Takeya vs Toddy System Side-by-Side Comparison
Takeya cold brew coffee maker vs Toddy Cold Brew System. Two high quality brewers producing up to 40 fl.oz. of coffee, one double strength.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
- Air tight brew decanter
- Cold or hot (tea) brewing
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable & light weight
- 1 and 2 quart sizes
- Color choice
- Minimal parts
- No over-packaging
- Eco-friendliness
- Ergonomic components
- Attractive carafe
- Included paper filter bags
- Cold or hot brewing
- Inadequate packaging
- Included instructions inadequate
- Filter cleaning
- Felt filter tends to clog
- No brew vessel markings
Conclusion
The Takeya and the Toddy Cold Brew System are both sizable cold brew coffee makers. Both produce around 40 fl.oz. of coffee, but of decidedly different character and strength. The Takeya uses 6 oz of grounds (1:9 ratio) while the Toddy uses 12 oz of grounds to produce a full strength cold brew coffee concentrate.
The Toddy brew vessel is quite large and needs to stand on a refrigerator shelf. However, it decants into a very stylish carafe which you can then place in the door of your refrigerator. The Takeya is completely spill proof and the filter is securely attached to the inner lid meaning you can brew standing up or laying down.
Both products use high quality plastic materials, the Toddy uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the Takeya is Tritan plastic. The Toddy is more versatile in that you can also cold brew tea using one of the included paper brew bags.
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.
