Aquach vs Oxo Compact Side-by-Side Comparison
Aquach cold brew coffee maker vs OXO Compact. A versatile and stylish glass carafe brewer is a slim match for a dedicated cold brew maker.
Specifications
Design
The Aquach has one of the most aesthetically pleasing and practical designs for an immersion cold coffee brewer. There’s very little not to like about it and the materials are first rate. However, the filter, as we suspected and our tests revealed, is not the best design for a high-quality cold brew experience.
We unboxed the OXO Compact cold coffee brewer to see what came in such a neat and small package. The initial impression was a product that delights and excites.
Usability Comparison
Because of its practical design, the Aquach is one of the easiest cold brew coffee makers to use. Not only that, but the hole at the bottom of the filter makes it easy to drain all remaining brew. For the most part, cleaning is also effortless.
The OXO Compact is one of the easiest cold brew coffee makers to use. You simply measure your ingredients using the markings on its brew vessel and decanter. Decanting was fast and effortless, and cleaning straightward. It also stored very neatly, adding to its compact appeal. The only thing to be careful of is the sensitive decanting spring valve.
Brew Quality
As with any immersion filter brewer, the filter needs to be permeable enough to infuse sufficient flavor into the brew while keeping sediment contained. Unfortunately, the Aquach didn’t quite succeed here as our test results revealed it failed to produce a strong brew and it lacked a complex flavor. The brew ratio is also not the best.
Overall, the OXO Compact produced a smooth and full-bodied brew. It was very satisfying to drink with a simple dilution. However, the brew tended to lack sweeter flavor subtleties and the complexity one would expect from a cold brew.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Stylish decanter
- Lid design
- Decanter handle
- High-quality filter
- No plastic parts
- Compact design
- Quality packaging
- Aesthetic decanter
- Easy measuring
- Pours very smoothly
- Poor brew quality
- Stopper doesn’t fit tightly
- Sensitive decanter valve
- Brew not so complex
Conclusion
The Aquach is a nicely designed and good-looking glass carafe brewer. The stainless steel filter has a little handle to lift it out, and it can easily double up as a hot tea brewer. The quality of the cold brew produced is a little less than average since the fine-lasered filter doesn’t work the best.
The OXO, on the other hand, uses a free-style brewing technique so it is able to develop a full-strength cold brew concentrate. Brew guide markings on the brew vessel mean that you don’t have to worry about measuring out your grounds. The OXO proprietary rainshower dripper then evenly distributes the water over the grounds.
The OXO is a dedicated cold brew coffee maker, but if you require something more versatile, the Aquach is not a bad choice, but there are similar types of glass carafe brewers that make a much better brew.
Behind the Comparison
Roger Shitaki is a writer, author, and editor. His niches are household appliances, health & wellness, and travel. He’s a freelance contributor to a Tokyo lifestyle website and a leading ophthalmology magazine in Asia.
