Nitro Cold Brew coffee has become increasingly popular, and it’s not hard to see why, as it combines the smooth flavor of cold brew and has a sweetness without sugar. It also produces a gorgeous and creamy foam, making it a beautiful and satisfying beverage.
The biggest drawback is with the cost, though – around $5 to $6 at Starbucks. But what if you could brew equally beautiful Nitro Cold Brew at home? The Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker Home Keg Kit promises to allow you to do that. It’s one of the best nitro cold brew coffee makers selected by us.
But how good is the device? How does the coffee compare to shop-bought Nitro Cold Brew? And does it save you enough money to justify buying it?
This review answers all those questions and gives you all you need to decide whether it’s for you.
Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker Review
Design And Build Quality
The first impression of the device is that it is sleek, whether you opt for the stainless steel or matte black model, with a cylindrical body similar to any brewing keg. It is reminiscent of the stout beer dispensing systems which look cool on your kitchen countertop.
One thing that might surprise you is its compact size. The 64oz device has dimensions of just 13.9″ x 7″ x 5.31″. A larger 128 oz version is also available, which is 3 inches taller.
The whole nitro brew coffee maker is solid and heavy-duty. For example, the coffee spear and spout creamer faucet weigh over two-and-a-half pounds. Meanwhile., the keg is built from food-grade stainless steel.
Each connecting component also fits beautifully and has obviously been well thought out. For example, the spout and spear have small teeth that lock the units sturdily into place. Also, the cartridge holder casing is made from solid stainless steel. This is in stark contrast to cheaper, copycat brewers that use plastic instead.
This solid build is crucial because the gas won’t leak in its pressurized environment.
What’s Included?
There’s the keg in its own carry bag, a coffee spear with a pressure-relieving valve, a stout creamer faucet, and a cartridge-holding casing. There are also some plastic hoses and two cleaning brushes. The machine also comes with a hand combo wrench, which you’ll need to assemble the components properly. Not included are the gas cartridges, which you’ll need to purchase separately.
Ease Of Use – How Does The Royal Brew Work?
The Royal Brew Nitro Coffee Maker is designed for domestic brewing. Even if you’re a beginner, setting it up and using it to make gorgeous coffee is not difficult.
The instruction manual may appear daunting, but don’t worry. The main thing to be aware of is that, essentially, this is a device that simply infuses nitrogen gas into the beverage.
First, you need to prepare your cold brew coffee, which is one of the easiest coffee brewing methods. You can even use store-bought cold brew if you’d rather, though that option is more expensive.
To set the keg, simply pour 48oz of coffee into the 64oz chamber, assemble the components on top. Then add your nitrogen gas capsule to the holder and screw it on, which allows the gas to be injected into the coffee. Then, shake the keg for between 15 and 20 seconds and place it carefully in your fridge for an hour. After that, your nitro coffee – complete with creamy foam head – will be ready to enjoy.
The process is time-consuming, particularly if you prepare your own cold brew. Still, it’s straightforward and not as tricky as brewing pour-over or pulling a beautiful espresso shot. In other words, you can be a complete beginner and still brew great coffee with ease.
Another excellent advantage of using the machine rather than buying nitro coffee is that it will stay fresh for longer. So, while a Grande Starbucks cold brew coffee measures 16oz, you can make four times that amount per batch with the Royal Brew, and it stays fresh for about ten days.
How To Make The Nitro Cold Brew Coffee With Royal Brew
Now you have a general overview of how the machine works. It’s important to hone your technique to ensure you get the maximum flavor and best foam from the Royal Brew.
Prepare Your Cold Brew
- Select your desired beans and grind them in a coarse setting.
- Pour the ground coffee into a mason jar or carafe and pour room temperature water into it. Aim for a coffee to water ratio of 1:5 for cold brew concentrate. So, if you’re using 150g of coffee, add 750ml of water.
- Allow the mixture to steep for between 18 and 24 hours, then filter the grounds using a paper filter, fine sieve, or cheesecloth. This will yield around 500ml of cold brew concentrate, because the grounds will absorb a percentage of the water.
