bitter (at sbux we had to dump it out after 8 hours). Using this method will keep delicious coffee in your fridge, ready to drink, for up to two weeks (and I've heard even up to three).
I highly recommend this product. I don't write a lot of reviews on here, but I was so impressed with everything about this and I didn't feel the reviews out there ecompassed the wonderful-ness that is the coffee toddy!
I found that the brewing method is NOT difficult, NOT messy, and not very labor intensive at all. If you are common sense-careful, you won't make any mess at all. And the directions ARE detailed, but if you read them as you go, you will have no problem. I know I worked at Starbucks for nine years, but really- this is NOT difficult. The iced coffee at Starbucks is brewed as a double strength hot-brewed method, which is why there is a lot of bitterness and acidity in it. THIS coffee, when the directions are followed, goes down MUCH more smoothly than Starbucks.
When I first sipped this coffee, I couldn't believe how much I loved it! It was the first time ever that just brewed coffee (I add water to dilute the concentrate, and then a little cream on top), hit my pallet in just as much of a pleasing way as any specialty drink you can buy.
Brewing method: easy. Follow the (included) directions and you'll be fine! Not messy at all, like some reviewers claimed. Time intensive- once you spend the 10 minutes making it, it DOES have to sit for 12-14 hours. So plan ahead :). Also, when pulling out the rubber stopper, be sure to do it over the carafe- the concentrate will come out pretty quickly! You might get a tad bit of concentrate on your hands at this point.
Clean up- super easy. I used a wooden spoon to help scoop it into the garbage, and pretty much tapped the plastic container against my garbage. Then I rinsed out what was left in my sink. The hardest part was digging the filter out- it's in there pretty good- but a little finesse and out it came.
Quality: AMAZING. I did work at starbucks for nine years, and was a "coffee master" there, so I think this may have a bit of weight :). I like my coffee smooth, though.
Tips- start with a more robust coffee (I used Gold Coast from Starbucks). Lighter blends might end up a little washed out. If you like strong, dark, thick coffee, you might not like this. Use a french press instead, or brew hot coffee double strength and dilute it with cold water (2 parts coffee concentrate, one part cold water). The downside to that method is that it will only stay good in your fridge for a day or two before it gets bitter (at sbux we had to dump it out after 8 hours). Using this method will keep delicious coffee in your fridge, ready to drink, for up to two weeks (and I've heard even up to three).
I highly recommend this product. I don't write a lot of reviews on here, but I was so impressed with everything about this and I didn't feel the reviews out there ecompassed the wonderful-ness that is the coffee toddy!
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Been using this thing like crazy since I got it. I bought it 3 weeks ago and I've probably used it 5 times already. It yields about 1/4 gallon of condensed coffee. Then you mix it with milk, water, sugar, whatever else you can think of.
I use it to make knockoffs of those Starbucks Frappuccino drinks ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AHMCA?tag=itsalgo-20 ). Combine the 1/4 of Toddy coffee with 3/4 gallon of 2% milk and 1 cup sugar. Then throw in the fridge for a few hours to get it real cold. This ends up yielding the equivalent of 13+ of those bottles at less than half the sugar content for about $4 total.
If you have a membership, you can get 3 lbs of coffee from Costco for $10 and grind it there. You'll want to grind it on slightly coarser than regular drip (too fine of a grind and it'll clog the filter).
Also, reading up on this says that it makes coffee with 2/3rds less acidity, as well as 1/2 the caffeine. I like the less acidic part, but I'd rather retain the caffeine ;.(
You'll want to grab some extra rubber stoppers too: ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JQLNYG?tag=itsalgo-20 ). This package will get you through a couple years.
I use it to make knockoffs of those Starbucks Frappuccino drinks ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AHMCA?tag=itsalgo-20 ). Combine the 1/4 of Toddy coffee with 3/4 gallon of 2% milk and 1 cup sugar. Then throw in the fridge for a few hours to get it real cold. This ends up yielding the equivalent of 13+ of those bottles at less than half the sugar content for about $4 total.
If you have a membership, you can get 3 lbs of coffee from Costco for $10 and grind it there. You'll want to grind it on slightly coarser than regular drip (too fine of a grind and it'll clog the filter).
Also, reading up on this says that it makes coffee with 2/3rds less acidity, as well as 1/2 the caffeine. I like the less acidic part, but I'd rather retain the caffeine ;.(
You'll want to grab some extra rubber stoppers too: ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JQLNYG?tag=itsalgo-20 ). This package will get you through a couple years.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great coffee, but brewing container could use a lid
I've been making coffee with the Toddy system for several weeks and agree with the other reviews--it produces great-tasting, very smooth coffee. Read more
Published 6 days ago by J. S. Cummings
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
I got this for my wife and she absolutely loves this. She has used it many times already and she couldn't be happier. Great item!
Published 7 days ago by Terrence D. Howse
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Easy time-saving coffee
I wouldn't call this a "brewing system" - it is just a very basic and simple way to soak your coffee grounds and get good coffee "extract". Read more
Published 13 days ago by John
3.0 out of 5 stars
I gave it a try
It works as advertised, true. Does it make a smooth cup of coffee? You bet. Do I like the results? Yes and No, mostly No. Read more
Published 16 days ago by George M. Aitchison
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Coffee
Coffee tastes better than ever. Really helps with acid reduction and is excellent for anyone suffering with acid reflux. Wish they included a top for the coffee brewing container.
Published 16 days ago by Mark M. Wiggins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for cold brew
My boyfriend and I are starting to get into making our own coffee. We bought this just before Christmas to start cold brewing and the Toddy is pretty amazing! Read more
Published 29 days ago by Nicole P.
5.0 out of 5 stars
TODDY COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER
THIS IS WONDERFUL!!! NO MORE WASTED COFFEE AS YOU JUST ADD A SHOT OR TWO, OR TO YOUR PREFERENCE .
TO YOUR MUG AND POUR IN BOILING WATER. THE FLAVOR HAS NO BITTER OVERTONES. Read more
TO YOUR MUG AND POUR IN BOILING WATER. THE FLAVOR HAS NO BITTER OVERTONES. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sylvia Lutz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great coffee
I love it !! And have three of them I use 9 cups of water and a pound of morning joe . It works!!
Published 2 months ago by will
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEST COFFEE!!
This thing is amazing. I've given so many as gifts because they simply make the best coffee and are perfect for people that struggle with the high acidity of regular drip coffee. Read more
Published 2 months ago by A. Galdi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Excellent product. I drink a cup or two of coffee per day and one batch of this lasts me about 1 week.
Published 2 months ago by Tom Barry
