Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers Reviewed: 2024 Edition

Nitro cold brew coffee is a special treat available at many coffee shops. It comes from a tap and looks like foamy stout beer.

The velvety texture of nitro cold brew can compensate for those trying to avoid milk in their coffee. Depending on how you prepare nitro coffee, it may also be sweet without added sugar calories. Furthermore, nitro coffee has less acidity than regular coffee, so some people find it easier to digest.

Buying nitro cold brew coffee in a coffee shop can get expensive. Fortunately, you can make your own nitro cold brew coffee at home with the right equipment! Keep reading to find the best nitro cold brew coffee maker for your needs!

Top 7 nitro cold brew coffee makers for home use

Nitro cold brew makers for home use come in different sizes and styles, so this buyers’ guide can help you select one that meets your needs.

When choosing the best nitro cold brew coffee maker, remember that the listed capacity of a nitro cold brew keg is not how much liquid you’ll put in. You only fill the keg about 75 percent to leave room for the gas.

Image	Product	Features	Price
Best Overall	The Original Royal Brew	Improved stout creamer faucet No leak pouring Unique pressure relief valve 64 oz keg	Check Price
Value For Money	Nitroknox Coffee Kit	Simple & convenient Compact size 2 cups capacity Includes 10 nitro chargers	Check Price
	GrowlerWerks uKeg	Double-wall vacuum insulation Can steep cold-brew coffee Double filtration system 64 oz keg	Check Price
	My Morning Brew	Stainless steel spear with pressure relief valve Stainless steel faucet Works with 8g N2O cartridge 64 oz keg	Check Price
Large Capacity	The Original Royal Brew Extra Large Home Keg	Ideal for large groups Improved stout creamer faucet Uses two 8g N2O cartridges 128 oz keg	Check Price
	Hatfields London NitroPress	Patented high-pressure nitro nozzle Durable stainless steel 2 cups capacity Compatible with N2O and CO2 cartridges	Check Price
	Vinci Keg System	Food-grade stainless steel Spear with pressure relief valve Easy dispense stout handle 67 oz keg	Check Price

The Original Royal Brew

The Original Royal Brew is a solid nitro cold brew coffee system. The durable stainless steel keg holds 64 ounces. This version has an updated stainless steel faucet for pouring without leaks.

Beverages will stay fresh in the Royal Brew nitro keg for up to two weeks as long as you can fit the keg in your refrigerator. At 7″ across and almost 14″ tall, it’s not enormous, but it will take up some space. You must also put it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour before drinking the coffee.

The mini keg uses two 2g nitrogen cartridges to make standard nitro cold brew coffee. You can also get 8g N2O cartridges, producing nitro cold brew coffee with a sweeter taste. Either way, cartridges are sold separately.

The Royal Brew coffee maker can also infuse other beverages like seltzer water and lemonade. You can use a CO2 cartridge for those purposes.

This nitro coffee maker comes with cleaning brushes and other supplies, like a tap plug to catch drips. It’s important to note that it is not dishwasher-safe, even though it is made of stainless steel.

Nitroknox Coffee Kit

The compact Nitroknox Coffee Kit is a great way to get nitro-infused coffee on the go. It’s perfect for travel or the office.

The highly portable Nitroknox dispenser holds one pint, so it’s about the size of a water bottle with a bigger top that contains the pressure valve. You’ll drink this much nitro coffee in two servings, so long-term freshness shouldn’t be a big concern.

This makes the Nitroknox a good choice if you drink nitro cold brew coffee as an occasional treat rather than your daily brew. You won’t be stuck with too much extra coffee!

A significant advantage over the cold brew kegs is that you can drink your nitro brew coffee when it comes out of the Nitroknox. You’ll want to start with very cold coffee before you infuse the gas. The Nitroknox uses 2g nitrogen chargers, which are a standard size. The hard part is that you’ll go through chargers more quickly with such a small coffee maker.

For example, some 64-ounce competitors use two 2g chargers, which equals one charger per 32 ounces. The Nitroknox uses one charger per 16 ounces of nitro cold brew.

GrowlerWerks uKeg

The GrowlerWerks uKeg coffee maker differs from most other home nitro cold brew systems because it can also make cold brew coffee. You can steep coarse-grind ground coffee in a filter bag inside. The built-in double filtration system helps to prevent clogs.

The proprietary filter bags are an unusual shape and size, so you’ll have to get them from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, these filter bags are intended to be thrown away after use. You can use premade cold brew coffee if you don’t want to deal with that waste and expense.

The coffee grounds in the filter bags will have to steep in filtered water in the uKeg overnight. Once you remove the filter bags, add more filtered water, and give the keg a good shake, you can immediately turn on the tap for a full cascading pour of nitro cold brew. The speed at this end of the process is a clear advantage of this model.