- Dilute the coffee concentrate with cold water using a 1:1 coffee-to-water ratio. If you prefer it stronger, just use less water. Now you have cold brew coffee suitable for making nitro coffee.
Making Nitro Cold Brew With Royal Brew
With your cold brew coffee prepared, it’s time to use the Royal Brew.
- Pour your cold brew coffee into the keg, but keep an eye on the capacity. While the keg holds 64oz, you should only fill to between 50 percent and 75 percent capacity to leave the space needed for the gas and foam.
- Attach plastic hose to the coffee spear and tighten it on top of the keg.
- Install the spout, then, using the wrench, twist twice to ensure it is tight.
- Place a nitrous oxide or nitrogen cartridge into the holder, and screw it until you hear the hissing noise of the gas entering the keg.
- Shake the keg for 15 to 20 seconds and place it in a refrigerator for an hour.
- Then dispense the coffee using the tap.
If you don’t want to drink all the coffee in one go, put the remaining coffee in the fridge, and it’ll keep for up to 10 days. Just remember to shake the keg once a day.
About The Gas Chargers
What Gas To Use?
You can use two types of cartridges with the Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew system – nitrous oxide or nitrogen. N2O is more readily available and commonly used in whipped cream chargers. The cartridges are also more affordable than using nitrogen gas cartridges.
Another advantage of using nitrous oxide cartridges is you only need one (8g each). However, you’ll need two nitrogen cartridges (2g each) for a full batch.
One issue with nitrous oxide capsules is they create larger bubbles, so if you want to replicate the classic stout flavor and mouthfeel of Starbucks Nitro coffee, it’s best to use nitrogen cartridges.
Where Can You Buy The Cartridges?
The easiest way of obtaining either cartridge type is on Amazon. However, even on Amazon, you’ll find more options for nitrous oxide capsules.
Coffee Quality
Homemade cold brew takes time because of the slow extraction due to the low brewing temperature. However, you’ll be rewarded for your patience with a smooth, mellow drink with less acidity than hot coffee.
When you add nitrogen gas, the frothy iced coffee will have a slightly sweet taste. Not only that, but it also adds a gorgeous velvety mouthfeel that bears similarities with a cappuccino.
Even if you’re not a fan of black coffee, you should love nitro cold brew without needing to add sugar, flavoring, or milk. That makes it lower in calories and healthier.
Another advantage of the Royal Brew is you’re not restricted to nitro coffee. You can also make nitro tea, lemonade, any juice drink, or even cocktails.
Ease Of Cleaning
The Royal Brew isn’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to handwash it. However, thanks to the nylon keg brush supplied with the device, it’s easy enough. Just rinse the nitro keg and let it air dry completely, you can make another batch. However, you need to avoid filling hot liquids into the keg.
One thing to be aware of is that tap systems drip because of the excess foam, so to avoid countertop mess, don’t grab your cup immediately after closing the tap plug. Instead, gently tap the stout faucet tip to allow the remaining liquid to drip into the cup.
Value For Money
Because nitro brew systems were originally made for commercial use, they can be expensive. Nowadays, more domestic products mean the price is lower, but the Royal Brew still isn’t cheap.
If you use nitrous oxide cartridges, it’s more affordable. Indeed, you can make a batch for less than a dollar. Nitrogen cartridges are more expensive, and you need to use two per batch, elevating the batch price to two dollars. Nevertheless, each batch equates to around four cups, which would be around 24 dollars at Starbucks.
In the long run, DIY nitro cold brew will save you money. Meanwhile, the brewing process is enjoyable.
Our Verdict
The Royal Brew should be a serious consideration for anyone who likes nitro brew coffee. Its results can very closely replicate the Starbucks beverage, particularly if you use nitrogen cartridges, and over time it’ll save you money. Not only that, the device is extremely sturdy, meaning it should last for years. You can enjoy unlimited home brews with less cost.
As for nitro brew itself, the coffee is not only delicious, but it offers a refreshing and sweet flavor without the need for sugar, so it’s healthier than many alternatives, making it a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Overall, it’s a great option to impress visitors and offer this delicious and different beverage on tap – and all for a fraction of the cost per cup you’d pay in Starbucks.
