What is the correct water temperature range to brew coffee at?

What is the correct water temperature range to brew coffee at?

• 175-185 (F) / 80-85 (C)
• 195-205 (F) / 90-96 (C)
• 208-212 (F) / 98-100 (C)
• 350-400 (F) / 175-205 (C)

EXPLANATION

The ideal temperature range for hot brewing is 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to extract carefully and quickly, but not so hot that it’s uncontrollable.

• Coffee over 205 degrees Fahrenheit tends to over extract things from the grounds very easily, producing bitter coffee.
• Water under 195 degrees has a difficult time extracting, which often leads to sour, underdeveloped coffee.

The 195 to 205 degree range isn’t the objective gold standard for water temperature for coffee brewing. It’s just the range that most people around the world tend to use the most because it tends to make the best, most balanced coffee. You are free to depart from this proven temperature range, but I don’t suggest it unless you’re a seasoned coffee veteran.
There are quite a few coffee professionals who use lower temperatures to achieve different results in their coffee. One World Aeropress Championship finalist in 2013 used water at 176 degrees. Another major figure in the coffee world commonly uses 190 degrees in his Aeropress recipe.
It can be done if you have master-level control of other coffee variables, but most of us like to stick to the tried and true, classic range of 195 to 205 degrees.