How To Brew Professional Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is one of the simplest things you can make at home — and one of the most rewarding. No heat, no special equipment beyond a good cold brew maker, and the result is a smooth, low-acid coffee that keeps in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. Once you brew one batch, you'll wonder why you ever paid $6 for a bottle at the cafe.
This guide covers the exact process for the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker — including the right ratios, steep times, and how to get the most from your grounds.
What You Need to Make Cold Brew at Home
You need three things: coarsely ground coffee, room temperature filtered water, and a cold brew maker. No electricity, no heat source, no paper filters. The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker includes a built-in stainless steel filter and an airtight lid so your finished brew stores directly in the same pitcher — no decanting needed.
For grind size, aim for coarse — similar to what you'd use for a French press. A coarser grind slows extraction during the cold steep. Fine grounds extract too fast and produce a bitter, over-extracted batch. According to research published in the Journal of Food Science, cold brew brewed at the right ratio and grind contains 60–70% less acidity than hot-brewed coffee.
Cold Brew Coffee Ratio: How Much Coffee to Use
Use 85g of coarsely ground coffee per 1,000ml (1.0L) of water, or 110g per 1,500ml (1.5L) of water. These are Ovalware's tested ratios for ready-to-drink cold brew — smooth, full-bodied, and not overly concentrated. Fill grounds approximately 5/6 of the way up the filter to leave room for even water saturation.
For a lighter brew, drop to 70g per 1.0L and extend steep time by 2 hours.
| Maker Size | Coffee | Water | Steep Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L | 85g | 1,000ml | 12–18 hrs | Ready-to-drink |
| 1.5L | 110g | 1,500ml | 12–18 hrs | Ready-to-drink |
Step-by-Step Cold Brew Brewing Instructions
The full process takes about 5 minutes of active time. The rest is just waiting.
Step 1 — Add grounds to the filter. Measure 85g (1.0L) or 110g (1.5L) of coarsely ground coffee and add to the stainless steel filter. Fill approximately 5/6 of the way up.
Step 2 — Pour filtered water over the grounds. Use room temperature filtered water. Pour slowly and evenly until you reach the max fill line. Filtered water produces a cleaner, brighter flavor — tap water with chlorine can mute the nuanced notes in your coffee.
Step 3 — Stir to begin extraction. Give the grounds and water a gentle stir to make sure everything is evenly saturated. This ensures consistent extraction throughout the steep.
Step 4 — Steep in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours. Place the cold brew maker in the refrigerator with the lid on. Steep for 12 hours for a lighter brew, 14 to 16 hours for the standard Ovalware result, or up to 24 hours maximum for a stronger batch. Stir once at the halfway point to promote even extraction.
Step 5 — Remove from the fridge. Take the cold brew maker out when your steep time is complete. The brew will be dark, rich, and aromatic.
Step 6 — Remove the filter and grounds. Lift out the stainless steel filter. The grounds stay in the filter — no mess, no straining, no paper filters to dispose of. Your cold brew is ready in the pitcher below.
Step 7 — Enjoy your cold brew. Pour over ice and drink straight, or use as a base for any cold coffee drink. Ready-to-drink at this ratio — no dilution needed unless you prefer it lighter.
Step 8 — Customize your cup. Mix with ice, water, milk, oat milk, or a splash of cream. Cold brew is also the base for dozens of recipes — iced lattes, cold brew cocktails, and more.
Step 9 — Store with the airtight lid. Replace the lid after each pour. Cold brew stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. The Ovalware pitcher's built-in seal means you brew and store in the same vessel — no extra containers needed.
Step 10 — Try it with tea and other recipes. The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker isn't just for coffee. The same cold-steep method works beautifully with loose-leaf tea, chai, and hibiscus. Try these:
How Long to Steep Cold Brew Coffee
Steep cold brew for 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator for best results. Twelve hours produces a lighter, brighter brew. Sixteen to eighteen hours is the Ovalware sweet spot — full-bodied, smooth, and balanced. You can go up to 24 hours maximum for a stronger batch, but beyond that you risk over-extraction and a bitter, astringent finish.
Steep time interacts with grind size. A coarser grind at the 85g/1.0L ratio hits its best flavor around 14 to 16 hours. If you ground slightly finer than recommended, check it at 12 hours — finer grounds extract faster even in cold water.
Why Cold Brew Tastes Smoother Than Hot Coffee
Cold brew is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee because heat accelerates the extraction of acidic compounds from coffee grounds. Cold water extracts these compounds more slowly and incompletely — producing a naturally sweeter, smoother cup. Research from Toddy shows cold brew has 60–70% less acidity than hot-brewed coffee at the same strength, which makes it easier on the stomach and naturally less bitter.
This also means you need less sugar or milk to balance it. The brew is naturally smooth straight from the pitcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you steep cold brew coffee?
Steep cold brew for 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator. For a stronger batch, go up to 24 hours maximum. Beyond that, you risk over-extraction and a bitter taste. The Ovalware sweet spot is 14 to 16 hours at the standard 85g/1.0L ratio.
How much coffee do you use for cold brew?
Use 85g of coarsely ground coffee per 1,000ml (1.0L) of water, or 110g per 1,500ml (1.5L) of water. These ratios produce a smooth, ready-to-drink cold brew.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Cold brew stored in an airtight container stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker seals tightly with a built-in lid — brew and store in the same pitcher, no decanting needed.
What water temperature should you use for cold brew?
Use room temperature filtered water. Cold or refrigerator-temperature water also works but slows extraction slightly — allow the full 18 hours when using cold water. Filtered water produces a cleaner flavor than tap water.
What can you mix with cold brew coffee?
Serve it straight over ice, dilute with water or milk, or use it as a base for iced lattes, mochas, and cocktails. The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker also works with tea, chai, and other cold-steep beverages.
Not sure which cold brew maker to use? Check out our cold brew maker buying guide.
