Toddy Review

Priced around $25.00 - $40.00

The Toddy consists of a very simple brewing system. It was designed and patented in 1964 by Todd Simpson; a chemical engineer graduate from Cornell University. Simpson’s mother could not drink coffee due to stomach issues and he decided to devise a method in which she could once again enjoy coffee. That is how the Toddy was born.

Although Simpson patented his machine, this cold method of brewing has been around for centuries. It wasn’t until the19th century that it was introduced in America.

The Toddy Design

The Toddy System consists of a glass carafe for the base and a plastic basket for the brewing chamber. Included with the Toddy are a rubber plug that sits in the bottom of the basket and a fabric filter. No plug and no electricity. Just let gravity and time do all the work.

How to Use A Toddy

The cold-press process requires grinding coffee beans at a coarser grind than regular coffee makers. The rubber plug or stopper is inserted in the bottom of the brewing basket; then the filter is placed on top of the plug. The basket is placed on the glass carafe.

Pour 1cup of water into the brewing basket and add ½ pound of the coarsely ground coffee. Pour 4 cups of water slowly on top of the grounds. (The directions recommend in a circular motion to make sure all grounds are wet.) Add the remaining ½ pound of coarsely ground coffee.  On top of that, pour 3 additional cups of water slowly over the grounds. After 5 minutes add one more additional cup of water.

The mixture is not to be stirred.  Instead a spoon is used to lightly tap the surface grounds using the back of a spoon. This will make sure that all the grounds are wet. Allow to cold brew for 12 hours before removing the plug to drain and empty into the glass base.

The Toddy will produce 6 cups of the concentrated coffee.

NOTE: Some people like to set it and forget it. If you let the grounds brew for longer than 12 hours it will increase the acid level along with the caffeine. This may be good for a richer cup of coffee, added caffeine and producing more cups of coffee per procedure. Remember though, if you’re looking for the caffeine buzz, the Toddy will never produce more acid and caffeine than the regular hot brewed methods.

How to Prepare Toddy Concentrate

To make a cup of hot coffee using the Toddy concentrate, simply mix 1 part concentrate with 3 parts of hot water just off a boil. You may also use milk or other dairy product for lattes, cappuccinos etc. For iced coffee it can be mixed with the 1 to 3 ratio of iced water. You can store the unused concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (without deterioration of flavor) or it can be frozen for several months.

Benefits of the Toddy

• Toddy produces a naturally sweet, low acid (67 % less than conventional hot brew methods), bold yet smooth coffee concentrate. This is because brewing takes place at low temperatures. The Toddy is beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs and acid reflux.

• The Toddy concentrate can be easily used for two weeks providing a fast cup of coffee for those that are rushed in the mornings.

• You may serve many or make made one cup at a time. For one cup simply add hot or cold water, milk or cream.
• There is no waste; you drink the coffee you make. This is unlike hot brewed coffee, where an average of 3-4 cups are consumed for every 8-10 cups produced). In other words, no pouring good coffee and money down the drain!
• Inexpensive and compact and portable; saves space over traditional coffee makers.

Consumer Reviews

Many people who buy the Toddy give up drip coffee for espresso finding that the Toddy produced a better flavor and had less caffeine.

The National Heartburn Alliance states that of 54 million Americans who suffer from heartburn, three-quarters say it can be aggravated by beverages. Toddy claims 20 to 30 percent of its customers are those who find other brewing methods to cause stomach issues.

Reviewers appreciate the fact that they can create a great cup of coffee in the time it takes to boil water and they only have to go through the brewing process every two weeks. They can serve a single cup or serve many.