Brewing Up A Storm: Exploring Coffee Pot Temperatures

Coffee pots can get pretty hot, but the optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (around 90 to 96 degrees Celsius). This is the temperature range where water-soluble flavour compounds are most easily dissolved in water, resulting in a full-bodied and aromatic cup of coffee.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the National Coffee Association (NCA) recommend brewing coffee within this temperature range. However, it's important to note that boiling water is not suitable for coffee as it destroys the full-bodied taste and makes it bitter.

Different types of coffee makers, such as drip coffee makers, pod coffee makers, and espresso machines, may have slightly different ideal temperature ranges, but they all aim to brew coffee within the optimal range recommended by coffee experts.

Optimal temperature for brewing coffee

The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is a highly contested topic, with various schools of thought existing on the matter.

Using Boiling Water for Coffee

The first theory, often attributed to Australian barista prodigy Matt Perger, suggests that water should be as close to boiling as possible. This is because water is a more efficient solvent the hotter it is, and hotter water will extract more coffee flavours. Using boiling water also ensures consistency, as it is easy to see when water is at the right temperature.

One Perfect Temperature to Brew Coffee

The second theory is that there is one temperature that is 'more ideal' than all the others. This temperature is often cited as being 200 °F or 93.33 °C. This temperature is convenient as it is easy to remember, and high-quality coffee makers are often programmed to aim for this temperature. However, this theory does not consider the fact that coffee beans tend to extract differently depending on the roast degree and growing conditions.

Adjust Temperature According to Brew Type and Beans

The third theory is that there is no ideal temperature, and instead, the temperature should be determined by considering the roast degree and the growing conditions of the beans. This theory suggests that lighter roasts are more difficult to extract and therefore require hotter water, while darker or medium roasts should be brewed with water at a lower temperature to avoid extracting bitter flavours.

The Verdict

So, what is the optimal temperature for brewing coffee? The answer may be a combination of the above theories. While using boiling water can extract more flavours, it may also extract bitter flavours that take away from the taste. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of beans and the desired taste when deciding on the water temperature. As a general rule, the ideal brewing temperature for most hot-brew preparations is between 195 and 205 °F, as this range allows for efficient extraction without burning the coffee.

Coffee makers don't boil water

The temperature of the water is very important in the coffee-making process. Coffee experts say that boiling water is not suitable for coffee as it destroys the full-bodied taste, replacing it with a bitter and tangy liquid. Boiling water can also cause over-extraction, which can make the coffee taste burnt.

The optimal temperature range is where water-soluble flavour compounds are most easily dissolved in water. This range is also prescribed by the National Coffee Association (NCA) and the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA).

Different types of coffee makers heat water in different ways. Drip coffee makers, for example, use a plaster-covered element that heats an aluminium water tube until the water boils. The hot water then travels up the tube and drips over the coffee grounds. Percolators use a boiling-water pump, while espresso makers bring water below the boiling point. Single-serve capsule coffee makers work in the same way as espresso makers.

Some coffee makers have a "Boil Water" setting, but this is designed for use in countries where tap water is unsafe to drink, or for cleaning the machine. It is not meant for making coffee.

Coffee temperature preferences

Some people, however, prefer their coffee at higher temperatures. Ordering an "extra hot" beverage at a cafe usually means a temperature of 180°F or higher. Drinking coffee at this temperature makes it difficult to taste the coffee itself, as the heat overpowers the coffee's flavours.

On the other hand, coffee that falls below 120°F may taste sour and weak due to under-extraction. While some people may try to reheat their coffee when it falls below this temperature, this can change the profile of the coffee. Instead, it may be better to simply enjoy a cool cup of coffee, which will exhibit enhanced sweetness and acidity.

Ultimately, the ideal coffee temperature depends on individual preferences, and factors such as the season and the drinker's age can also play a role. Older customers and people during colder months, for example, tend to prefer hotter coffee.

How to control the water temperature

The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 to 96 degrees Centigrade. This is the temperature range where water-soluble flavour compounds are most easily dissolved in water.

The higher the temperature of the water, the faster the extraction process of compounds. During high-temperature stages, controlling extraction becomes difficult, and undesirable flavours and components are released rapidly. High temperatures can quickly caramelise fine coffee powder, resulting in over-extracted, burnt-tasting coffee.

If the water temperature is too low, the correct extraction of coffee cannot occur, resulting in a slightly bitter and acidic taste. However, there are ways to make good coffee with low water temperatures, such as extending the soaking time of water and coffee grounds. For example, cold brew coffee involves placing ground coffee in cold water, sealing it, and storing it in a refrigerated environment for 20-48 hours before filtering.

• Use a thermometer to measure the water temperature.
• If you are using a coffee maker, it likely has a built-in water heater and temperature control. Most brewers have thermocouples, which are mechanical and tend to wear out after a few months of use. Therefore, it is important to check the temperature of the brewer, especially if you have been using it for a long time. A change in the taste of your brewed coffee, such as increased sourness, could indicate a weakened thermocouple.
• If you are using a French Press or Chemex, heat the container before using it by adding hot water and letting it sit for a few seconds. This will maintain the water's temperature when you start to brew.
• For pour-over coffee, controlling water temperature can be challenging, so it is important to purchase a high-quality temperature-controlled kettle to ensure the correct water temperature when it comes into contact with the coffee grounds.
• Baristas are trained to inject hot water into the cup during extraction and then pour the brewed coffee into the warmed cup for tasting and drinking.

Coffee maker hot plates

The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195-205°F (91-96°C). This temperature range ensures the best extraction of flavour from the coffee grounds. Water that is too hot will result in over-extraction, making the coffee bitter and burnt-tasting, while water that is too cold will result in under-extraction, leading to weak and sour-tasting coffee.

Some popular coffee makers with adjustable warming plates include:

• Ninja - Espresso & Coffee Barista System
• Ninja - DualBrew Hot & Iced Coffee Maker
• Ninja - Programmable XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker PRO
• Braun - BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker
• Hamilton Beach - BrewStation 12-Cup Coffee Maker

It is important to note that using your coffee maker for anything other than brewing coffee will likely void its warranty.

Frequently asked questions