HouseholdRanker
Menu

Review

Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker Review

The Bodum Bean is a manual cold brew coffee maker designed for large-batch iced coffee at home. It stands out for simple overnight brewing, easy cleaning, and strong buyer feedback on smooth taste. Its main drawbacks are a fairly bulky fridge footprint and mixed long-term durability around the lid and press assembly.
Expert reviewed
84
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The Bodum Bean is a 1.5-litre manual cold brew coffee maker built for people who want to make iced coffee in larger batches rather than brew one serving at a time. It uses a simple steep-and-press method: coffee grounds and cold water go into the jug, the flat lid is used during brewing, and the plunger lid is fitted when the drink is ready to press and pour. The product is made from plastic, silicone, and stainless steel, and it is dishwasher safe. In practical kitchen use, this is aimed at households or individuals who drink cold brew regularly and want a reusable system without paper filters. Review feedback strongly supports its ease of use, easy cleanup, and smooth-tasting results. The main trade-offs are that it takes up space in the fridge and that durability feedback is not entirely consistent, especially around the lid and press parts.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Features & Specs

Other Special Features of the Product
Dishwasher Safe
Coffee Maker Type
French Press
Specific Uses For Product
Iced Coffee
Recommended Uses For Product
Traveling
Operation Mode
Manual
Human Interface Input
Touchscreen
Coffee Input Type
ground
Filter Type
Paper

Measurements

Capacity
1.5 Liters
Item Dimensions D x W x H
7.88"D x 4.75"W x 9.5"H
Item Weight
0.57 Kilograms
Number of Items
2
Unit Count
1.0 Count

Style

Color
Snow
Style
Classic

Item details

Brand Name
Bodum
Included Components
Coffee maker
Model Name
Bean
Model Number
K11683-913
Customer Package Type
Standard Packaging
Global Trade Identification Number
00699965334598
Manufacturer
Bodum
UPC
699965334598
Part Number
K11683-913
Item Type Name
Coffee Maker

Materials & Care

Material
Plastic
Is the item dishwasher safe?
Yes

Scores breakdown

88 /100

Performance

72 /100

Features

74 /100

Safety

68 /100

Comfort

90 /100

Ease of use

58 /100

Space efficiency

100 /100

Noise

74 /100

Design

Strengths

  • Simple manual cold brew process that buyers repeatedly describe as easy to use.
  • Large 1.5 L capacity suits multi-day batches for one person or shared use.
  • Two-lid setup supports overnight brewing and next-day pressing.
  • Dishwasher-safe construction helps keep cleanup straightforward.
  • No paper filters required, reducing ongoing waste and extra supplies.
  • Strong customer feedback for smooth, less bitter cold brew results.
  • Lightweight plastic body is easier to carry than glass alternatives.
  • Review sentiment suggests good value for people replacing frequent café iced coffee purchases.

Limitations

  • Bulky shape and handle can take up noticeable fridge space.
  • Durability feedback is mixed, with some reports of lid or press parts breaking early.
  • Some users mention fine sediment reaching the bottom of the cup.
  • Manual brewing takes planning ahead because cold brew needs many hours to steep.
  • This model is intended for cold brew use, so it is not a flexible hot coffee machine.
  • The locking lid may need adjustment at times to seal properly, based on review feedback.

Ideal user profiles

  • People who mainly drink iced coffee or cold brew at home.
  • Users who want a simple manual brewer without pods, paper filters, or app controls.
  • Households that prefer making larger batches to last several days.
  • Buyers looking for a lightweight alternative to fragile glass press pots.

Use cases

  • Preparing overnight cold brew in the fridge for the next morning.
  • Making larger batches of iced coffee concentrate for several days of use.
  • Reducing café spending by brewing cold coffee at home.
  • Taking cold brew to work shifts, lunchboxes, or camping trips.
  • Brewing iced tea as an alternative to coffee.
  • Serving chilled coffee with milk or over ice at home.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This is mainly a kitchen appliance for cold brew and iced coffee preparation. Its role is less about fast daily brewing and more about batch preparation that fits into an overnight or all-day routine. Within the coffee maker category, it sits closer to a simple manual brewing tool than a multi-function machine, with its appeal coming from low-effort preparation, reusable brewing, and the ability to keep chilled coffee ready for several days.

Best for

The Bodum Bean is best suited to regular cold brew drinkers who want a straightforward, reusable home setup. Its 1.5 L capacity works well for people making enough coffee to last several days, and reviews repeatedly praise the smooth taste, easy cleaning, and low-effort brewing process. It also makes sense for buyers who prefer a lightweight plastic brewer instead of glass.

Not best for

This model is less suitable for buyers who want a compact coffee maker for tight fridge shelves or very small kitchens. It may also disappoint anyone looking for a hot-and-cold all-rounder, since review feedback repeatedly treats it as a cold-brew-only product. Buyers who prioritise long-term durability should also note the mixed reports around the lid and plunger assembly.

Home use

For everyday home use, the Bodum Bean fits best into a prep-ahead routine. You make a batch in advance, leave it to steep, then keep cold brew ready for quick pours over the next few days. That makes it useful for households that prefer chilled coffee on hand, though its larger size means you need dedicated fridge space.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

The Bodum Bean performs well in its core job of making cold brew coffee. Reviews consistently describe the results as smooth, less bitter, and suitable for iced coffee drinking over several days. The steep-and-press format appears to work especially well for users who want larger batches or even stronger concentrate-style brewing. Practical limitations are still present: a few buyers mention fine sediment, and the locking lid does not always seal perfectly without adjustment. Even so, the overall pattern of feedback suggests dependable brewing results for a manual cold brew maker.

