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Coffee Gator vs Coffee Bear Side-by-Side Comparison

Coffee Gator cold brew coffee maker vs Coffee Bear. Two almost identical animal-named brewers. Find out which one comes out tops.

Updated
Coffee Gator vs Coffee Bear: A Bitter Rivalry

Specifications

Price at publication
$26.28$25.64
Brewer HxW
10.2 x 6.7 inches10 x 6.7 inches
Brewer Diameter
3.9" (9.9 cm)4.2" (10.7 cm)
Brewer Materials
Borosilicate glass, plasticBorosilicate glass, plastic
Filter Type
Plastic, nylon immersionPlastic, nylon immersion
Filter HxDia
7.8 x 2.5 inches7.5” x 2.5 inches
Decanter Weight
1.2 lbs1.9 lbs
Total Parts Count
98

Design

Stopper / Lid
Filter
Build Quality
Overall Design Scoring

The overall design of the Coffee Gator is simple and practical. The way the lid works is particularly nice, but the handle needs rethinking. The stainless steel measuring spoon and silicone funnel are also quite versatile in and of themselves.

There’s nothing to fault about the quality of the glass carafe and the lid design. The silicone base pad, on the other hand, is not the best quality and the handle is a little small.

Usability Comparison

Brewing
Decanting
Cleaning and Storage
Overall Usability Scoring

Coffee Gator is exceptionally easy to use because of the included measuring spoon and silicone pouring funnel. The filter attaches securely and effortlessly, and the lid design is most practical. Hand cleaning is also no issue.

Using the Coffee Bear is quite simple and straightforward. The most practical aspect is the lid, but besides that, the product doesn’t offer any added value. It’s easy to miss spots when cleaning the black-framed filter, but the detachable filter base does make a difference.

Brew Quality

Bouquet
Drinkability
Sediment
Overall Performance Scoring

The brew quality of the Coffee Gator was fairly average and much in line with other immersion brewers with a similar ratio. The brew lacked complexity overall but was drinkable enough without dilution. Hot blooming may be an option, but many people prefer a stainless steel filter for this.

The brew quality of the Coffee Bear corresponded with its brew ratio and the functionality of its filter. The brew was decidedly average and lacked complexity with a watery aftertaste.

Overall Scores

Brew Quality
Design
Ease of Use
Overall Scoring

Pros & Cons

  • Quality of glass carafe
  • Additional spoon and funnel
  • Neat and clever lid
  • Twist to pour lid
  • Personalized extras
  • Glass decanter
  • Lid design
  • Twist to pour
  • Grip and length of handle
  • Brew rather average
  • Silicone base not top quality
  • Handle not so comfortable
  • Appears to be a generic copy

Conclusion

Coffee Gator and Coffee Bear are virtually identical cold brew coffee makers. Which is the original product is hard to tell since the manufacturers would only confirm that there is no relationship between the two. Regardless, Coffee Gator is the better value product, while Coffee Bear appears to be a generic copy. 

The convenient twist-to-pour lid is the same for each brewer. So too is the filter design except the Coffee Gator filter has a white plastic frame. This makes it easier to see coffee oils during cleaning compared to the black filter of the Coffee Bear. 

The Coffee Bear has a silicone base pad, but the fit is somewhat uneven and the bulk makes it difficult to fit in the door bin of a small refrigerator. The Coffee Gator, in contrast, offers a better deal with an included stainless steel measuring spoon and a very useful silicone funnel.

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Roger Shitaki
Roger ShitakiReviewer

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.

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