Why the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer Belongs in Your Kitchen

“That’s really good coffee!”

BY STAFF @THE BRIMLY TEST KITCHEN

September 24, 2024

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

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The history of coffee brewers dates back centuries, originating from simple and rudimentary methods of extracting flavor from ground beans. The earliest known form of coffee brewing was the Turkish coffee pot, or cezve, developed in the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. This method involved simmering finely ground coffee with water and sugar in a small, long-handled pot over a heat source. As coffee culture spread through Europe, brewing techniques evolved, and the first drip coffee maker appeared in France in 1800. This early drip brewer, called a coffee biggin, allowed water to pass through a filter filled with coffee grounds, producing a clear brew.

By the mid-20th century, electric coffee makers, like the percolator, became popular, allowing for automatic brewing. The drip coffee maker as we know it today emerged in the 1970s, with brands like Mr. Coffee making the machine a household staple. French presses, espresso machines, and single-serve pod systems like Keurig followed, offering different styles and levels of convenience for brewing coffee. Each iteration of coffee brewing equipment has been designed to enhance convenience, flavor, and efficiency, responding to consumer demands for faster, more refined coffee-making techniques.

As coffee continues to be an integral part of everyday life, brands like OXO are pushing the boundaries of innovation. OXO’s latest entry into the market is their Brew Rapid Brewer, a portable machine designed to brew hot coffee in two minutes and cold brew in five minutes. What sets the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer apart is its versatility and simplicity. Unlike traditional cold brew methods, which can take up to 24 hours, the Rapid Brewer cuts that time down significantly using a high-pressure extraction process. It’s compact, lightweight, and cordless, making it perfect for home use and travel.

OXO emphasizes the precision and ease of use of their product. With features like a rainmaker showerhead for even water distribution and a built-in stainless steel filter, the brewer promises to extract the full flavor of coffee grounds. If you're making a quick cup of hot espresso-style coffee or a smooth cold brew, OXO’s machine ensures an efficient, high-quality brewing experience.

OXO Brew Rapid Brewer

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What We Think:

1. First Impressions:

The OXO Brew Rapid Brewer stands out for its compact and sturdy design, especially the Tritan™ Renew materials used for durability. The rainmaker shower head and stainless steel filter immediately grab attention, as these features suggest that it’s designed for high-quality brewing, whether hot or cold.

2. Ease of Use:

Setting it up is straightforward. The brewer features measurement lines for water and coffee, making it easy to know exactly how much to use. Once you add the coffee and water, you pump the concentrate into the carafe, which feels just right in terms of resistance. We appreciate how intuitive and minimal the setup is.

3. Performance:

The brewing process is fast, delivering hot coffee in 2 minutes and cold brew in 5 minutes. Despite its quick times, the brewer manages to create a rich, concentrated coffee that is comparable to longer brewing methods like traditional cold brew. This is especially impressive given the small, portable size.

4. Taste and Brew Quality:

The flavor is smooth and bold. The high-pressure extraction ensures a well-balanced brew. One key tip is getting the grind size right—similar to a grind between espresso and pour-over coffee for optimal taste.

5. Convenience:

This product is great for on-the-go lifestyles and fits easily into travel bags or small kitchens. It doesn’t require electricity, making it extremely versatile for a busy kitchen setup or even outdoor brewing. The easy cleanup, with most parts being dishwasher-safe, also makes it a strong contender in terms of convenience.

6. Features:

Its standout feature is the built-in stainless steel filter, eliminating the need for paper filters. The rainmaker showerhead ensures even water distribution, and the tamper helps ensure proper extraction of the coffee. These features elevate its functionality compared to other portable brewers.

7. Durability and Design:

The Tritan™ Renew materials, made from 50% recycled content, make this brewer sturdy enough for regular use. It’s not just lightweight but also durable, being able to handle the rigors of frequent travel and daily use.

8. Target Audience:

Ideal for coffee drinkers who are always on the go or who lack space for a larger brewing setup. It also caters to those who want a quick but high-quality brew without the need for bulky machines. It appeals particularly to fans of cold brew or espresso-style coffee.

9. Comparison:

Compared to other manual brewing methods, the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer stands out for its speed and ease of use. While it reminds us of the AeroPress, the focus on cold brew and compact design makes it more versatile. The brewing process is quicker than a French press or a traditional cold brew setup.

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Final Thoughts

We highly recommend the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer for its portability, fast brewing times, and solid design. It’s not without small drawbacks, such as the lack of a carrying case, but these are minor in comparison to its benefits. It's a great fit for anyone who values convenience without sacrificing taste.