Hario Mizudashi vs Toddy System Side-by-Side Comparison
Hario Mizudashi cold brew coffee maker vs Toddy Cold Brew System. Learn what makes for a top cold brew coffee maker and what brewer to avoid.
Specifications
Design
The Hario scored well for its build quality, but it fell short on the key fundamentals of the lid and filter design. Overall, the design did not contribute to producing a good quality brew.
Overall, the Toddy Cold Brew System is a high-quality product. It’s well thought out from eco-friendliness to aesthetic appeal to the practicalities of brewing and storage. The only feature we found lacking was the temperamental filter.
Usability Comparison
The Hario Mizudashi is really easy to use because it requires little effort. Additionally, it is easy to brew without having to measure out the grounds or water. The tall size is a little troublesome when hand washing, but everything is dishwasher safe. Our key issue, however, is with the non-airtight design.
Making cold brew coffee can be messy. The purpose of a cold brew coffee maker is to make brewing and decanting as easy as possible. There are more steps to the Toddy system than you’ll find in a simple immersion filter brewer. However, it produced superior results and the whole process can be made easier if you use a paper filter bag.
Brew Quality
The Hario Mizudashi was an overall poor performer. The brew lacked complexity and had an overall sourish taste. This was largely down to a short filter, a poor brew ratio, and a non-airtight vessel. One way to improve the brew quality would be hot blooming where you pour hot water over the grounds and allow to bloom for 30 to 40 seconds before pouring cold water.
The test of any cold brew coffee maker is ultimately the coffee it produces. Our repeated testing found that the Toddy makes the best cold brew coffee. Specifically, it’s the most rounded, full-bodied, and complex brew with a balance towards sweeter flavors. Its filtration system, although not the most convenient, is highly effective.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Attractive brew decanter
- Easy-to-clean filter
- Color choice
- Hot or cold brewing
- Minimal parts
- No over-packaging
- Eco-friendliness
- Ergonomic components
- Attractive carafe
- Included paper filter bags
- Cold or hot brewing
- Not airtight
- Odor contamination
- Poor brew quality
- Felt filter tends to clog
- No brew vessel markings
Conclusion
The difference between the Hario Muzidashi and the Toddy Cold Brew System is the contrast between the lowest and the highest scoring cold brew coffee makers. The Toddy uses a free-style brewing method with an adjustable brew ratio and an airtight brewing vessel. It also comes with a quality glass carafe for decanting.
The Hario, meanwhile, is a tall and slender carafe brewer. It lacks an airtight brewing environment and due to a short filter produces a sour, low quality brew. At the end of the day, it is not a cold brew coffee maker that we recommend people buy.
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.
