Here's a question for Ask The Expert from Vincent:

Hi Shane, what is the proper temperature that the hot water shold be at? Mine is 200. I took the temperature with an instant read thermometer  in a styrofoam cup that I just filled with hot water from the FETCO brewer faucet.

OK, thank you.

Based where you took the temperature and how you took it I would say the tank temperature is set to at least 205 degrees.

To answer your original question the proper brewing temperature for coffee is 195-200 degrees this would be the temperature at the spray head. In order to achieve this the tank temperature must be set at a temperature that will account account for the loss of temperature as the water passes through the tubing to the spray head and out of the spray head.

Depending on the model brewer you own the tank temperature can vary. The following are proper temperatures for the t-stat or control board to be set at to achieve the perfect temp at the spray head.

CBS-3000 Series                202 degrees

CBS-5000 & 6000 Series  205 degrees

CBS-2000 Series                200 degrees

When taking temperatures to verify this temperature you were correct to take the temp from the hot water faucet. The temperature at the hot water faucet as you measured should be within 5-10 degrees of the brewers set temperature.

I hope this information is helpful and that if you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Shane A Blais

Director of Corporate Training

and Logistics