Takeya vs Oxo Compact Side-by-Side Comparison
Takeya cold brew coffee maker vs OXO Compact. A tall spill-proof immersion filter brewer and a true cold brew concentrate maker.
Specifications
Design
The Takeya was shipped to us in just a plastic sleeve in a parcel package. It’s a very durable product, so some may not mind the minimal packaging. However, a proper box would look nicer and might also be good for long term storage or moving.
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
A key highlight of the Takeya is how easy brewing and decanting was. The overall design is quite practical, but the filter could be fitted better. Cleaning also required a little more attention than we initially anticipated.
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 that the Takeya produced a medium-strength brew of reasonable quality, which could be expected from its brew ratio of around 1:9. While the brew was quite smooth to drink, it wasn’t particularly robust. We feel it’s a good brew to mix with a milk base. The filter, however, is not so well constructed and can give varying results.
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
- Air tight brew decanter
- Cold or hot (tea) brewing
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable & light weight
- 1 and 2 quart sizes
- Color choice
- Compact design
- Quality packaging
- Aesthetic decanter
- Easy measuring
- Pours very smoothly
- Inadequate packaging
- Included instructions inadequate
- Filter cleaning
- Stopper doesn’t fit tightly
- Sensitive decanter valve
- Brew not so complex
Conclusion
The Takeya and OXO Compact are very different types of brewers. The advantage of the Takeya is that it brews up to 40 fl. oz. (1.2 liters) and can do so in a refrigerator door. Its oblong design can fit most refrigerator doors, but because of the unique filter design, it can also brew on its side and even be shaken during the brewing process.
While the Takeya doesn’t produce a cold brew concentrate, the quality of its brew is quite comparable to most other leading choices for an immersion filter brewer. The quality of its design and materials is also quite comparable to the OXO Compact.
The OXO Compact, however, brews one of the strongest cold brew concentrates we have tested. It requires some good shelf space to brew for 18 hours but afterward, it decants into a dinky carafe, which you can pop into any refrigerator door.
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.