The 50-ounce keg is made of food-grade stainless steel. A gauge on the outside of the keg shows how many servings of coffee remain inside. The automatic nitro regulator cap maintains pressure to keep the nitro cold brew fresh for weeks. The double wall insulation also helps keep the keg’s contents cold when the keg is out of the refrigerator.

GrowlerWerks uKeg nitro coffee maker uses 16g nitrous oxide gas chargers. It is a less common charger size, so it may be necessary to buy them from GrowlerWerks — and some users have complained that this gets expensive. Also, this brand doesn’t sell plain nitrogen chargers.

The whole all-in-one system is more expensive than other nitro cold brew coffee makers of similar capacity. Another drawback to this convenience is that if you are unsatisfied with your nitro brew, it may be hard to pinpoint whether the problem is on the brewing or nitro-infusing end of the process. In that case, your detective work would probably involve using the premade cold brew in the mini keg.

My Morning Brew Premium Brewing Kit

My Morning Brew nitro cold brew coffee maker is cheaper than others in this size range. The stainless steel keg has a black matte finish, which looks different from its competitors. Once assembled, it is about 13″ tall.

The mini keg holds 64 ounces. You’ll have to refrigerate it for an hour before you serve the nitro cold brew coffee. 

The manufacturer recommends 8g nitrous oxide cartridges, which are also compatible with 2g nitrogen cartridges. It comes with cleaning brushes but no gas cartridges, so you must order those separately.

The manufacturer of this product doesn’t have good web presence like the manufacturers of many competing products do, so getting hold of support could be a challenge if you have any problems or need replacement parts.

The Original Royal Brew Extra Large Home Keg

The Royal Brew Extra Large Home Keg stands out for its immense capacity. It holds 128 ounces. When fully assembled, it’s 7.5″ across and 17.5″ tall, so that’s a lot to make room for in your fridge.

Its sturdy construction with an improved stout creamer faucet is similar to that of the smaller Royal Brew model. It’s the same thing, except it allows you to brew an extra large batch.

This king-size nitro cold brew machine uses four 2g nitrogen cartridges or two 8g nitrous oxide cartridges. After you pour in the cold brew and insert the cartridges, you’ll have to shake the keg — which will probably be heavy — and then refrigerate it for an hour.

Like the smaller Royal Brew coffee maker, this model is not dishwasher-safe. You must wash it by hand with warm soapy water using the included cleaning brushes.

A strength of Royal Brew products is that the manufacturer has an informative website about the products. Contacting support should be easy if you ever need to do that.

Hatfields London NitroPress

The Hatfields London NitroPress is a portable nitro brew system with a one-pint capacity. It has a classy look with a stainless steel exterior and attractive trim. However, it is more expensive than other nitro brewers of that size.

The NitroPress coffee maker is compatible with nitrogen and nitrous oxide cartridges for infusing coffee. It is also marketed for making fizzy cocktails using a CO2 cartridge.

As a bonus, the NitroPress can double as a whipped cream dispenser. You need to remove the aerator from the nozzle to do that.

This sweet little coffee maker is built for instant gratification, so you can immediately drink the nitro coffee after you load the cold brew and gas cartridge and give it a good shake. You’ll want to be sure to start with very cold coffee.

The typical capacity of the NitroPress is either two coffee drinks or four cocktails. You’ll probably drink that in one sitting rather than storing it in your fridge for weeks. However, the contents will stay fresh in the refrigerator if necessary, and you can use NitroPress to make infused drinks.

If you get the stainless steel model rather than the copper edition, the whole thing can go in the dishwasher, making for easy cleanup. The manufacturer has a great support website and a recycling service for used gas cartridges.

Vinci Keg System

The Vinci keg has a simple appearance, made of food-grade stainless steel. However, it shines in attention to minor details.

Its easy dispense stout handle makes it easier to use with one hand. It also comes with a drip mat to catch spillage under the faucet.

The capacity of the mini keg is 2 liters or just over 67 ounces. Infusing a batch of coffee requires one 8g nitrous oxide cartridge or two 2g nitrogen cartridges sold separately.

The keg can also be used for other drinks, like cocktails. Your beverages can stay fresh in the keg for up to 10 days if kept in the fridge.

As with most nitro cold brew kegs, you must have cold-brewed coffee ready to pour into the Vinci Keg. It typically takes at least 12 hours to brew cold coffee if you make your cold brew at home.

Vinci also manufactures Express Cold Brew Coffee Makers that brew in as little as five minutes. If you are a coffee lover with a bottomless appetite for cold brew, this may be something to consider. Even though it’s not an all-in-one system, the two devices are designed to complement each other.

What to consider when choosing a nitro cold brew coffee maker

You may be so fascinated by making your coffee full of smooth creaminess that you haven’t thought through some of the practical details yet. Considering your priorities should help you get a cold-brew coffee maker you’ll be happy with.

Serving capacity

As you evaluate nitro cold brew systems, be realistic about how much nitro coffee you need to have at a time. The foam doesn’t last forever, so you don’t want to make more than you can drink within a couple of weeks.

