The Scalding Truth: Exploring Coffee Pot Temperatures

The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195°F and 205°F (91-96°C). This is just below the boiling point of water, which is 212°F (100°C). Brewing coffee at the correct temperature is important because it affects the extraction of flavour from the coffee grounds. If the water is too cold, under-extraction occurs, and the coffee will taste weak and sour. If the water is too hot, over-extraction occurs, and the coffee will taste bitter and burnt.

The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195°F and 205°F

Water temperature plays a crucial role in the brewing process. The rate of extraction, which refers to the flavours and substances dissolved from the coffee beans, depends on the water temperature. The hotter the water, the quicker compounds such as oils, acids, and caffeine are extracted. Each of these compounds impacts the flavour of the coffee, and higher temperatures make it more challenging to control the rate of extraction, potentially leading to over-extraction and bitter-tasting coffee.

Conversely, if the water temperature is too low, under-extraction occurs, resulting in a sour taste and a lack of body in the coffee. This is because the oils are not extracted, leaving the coffee without the desired balance of sweetness and bitterness.

Maintaining the optimal temperature range of 195°F to 205°F ensures a well-balanced and sweet-tasting cup of coffee. It is worth noting that the Specialty Coffee Association recommends brewing at 200°F, which falls within this range.

To achieve the ideal water temperature, coffee enthusiasts can use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Additionally, electric gooseneck kettles with adjustable temperature features can help in achieving the desired temperature.

It is worth noting that the type of roast may also influence the ideal brewing temperature. For a lighter roast, a slightly higher temperature is recommended to speed up the extraction process. On the other hand, a darker roast should be brewed at a lower temperature to avoid over-extraction and minimise bitterness.

Boiling water ruins coffee

It is a common belief that using boiling water to make coffee is a bad idea. Many baristas are taught early on in their careers that water at 100°C can "scald" coffee. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

The Science Behind Brewing Coffee

The process of brewing coffee involves extracting soluble compounds from coffee beans. A coffee bean is typically 30-40% soluble in water, but the goal is not to extract all of the compounds. Instead, the aim is to create a controlled process that extracts only the desirable compounds and leaves behind those that result in excess bitterness and other undesirable traits.

The Role of Temperature

Water temperature is a crucial variable in the coffee brewing process. The Specialty Coffee Association of America recommends using water that's below the boiling point, with a temperature range of 90-96°C for brewing and 92-94°C for coffee cupping. The National Coffee Association also suggests a similar range of 195-205°F (90.5-96.1°C) for brewing.

Why Boiling Water Ruins Coffee

Using boiling water, or water that is too hot, can lead to over-extraction. This means that the water extracts undesirable flavours from the coffee beans, resulting in a bitter and burnt-tasting cup of coffee. Additionally, very hot water can make it harder to control the extraction process, leading to an inconsistent brew.

The Sweet Spot for Water Temperature

To achieve the optimal flavour, it is recommended to brew coffee with water that is just under boiling, at around 195-200°F (90.5-93.3°C). This temperature range allows for the extraction of the desired compounds while minimizing the extraction of undesirable flavours.

The Impact of Brewing Temperature on Coffee Taste

The temperature of the brewing water directly affects the rate and extent of extraction from the coffee beans. At higher temperatures, extraction occurs more rapidly and is more challenging to control, resulting in a higher degree of extraction. Conversely, lower temperatures yield slower and lower degrees of extraction.

The Bottom Line

While there may be some debate and variation in the exact temperature recommendations, the consensus is clear: boiling water is not suitable for brewing coffee. To achieve the best-tasting cup of coffee, it is essential to use water that is just below boiling.

Coffee brewed at a higher temperature tastes bitter

The optimal temperature range for brewing coffee is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C and 96°C). Water boils at 212°F, which is too hot for brewing coffee. When water is poured onto the coffee grounds at a temperature higher than 205°F, it can easily over-extract the bitter flavours. This is because the hotter water extracts more of the bitter compounds from the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter-tasting cup of coffee.

To avoid bitter-tasting coffee, it is recommended to let the water sit for about a minute after boiling to bring it down to the desired temperature range. Using a kettle with temperature control can help eliminate the guesswork. Alternatively, taking the water off the boil for 30-45 seconds should be sufficient to bring the temperature down to the optimal range.

Additionally, the grind size of the coffee beans also plays a role in the bitterness of the brew. A finer grind increases the surface area of the coffee grounds, allowing more interaction with the water during the brewing process. This results in a larger volume of compounds being extracted, leading to an over-extracted and bitter cup of coffee. Adjusting the grind size to a coarser setting can help reduce the extraction of bitter compounds, resulting in a more balanced and pleasant-tasting cup of coffee.

Coffee brewed at a lower temperature tastes weak

Coffee brewed at a lower temperature can taste weak due to under-extraction, which occurs when coffee grounds are not exposed to water at a sufficient temperature. This results in weak, sour, or watery coffee. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195°F and 205°F (approximately 90°C to 96°C), which ensures optimal extraction of flavours and substances from the coffee beans.

Water temperature plays a crucial role in the rate of extraction. At lower temperatures, the extraction process is slower, and the oils and flavours may not be adequately drawn out from the beans, resulting in a weak-tasting brew. Additionally, the type of roast can impact the ideal brewing temperature. Lighter roasts are best brewed at slightly higher temperatures to speed up extraction, while darker roasts should be brewed at lower temperatures to avoid over-extraction and minimize bitterness.

To avoid under-extraction and weak-tasting coffee, it is important to maintain the recommended water temperature range. This can be achieved by using a thermometer, either traditional or infrared laser, to monitor the water temperature. Adjusting the temperature accordingly will help ensure that your coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature, enhancing the flavour and body of your cup of coffee.

Coffee makers with hot water tabs

Coffee makers with hot water taps are a convenient way to get hot water for tea or oatmeal without running a brewing cycle. Here are some coffee makers that include this feature:

Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Hot Water Dispenser

This coffee maker has a hot water tap for convenient access to hot water. It can brew up to 12 cups of coffee and has a black and stainless steel design. It is a good option for those who want a simple and functional coffee maker.

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro Specialty 12-Cup Coffee Maker

The Ninja CFP301 is a versatile coffee maker that can brew both coffee and tea. It has a glass carafe and a separate hot water system. It also offers four brew styles and a frother. This machine is ideal for those who want more customization options.

Braun MultiServe Plus 10-Cup Pod-Free Drip Coffee Maker

The Braun MultiServe Plus is a pod-free coffee maker that offers hot and cold brew options. It has a 10-cup capacity and a hot water function for tea or other uses. This machine is a good choice for those who want the convenience of a multi-use coffee maker.

Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn and Hot Beverage Dispenser

If you need a large capacity coffee maker, the Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn is a good option. It has a stainless steel design and a hot water tap for convenient access. This coffee maker is ideal for serving large groups.

Ninja Hot and Iced XL Coffee Maker

The Ninja Hot and Iced XL Coffee Maker offers a wide range of features, including a hot water tap. It can brew both hot and iced coffee, and it has a rapid cold brew function. This machine is a good choice for those who want a versatile and feature-rich coffee maker.

When choosing a coffee maker with a hot water tap, consider your specific needs and preferences in terms of capacity, design, and additional features. These options provide a range of choices to suit different requirements.

Frequently asked questions