County Line Kitchen vs Oxo Compact Side-by-Side Comparison
County Line Kitchen cold brew coffee maker vs OXO Compact. A handy mason jar brewer or the versatility of a cold brew concentrate.
Specifications
Design
The County Line Kitchen cold brew coffee maker is a practical design which captures the aesthetic of a traditional homestead. The screw-top lid can be purchased with or without a handle. The flip lid is very convenient and pours well. The brewer is airtight with a silicone seal, and you can also fit the mason jar with a traditional metal screw cap.
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
Brewing with the County Line Kitchen is very easy and straightforward. It’s not necessary to weigh or measure either grounds or water. Just fill the filter and jar as described below.
Although decanting is just a question of removing the filter, its lower level of filtration means you may want to refilter or further decant the contents. For the 1-quart jar, we had to use a bottle brush to scrub it out.
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
We found the brew quality of the County Line Kitchen cold brew coffee maker to be promising. It did well to bring out sweet profiles, but at the same time, the brew lacked complexity. We recommend brewing for longer than our test standard of 18 hours. The amount of sediment indicated that the filter was not so effective, but nonetheless a good compromise on the brew quality.
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
- Versatile product
- Minimal packaging
- Packed and shipped in the US
- Robust and durable
- Airtight silicone gasket
- Compact design
- Quality packaging
- Aesthetic decanter
- Easy measuring
- Pours very smoothly
- Brew strength average
- Filter not so effective
- Stopper doesn’t fit tightly
- Sensitive decanter valve
- Brew not so complex
Conclusion
County Line Kitchen mason jar brewers come in 1-quart and 2-quart sizes. Both come with a handy flip lid and the choice of a brewer with or without a handle. The 1-quart size is a pretty good match for the OXO Compact in terms of brewing a smaller volume of coffee.
The OXO, however, still requires a reasonable amount of shelf space or space in a crisper box to brew. After decanting, you can easily place the carafe in the refrigerator door. The County Line Kitchen, on the other hand, can easily brew in any refrigerator door.
The OXO produces a true cold brew coffee concentrate, whereas the County Line, with only a 1:9 brew ratio, brews to a much weaker strength. The County Line Kitchen mason jar is, however, more versatile and convenient for brewing hot as well as cold beverages. The advantage of the OXO is that a cold coffee concentrate is more versatile in its use as a mixer or in kitchen prep.
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.
