OXO Compact Cold Brewer 24oz: Setup, Ratios and Cleaning

Quick answer

Set up the OXO Compact Cold Brewer by nesting the filter in the carafe, adding coarse grounds and water at a 1:4 to 1:5 ratio, steeping 12–24 hours, then cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush. The 24oz model yields about 16oz of concentrate, so keep your batches small and your grounds coarse.

Why the OXO Compact Cold Brewer suits small-batch brewing

The OXO Compact Cold Brewer 24oz is designed for making a modest amount of concentrate at a time. Its compact footprint means it fits easily in a crowded fridge or on a small counter, and the parts nest together for storage. That makes it a good fit if you drink one or two cold brews a week rather than a daily pitcher.

Because the batch size is limited, you will not need to scale up a large recipe. Instead, focus on getting your ratio, grind, and steep time consistent for the amount you actually brew. The brewer produces concentrate, not ready-to-drink coffee, so you will dilute it before serving.

Ratio and grind: the two variables that matter most

For the OXO cold brewer 24oz, a common starting point is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water by weight for a strong concentrate, or 1:5 for a slightly lighter one. Since the brewer yields about 16oz of concentrate, you can adjust the coffee dose to taste without overflowing the filter.

Grind size should be coarse, like sea salt or breadcrumbs. Too fine and the filter can clog, slowing the drip and leaving sediment. Too coarse and the extraction will be weak. If your first batch tastes muddy, go coarser; if it tastes thin, go slightly finer. The cold brew ratio oxo users prefer often depends on how they dilute the concentrate—start with 1:1 concentrate to water or milk and adjust from there.

Cleaning without damaging the carafe

The carafe is glass, so avoid sudden temperature changes. Rinse it with warm water rather than hot, and never pour boiling water into a cold carafe. The filter and lid are best washed by hand with a soft brush and mild soap; a bottle brush helps reach the bottom of the carafe. Let all parts air-dry completely before reassembling to prevent odors.

If you want to know how to clean a cold brew maker thoroughly, pay attention to the filter mesh. Coffee oils can build up and turn rancid, so scrub the mesh gently with a soft brush each time. Avoid dishwasher use for the carafe unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is dishwasher-safe—check your manual, as that detail is not supplied here.

Step-by-step OXO cold brew setup and cleaning

1. Assemble the brewer: Place the filter basket inside the glass carafe and seat the lid. Make sure the filter is fully nested and the lid is secure before adding coffee. A loose filter can let grounds slip into the concentrate, so check the fit before you brew.
2. Add coarse grounds: Measure coffee at a 1:4 to 1:5 ratio by weight (for example, 100g coffee to 400–500g water). Use a coarse grind similar to sea salt. Add the grounds to the filter. If the filter looks more than two-thirds full, reduce the dose; overfilling can block water flow.
3. Pour water slowly: Pour cool or room-temperature water over the grounds in a slow, circular motion, making sure all grounds are saturated. Fill to the water line or leave enough headspace for the lid. Pouring too fast can create dry pockets; pause and stir gently if needed.
4. Steep in the fridge: Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Start tasting at 12 hours; remove the filter when the flavor is balanced for you. Steeping longer than 24 hours can bring out bitterness, so set a timer.
5. Remove and drain the filter: Lift the filter out slowly and let it drain fully into the carafe. Do not press or squeeze the grounds, which can push sediment through. If the filter drips very slowly, your grind may be too fine; adjust next time.
6. Clean immediately: Rinse the carafe with warm water, then wash all parts by hand with mild soap and a soft brush. Scrub the filter mesh gently and air-dry completely before storing. Never pour boiling water into the glass carafe; sudden heat can crack it.

Product facts

• OXO Compact Cold Brewer, 24oz: The OXO Compact Cold Brewer yields about 16oz of clear, smooth cold brew concentrate from a 24oz brewer. Knowing the output helps you plan dilution and batch size so you do not overfill the filter or waste coffee.