The ideal temperature for coffee extraction

Water temperature is a crucial factor in achieving optimal coffee extraction. It directly influences the flavour balance, body, and acidity of your cup. Whether you’re using an espresso machine, a pour over, or a French press, adjusting the water temperature can transform the taste experience.

Extraction temperature: the basics

Generally speaking, the ideal temperature for coffee extraction is between 85°C and 96°C , regardless of the brewing method. A temperature of 94°C is a great base to experiment with. However, each method and type of coffee may require adjustments to achieve optimal results.

Effects of temperature variation:

boiling-point water (95°C+):

— Increased extraction of soluble elements.

— Cup with more body, but risk of bitterness or astringency.

less hot water (85°C):

— Reduced extraction of aromatic compounds.

— Lighter cup, allowing the acidity to express itself more, with a risk of under-extracted or overly acidic taste.

temperatures per extraction methods

Espresso

Ideal temperature: Start at 94°C
suitable temperatures: 85°C to 96 °C

possible adjustments

— Underdeveloped roast : Increase the temperature slightly to extract more compounds.

— Over-developed roast : reduce the temperature to avoid over-extraction.

Advice

Make sure your recipe is stable (dose, grind, extraction time) to accurately test the effect of temperature variations.

Pour Over (Kalita, V60, Chemex)

ideal temperature: Between 92°C and 94°C
suitable temperatures: 88°C to 96°C

possible adjustments

If the grind is finer, lower the temperature slightly to avoid over-extraction. With a coarser grind, use a higher temperature to compensate for the lower yield.

Trick

Heat your carafe and filters with hot water before brewing to maintain a consistent temperature.

Piston (AeroPress, French Press)

ideal temperature: 88°C to 90°C
suitable temperatures: 85°C to 94°C

Possible adjustments

— For a longer infusion, use a slightly lower temperature to avoid extracting too many bitter compounds.

— With the Aeropress , adjust the temperature according to the infusion time and the coffee/water ratio used.

Trick

— Mix gently after adding the water for even extraction.

— For strong coffees, use a higher temperature ( 93°C)

Factors to consider for all methods

01. Impact of the grinder

grinders heat the beans during grinding, which can increase their solubility. This can lessen the effect of temperature adjustments.

02. Water quality

Use fresh, filtered water to avoid off-flavours. Avoid boiling water, as this decreases dissolved oxygen, which is essential for a balanced extraction.

03. Roasting profile

A light roast will generally require a higher temperature, while a dark roast may benefit from a slightly lower temperature.

Ideal serving temperature for coffee

After extraction, coffee should be served at a temperature between 55°C and 65°C . At this range, the flavours are fully expressed, while remaining pleasant to taste. For my part, I prefer to enjoy coffee at 40°C , a temperature where the subtle aromas and possible defects become more perceptible.

Conclusion

Temperature control is essential to fully exploit the potential of your coffee. Whether you are an espresso lover, a pour over fan, or a French press enjoyer, start with a suitable base temperature and adjust according to your preferences.

 

Dany Marquis