Quick Answer

To get a smooth, rich cold brew concentrate from the OXO Cold Brew Kit, use a coarse grind, a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio, and steep for 12–18 hours at room temperature or in the fridge.

Why the OXO Cold Brew Kit Delivers Smooth Results

The OXO Cold Brew Kit is designed to make cold brew concentrate with minimal effort. Its full-size brewer and reusable filter are built for consistency, so you can focus on the coffee and water rather than fiddling with equipment.

The key to smooth cold brew is extraction. Cold water extracts flavors slowly, which naturally reduces bitterness. But the grind size and steeping time still matter—too fine a grind or too long a steep can introduce harsh notes.

The kit’s built-in spout makes it easy to pour straight from the fridge, which is handy when you’re making multiple servings or want to store the concentrate for up to two weeks.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

  1. Choose Your Coffee and Grind: Select a medium or dark roast with chocolate or nutty notes for a classic smooth profile. Grind the beans to a coarse consistency, similar to breadcrumbs. Avoid fine grinds, which can over-extract and cause bitterness. If you’re unsure, ask your roaster for a cold brew grind—it should feel chunky, not powdery.
  2. Measure Coffee and Water: Use a 1:8 ratio of coffee to water by weight. For the OXO Cold Brew Kit’s full-size brewer, that’s about 8 ounces (227 grams) of coffee to 64 ounces (1.9 liters) of water. This yields a concentrate you can dilute with water or milk. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy—volume measurements can vary and affect strength.
  3. Add Coffee and Water to the Brewer: Place the reusable filter in the brewer, add the ground coffee, then slowly pour the water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Avoid dumping water too fast, which can create dry pockets and uneven extraction. A quick stir after adding water helps prevent clumping and ensures even saturation.
  4. Steep for 12–18 Hours: Cover the brewer and let it steep at room temperature for 12–18 hours. Shorter steeps yield a milder concentrate; longer steeps bring out more body and caffeine. Avoid exceeding 18 hours, as over-extraction can make the brew taste bitter. Set a timer—steeping overnight is convenient, but don’t forget it for a full day.
  5. Remove the Filter and Store: Lift out the filter with the spent grounds and discard them. The built-in spout lets you pour the concentrate directly into a sealed container or serve from the brewer. Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks. Always refrigerate the concentrate after brewing to maintain freshness.
  6. Dilute and Serve: Mix the concentrate with equal parts water or milk for a standard cold brew, or adjust to taste. Serve over ice and sweeten if desired. The concentrate is strong, so start with a 1:1 ratio and tweak from there. Taste before adding more water—you can always dilute, but you can’t un-dilute.

Product Spotlight

  • OXO Cold Brew Kit: OXO’s full-size brewer delivers consistently rich, smooth cold brew concentrate with minimal effort. You can rely on the kit to produce a balanced concentrate, so your main job is choosing the right coffee and grind.

    OXO Cold Brew Kit

    OXO Cold Brew Kit