Water Temperature for espresso

Espresso- Taste Bournemouth

There are many factors when making an Excellent espresso, however many users are not familiar with tweaks that could be vital in serving a well extracted espresso. One very important factor is the brew water temperature and its effect it has on an espresso taste and extraction.
Brew temp is not always an accessible brew parameter but with the right espresso machine or ‘know how’ it can be altered. For instance, on our Rancilio Class 11 (https://www.tastecoffeeonline.co.uk/espresso-coffee-machines-700613.html) you can alter the temperature for every espresso by the touch of a button on the touch screen display others you either have to enter the program or change the pressure stat.  
Altering the espresso temperature is not something that all café operations chose to alter as part of their morning routine. However, we do hope that café users are testing grind, run times, humidity and ensuring there is no change from ‘day to day’ wear and tear or just simply someone having moved a parameter.
Standard espresso machines brew at one temperature set by the pressure stat, unless you have an advanced machine. The brewing temperature of the water used should be between 195 F (91 C) and 205 F (96 C). We suggest around 93 but this would depend on the roast as light roasts will perform better at higher brew temperatures, whereas darker roasts will require lower brew temperatures. Boiling water (212 F - 100 C) should never be used, as it will burn the coffee, having said this its just about finding that sweet spot!
Below is a rough guide on how a coffee taste profile can change when temperatures are adjusted.

1. Low Temperature - The coffee has high acidity but with lower body, sweetness and bitterness.
2. Medium Temperature- With balanced acid, high levels of sweetness, good body, and low bitterness.
3. High Temperature- It has medium acidity with lots of sweetness, bitterness, full body and with strange powdery mouthfeel.

So other than grind, extraction ratio, coffee to water ration, water filtration and a few other defining factors the water temperature has a huge effect on the coffee. So next time you’re in front of your machine CHECK YOUR TEMPERATURE!!!

Take a look at our extensive range of coffee machines www.tastecoffeeonline.co.uk