Quick answer
The Toddy Commercial Bucket makes it easy to brew large batches of smooth, low-acid cold brew concentrate at home. Just add coarse coffee grounds and cold water, steep for 12–24 hours, then filter. The result is a versatile concentrate that keeps for weeks.
cold brew
Why use a Toddy Commercial Bucket at home?
The Toddy Commercial Bucket is built for cafe and food service operations, but its large capacity and durable design also suit home brewers who want a steady supply of cold brew concentrate. It holds several liters of water and grounds, so you can brew enough concentrate to last a week or more. The simple plastic construction is easy to clean and virtually unbreakable, making it a practical choice for regular use.
Step-by-step cold brew recipe
- Grind your coffee coarse: Use a coarse grind setting, similar to breadcrumbs. Too fine a grind will over-extract and make the brew bitter. Aim for about 1 part coffee to 4 parts water by weight. Checkpoint: The grounds should look like rough sea salt, not powder.
- Add coffee and water to the bucket: Place the included filter pad in the bottom of the Toddy bucket. Add your coarse grounds, then slowly pour cold, filtered water over them. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Common mistake: Pouring water too fast can create channels and uneven extraction.
- Steep at room temperature for 12–24 hours: Cover the bucket and let it sit on your counter. A 12-hour steep yields a milder concentrate; 24 hours gives a stronger, more intense brew. Do not refrigerate during steeping. Checkpoint: Taste a drop after 12 hours. If it tastes weak, let it go longer.
- Drain and filter the concentrate: Remove the lid and carefully lift the filter pad containing the spent grounds. Let the concentrate drain through the spigot into a clean container. For extra clarity, pour through a paper coffee filter. Common mistake: Squeezing the filter pad releases fine sediment and makes the brew cloudy.
- Store and serve: Transfer the concentrate to a sealed glass container, like the Unbranded Can Glass, and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. Dilute with water or milk to taste (typically 1:1 or 1:2). Checkpoint: Always dilute concentrate before drinking—it's much stronger than regular coffee.
Product used in this guide
- Toddy Commercial Bucket (Cold Brew): Commercial-grade bucket for cold brew preparation. Suitable for use in cafes and food service operations. Part of the Onyx Coffee Lab wholesale equipment line. Ideal for producing large batches of cold brew. The Toddy Commercial Bucket gives you the same brewing capacity and durability that cafes rely on, so you can make consistent, high-volume cold brew at home without specialized equipment.
