One of the most common mistakes when brewing coffee is using too hot water. While boiling water may seem like the best choice, it can burn the coffee beans, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant cup of coffee. To avoid this mistake, The National Coffee Association (NCA) recommends that it’s best to use water that is between 195°F and 205°F.
This range is slightly lower than the boiling point of water, which is 212°F, making it the perfect temperature to extract your coffee’s subtle flavors and aromas without burning it.
The dangers of hot coffee
It is important to note that drinking coffee at temperatures over 140°F can be dangerous and have serious consequences. Hot beverages such as tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are frequently served at temperatures between 160°F and 185°F.
Unfortunately, studies show that coffee temperatures between this range can scald and cause severe burns, even if your tongue is the only body part that comes into contact with the liquid.
Research has shown that 85-90% of scald burns are related to cooking, drinking, and serving hot liquids. At 140°F, it takes only five seconds or less for a serious burn to occur. That is why taking precautionary measures when drinking hot beverages such as coffee is important to prevent potential injuries.
Signs that the coffee is too hot to drink
It is important to recognize the signs that the coffee you are about to drink is too hot. Burning your tongue on hot coffee can be painful. If you notice that steam is coming off your coffee’s surface, this indicates that it is too hot to drink. If you hear a sizzling noise when you pour the coffee into your cup, this is another sign that the temperature is too high.
Lastly, if you feel the heat radiating from the beverage after pouring it into your cup, this can signify that it is hotter than 140°F. Let the coffee cool down before drinking if these signs are present.
Remedies for when you burn your mouth on hot coffee
If you’ve unfortunately experienced the pain of burning your mouth on hot coffee, there are some remedies that may help alleviate the discomfort.
Cool your coffee with ice cubes
Adding a few ice cubes to your hot coffee can help cool it to a safe temperature. The recommended brewing temperature for coffee is 195°F to 205°F, but even at 136°F (58°C), the coffee is still very hot and can cause a burn after 10-15 seconds of contact. Adding ice cubes can lower the temperature so that it won’t burn your mouth.
It’s also important to remember that coffee should not be served to boil (boiling is 212°F (100 C), with extra heat added as water turns to steam).
If you’ve already burned your tongue on hot coffee, having something cool or placing ice on your burn will give you instant relief and reduce inflammation. The cold will soothe the burning and help take away the pain.
Rinse your mouth with cold water
Rinsing your mouth with cold water is a great way to soothe the burning sensation after drinking hot coffee. Cold water will help reduce the temperature of your mouth, reducing discomfort. You can also try rinsing with a warm salt water solution, using 1/8 teaspoon of salt per 8-ounce glass of warm water. This can help reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
Drink something cold after burning your mouth
After you burn your tongue on hot coffee, it’s important to drink something cold right away to help reduce the pain. Drinking cold liquids can help to reduce inflammation and decrease the temperature of the burned area. This can provide immediate relief from the discomfort.
If you cannot drink anything cold, try using a cold compress or ice cube applied directly onto the burned area for a few minutes. These steps can help remove some pain and prevent further injury to your mouth and tongue.
Apply a cold compress to the burned area
If you have burned your mouth on hot coffee, applying a cold compress to the area can help provide relief. A cold compress is a cloth or material soaked in cold water that can be placed directly on the skin to reduce swelling.
It can also help to reduce the pain associated with a thermal burn. It is important to avoid using ice or extremely cold compresses as this could further irritate the area.
Make sure to use caution when applying the compress, and do not press too hard, as this could cause more damage. It is also important to remember that even though applying a cold compress may help with immediate relief, it is best to take other steps, such as avoiding overly hot beverages in the future and rinsing with cold water.
What temperature are most coffee pots set to?
Most coffee makers are designed to brew coffee at a temperature between 195°F and 205°F. This is hot enough to extract the flavor from the beans but not so hot that it burns your mouth.
However, some coffee makers can reach temperatures of up to 192°F, while others can reach temperatures of up to 200°F. If it is too hot, it can result in a bitter, burned-tasting cup of coffee.
How do you avoid burning your coffee?
With these tips in mind, you can avoid burning your coffee and enjoy a delicious cup every time.
Check the temperature of your water before brewing
Before you start brewing your coffee, you must check the water temperature you are using. If the water is too hot, it can scald and burn the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter or burnt-tasting cup of coffee.
To ensure optimal flavor and aroma from your beans, use water between 195 and 205°F. This temperature range is hot enough to quickly extract the flavor and aroma without burning your grounds.
Additionally, measuring the temperature before brewing can help you save time and avoid any potential accidents, such as scalding your hands. By taking a few extra moments to check the temperature of your water before brewing, you can ensure that every cup of coffee you make has the perfect flavor and aroma.
Measure out your coffee and water
Measuring the right amount of coffee grounds and water when brewing is important. The ideal ratio is 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. This will ensure that your coffee has the desired flavor and strength. Using a kitchen scale or measuring cups is best to ensure accuracy when adding the coffee grounds to the filter.
Also, ensure to measure the temperature of your water before adding it to the grounds. If you add water that is too hot, it can damage your coffee beans and result in a bitter cup of joe.
Stir the coffee after brewing
After you have measured out the coffee and water and brewed it to the desired temperature, stirring the coffee before serving is important; this will help ensure that all the grounds are evenly distributed and that any sediment is removed. Stirring also helps to incorporate the flavor of the beans, bringing out the richness and complexity of the coffee.
Additionally, stirring can help to prevent any burning or over-extraction that can occur when brewing with water that is too hot. For the perfect coffee cup, stir your brew after brewing for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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