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 |
| Check Price |
Compact Size  | Hemli Nitro Coffee Maker |
| Check Price |
 | GrowlerWerks uKeg |
| Check Price |
 | Nitro Kafo Aluminum Coffee Maker |
| Check Price |
 | Hatfields London NitroPress |
| Check Price |
No Cartridges Required  | Hatfields London NitroPress® DS |
| Check Price |
 | NutriChef Nitro System |
| Check Price |
The Original Royal Brew
The Original Royal Brew is a nitro cold brew coffee system with great features. The stainless steel keg is 64 oz and has a new faucet for smooth pouring with no leaks. It’s built to last, and the keg size is perfect for home or small gatherings. However, the dimensions (7” across and almost 14” tall) will take up some fridge space, so be sure to check your space before you buy.
Drinks will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if the keg is cold and stored in the fridge. The chilling process, which takes at least an hour before use, adds to the prep time but is necessary for the nitro cold brew effect. The keg must be filled to no more than 75% to ensure proper gas infusion crucial for best results.
The Royal Brew uses 2g nitrogen cartridges for a traditional nitro cold brew and 8g N2O cartridges for a sweeter, creamier taste. While the flexibility is nice, the cartridges are sold separately and add to the cost. The system can also infuse seltzer or lemonade with CO2 cartridges, so it’s useful beyond coffee.
The package comes with some nice cleaning tools like brushes and a tap plug to catch drips, but the system is not dishwasher safe, so manual cleaning is required. The extra maintenance is worth it to keep the stainless steel parts in good condition. Overall the Royal Brew is a convenient and versatile way to enjoy nitro cold brew and other beverages with some nice features but a few practical considerations.
- Attractive appearance
- Moderate capacity (64 oz)
- Uses standard cartridges
- Maintains freshness for two weeks
- Can make a variety of drinks
- Hand wash only
- Takes up space in the fridge
- Must chill for at least an hour before serving
Hemli Nitro Coffee Maker
The Hemli Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a slim and compact device that brings café-style nitro cold brew to your home. The ceramic-lined interior ensures a pure coffee taste with no metallic or plastic flavors to enhance the overall quality of your brew. The built-in pressure gauge allows for precise control during nitrogen infusion for a creamy texture and professional finish every time.
With a 12 oz capacity, this is perfect for personal servings and is great for those who want fresh nitro cold brew without a large system. The compact design saves counter space, and the built-in storage for up to 3 nitrogen gas bulbs keeps everything tidy and within reach. The Tritan cup is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean, adding practicality to the design.
The Hemli nitro coffee maker is well-built and easy to use. Instructions are clear, so even beginners can get great results. Note that nitrogen gas bulbs are sold separately, so you must factor that into the overall cost. Also, a 12 oz capacity is convenient but may not be enough for larger households or gatherings.
This is a great choice for enjoying a nitro cold brew at home. The design is thoughtful, the materials are high quality, and the performance is precise for personal use, which gets you a premium cold brew with minimal effort.
- Ceramic-lined interior preserves coffee flavor
- Built-in pressure gauge for precise infusion
- Compact design saves counter space
- Easy to clean Tritan cup
- Built-in storage for nitrogen bulbs
- Nitrogen bulbs sold separately
- Small 12 oz capacity, best for single servings
- Not suitable for large households or gatherings
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.
- Slick design
- Can make cold brew coffee
- Visual gauge
- Maintains freshness for weeks
- Uncommon size charger & filter bags
- Limited charger types
- High price
Nitro Kafo Aluminum Nitro Coffee Maker
The Nitro Kafo is a small and portable device that brings the creamy, smooth texture of nitro cold brew to your home. A 0.5L aluminum canister is light and easy to handle and store, perfect for small kitchen spaces. The included nitro diffuser nozzle will enhance the coffee and create a rich, velvety foam, like a real café experience.
The simple design makes it easy to assemble and use, even for nitro brewing newbies. It fits most refrigerators, so you can chill your coffee to perfection before infusing it with nitrogen. Perfect for small, fresh servings of nitro cold brew for personal use.
0.5L is great for single-serve or small batches but might not be enough for larger households or entertaining. Aluminum construction makes it light but not as durable as stainless steel. Despite that, the Nitro Kafo does a good job in nitro cold brew with minimal effort.
You can also use this device to infuse other beverages like tea or sparkling drinks. If you’re looking for an affordable and compact nitro cold brew, the Nitro Kafo is a good option that combines functionality and ease of use.
- Compact design for easy storage
- Lightweight aluminum canister
- Nitro diffuser nozzle for creamy cold brew
- Versatile use for infusing other beverages
- Limited 0.5-liter capacity
- Aluminum construction less durable than stainless steel
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.
- Easily portable
- Compatible with N2O and CO2 cartridges
- Can make cocktails & whipped cream
- Dishwasher-safe
- Limited capacity
- Inefficient use of chargers
- High price
Hatfields London NitroPress® DS
The Hatfields London NitroPress® DS is a cartridge-free nitro beverage dispenser that makes smooth, velvety drinks with ease. Made from stainless steel, it’s dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. Compact size is perfect for home kitchens, and it is a simple solution to make nitro cold brew, tea, and cocktails without taking up too much space.
With no single-use cartridges, the NitroPress® DS is a friendly and cost-effective way to make infused drinks. This design ensures a continuous supply of nitrogen for multiple drinks, reduces waste, and saves you money in the long run. It’s designed for convenience, making nitro drinks at the touch of a button.
500ml capacity, perfect for personal use or small groups, may need to be refilled more often for larger groups. The initial investment is higher than cartridge-based systems, but long-term savings and sustainability make it worth it for nitro lovers. NitroPress® DS combines convenience, durability, and sustainability for a premium nitro experience at home.
- Cartridge-free design reduces waste and long-term costs
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Compact size fits small kitchens
- Versatile for nitro coffee, tea, and cocktails
- Small 500ml capacity may require frequent refills
- Higher upfront cost compared to cartridge-based systems
- Best suited for small servings or personal use
NutriChef Nitro Cold Brew System
With the NutriChef Nitro Cold Brew System, making nitro-infused cold brew at home is a breeze. The stainless steel keg holds 64 oz, so it’s great for one or small groups. The stout creamer faucet gives cold brew coffee a smooth, creamy texture. But note nitrogen cartridges are sold separately, so you’ll need to factor that in to get started.
Setting up the NutriChef can be a bit tricky at first if you’re new to nitro systems. Once everything is assembled, it makes café quality nitro cold brew, but you do need to clean it thoroughly after every use to maintain performance and hygiene. Despite that, the capacity and quality of the brew is worth it for nitro enthusiasts.
You can also use this system to infuse other beverages like tea or sparkling drinks. It’s compact, so it fits in most fridges, but the keg is a bit tall and wide, so you might need to adjust some space. The NutriChef nitro coffee maker is a good choice if you want to replicate the café experience at home with high-quality creamy coffee.
- Durable stainless steel keg
- 64 oz capacity ideal for multiple servings
- Stout creamer faucet enhances texture and flavor
- Compact design fits in most refrigerators
- Nitrogen cartridges sold separately
- Setup can be complex for beginners
- Requires thorough cleaning after each use
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.
