How long does coffee take to cool? Great question.
It depends. Okay, maybe it’s not the greatest answer, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. A lot of factors influence how long it takes a cup of coffee to cool down: the initial temperature at which the coffee was brewed, the ambient temperature of your surroundings, and what was added to the coffee after pouring it into your cup. Let’s also not forget that a drinkable temperature isn’t the same as room temperature.
So, let’s get into what the average time a cup of coffee takes to cool is, things that impact that temperature, and what’s considered a safe drinkable temperature.
How Long Does It Take?
Let’s not waste any more time. As stated, it depends but, on average, you can probably expect to wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes to safely avoid scalding the inside of your mouth with your coffee.
If you need to see how long it takes to cool down to room temperature, either because you’re curious or are conducting a science experiment, you should probably count on needing at least half an hour to see the results you’re looking for.
What Effects How Long It Takes to Cool Down?
Well, if you want your coffee to cool down immediately, you can add creamer or milk. Another way to cool it faster is to put the coffee in a paper cup instead of an insulated or ceramic mug. The paper doesn’t retain heat like the other two.
Adding any ingredient that’s room temperature or cooler will naturally cool hot coffee due to the basic nature of heat transfer. However, the colder it is, the quicker it’ll cool.
The same can be applied to how warm the ambient air is. If you’re in Alaska in winter, your coffee will cool a lot faster than if you’re hanging out on the equator in a tropical paradise.
If you don’t want it to cool down quickly, use a ceramic or insulated mug. Also, add a lid if you’re not in a hurry to drink right away but do want your coffee hot a little later. A good travel mug can keep coffee warm for an hour or more.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Is A Safe Drinkable Temperature?
To avoid burning the inside of your mouth, it’s recommended to avoid drinking coffee hotter than 140°F (60°C).
Should You Let Your Coffee Cool To Room Temperature Before Making Ice Coffee?
If you want ice coffee that doesn’t immediately turn into watered-down warm coffee, let your fresh brewed coffee cool down to at least room temperature. If you want the ice to last longer, place the coffee in the fridge for a little while before adding ice.
What Else Can Cool Coffee Faster?
Well, as we’re almost all taught as children, blowing on hot stuff makes it cooler before you drink or eat it. Can’t lose on that option.
Also, to avoid watery coffee from melted ice, you can always make ice cubes out of already brewed coffee. That way, when they melt, it’s just melted coffee.