Yes—but “five minutes” is Cuisinart’s own performance claim, not an independently verified test. The CONCENTRA Coffee Concentrate & Cold Brew Maker (CC1U) is designed to produce either up to 2 oz of coffee concentrate or up to 16 oz of ready-to-drink cold brew in as little as five minutes. That contrasts with the manufacturer’s comparison of traditional cold-brew methods, which can take up to 24 hours.
What is the Cuisinart CONCENTRA?
CONCENTRA is a countertop cold-extraction machine with one-touch controls. Cuisinart positions it as a faster alternative to steeping coffee overnight, while also making a concentrate that can be used in hot or cold drinks.
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The concentrate can be diluted with hot water or poured over ice. Cuisinart and T3 also describe uses including iced lattes, frappés and espresso martinis. A leak-proof storage container is included for preparing a batch ahead of time and carrying it to work or during a commute.
Cuisinart Product Marketing Director Caroline Ross David e Silva told T3: “We created CONCENTRA to make great coffee fit around your day, rather than the other way around. You can create a rich coffee concentrate, a smooth cold brew in just five minutes rather than planning it a day ahead and turn it into everything from an iced latte to an espresso martini.”
#1 Best Overall
- CULTIVATED COMFORT: Cuisinart CONCENTRA Cold Brew & Coffee Concentrate Maker offers full-bodied, well-balanced coffee with a smooth taste.
- COLD BREW: Replaces hot brewing and long steep times with a low-pressure, controlled-flow water cycle with no water bypass for rapid, cold extraction and less acidity.
- FAST & FLAVORFUL: Authentic cold brew flavor meets an automatic coffee maker, brewing in as little as five minutes for quick, easy, fresh coffee every time.
- DUAL BREW MODES: Offers a Concentrate Mode for coffee concentrate in a tight-lid, fridge-friendly container and Auto-Dilute Mode for cold brew in a single cup of your choice.
- CUSTOMIZABLE CREATIONS: Clear markings on a streamlined control panel make it effortless to personalize sizes, flavors, and strengths. Plus, a multi-position drip tray fits taller tumblers up to 7 inches high!
Can it really make cold brew in five minutes?
Cuisinart says the machine’s cold-extraction process can make coffee concentrate or cold brew in as little as five minutes. The claim covers the brewing process described by the manufacturer; it should not be read as an independent measurement of total preparation time, chilling time or serving time.
The researched launch coverage contains no independent laboratory measurement or blind sensory test. Cuisinart’s statements that the process produces smoother coffee with less bitterness and acidity than traditional hot brewing are therefore manufacturer positioning rather than independently established results.
Rank #2
- 7-cup glass carafe with removable stainless steel filter lid makes ready-to-drink cold brew Coffee in as little as 25-45 minutes
- Strength Selector for mild (25 min), medium(35 min) and bold(45 min)
- Clear brewing chamber; removable water tank and Coffee filter basket for easy filling and cleaning
- Coffee release lever with indicator light. MC Cubic Feet: 1.569
- Glass carafe can be used to store Coffee in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
What do you get from one batch?
| Output | Maximum stated amount | How it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee concentrate | Up to 2 oz | Dilute with hot water, serve over ice, or use in mixed drinks such as iced lattes and frappés |
| Ready-to-drink cold brew | Up to 16 oz | Serve as cold brew without first making a separate concentrate |
“Up to” matters: the figures are Cuisinart’s stated maximum capacities, not a guarantee that every recipe or coffee dose will produce exactly those volumes.
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CONCENTRA versus an overnight cold brewer
| Consideration | Cuisinart CONCENTRA | Traditional cold-brew method |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing time | Cuisinart says as little as five minutes | Cuisinart compares traditional methods with up to 24 hours |
| Output format | Up to 2 oz concentrate or up to 16 oz ready-to-drink cold brew | Varies by brewer and recipe; no comparable figure is stated here |
| Drink flexibility | Concentrate is intended for hot and cold drinks | Usually prepared as a chilled coffee base; flexibility depends on the recipe |
| Storage and portability | Includes a leak-proof storage container | Depends on the separate container used |
| Controls | One-touch controls | Generally manual steeping and straining |
| Taste claims | Cuisinart claims smoother coffee with less bitterness and acidity than traditional hot brewing | No independent taste comparison is established by the available coverage |
| Price reported for launch | £129.99 on Cuisinart’s UK product page; T3 reported $99.95 in the US | Not stated |
Price and availability
Cuisinart’s UK product page lists the CC1U at £129.99. T3’s 2 October 2026 launch report gave a US price of $99.95. These are market- and date-specific figures, so availability and pricing may differ in other countries or change after launch.
