Ovalware's airtight cold brew pitcher is praised for its premium borosilicate glass construction and reusable stainless steel filter, which offer a tactile, high-quality brewing experience. Reviewers noted its airtight seal preserves freshness for up to two weeks, and the ergonomic handle and compact size make it fridge-friendly. The Kitchn's Lisa Freedman called it a 'delightful' and 'well-designed' tool that's easy to clean and ideal for year-round cold brew use. Some users found the metal filter slightly harder to clean than paper filters, but overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking a durable, glass-based cold brew solution.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker stands out visually with its distinctive oval shape and premium materials. According to The Kitchn's Lisa Freedman, the glass construction feels substantial and tactile, with 'organic curves and intentional details' that make it a pleasure to handle. The hand-blown borosilicate glass is described as durable and 'premium quality,' though Reddit users have noted concerns about fragility when dropped. The maker's design includes a 18/8 stainless steel filter and a BPA-free silicone airtight seal, with volume markings on the side for easy measurement. Corner Coffee Store's review highlighted that the glass is dishwasher-safe and can withstand temperatures from -30°C to 400°C, making it suitable for both hot and cold beverages. However, the vertical filter design, while functional, has been criticized for being difficult to stir thoroughly, potentially leading to uneven extraction. The 1.0L version measures 7.9 x 4.6 x 4.6 inches, while the 1.5L version is 9.6 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches, both fitting comfortably in most refrigerators.
Brewing Process and Performance
Ovalware's cold brew process is designed for simplicity, requiring only three steps: fill, brew, and pour. The manufacturer recommends using 85g of coarsely ground coffee for 1L and 110g for 1.5L, with water filled to the max line. The stainless steel filter is meant to be reusable and is claimed to keep grounds out effectively, though some users have reported occasional straining issues. The brewing time is 12-18 hours in the fridge, with 14-16 hours recommended for optimal flavor according to Ovalware's guidelines. RTINGS tested the maker and found that it produced a smooth, low-acid brew with a 70% reduction in acidity compared to hot coffee, which aligns with findings from the Journal of Food Science. The airtight seal keeps the brew fresh for up to two weeks, and the maker's design allows for brewing and storage in the same vessel, eliminating the need for decanting. The filter's vertical design, while functional, has been noted by some reviewers as making stirring difficult and potentially causing uneven extraction.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the maker's sleek design and ease of use, with The Kitchn's Lisa Freedman noting that it's 'gorgeous' and 'doesn't take up too much room in the fridge.' The glass construction is particularly appreciated, as it's seen as superior to plastic alternatives and allows for temperature retention. The airtight seal and the ability to store cold brew for up to two weeks were also highlighted as major benefits. Corner Coffee Store's review gave it 4.4 out of 5 stars, citing the 'sleek design, ease of use, and reasonable price' as key factors. The maker's versatility was also noted, with users reporting success in making both cold brew coffee and iced tea. The stainless steel filter's reusability was seen as both eco-friendly and cost-effective, with users appreciating that it eliminates the need for paper filters. Additionally, the dishwasher-safe components and easy cleanup were frequently mentioned as positive attributes.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker has several notable drawbacks. The vertical filter design has been criticized for causing uneven extraction, as noted in both Corner Coffee Store's review and user discussions on Reddit. Some reviewers reported that the filter allows grounds to occasionally seep through, though most agree this is not enough to ruin the coffee. The maker's fragility is another concern, with Reddit users warning that it 'breaks easily when dropped' and can shatter or develop holes after impact. The stainless steel filter's cleaning process has also been described as difficult, requiring a spatula to remove residual grounds. Additionally, the maker's capacity, while sufficient for most households, may be limiting for those who prefer larger batches. The 1.0L version makes about 4 cups, and the 1.5L version makes about 6 cups, which may not be enough for heavy users. The steeping time of 12-18 hours, while manageable, can be inconvenient for those who prefer a quicker brewing process.
Real-World Performance
In real-world testing, the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker consistently delivered smooth, low-acid cold brew with a 60-70% reduction in acidity compared to hot-brewed coffee, according to research cited by the manufacturer. The maker's airtight seal preserved the brew's freshness for up to two weeks, and users reported that the coffee retained its flavor and aroma throughout this period. The brewing process was described as straightforward, with users noting that it took only about 5 minutes of active time. The maker's ability to store cold brew in the same vessel was particularly appreciated, as it eliminated the need for additional containers. However, some users noted that the vertical filter design made stirring difficult, potentially leading to uneven extraction. The stainless steel filter was found to be effective at keeping grounds out, but required more effort to clean than expected. The glass construction was praised for its durability and temperature retention, though users were warned about the risk of breakage if dropped.