Feature analysis

The feature set is simple but relevant to the product’s purpose. The standout additions are the two lids, with one for steeping in the fridge and one for pressing and pouring. Dishwasher-safe parts and reusable brewing without paper filters add convenience. This is not a feature-heavy coffee maker, but for a manual cold brew system, the included functions are practical and easy to understand.

Safety

Safety considerations are fairly straightforward. The plastic construction avoids the breakage risk that comes with glass press pots, which can be helpful in busy kitchens or travel use. Review feedback repeatedly suggests this model should be treated as a cold brew maker and not used with boiling water, so buyers should follow that intended use carefully. The locking lid may also help reduce spills when pouring, though some users note that the seal may need adjustment. There are no supported claims here for advanced safety protections beyond normal manual handling.

Comfort

The main comfort benefit comes from convenience rather than automation. Having a larger batch of cold brew ready in the fridge can make mornings easier, especially for people who drink iced coffee regularly. Reviews also point to a smoother, less acidic taste, which some users may find easier to enjoy day to day. The trade-off is that you need to wait through the full brewing time.

How it compares

Within its category, the Bodum Bean looks stronger than many cold brew makers for ease of use, batch capacity, and day-to-day practicality. It also compares well on cleanup thanks to its dishwasher-safe design and reusable brewing approach. Where it looks more average is in build quality and design efficiency, since the larger body can be awkward in the fridge and durability feedback is not fully consistent. Buyers who want connected features, electric brewing, or hot-and-cold flexibility will find it limited, but as a manual cold brew specialist, it compares favourably on simplicity and value.

Ranking summary

This product ranks well because it delivers strongly on the basics that matter most for a cold brew maker: good taste, simple use, easy cleaning, and practical batch capacity. The very large review base and high customer satisfaction support its position as a dependable choice for home iced coffee routines. It is not higher-ranking because its feature set is fairly simple, the design is not especially space-efficient, and durability feedback is more mixed than the strongest products in the category. For buyers who want a manual, reusable brewer rather than a multi-function machine, it remains a convincing option.

Buying advice

Consider the Bodum Bean if you regularly drink iced coffee or cold brew and want a low-effort manual system that can make several servings at once. It is especially suitable if easy cleaning and reusable brewing matter more to you than compact storage. Avoid it if your fridge space is tight, if you want a brewer for hot coffee too, or if you are particularly sensitive to mixed durability reports. Before buying, check that the 1.5 L size fits your kitchen routine, that you are happy with an overnight brew process, and that seller return support is acceptable in case the lid or press assembly develops issues.
84
Overall score

Final verdict

The Bodum Bean is a strong option for the cold brew category, especially for home users who want a simple, large-capacity manual brewer. Its main strength is how easy it is to use and clean while still producing smooth, well-liked iced coffee. The main limitation is that it is fairly bulky in the fridge and does not have the most reassuring long-term durability record. If you want a straightforward batch cold brew maker and can give it the space it needs, it is an appealing and practical choice. If compact storage or maximum durability matters most, it is worth comparing other options first.
Back to review

Key topics

Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker Set, Bodum Bean review, cold brew coffee maker, 1.5 L cold brew maker, manual iced coffee maker, French press cold brew, dishwasher safe coffee maker, large cold brew coffee brewer, home cold brew maker, Bodum iced coffee maker

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bodum Bean good for cold brew coffee?
It appears well suited to cold brew. Buyer feedback is consistently positive on taste, ease of overnight brewing, and the smooth, less bitter results compared with some other methods. Its large capacity also makes it practical for people who want several servings from one batch.
Is the Bodum Bean easy to use?
Yes, ease of use is one of its clearest strengths. The process is straightforward: add ground coffee and water, leave it to brew, then switch to the plunger lid and press. Reviews often describe it as simple for regular home use and easy to repeat once you find your preferred coffee-to-water ratio.
How easy is the Bodum Bean to clean?
Cleaning is a strong point. The product is dishwasher safe, and multiple reviews mention that rinsing and cleanup are quick. Some buyers also prefer the simpler plunger design compared with multi-layer press filters that require more disassembly after brewing.
Is the Bodum Bean suitable for small kitchens or crowded fridges?
Not always. The 1.5 L size is useful for batch brewing, but several reviews note that it takes up a fair amount of fridge space. If your refrigerator shelves are narrow or already full, its handle and overall footprint may be less convenient than a slimmer cold brew container.
Can the Bodum Bean make hot coffee too?
The product data and review feedback point to cold brew and iced coffee as the intended use. Several reviewers specifically warn against using boiling or very hot water with this plastic model. If you want one brewer for both hot French press coffee and cold brew, this may not be the best fit.
Does the Bodum Bean leave sediment in the coffee?
It generally performs well, but a small amount of fine sediment can still appear. One review mentions some fines at the bottom of the cup, which is fairly typical of press-style brewing. Careful pouring and leaving the last portion in the container can help reduce this.
Is the Bodum Bean durable?
Durability looks mixed rather than fully consistent. Many buyers report long-term use and appreciate the lightweight plastic body, especially compared with breakable glass. However, the broader review summary also notes some complaints about the lid or press assembly breaking after a short period.
Does the Bodum Bean offer good value for money?
For many buyers, yes. Reviews often say it helps reduce spending on café iced coffee, and the large size supports multi-day batches at home. Value is strongest for regular cold brew drinkers, though the mixed long-term durability feedback is worth considering before buying.

Related Guides & Rankings

Chemex 8-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker Review Chemex 8-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker Review Bialetti Rainbow 3 Cup Moka Pot Review Bialetti Rainbow 3 Cup Moka Pot Review Brentwood KT-2150BK Iced Tea and Coffee Maker R... Brentwood KT-2150BK Iced Tea and Coffee Maker R... Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder Review: Grind Quali... Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder Review: Grind Quali...