Rank #3
- Make up to 19 servings - simply mix 2 oz of coffee concentrate with every 6 oz of your favorite milk, water or ice. This brewer makes up to 38 oz of coffee concentrate that stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Smooth, rich full-bodied flavor - simply fill with coffee and cold water, steep, & enjoy.
- Built in stainless steel tap to easily dispense your cold brew from your refrigerator and carrying handle for easy portability.
- Small footprint ideal fit for any refrigerator or kitchen counter.
- Beautiful, streamlined design with glass and stainless steel components to preserve taste, for easy use and cleaning.
Who should consider it?
It makes sense if you value speed
CONCENTRA is aimed at people who want cold coffee on demand instead of planning an overnight steep. The included sealed container also suits anyone who wants to prepare a serving before leaving home.
It makes sense if you use concentrate creatively
The smaller concentrate output is useful when you want a strong coffee component for iced milk drinks, blended drinks or cocktails, rather than a large jug of cold brew.
Rank #4
- INNOVATIVE- This cold brew maker isn’t just popular—it’s award-winning. With nods from Oprah and top honors at Europe Coffee Fest, it’s proven to deliver the smooth, rich coffee you crave—anytime, anywhere. Cold water brewing draws out the natural richness of your coffee—less bitterness, more clarity, and a flavor profile you won’t get from hot brewing
- PORTABLE- Enjoy delicious, smooth cold brew anywhere with this patented method combining coarse coffee, cold water, and long steep time. The Asobu Cold Brew Brewer makes coffee concentrate that can be enjoyed hot or iced. Brewing Chamber 32oz, Carafe 40oz size 5.39" X 5.39" X 14"
- 24-Hour Cold Retention with Copper Insulation- Our stainless steel insulated carafe with copper vacuum technology keeps your brew cold for up to 24 hours—perfect for iced coffee lovers who crave long-lasting freshness
- Portable, Leakproof & Travel-Friendly- Lightweight, durable, and 100% leak-proof, this portable coffee maker is made for life on the go. Bring it to the office, gym, car, or the park without spills or bulk.
- Durable, Safe, and BPA-Free- Made with a tough, clear Tritan brewing carafe and
Wait for more evidence if taste is your deciding factor
The available information supports the machine’s stated capacities, controls and pricing, but not an independent verdict on extraction quality, acidity or bitterness. Those claims remain Cuisinart’s until third-party testing is available.
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Best Value
- Three Ways to Brew: Brew a single-serve pod, a personalized cup with pre-ground coffee in the reusable filter cup, or a full 12-cup* carafe -- all from one machine. However you take your coffee, this 3-in-1 coffee maker has you covered. *Cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique)
- Iced and Hot Options: Brew it hot or pour it over ice for a full-flavored iced coffee in seconds. A built-in hot water dispenser also makes quick work of tea, ramen, or instant cereal.
- Flexible Reservoir: The 62 oz removable water reservoir sits on the side or back of the unit, whichever fits your counter, and lifts out easily for refilling or cleaning.
- Set It and Forget It: Program your brew up to 24 hours in advance and choose your strength -- regular or bold -- so fresh coffee is ready the moment you wake up.
- Cleaner-Tasting Coffee: A reusable gold-tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter work together to strip out impurities, so every cup tastes as fresh as possible.
What the five-minute claim does—and does not—prove
- It describes Cuisinart’s claimed cold-extraction time for the CONCENTRA.
- It does not establish that every coffee, grind size or recipe will finish in exactly five minutes.
- It does not show that the resulting drink will taste better than a properly made overnight cold brew.
- It does show the product’s intended advantage: rapid preparation in a compact, one-touch workflow.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