Who It's Best For
The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value simplicity, quality, and sustainability. It's particularly suited for individuals who make cold brew regularly and appreciate a sleek, modern design that fits well in the refrigerator. The maker is best for those who want to avoid paper filters and prefer a reusable, eco-friendly option. It's also a good choice for people who enjoy making iced coffee and tea, as the same cold-steep method works for both. However, it may not be ideal for heavy users who need larger batches or those who frequently drop or mishandle kitchenware. The maker is also not recommended for those who prefer a quick brewing process, as it requires 12-18 hours of steeping time. Users who are sensitive to acidity or prefer a smoother, less bitter coffee will find the maker particularly appealing. It's also a solid choice for those who want to experiment with different brewing ratios and steeping times to customize their cold brew to their taste preferences.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to other cold brew makers, the Ovalware model stands out for its glass construction and airtight seal, which are often found in more expensive alternatives. The maker's stainless steel filter is reusable, unlike many plastic or paper filter options, making it more cost-effective over time. However, it's not as robust as some stainless steel or ceramic alternatives, which may be more durable. The price point of $40.99 for the 1.0L version and $46.99 for the 1.5L version is competitive, though it's more expensive than basic plastic options. Compared to other glass cold brew makers, Ovalware's design is more user-friendly with its clear volume markings and airtight lid. However, some competitors offer larger capacities or more advanced features like built-in timers or automatic stirring mechanisms. The maker's versatility in brewing both coffee and tea is a plus, though it's not as specialized as dedicated tea brewers. Overall, the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker offers a good balance of quality, design, and functionality, making it a strong contender in the mid-range cold brew market.
Value at This Price
At $40.99 for the 1.0L version and $46.99 for the 1.5L version, the Ovalware Cold Brew Maker offers good value for money, especially considering its premium glass construction and reusable stainless steel filter. The maker's ability to store cold brew for up to two weeks eliminates the need for additional storage containers, adding to its value. The dishwasher-safe components and easy cleanup further enhance its cost-effectiveness. While it's more expensive than basic plastic alternatives, the durability and quality of the glass construction justify the price for many users. The maker's versatility in brewing both coffee and tea also adds value, as it can be used for multiple beverages. However, some users may find the price steep for those who only occasionally make cold brew or who prefer more robust, industrial-grade options. The maker's warranty, which includes a 6-month glass quality guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty, also adds to its value proposition, though it's important to note that the warranty excludes normal wear and misuse.
Strengths
- +Made with premium borosilicate glass for a tactile, high-quality feel
- +Stainless steel filter is reusable and easy to remove
- +Airtight lid keeps coffee fresh for up to two weeks
- +Glass construction prevents any plastic taste and is easy to clean
- +Ergonomic handle and compact design fit well in the fridge
Watch-outs
- −Requires precise coffee-to-water ratio for best results
- −Metal filter may be harder to clean than paper filters in some cases
How it compares
The Ovalware pitcher's borosilicate glass construction and airtight lid set it apart from the plastic-based OXO and KitchenAid models, offering better freshness preservation and no plastic taste. It's more durable than the Hario Mizudashi and provides a sleeker design, though it lacks the built-in tap of the KitchenAid and the compact nesting feature of the OXO Compact. Unlike the Toddy system, it doesn't offer a reusable filter that prevents mess, and it's more fragile than the KitchenAid's stainless steel components.
Who this is for
At a glance: glass lovers seeking freshness.
Why you’d buy the Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker Pitcher
- Made with premium borosilicate glass for a tactile, high-quality feel.
- Stainless steel filter is reusable and easy to remove.
- Airtight lid keeps coffee fresh for up to two weeks.
Why you’d skip it
- Requires precise coffee-to-water ratio for best results.
- Metal filter may be harder to clean than paper filters in some cases.
Rating sources
“Usually when the collective folks on the internet are obsessed with something, it's for a good reason. So when I stumbled upon this Ovalware Cold Brew Coffee Maker on Amazon and saw that it had more than 1,500 five-star reviews, I knew I had to try it.”
“Offer your customers the gift of smoother, less acidic coffee with our 1.0L Cold Brew Coffee Maker—perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy winter mornings.”
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
