Water temperature is one of the key factors influencing coffee extraction, the process of dissolving the substances contained in ground beans. The right temperature allows for the brew's full flavor, aroma, and texture to be unleashed.

Water that's too hot or too cold can make coffee lack depth or become unpleasantly bitter. What are the optimal parameters, and how do different temperatures affect the final result in the cup?

Optimal coffee brewing temperature

Most experts agree that the best temperature for brewing coffee is between 90 and 96°C. This is the temperature at which the coffee's oils, sugars, and acids are effectively extracted, without the risk of over- or under-extraction. In practice, this means that water immediately after boiling (100°C) should be allowed to stand for a while to cool slightly before being used for brewing.

How does too low a temperature affect coffee?

If the water temperature is below 85°C, extraction is incomplete, resulting in a brew with a flat, unripe flavor. It lacks characteristic sweetness and balance, and sour notes may dominate. Too low a temperature is particularly detrimental to methods that require prolonged contact between water and coffee, such as French press or alternative pour-over techniques. This can lead to a watery brew without a distinct body.

Temperature too high – overbrewed coffee

On the other hand, if the water temperature exceeds 96°C, there's a risk of overbrewing the coffee. This introduces too many bitter and astringent compounds into the brew, making the coffee unpleasantly intense, overly bitter, and aggressive on the palate. Light-roasted coffees with a delicate flavor profile are particularly susceptible to overbrewing—their subtle notes can be overwhelmed by excessive bitterness.

Temperature and different brewing methods

Each brewing method has its own water temperature preferences:

• Espresso – the optimal temperature is 90–94°C. Lower temperatures will result in an espresso that is acidic and under-brewed, while too high a temperature will result in excessive bitterness.

• Drip/pour-over (Chemex, V60) – recommended temperature is 92–96°C, which allows for even dissolution of aromas and flavor compounds.

• French press – a temperature of 90–94°C works best here to achieve the full flavor without over-extraction.

• AeroPress – This method allows for experimentation, but the most common range is 80–92°C, depending on your taste preferences.

• Cold brew – this is a completely different technique, in which coffee is brewed cold for several or a dozen hours, and the water temperature is around 4–10°C.

How to control water temperature?

To have full control over the water temperature, it is worth using a few simple methods:

• Kettle with thermometer – allows you to precisely control the temperature of heated water.

• A kettle with temperature control – a convenient solution, especially for fans of pour-over methods.

• Let the water stand for 30–60 seconds after it boils – if you don’t have a thermometer, let the water cool for a while to reach the right temperature.

• Testing different temperatures – don’t be afraid to experiment to find the best range for your particular coffee and brewing method.

Water temperature matters

Water temperature has a huge impact on coffee flavor, so it's worth paying close attention. Optimal values ​​are between 90–96°C, but different brewing methods may require minor adjustments.

Too low a temperature leads to insufficient extraction and a flat flavor, while too high a temperature can result in a bitter and over-brewed brew. By controlling the water temperature, you can enjoy perfectly flavored coffee, regardless of the brewing method you choose.