On the other hand, if you are going to be regularly making coffee for a big group of people, you will probably want a nitro system with a larger capacity. It can be hard to make more coffee quickly with some nitro coffee brewers, as you have to chill the keg in the fridge after adding the gas cartridge, so factor in how many people will be drinking coffee simultaneously.

Materials

Most nitro cold brew machines are made of stainless steel. If the nitro coffee maker you are considering isn’t made of this durable and easy-to-clean material, there must be a good reason.

If you think you’ll use your nitro cold brew coffee maker somewhere without the fridge, like at a picnic, you want to ensure the stainless steel structure has some insulation. Double wall insulation will help keep your nitro brew coffee cold longer.

Chargers

Nitro cold brew coffee makers typically run on nitrogen gas cartridges. As you price out your new investment, remember this will be an ongoing expense.

Most nitro coffee brewers are compatible with standard-size nitrogen cartridges, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide gases. Nitrogen has a creamy texture, while nitrous oxide produces a sweeter taste with coarser bubbles. Try nitro coffee both ways to see which you like better!

You typically won’t use CO2 cartridges with coffee — those are more for making carbonated beverages, like turning plain lemonade into fizzy soda. If you want to know what CO2 with cold brew would taste like, you can mix cold brew coffee with a can of seltzer water. It’s not nitro coffee but a quick frothy drink in a pinch.

However, if the nitro cold brew coffee maker you are considering uses non-standard size cartridges, that may limit your options and increase your expenses.

Size

Nitro cold brew coffee kegs must be stored in the fridge after charging them with gas to cool down the coffee. Also, the keg should stay in the fridge when not used to ensure the freshness of the coffee.

Ensuring that the nitro cold brew system you are considering will fit inside your refrigerator is crucial. While the 64-ounce size keg is similar to a beer growler or a large juice container, the regulator cap and tap handle will add to the height. So measure your fridge shelves before you buy a coffee keg.

Portability

If you want to have nitro coffee on trips where you don’t have a lot of space to pack, you may want a smaller and more portable nitro coffee brewer. The small one-pint models nitro coffee makers are ideal for that. You can also use them to make cold brew nitro coffee at your office and serve it instantly.

Other uses

Many nitro cold brew devices can also make beverages other than coffee. Using different types of cartridges is usually key to exercising your creativity in this way. Ensure the nitro cold brew maker you are considering is compatible with standard cartridge sizes if you suspect you’d want to use it for teas or cocktails.

Manufacturer’s support

Like any other complicated machine, Nitro brewers can break down and require spare parts. If investing in a home keg system, you should consider whether the manufacturer has a good web presence to offer support and sell replacement parts. Some off-brand manufacturers may give you a cheaper price at the outset but may be unavailable if you need help later. So spending a little more could protect your investment.

Accessories

When buying a home keg system, consider whether it has all the necessary accessories. Having a tap plug to stop dripping or the right cleaning brushes can make a difference in how much you’ll enjoy using your nitro cold brew maker.

The basics of making nitro cold brew at home

Many home-use nitro cold brew systems look like small beer kegs with a tap and pressure release valve. They follow the same process as beer kegs to achieve foamy beverage consistency.

Most nitro cold brew makers only handle the final step of infusing coffee with tiny nitrogen bubbles. You must have regular cold brew coffee ready to pour into the keg. You may also need a funnel, as some kegs have narrow openings.

It’s pretty easy to make your own cold brew coffee or cold brew concentrate at home. The cold brewing process uses immersion brewing, similar to the French press but with a much longer steeping time. You can also buy bottled cold brew or cold brew concentrate at grocery stores.

Pouring hot coffee over ice as a substitute for cold brew won’t be a good fit for nitro cold brew coffee makers because the melting ice dilutes the coffee. Cold brew, properly calibrated, doesn’t have to have more caffeine than a typical cup of drip coffee, but it also shouldn’t be watery.

You’ll also have to decide what gas cartridge to use with your nitro cold brew coffee maker. Nitrogen makes creamy coffee with a foamy texture. Nitrous oxide (N2O) cartridges, which you’d use with a whipped cream dispenser, add sweetness to the foam. Carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridges can be used with many nitro cold brew coffee makers, but they’re usually for making drinks other than coffee.

If you are using cold brew concentrate, you’ll dilute that with cold water inside the keg at the same ratio you’d dilute it anywhere else before you put it in the nitro gas cartridge. While cold brew concentrate has a very high caffeine content, you can choose whether your nitro brew has more or less caffeine by adjusting your ratio of cold water to concentrate.

Making nitro cold brew at home is easier than you might think. The nitro tap technology you’ll use to infuse coffee at home is a more compact version of those used in coffee shops. Practicing your home coffee brewing with different types of coffee will help you make the perfect nitro cold brew with a smooth texture that will be a special treat at any time of the day.