OXO Compact vs Full‑Size Cold Brew: Which Batch Fits Your Routine?

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Iced coffee being poured from an unbranded carafe; illustrative, not an OXO product photo.
Iced coffee being poured from an unbranded carafe; illustrative, not an OXO product photo.

Quick Decision Guide

QuestionCompactFull‑Size
How much coffee do you use per batch?6 oz (175 g) coarsely ground coffee10 oz (284 g) coarsely ground coffee
How much water do you add?24 oz (710 ml) cold water, added in two 12‑oz portions via the rainmaker40 oz (1200 ml) cold water added directly to the brewing container
Steep time at room temperature?12–24 hours12–24 hours
Refrigerated steep time?20–24 hours—
Drainage method?Automatic when placed on the open carafeManual brew‑release switch; drainage takes ~20 minutes
Typical concentrate yield (manufacturer estimate)~16 oz from 24 oz waterNot specified by OXO
Suggested first serving2 oz concentrate diluted with 4–6 oz water or milk2 oz concentrate diluted with 4–6 oz water or milk
Graphic contrasts OXO Compact 6-ounce coffee and 24-ounce water instructions with full-size 10-ounce coffee and 40-ounce water instructions.
Graphic contrasts OXO Compact 6-ounce coffee and 24-ounce water instructions with full-size 10-ounce coffee and 40-ounce water instructions.

Compact Workflow

  1. Measure 6 oz (175 g) of coarsely ground coffee and add it to the Compact’s brewing filter.
  2. Pour 12 oz of cold water into the rainmaker, then pour another 12 oz into the rainmaker.
  3. Let the brew steep for 12–24 hours on the counter or 20–24 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. After steeping, place the brewing container on the open glass carafe; draining begins automatically.
  5. OXO estimates that 24 oz of water yields about 16 oz of concentrate.
Coarse coffee grounds and an iced coffee serving on a sunny counter.
Coarse coffee grounds and an iced coffee serving on a sunny counter.

Full‑Size Workflow

  1. Measure 10 oz (284 g) of coarsely ground coffee and add it to the full‑size maker’s brewing container.
  2. Pour 40 oz (1200 ml) of cold water directly into the brewing container.
  3. Place the maker on a flat surface and allow the coffee to steep for 12–24 hours at room temperature.
  4. When ready, press the brew‑release switch; the concentrate will drain into the carafe over approximately 20 minutes.
  5. Use the concentrate as directed: 2 oz diluted with 4–6 oz water or milk.

Choosing the Right Model

If you prefer a smaller batch and automatic draining, consider the Compact. OXO estimates roughly 16 oz of concentrate from 24 oz of water.

The Full‑Size model uses more coffee and water per batch and requires a manual release step. OXO does not specify its exact finished yield in the cited instructions.

Practical Tips

  • Use coarsely ground coffee, as OXO instructs for both makers.
  • For the Compact, OXO says to refrigerate remaining concentrate in the glass carafe with its cork lid for up to 14 days.
  • Adjust the dilution ratio to taste—more water or milk for a lighter cup, less for a stronger brew.

Conclusion

Both OXO cold brew makers follow the same basic principles—coarse coffee, cold water, long steeping—but differ in scale and workflow. Choose based on the listed batch inputs and whether you prefer automatic or switch-operated draining.

Sources: How to Make Cold Brew Coffee, How to Use the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker