Science Behind The Brew
Cold brew coffee is unique because it requires no heat to drive the physical and chemical reactions that occur during extraction. Instead, it relies primarily on polarity and natural diffusion to draw flavor compounds out of the grounds. Coffee contains a wide variety of molecules — some polar, like caffeine and sugars, and others nonpolar, like oils and aromatic compounds. Since water is a polar solvent, it naturally attracts and dissolves other polar substances. This “like dissolves like” principle allows the brewing process to begin as soon as water meets the coffee grounds.
When heat is added, extraction happens faster, but it can also pull out less desirable compounds. Hot water has more energy, enabling it to dissolve bitter tannins and sharp acids that remain locked within the grounds at lower temperatures. Cold brew, by contrast, extracts mainly the polar and moderately polar molecules — caffeine, natural sugars, and gentle flavor acids — while leaving behind the harsher, nonpolar oils and tannins.
The result is a naturally smoother, sweeter cup that still carries the caffeine and flavor you want, without the bite of bitterness or acidity. In other words, cold brew lets chemistry do the work — slowly, precisely, and deliciously.
Why Kevo is Different
Kevo is the first cold brew coffee maker that lets you use regular coffee grounds or single-serve coffee pods — no need for special coarse grinds. Most traditional cold brew makers insist on coarse grounds because they claim larger particles prevent the extraction of undesirable compounds. But that logic doesn’t hold up: in cold brew, there’s no heat, and without heat, over-extraction is very difficult.
In hot brewing methods like French press or pour-over, coarse grounds are essential to avoid bitterness. But in cold brew, the slower, low-energy process naturally limits what dissolves — producing a smooth, low-acid coffee regardless of grind size.
So why do other cold brew brewers require coarse grinds? The real reason is that regular grounds tend to trap gases. These gases are nonpolar and don’t dissolve easily in water, preventing full saturation. That’s why you often see dry pockets of coffee after brewing with fine or regular grounds.
Kevo solves this problem with its patented Gas-Escape Disks™, which allow trapped gases to vent naturally. This ensures complete, even extraction — with any of the 400+ types of single-serve pods already on the market.
Now you can enjoy cold brew made from the coffee you already love — no extra purchases, no special grind, no hassle. Kevo brings out the true flavor of coffee beans by eliminating heat and bitterness, letting you taste the unique character of each roast and region. Discover a smoother, naturally sweet brew that refreshes, energizes, and lets you experience coffee in an entirely new way.