Quick answer
Choose the OXO Cold Brew Maker if you want a large batch of smooth concentrate to mix with water or milk. Choose the Yama Glass French Press if you prefer quick, rich hot coffee or small cold brews without extra equipment.
Brewing speed and batch size
The OXO Cold Brew Maker is designed for slow steeping—12 to 24 hours—and yields a concentrate that you dilute before drinking. That means one batch can last several days, but you need to plan ahead. The Yama Glass French Press brews in about four minutes and makes up to six cups, so it’s ideal when you want coffee now, not tomorrow.
If you often brew for a group, the French press’s six-cup capacity is convenient, but cold brew concentrate stretches further because you mix it with water or milk. Think about your daily routine: do you have time to prep the night before, or do you need coffee on demand?
Flavor and strength control
Cold brew and French press produce different flavor profiles. Cold brew steeps in cold water, which extracts fewer bitter compounds, resulting in a smoother, less acidic cup—even when served hot. French press uses hot water and a metal mesh filter, leaving fine grounds and natural oils in the cup for a full-bodied, rich flavor.
The OXO brewer lets you control strength by adjusting the ratio of coffee to water and the steeping time. The Yama press gives you control over steeping time too, but it’s easier to over-extract if you leave the grounds in contact with hot water too long.
Ease of use and cleanup
The OXO Cold Brew Maker is praised for its simple operation and reusable filter. You add coffee and water, wait, then open the tap to pour concentrate straight into your glass. The filter catches the grounds, so cleanup is mostly rinsing the filter and the carafe.
The Yama French Press is straightforward as well—add coffee, pour hot water, press, and pour. However, you’ll need to dispose of the wet grounds and rinse the mesh and carafe. Both are manual brewers, so neither is complicated, but the OXO requires more waiting time and a bit more space in your fridge or counter.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Time investment: Cold brew with the OXO takes 12–24 hours; French press with the Yama takes about 4 minutes. If you need coffee immediately, the French press wins.
- Yield and serving style: The OXO makes a concentrate that you dilute; the Yama makes up to 6 cups of ready-to-drink coffee. Cold brew concentrate stretches further and is great for meal prep.
- Flavor profile: Cold brew is smoother and less acidic; French press is rich, full-bodied, and retains natural oils. Choose based on your preferred taste—smooth vs. bold.
- Cleanup and storage: The OXO has a reusable filter and can store in the fridge; the Yama requires disposing of grounds and rinsing the mesh. The OXO is slightly more convenient for batch brewing.
Product facts
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OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker: The OXO Cold Brew Maker features a reusable filter and lets you pour concentrate straight from the brewer into your glass. You can brew a large batch and serve it directly without transferring to another container, saving time and dishes.
OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker
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Yama Glass 6-Cup French Press: The Yama Glass 6-Cup French Press is made from thick, sturdy borosilicate glass that withstands extreme temperatures. It’s durable enough for regular hot brewing and can also handle the switch to cold water if you experiment with cold press.
Yama Glass 6-Cup French Press
Who should choose which?
Best for
- Cold brew lovers who want a smooth, low-acid concentrate to mix with milk or water
- Busy people who can prepare a batch the night before and enjoy it over several days
Not for
- Those who need a quick cup of hot coffee in the morning—a French press is faster
- Anyone who wants to brew small, single servings without extra dilution steps