What key practical difference exists between cold brewing and making sun tea regarding timing?

Cold brewing requires planning the night before, while sun tea is an impromptu affair relying on the day’s weather.

The difference in required planning dictates a major practical divergence between the two low-and-slow methods. Cold brewing necessitates foresight, as the tea must steep in the refrigerator for a substantial period, usually 8 to 12 hours or more, meaning the brewer must plan the night before to have the iced tea ready the following day. Sun tea, conversely, is described as an impromptu affair. Its completion time and success are entirely dependent on the immediate environmental conditions—specifically the intensity of the day’s weather. This makes sun tea less reliable for a specific ready time compared to the scheduled, controlled environment of the refrigerator used for cold brewing.