Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System Review
The Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System is a budget-friendly option for those looking to make cold brew coffee at home. Often found as a limited-time offer at Aldi, this system provides a simple way to create a less acidic and smoother coffee concentrate. 1
Key Specifications and Features
The Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System comes with the basic components needed to start brewing. Its main features are its large capacity and straightforward design.
- Capacity: 50 ounces (approximately 1.48 liters) 3
- Filter: Stainless steel mesh filter 1
- Carafe: Glass pitcher 3
- Lids: Includes two lids – one for brewing and one for pouring 1
Build Quality and Design
The system features a heavy glass carafe and a stainless steel filter. While the glass is thick, the carafe is handleless, which can make it awkward to lift and pour when full. 1 The overall design is simple and functional, with some models available in different accent colors. 1
Ease of Use
Once the initial setup is understood, the Crofton Cold Brew System is easy to use. Some users have reported that the instructions are unclear, particularly regarding how to remove the lid, which pops off rather than twists. 1
The brewing process involves:
- Adding coarse coffee grounds to the filter.
- Placing the filter inside the water-filled carafe.
- Steeping in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
- Removing the filter and using the pouring lid to serve.
Performance and User Experience
The coffee produced by the Crofton system is comparable to that from coffee shops, with the added benefit of being able to control the strength and coffee bean type. 1 Users have reported a smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate. 2 A common issue is the presence of some sediment in the final brew, which can be minimized by not stirring the grounds before removal and carefully pouring the concentrate. 2
Maintenance and Reliability
Cleaning the Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System can be challenging. The narrow stainless steel filter can be difficult to empty and clean completely, with wet coffee grounds tending to stick inside. 1 Rinsing the filter thoroughly is necessary to remove all residue. All parts should be hand-washed, as it is not recommended for dishwasher use. 5
Value and Alternatives
Priced at around $10 at Aldi, the Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System offers significant value. 1 For those unable to find the Crofton system, or who are looking for different features, several alternatives are available:
| Alternative | Key Features | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Mueller Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Large capacity, simple to use. | ~ $17 |
| Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker | Good for beginners, fits in most fridge doors. | ~ $24 |
| KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Glass and stainless steel construction with a convenient tap. | ~ $150 |
| OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Compact design, good for smaller batches. | ~ $35 |
Verdict
The Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System is a worthwhile purchase for its low price and large capacity. It produces a quality cold brew concentrate and is simple to operate after overcoming the initial lack of clear instructions. Its main drawbacks are the handleless carafe and the difficulty of cleaning the filter. For those who frequently purchase cold brew, this system can pay for itself quickly.
Included Accessories
- Glass Carafe
- Stainless Steel Mesh Filter
- Brewing Lid
- Pouring Lid
Considerations
- Limited Availability: As an Aldi Find, this product is not always in stock. 1
- Handleless Design: The lack of a handle can make the heavy, full carafe difficult to manage. 1
- Cleaning: The filter requires thorough hand cleaning to remove all coffee grounds. 1
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | THM 3 |
| Capacity | 50.05 oz / 1.48L 3 |
| Materials | Glass pitcher, stainless steel filter 3 |
| Dimensions | 10 in (H) x 4.3 in (D) x 4.3 in (W) 3 |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs 3 |
Sources
- Simply Recipes. "The $9.99 ALDI Find I'm Using All Summer Long (It Pays for Itself)."
- Reddit. "Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System."
- eBay. "Crofton “Cold Brew Coffee System” Glass Pitcher with Stainless Steel Filter."
- YouTube. "Crofton Cold Brew Coffee System Review."
- KitchenAid. "How to Clean the Cold Brew Coffee Maker."
- Food & Wine. "The 6 Best Cold Brew Coffee Makers, Tested & Reviewed."